Second Zion Sunrise
The Sentinel, a 7157' peak on the West Rim of Zion Canyon, catches the first rays of the sun as it rises above the eastern Zion Plateau.
The resultant glow of the brilliant light on the sandstone reflects in the Virgin River near the Sand bench Trail, some 3,000' below. On this winter morning, the temperatures along the Floor of the Valley were hovering around 27°F, with icy roads and fresh snow along the river and surrounding area. Fresh animal tracks from deer, turkey, and bobcat indicated that there was quite a bit of activity earlier in the morning than our time here.
The temperatures kept most tourists at bay until later in the morning, though sunrise on January 2 occurred around 7:45 AM - convenient for this preferably late rising landscape photographer. As the day wore on, with no shuttle service in Zion National Park during this time of year, the roads became thick with cars parked alongside regardless of the multitude of signs telling people to park in designated spots only.
Scenes like this, though, tell me that spending much more time in this park is warranted - though come early and explore before the crowds arrive.
Second Zion Sunrise
The Sentinel, a 7157' peak on the West Rim of Zion Canyon, catches the first rays of the sun as it rises above the eastern Zion Plateau.
The resultant glow of the brilliant light on the sandstone reflects in the Virgin River near the Sand bench Trail, some 3,000' below. On this winter morning, the temperatures along the Floor of the Valley were hovering around 27°F, with icy roads and fresh snow along the river and surrounding area. Fresh animal tracks from deer, turkey, and bobcat indicated that there was quite a bit of activity earlier in the morning than our time here.
The temperatures kept most tourists at bay until later in the morning, though sunrise on January 2 occurred around 7:45 AM - convenient for this preferably late rising landscape photographer. As the day wore on, with no shuttle service in Zion National Park during this time of year, the roads became thick with cars parked alongside regardless of the multitude of signs telling people to park in designated spots only.
Scenes like this, though, tell me that spending much more time in this park is warranted - though come early and explore before the crowds arrive.