5th November 2025
Today, I started my journey into Zion Canyon later than usual. My legs were still sore from yesterday’s strenuous hike to Angels Landing, and I wanted to ease into the day. On the drive from Hurricane to Zion, I couldn’t resist stopping several times. The landscape was already breathtaking. The towering Wire Mesa loomed ahead, flanked by the jagged Eagle Crags West and the more rounded Lower Mountain West. Every turn seemed to reveal a new perspective. The purples of Mount Kinesava stood out sharply against the horizon, while the West Temple rose majestically on the opposite side.
After parking near the Visitor Center, I set off on the Pa`rus Trail. The path, a peaceful, paved route that follows the Virgin River, was a welcome change from the challenging climb of the day before. Rusting footbridges arched over the river, and the meadows surrounding me seemed to hum with the life of the park. The further I walked, the more the towering peaks of Zion Canyon seemed to encircle me, each bend offering a fresh vista.
Just behind the Visitor Center, I caught my first glimpse of the mountains surrounding Zion. A stunning peak rose before me—whether it was part of the Watchman Mountain, I couldn’t be sure, but it made for a perfect photo. The view was framed perfectly, with the morning sun casting long shadows on the rock faces.
As I walked further along, I found myself among the Fremont cottonwood trees, their golden leaves fluttering gently in the wind. These trees are a symbol of resilience, thriving along the Virgin River where water flows steadily. Their rapid growth—up to 20 feet per year in some cases—spoke of the strength of life in this desert landscape. The cottonwoods thrive here, their roots binding the soil, preventing erosion, while the riverbanks provide the perfect haven for wildlife, including the elusive American beaver.
The landscape shifted as I walked, with the Watchman and Bridge Mountain rising steadily on the east side, their jagged forms cutting through the sky. On the west side, the imposing form of the Sentinel dominated the view, a wall of peaks topped with layers of Navajo Sandstone. The sheer scale of the formations was humbling.
Reaching the crossroad to the Museum, I ventured over to the Zion Museum, where a treasure trove of photographic opportunities awaited. Behind the museum, I found the Sundial, its stone face etched with time, and the Great Towers of the Virgin, looming like ancient sentinels. The Altar of Sacrifice stood as a testament to Zion’s spiritual beauty, while the Staked Wall appeared to rise from the earth itself, as if the land had been carved by the gods. Nearby, the Bee Hive Peak caught my attention, its honey-colored stone gleaming in the sun.
I continued along the trail, heading north, where the Sentinel once again dominated the view. It was impossible to miss—a massive wall of stone that stretched far beyond what my eyes could take in. At this point, the trail hugged the river more closely, and the steep cliffs rose on both sides, creating a sense of solitude that was almost overwhelming. On the east side, the Twin Towers stood tall, their sharp summits rising above the landscape like silent guardians of the canyon.
When I reached Bus Stop No. 3, I hopped on the shuttle, which took me back to the Visitor Center, and then onward to the Zion Lodge. I was determined to capture the last few key views of the day. The light had shifted, casting warm glows across the landscape. I managed to snap some final shots of Lady Mountain, its reddish-brown rock glowing softly in the afternoon light. In the foreground, the golden aspens of Zion Canyon created a stunning contrast against the mountain backdrop. Mount Zion stood proudly in the distance, and I captured Angels Landing, half bathed in sunlight, with its base shrouded in shadow.
From the Lodge, I walked south toward the Court of the Patriarchs. This stretch of road was framed by a wall of rock to the east, while golden aspen trees lined both sides of the street. It was an idyllic scene—peaceful, vibrant, and filled with the warm colors of fall. The mountains were equally breathtaking: an unknown peak caught my eye, with two sharp sandstone towers rising from the landscape. A little further, the East Temple showed its stately beauty, its rock face softening in the evening light.
Finally, I reached the Court of the Patriarchs—a magnificent trio of peaks that tower over the canyon. Mount Abraham, Mount Isaac, and Mount Jacob stood in majestic silence, their faces a testament to the forces of nature that shaped them. Across the canyon, Mount Moroni caught the last rays of the sun, casting a golden halo over the landscape.
It had been a wonderfully laid-back afternoon compared to yesterday’s hike up Angels Landing. Though my legs didn’t ache as much, the views were just as magnificent. The colors of Zion, the quiet beauty of the landscape, and the soaring cliffs made for an unforgettable experience, one I’ll carry with me long after I leave.