Zion National Park
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Hidden Gardens Zion National Park |
April 19, 2010
Having waited until spring for this year's visit, no icicles await me this
morning as I emerge from my motel room in Mount Carmel. After downing
the requisite bowl of oatmeal at the cafe, it is a 12-mile drive to
the eastern park entrance, then another few miles of gorgeous scenery to the
trailhead — a small parking area at the southernmost entrance
to the little tunnel.
Gateway to incomparable beauty
Although the route leads generally southward, it is much easier and
more fun to scramble down the use trail on the north side of the road
to a man-made tunnel underneath the highway. Many hikers
are unaware of this handy feature.
Trailhead
Hikers' access tunnel
Within a ten-minute walk, I spot the tall pine that guards the entrance to a little slot leading up to the right.
Clear Creek Wash
Side canyon entrance
Water flowed here quite recently
It's partly an obstacle course
Presently I encounter a beautiful little bird's nest tucked neatly into an alcove in the canyon wall.
This is why I go hiking
After a quarter-mile or so, the canyon peters out, so I turn around. On the return I photograph whatever I can find, including the single hanging 'garden' for which this trek was named.
The garden wall
Juniper berries
Almost there
§: Perhaps it was a bit early in the year for maximum effect, as I found just one spot in the little canyon resembling a hanging garden. Nevertheless, the weather was perfect, and the precious little bird's nest made the walk more than worthwhile.
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| Solitude |  |
