American Southwest 5: Zion NP to Las Vegas

American Southwest 5: Zion NP to Las Vegas

Zion National Park

Entering the Zion NP from the east on the Mount Carmel highway is very special. The scenery was immediately spectacular and then we had to pass through two tunnels, the second of which, for a $15 fee, was blocked for opposing traffic, so that Big Bertha could straddle the centreline. On exiting the second tunnel, we entered Zion proper at a high altitude and it was awesome! The road then threads its way down the side of the canyon to the main part of the park at the bottom. We hiked the famous ‘West Rim’ trail which was all up (11 km. 360m elevation gain) and very narrow as it winds its way up a sheer cliff face. We were rewarded with great views and aching legs. We camped in the park that night for a high fee, but it was well worth it, as it meant we could leave the campsite early next morning to get a parking spot at the limited trail head parking for the the Riverside hike (3.7 km). In the afternoon we hiked the ‘Watchman’ trail (5.3 km, 112m elevation gain).

Valley of Fire

Our friends in Las Vegas recommended that we should not miss the Valley of Fire State Park just outside the city. We’d never heard of it, but went to investigate and we’re so glad that we did! The colours of the rocks in the sunshine were just spectacular. We hiked to the Pinnacles (10.5 km) on our first day and then we did several small hikes the next. We camped two nights there and we made friends with our neighbours who came for drinks one evening.

Hoover Dam

Dave has visited before (many, many moons ago) but he wanted to see this civil engineering marvel one more time. Since his last visit a huge road bridge has been built, which is equally impressive.