Both of us think we saved the best National Park to last, Zion.

Refreshed from a lovely night’s stay in a luxurious hotel in Springdale, Cable Mountain Lodge, on the Park’s perimeter, complete with heated outdoor pool, hot tub spas and the Virgin river running through the estate, we ventured forth for our day out in Zion Park.

A shuttle bus took us from the Visitor Centre, through the scenic park to the last stop on route, Temple of Sinawava, where we followed the most gorgeous ‘Gateway to the Narrows’ trail; river Virgin on one side, giant walls of the Zion Canyon all around.

Picturesque and peaceful, inviting sandy river banks to wade along, elk and squirrels, trees and flowers… absolutely lovely.

Zion seemed less busy than the other Parks and this time, instead of looking down and over perilous cliff edges, we were looking up at the huge red rock canyon walls.

Riverside at the Hotel.

Mike snapped this busy little fella just outside our room.

This curious visitor looked on.

The shuttle bus takes us on a scenic journey.

Highlights from the gorgeous ‘Gateway to the Narrows’ trail.