Tuesday, July 15, 2008

ABC Wednesday: "Z"

I have been looking forward to "Z" for a long time. I have been waiting to share with you one of my favorite places in the U.S. , Zion (Utah). The colors in these rocks are amazing, the hiking is amazing, the fun to be had is amazing. We have been here twice, once as Out West trip counselors and again last summer for field camp. Each time I just can't believe how beautiful it is.

Things I would recommend doing:
Hike the narrows. Wear your water shoes because you will be walking down a river through some narrow canyons. Don't go if it is raining, people have died due to flash floods.

Hike to Observation point. This is an 8 mile, 5 hour, hike up to a beautiful view of the park and through sky high canyons. It is definitely worth the hike. The pictures below are from our first trip out there, so not the best quality.











This is on the East side of the park. The rocks in Zion are mostly Navajo Sandstone formed by the fossilization of ancient dunes. It is very recognizable by its cross stratification (the diagonal lines that criss cross the rocks).




For more information about Zion

For more ABC Wednesday, or to add one of your own, head on over to Mrs. Nesbitt's.
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23 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

Zion looks like a beautiful park to visit and explore.

Petunia said...

Looks like al lovely and exciting place.
I can understand why you was looking forward to this letter:)
Well done!
Petunia's ABC

Rune Eide said...

You are lucky to have such interesting and photogenic sites.

Unknown said...

It's a beautiful looking site and your pictures do do it justice.

Great ABC post.

Gary
Bodge's Bulletin

me ann my camera said...

These are very beautiful landscapes and I can understand your joy at being at such a place. Its lovely.

Unknown said...

Lovely series of a beautiful place, Kim!
Good zoom lenses with large constant apertute(f2.8) are very expensive. Low-priced zoom lenses need much light.

Leslie: said...

You are so lucky to be able to hike in this fantastic place! I'm afraid at my age and because of the condition of my back right now I'd never make it. So I really really appreciate your taking us on a virtual tour. Great post for Z today! Hope to see you on the next round. :D

Anonymous said...

So beautiful. So glad you've been able to hike around this beauty more than once!

Granny Smith said...

Fortunately I was there when I was still young and agile. Unfortunately it was before the days of digital cameras and my records are all old 35mm slides. It's gratifying to see your lovely photos.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place. I've not been there.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Beautiful rock formations. This is right up my partner's street. He used to be an environmental scientist, so he will be very interested in this post. The word petrology is never far from his lips. Excellent choice and gorgeous images.

Linda said...

Beautiful. Looks like a great place on visit and explore.

Pietro Brosio said...

Beautiful sequence of pictures of nice places!
The fifth one is spectacular.

Lynette said...

Great ABC Wednesday post--wonderful photos to go along with great suggestions for the stout-hearted adventurers.

photowannabe said...

I loved visiting Zion many years ago. It is truely beautiful and majestic. A terrific choice for the letter Z.

CaBaCuRl said...

Wonderful, informative post of another place I hadn't heard of.BUT..Zion looks like my sort of place!

Bear Naked said...

Great choice for ABC Wednesday.
Beautiful photos.

Bear((( )))

VP said...

I loved Utaj when we went there - lovely photos.

Katney said...

I trully love Zion, but will not go there again either in the summer or on Thanksgiving weekend--LOL. Our recent trips there were whirlwind, so we did not do any serious hiking. Now that I am retired, maybe we can go back and spend some time.

nonizamboni said...

I'm originally from southern Idaho so I know just how beautiful Zion is--and you've captured it so well!
Thanks for sharing a bit of the West.

Suburbia said...

Such beautiful photos, perfect for Z!

Nydia said...

You're right, this place is amazing! How beautiful these rocks are! That was a perfect way to finish the round (people chose very special things this Wednesday for the Zpost!). Hope to see you the next round!
Kisses from Nydia.

Texas Travelers said...

I missed "Z" lat time.
Great post and loved the photos.
You have a good eye.

Troy