Zion's is a story of rock and water. The
relatively soft Navajo Sandstone often sits on top of a
layer of impregnable Kayenta Shale, and the
interaction of this rock with the water has created
shapes and patterns that are a joy to see. Amongst the stops is the
Great Arch of Zion, a gigantic work in progress. From the
Arch we climb up a precipitous switchback road, and through a
magnificent, mile long, tunnel that has been blasted into the
Navajo Sandstone. Emerging on the other side, you can
see how massive sand dunes have been cemented into rock over
the millennia. Please take a look at our Zion
photos.
Leaving
Zion by the east entrance, we travel up one of the most
beautiful roads in the country, Utah Highway 89, through
verdant, lush countryside, alongside rivers and streams,
before climbing up to the Paunsaugunt Plateau, home to Bryce Canyon. Bryce is
simply unbelievable, and the hoodoos will wow you.
People tell us they have had a spiritual experience when they
gaze out over the hoodoos for the first time. You will
wonder not only how the hoodoos got there, but also what
carved them into those mythical shapes, and created the rich
palette of colors.
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We generally drop
off guests at Sunrise Point, for the easy stroll along the rim
to Sunset Point. Take your time,
check out the sights and shoot a bunch of pictures.
After the walk you can enjoy a sack lunch under the towering
Ponderosa Pine trees. This is included in the price.
If you do not want to do the walk you can stay with our
guide who will drive you to the next viewpoint.
There
are two other main areas we will visit at Bryce, both of which
are even more spectacular than what you've seen already.
These are the aptly named Inspiration Point and Bryce
Point. Please be aware that Bryce is at a high
elevation. You may become breathless if you are not used
to the altitude, and you shouldn't try and overdo it.
The route back
could be one of two ways. One option is to travel south along Utah
89 for a short way, before heading west over a steep mountain
pass, and past Cedar Breaks National Monument. The
scenery is spectacular all the way, with great views from
time to time of the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion, off
in the distance. The road exits the canyon in the
small southern Utah town of Cedar City. The
alternative route is to head north on 89, through the small
town of Panguitch, and up and down a mountain range until we
reach Interstate 15.
Whichever way we
go there will be a comfort and food stop at Cedar City
before returning to Vegas. .
Please order here.
For additional information, please contact us at
1 800 724 7767, or (USA) 435 658 2227, or by
mail.
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