hypersapiens
IMG_5152-1 - The Watchman
View from the Watchman campground at Zion National Park, Utah.
I last visited Zion in 1989; it's changed massively since then. Some of this is positive; for example, it's no longer possible to drive into the canyon loop; shuttles now run regularly from the visitor center and nearby town, significantly reducing the environmental impact. Some of it is sad and dubious at best (ie, chains to restrain tourists from the edge of the upper Emerald Pools).
On this particular visit, Zion was utterly overrun with goretex clad baby boomers and yuppie clones. By noon the trails were literally swarmed with khaki and pastel colored couples carrying hiking poles and daypacks. Dozens of new agey gift shops, rock shops, and cafes have decamped outside the park borders. (Windchimes, lattes, and chunks of colored glass, anyone? Anyone?)
Nonetheless, it's still worth going for Zion itself. The valley loop is spectacular, as are the canyonlands on the other side of the tunnel. Getting up early and watching the sun creep to the canyon floor is magical. I've always said that I don't believe in God, but if I did, I'd consider Zion his sitting room. I'll be back again as soon as I can.
1989 shots:
IMG_5152-1 - The Watchman
View from the Watchman campground at Zion National Park, Utah.
I last visited Zion in 1989; it's changed massively since then. Some of this is positive; for example, it's no longer possible to drive into the canyon loop; shuttles now run regularly from the visitor center and nearby town, significantly reducing the environmental impact. Some of it is sad and dubious at best (ie, chains to restrain tourists from the edge of the upper Emerald Pools).
On this particular visit, Zion was utterly overrun with goretex clad baby boomers and yuppie clones. By noon the trails were literally swarmed with khaki and pastel colored couples carrying hiking poles and daypacks. Dozens of new agey gift shops, rock shops, and cafes have decamped outside the park borders. (Windchimes, lattes, and chunks of colored glass, anyone? Anyone?)
Nonetheless, it's still worth going for Zion itself. The valley loop is spectacular, as are the canyonlands on the other side of the tunnel. Getting up early and watching the sun creep to the canyon floor is magical. I've always said that I don't believe in God, but if I did, I'd consider Zion his sitting room. I'll be back again as soon as I can.
1989 shots: