Zion National Park, Day One

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Because I had a reservation at Zion Lodge, which is located inside Zion National Park, I was lucky enough to drive a portion of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to the Lodge. During the peak months of park visitation, only shuttle buses are allowed on the scenic drive, and no private vehicles are allowed.

I arrived at Zion Lodge at a little before 5 pm. The views from the Lodge were spectacular, and the Lodge is centrally located near many of the key hiking trails in the park. It was far better than staying 45 minutes away in Hurricane, Utah, and having to deal with the hassle of parking at the Visitor Center and using the park shuttle.

After settling in, I hiked the short Lower Emerald Pool trail and then had dinner in the Lodge. After much consideration, I elected to go with the Trout Anasazi (Idaho trout fillet, pan seared and topped with fresh pico de Gallo, with lemon beurre blanc sauce on the side). It was definitely the right choice, and ranks at the top (along with the meal at Bryce Canyon) as the best meal of the trip so far.

Zion Lodge
On the Emerald Pools Trail







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