Let me first start with something I wanted to include in my blog since days, and have neglected till now. I wanted to mention the state flower of Nevada, something I have seen over the last couple of days million times, and a flower which is not uncommon in this barren, dessert environment. The more surprising that something most would consider a weed has made it to the ranks of a state flower. And here it is, the Sagebrush, the State Flower of Nevada.
Now since I have that out of the way, I can go on my trip for today. I leave Fillmore, UT and the Loneliest Road in America for awhile to head South on I-15 through the Cedar Breaks National Monument to Hurricane, UT. Here I pick up UT-9 to Zion National Park. What a difference 19 years make. The West Entrance as we experienced it in 2003 has changed and is now a buzzing place with lodges and all big hotel chains present, and even more outdoor adventure and bike rental shops. Parking spots are prime property and even though it is early in the day, it's Piccadilly circus already. I enter the park and am once again impressed and amazed climbing up the winding road to the Zion - Mt. Carmel tunnel. From there I continue to the Mt. Carmel Junction to pick up Hwy US-89 to Hatch, UT. Along the way I enter the Dixie National Forrest and Scenic Byway 12, Utah's first All American Road. From here I find UT-12 which bring me to UT-63 and the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. What can I say? You have to see it, to believe it. I stop at every turn out to have a look at those spectacular creations mother nature has formed over millions of years. There are Fin Walls, Windows, and Hoodoos, one more impressive than the other. Leaving Bryce Canyon I tarce my way back and pick up UT-12 again continuing East to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. As I have spent more time than anticipated in the previous two parks I call it the day in Escalante, UT before I will continue tomorrow in the land formed by wind and water over millions of years.
Dixie National Forrest:
Bryce Canyon National Park:
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument:
"In all things of nature there is something marvelous." - Aristotle
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