The view of the Zion rock formations from a nice house in nearby Springdale.

Zion National Park, UT

“Zion is spectacular in early October,” wrote my friend Michele. “You should spend more than a morning or afternoon there. You would really enjoy the hike to the top of Angel’s Landing. Zion is one of my favorite parks of all time and the temps are so nice in October.”

Unfortunately—due to limited time and needing to spare my legs for the St. George Marathon—I spent only an afternoon in Zion National Park and did no hiking. Instead, I rode the free propane-powered park shuttles to various vantage points. Still, it was nice to gaze at the red sandstone cliffs and see some of the critters (including deer and lizards) up close.

And Michele was right—the temperatures were very nice, being around 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon and devoid of the oppressive heat that comes in the summer. Perhaps one day I will return to do some hiking and/or rock climbing. Maybe I’d even go to the top of Angel’s Landing.

The view while driving through Hurricane Valley to Zion.
The view while driving through Hurricane Valley to Zion.
Sandstone.
Sandstone.
The view of the Zion rock formations from a nice house in nearby Springdale.
The view of the Zion rock formations from a nice house in nearby Springdale.
Taking a park shuttle through Zion Canyon.
Taking a park shuttle through Zion Canyon.
Cacti and sandstone.
Cacti and sandstone.
American flag waving in Zion Canyon.
American flag waving in Zion Canyon.
More sandstone.
More sandstone.
I camped at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane Valley.
I camped at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane Valley.