After having diner at the Zion Lodge, we head back to Hurricane, vowing that we will return to this park with the kids someday soon. 

All the canyons in Zion have been formed over the eons by water carving its way through the ancient sea bed. Flash floods are a real danger here and a small steam can turn into a raging river in a matter of minutes. 

Water and vegetation continue to shape the environment here and offer beauty in their own right. 

Hard to believe that these trees have taken root and thrived in this setting. 

Even the most simple rock face is a study in color and geometry. 

Ancient water dripping from Weeping Rock having taken thousands of years to make its way through the rock. 

This rock formation had the appearance of a whirlpool at its base. 

Everytime you turn around there is a magnificent view better than the last. 

We made extensive use of the park shuttle bus but also took three relatively easy hikes (Jeanine is still recovering from her foot surgery). Here, we pause at the upper Emerald Pool. 

In addition to the breathtaking vistas, there was plenty of interest on a macro level. Click on the photo for a closer view of this pair. 

Given our single day in the park, we were blessed with exquisite weather. 

The colors and texture of the rock formations are unbelievably varied and beautiful. 

My photographs, at this resolution, do not do justice to the grandeur of this park. 

After spending the night in Huricane, Utah, we got an early start on our one-day visit to Zion National Park.