Day two of the Bruce visit. After Bryce (where I was cruelly left behind), we headed back to Zion. Our usual routine: bike the canyon, hike the Narrows, stay at the Cliffrose.
This time, I came along.
The Cliffrose is our spot in Springdale. It’s right at the entrance to Zion, the grounds back up to the canyon walls, and the views from the patio are the kind of thing that makes you briefly forget you’re paying lodge prices.
Chestnut came too. He was very excited. He’s always very excited.
Biking the Canyon#
First up: biking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Cars aren’t allowed past a certain point in the park, so it’s either the shuttle or a bike. We bike. It’s better.
The Narrows (Again)#
Then the main event. The Narrows. We were just here with Pokong a few weeks ago, but Zion’s like that. You come back.
Big milestone: this was the first time Nicholas bought his own water shoes instead of renting. Commitment.
Deeper in, the canyon walls close and the light gets interesting. Some of the side slots are barely wide enough for one person.
The Deer#
Back at the Cliffrose that evening, we had visitors.
The deer at the Cliffrose have zero fear. They walk right up to the rooms, graze on the lawn, bring their fawns. They’ve figured out that lodge guests are harmless and usually have cameras.
Dinner and Stars#
Dinner was in Springdale. Good food, better backdrop.
And then the sky did its thing. Perfect clear night, Milky Way fully visible. Nicholas, Bruce, and Pokin stayed up experimenting with phone cameras, wishing they’d brought the real ones.
Zion in August. Biking, hiking, deer on the lawn, stars over the canyon. Not a bad day in bear territory.