American Southwest 2007 - Zion

When we left the Grand Canyon, Our map revealed that there was no straight line from point A to point B. One way or another, we would have to drive around something big, so we decided that we might as well go through Zion again. It was still hot! Then we just kept on going until we reached Las Vegas where we had a reservation at the luxurious Wynn hotel.

One thing that makes Zion different from the other parks we visited is that here
we are looking up from the bottom, rather than looking down from the rim.

This is a natural formation. Over time, places like this become deeper and may eventually form open arches.

This is a small section of Checkerboard Mesa, which got its name from the interesting pattern in the rock.

Tourists line up, waiting for access to the tunnel while an oversized vehicle is escorted through.

There are many impressive peaks and rock formations throughout the park, all in various shades of red.

Every niche is an opportunity for a plant to grow and contribute to the ultimate breakdown of the rock.

It was really too hot, but we rode with the top down so we could look up.

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Note: Eleven years later, we returned to Zion.