Zions National Park

Photos by: Nick Jorgensen

Do most of us realize just what it is that we have in our own backyard? Every time I take the time to go visit Zions National Park, I am ALWAYS struck with awe and wonder at the majestic beauty that's only 45 min. away from our doorstep. Why oh why don't I visit more often? Why don't I know every single trail in the park?! Each visit brings a new treasure to my heart and soul. I can't possibly be worried that familiarity with the scenery could lead to a loss of appreciation?! That's just not possible. Today the sky was bluer than Clark's' eyes-I didn't know the sky could do that! The next time I visit there may be white fluffy clouds dotting the sky, or other times it could be completely overcast. But in no way does this detract from the Park's stunning beauty. I believe it just enhances it! With these changes in the sky comes the ever changing textures and tones of the sheer red cliffs. Today the Maples put on a show with hues of red that only a maple leaf could pull off. I always attempt to gather a few of these leaves to bring home with me, to help me remember the color. But like always, they shrivel around the edges and dry up and turn brown, before I'm even able to take off my hiking shoes! How does one capture those flames of red? Maybe we just aren't meant to. We must go to them. They'll only show off for us on their own turf. Oh what a glorious show it was this day! I'm so grateful I invited myself, to applaud the autumn show. Of course the Park changes in many, many ways. And one of my favorite things is to take heed of the light and how it changes the appearance of the Park from early morning on through the day. The Park is never static. Textures, light, air quality, and temperatures are always in flux. I can hike up a slot canyon in the morning, and it will look and feel one way, and then on my journey back through the same canyon in the afternoon, it will appear to have completely changed! The wildlife and plant life are magnificent too! There is always a treat around the next bend. Another feast for the eyes.
The list is extensive of the many facets to the Park. I love everything about it(with the exception of the visions of those very few unfortunate souls that fall to their deaths from 1500+ ft.)















During summer, and throughout fall I look forward to the shuttle rides through the park. There are some that wish they could drive their own vehicles; I on the other-hand enjoy sitting there relishing the views from the windows as they meander slowly through the Park. And this leads to another great benefit to shuttling. I more often than not get the opportunity to visit with other fellow travelers while sitting there. And I'd wager that a vast majority of these fine folks are not from these United States. I love to visit with them. Amazing things can be learned and shared. Today we visited with a gentleman that had a serious heart attack not too long ago. He confessed to us that he only had 20% of his hearts ability to pump! Ugh!!! My first reaction was to gasp in horror, and wonder, why in heavens name was he in Zions Park,the mecca of hiking, in the west?!! Then, I listened some more and learned that he was an artist, and he was delighting in the wonders of his new digital camera, and was attempting to catch the perfect 'scene' so that he could go home and paint it!! ah ha! Now it was clear. And, I became even more comforted when we also discovered that he was accompanied by 2 good friends that were given strict instructions to not let him overdo it. It was a pleasure to visit with these 3 men, and it wouldn't have happened if we were traveling in our own car. Yeah for shuttle rides!!
So while I am musing here, I'll share something that really puzzles me as I tread the trails and share the path with others. When coming across a fellow hiker, and glancing up to greet them, I am always shocked when my friendly greeting falls upon a face of stone. How is that?! How does one stay 'closed' as you spend time in God's great out-of-doors? What restrains someone from exchanging at least a simple hello, as you pass on a trail. We're there sharing a like experience. Nobody expects a conversation, though I of course find it delightful when that happens. I just enjoy a smile or a 'hi' from my fellow path-beaters. Why not!? It just seems so odd to me, to not be friendly. I pray that I never have to build a wall around me that even the glories of nature can't cause some 'cracks' in the hardness. Let yourself erode, and soften, just like the amazing sandstone around us have done! Life is so short, unless of course your a rock in Zion.
So there you have it. Zion has caused me to wax a little wordy today. I have once again pledged to myself that I won't let as much time pass before I visit the Park again, and discover more trails and savor more 'light' from its midst. Tonight my spirit is refreshed and rejuvenated. My feet are tender, and my muscles know I've done something significant. But I'm alive!!! And once again I thank God for that!!