Zion a pinnacle national Park

Thank goodness! Joni soaked up the sleep the night before in the most glorious way possible; a full, uninterrupted 12 hours. Twelve. Hours. We awoke as new people and ready to tackle Zion. 

I laced up early and headed out for a sunrise run through Zion. The cliffs glowed radiant pink and gold as the first light spilled over one side of the canyon and onto the other. There is something deeply humbling about running beneath sandstone monoliths that have existed for millions of years while you huff along contemplating your life choices. The air was crisp, the river quiet, and for a brief stretch I felt like a very grounded, outdoorsy person.

With the family well-rested, we took advantage of off-season magic, the scenic drive was open to private vehicles. That meant we could cruise the main canyon road and hit all the major viewpoints without shuttle lines.  It did, however, require repeatedly extricating our toddler from her car seat. In. Out. In. Out. She did well up until the very end. 

Joni was mesmerized. The towering cliff walls, rising straight up from the valley floor held her gaze uninterrupted. She’d point. Babble. Squint into the sunlight. It’s hard not to be awed in a place like this.

Later we drove into Springdale for a phenomenal lunch, the kind where everyone is relaxed, sun-kissed, and suspiciously cheerful. Then we returned to the hotel for a strategic parenting maneuver: spa massages, in shifts. One parent relaxed while the other entertained Joni in what can only be described as toddler heaven; sandbox time, cool grass patches, and more pool swimming. The weather has been absolute perfection: warm but not scorching, blue skies, just enough breeze to make you feel alive.

That night we sat under the stars, sipping wine and nibbling macaroons. The rosey cliffs faded into silhouettes as the sky deepened to speckled navy. 

Joni slept another full night (as a new parent I never realized how monumental these were while traveling).

I set out again at sunrise, only to discover that the Zion Half Marathon was happening that morning. Suddenly I was surrounded by intensely fit humans doing dynamic stretches and light jogs that looked suspiciously like my maximum effort. I believe I served as a morale booster. Nothing inspires confidence like passing a middle-aged dad wheezing through mile three. You’re welcome, athletes of Zion.

Having survived my public display of cardio humility, we decided to hike. Nothing ambitious; we do, after all, travel with a toddler and a pregnant woman, so we tackled the Lower Emerald Pools and wandered through The Grotto.

 

The Lower Emerald Pools trail winds beneath “a weeping rock” and gentle waterfalls, with hanging gardens clinging improbably to stone.

It was a great summit for a mild hike. The Grotto was less interesting but Joni enjoyed the minor hiking.

We followed it up with another spectacular lunch. We decided to continue our tradition of visiting the local library. Joni had the time of her life and even did some push-chair walking!!

I was so proud of her! The afternoon finished with a well-earned siesta, and, because we are apparently aquatic now, more pool time.

That evening we returned to our now-beloved ritual: sitting under the stars. But this time, the sky delivered a rare celestial parade. All eight planets visible in one sweeping arc across the darkness.

Tomorrow, we trade giant monoliths for neon excess. Las Vegas, here we come.