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gorges with alternating strata of beige and red clay were formed over millions of years. Initially, oceans covered
this region, then the Rocky Mountains surged up and broke the surface of the water. The ocean first deposited a
layer of salt then one of limestone. When the ocean receded, altering layers of red clay eroding from the Rockies
and sand blowing in from the west formed a multi-layer plateau. As the rivers, wind, rain and snow eroded these
lands, with the aid of the unstable layer of salt underneath, over millions of years these unusual rock formations and
gorges were formed, (2) once in the park proper, I drove in as far as I could where I got out and walked about a
quarter mile to “Big Spring Canyon Overlook” - here is a very scenic spot overlooking a gorge with the multi-
layers of strata and unusual rock formations on either side, (3) a view of the famous “Needles” formation in the
distance - they look like sentinels of varying heights lined up in a single line, shoulder to shoulder, and (4) mooo.
parked at Devil’s Garden Trailhead and walked to Landscape Arch. This is one of the largest arches in the world,
(2) a cactus flower, (3) Fiery Furnace Viewpoint was exceptionally beautiful with its brightly lit, multi-colored rock
formations on one side and snow capped mountains in the distance on the other. (4) The North and South
Windows from a distance look like a pair of eyes staring at you – eerie. Arches is relatively compact, yet unusual
and very beautiful.
geological features are its Hoodoos, “Pillars of rock, usually a fantastic shape, left by erosion.” The Paiute Indians
who used to live in this region believed that the hoodoos were “Legend People’ whom Coyote had turned to
stone,” (2) I walked the Bristlecone Loop Trail from Rainbow Point. This mile long walk was very pleasant –
fresh mountain air, a spruce fir tree forest and wonderful panoramic views. I stopped at many of the look-outs
along the way, and (3 & 4) the most incredible views, the ones for which Bryce is known are found surrounding
Bryce Amphitheater, especially at sunset, when I was there, with all the reds and light beiges and contrasting
shadows. Bryce was wonderful.
side of the road cliffs, mountains and various geological formations would rise up, (2) at the Checkerboard Mesa,
horizontal and vertical cracks on the side of a limestone mountain form this unmistakable checkerboard pattern, (3
& 4) I got off the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Zion Lodge stop and walked/hiked the Emerald Pool Trail to the
lower, middle and upper pools. The hike was of moderate difficulty and took a couple of hours, (5) the lower and
upper pools had thin waterfalls dropping mountain water into them, and (6) another scenic view.
