We scuttled down the road and took the small highway that eventually led to Springdale, the small town just outside the park. We pulled into our room at the Zion Park Motel, a cool little family ran motel. Because of our short drive there was still a half day left. We took one of the Springdale shuttles to the park headquarters where we took the in park shuttles to a small museum/visitors center. The shuttle system at Zion is great. They picked us up right outside our motel and got us right to the trail head. The shuttle systems at Zion and Glacier work really well and make sense as they draw more people each year. We were wondering why it was that Yellowstone hasn't incorporated such a system.
We took the shuttle to the Emerald Pools trail and hiked to each of the three pools. It was a short hike and there were a few people. The first few pools didn't blow us away, but they were cool. We hiked up to the third one not expecting much, but it turned out to be amazing. We made our way down the rocks, and found ourselves completely alone in front of a large glassy pool standing at the elbow base of two enormous red cliffs.
Zion is known for its giant cliffs and they do not disappoint. Touring into the area you are instantly humbled by the sheer magnitude of the earth. Wonder and fascination soon follow as you look into millions of years of geologic history. As you are swept into the magnificence of the rocks you learn that the enormity of the valley was carved by the small, trickling river to the left hand side of the bus. It is a place which demands awe and respect. Again - a place you just have to go yourself.
We returned to town and went to the Zion Pizza and Noodle Company, conveniently located right across the street. This is a definite place to hit up. Great pizza and a bunch of great local brews on tap. we knew we needed the carbo-load for the big hike to Angel's Landing tomorrow and we promptly did so.
--jeff
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