27. Zion&GrandCanyon NP(North Rim)/ UT

Zion National Park
We kicked things off at Zion with a “wet” hike through "The Narrows". An early 5:30 a.m. start got us ahead of the crowds waiting for the first shuttle at 7 a.m. We waded through chilly water, sometimes as deep as our waists, but it was an awesome experience, and the cool water kept us refreshed. By noon, we were basking in the sun with a nice snack break. On the way back, we confidently scrambled over rocks while others in their rented gear looked a bit shaky and clumpsy —some tourists even braved the cold water for a swim. Brr!

The "Wall Street" section of the canyon was stunning—it reminded me a bit of Petra in Jordan, but with water running through it. Later, we hiked up "South Ariel Peak" for sunset. The climb up was easy, but coming down on the sandstone felt a bit like sledding—fun, but a little nerve-wracking!

We ended the day with homemade rösti, veggies, and fish before driving three hours to our campsite near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The night was so cold that I was already missing the desert heat!

Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)
The next morning, we took on the Widforss Trail, enjoying gorgeous views. The North Rim felt closer and greener, thanks to the extra snowfall it gets compared to the South Rim. One highlight was Angel's Window, a rock formation that frames a perfect view of the Colorado River below. The iconic rock formations here, like Krishna Shrine and Vishnu Temple, were formed as side canyons eroded into peninsula-like projections, eventually becoming islands like Wotan's Throne.

It was a much quieter experience than the South Rim, with fewer tourists. While the North Rim was beautiful and serene, I still prefer the grand feeling of the South Rim. Either way, the Grand Canyon’s grandeur never fails to amaze, and I’m grateful to Theodore Roosevelt for turning it into a national park for everyone to enjoy.

We spent another chilly but magical night under the stars.Okumaya devam et