South Rim Grand Canyon to Kanab

We pulled out of the Grand Canyon on our way back to Utah. We were originally going to go up over highway ALT 89 through Jacob Lake but we were advised that it was a difficult road and we were advised to go Hwy 89 through Page and then onto Kanab. On this route we passed the Vermillion Cliffs which is the location that they release the condors. The drive was most uneventful and we found quite long. Our accommodations at this park were okay but we had to back into the site. It had everything we needed but no internet connection. We booked in here for two days as we were going to use this as the base to explore Zion Canyon as well as visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This is the largest no kill animal rescue sanctuary in the States. They presently have 22 of Michael Vick's dogs there which they in the process of rehabilitating. They also had horses, donkeys, dogs etc. We dropped in on the 10th on our way to Zion Canyon. We made a donation in the name of Lovat, a great golden Lab who recently died and was a great companion to our friend Gina. We also bought some other stuff and then proceeded on to Zion Canyon. The entrance to the Canyon is about 43 miles from Kanab. The day was clear and sunny and not too warm. There is a long drive into the park which again goes through very pretty countryside culminating with a long drive through a tunnel and then a variety of switchbacks to the canyon floor. Into the visitor center where I make a request for a pass so that Patsy and I can drive up through the canyon. This request was denied and we were told to take the shuttle bus. I tried to explain that the scooter was too big. I finally got the green light from the shuttle bus supervisor and back I went to get the pass. Success and we are off.

Entrance to Zion

We drive along the road all the way up to the end of the Canyon. Along the way we make a couple of stops. At one stop which was Weeping Rock yours truly does not read the direction board correctly and what should have been a half hour hike turns out to be about 70 minutes!! Imagine how unhappy Pat was as she was left in the car with the dogs and had no idea what had happen to me. We press on to Temple of Sinawaya at the end of the road. We then go on a hike into the Canyon. As I have said before totally different rock formations but equally beautiful and more pictures were taken ( man do I have a lot rock pictures!). This state of Utah has to have some of the most beautiful scenery we have ever seen. There are numerous different hikes that can be taken. All of them offer you different views of this most spectacular canyon. After a very leisurely drive back to the park entrance we made our way back to Kanab. We took a slight detour into Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. We made the turn in however it was too far to go and by this time the dogs were getting quite tired of the heat and the car so were returned to the road and back to Kanab.

Zion Canyon

Note : if you have a craving for a shake, burger or fries then you have to go to Big Al's in Kanab just great !!!

Dinner and some TV gave the dogs a run and we are going to push on to a campground just outside of Tropic on Hwy 12. This is not a long drive for tomorrow and we hope to explore Bryce Canyon.

I will come back to entry and put in some pictures later.

Zion resident