It’s been a while since we camped in an RV park.  Thankfully, the sites had concrete pads, full hookups, and best of all, there were trees.  It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but when you are in temperatures in the 100’s, the shade of the trees is a godsend. 

After settling, we checked out Zion and chatted with the rangers at the visitor’s center.  The park was jam-packed.  We never realized our stay was over the Labor Day weekend.  Our desire to explore the Narrows and Angel’s Landing hikes faded quickly as the queue lines for the park shuttle were like those in Disney.  We asked the ranger for suggestions for less crowded areas of Zion where we could hike. 

The following day we left before the sun rose as the temperatures for the day were in the 100s.  The Northgate Peaks Trail hike was four and 1/2miles through a pine forest with a scenic view of the red rock canyon at the end.  We spotted one deer and saw only three other couples along the hike.  It was a hike providing solitude and away from the crowds of people at Zion’s central area.  Up before dawn the next morning, we headed to Kolob Canyons to hike the Taylor Creek Trail.  This hike was incredible.  The trail was through the pine-filled forest and had multiple creeks to cross over.  The enormous red rock walls glistened as the sun rose above them.  Along the way, you pass two quaint log cabins.  At the hike’s end, one is standing in front of an epic rock formation that reminded me of an amphitheater.  We both felt a reverence for being there.  This massive rock sculpture that took thousands of years to evolve was mind-blowing.  We didn’t want to leave, but the sun’s rays were starting to warm up the canyon, and the thought of still hiking in 105-degree weather wasn’t welcoming. We were amazed at the influx of people just beginning the hike as we had just finished. Hopefully, they brought plenty of water with them.