Return Through Zion Park

Having returned to the Museum from our pleasant trip to Weeping Rock, we found that the back of the Museum was an excellent place to see the mountains of western Zion that we had not looked at carefully before.

The photo above shows a massive rock ridge with three of the well-known named peaks of Zion. On the left, the large flat-topped peak with the fringe of trees near the top is West Temple (7810 ft). Continuing right, the next peak is behind the solid ridge and is named Sundial (7500 ft). Then the flat-topped peak to the right, the third peak over on the solid ridge, is called The Altar of Sacrifice (7505 ft).

Another named peak is Beehive, which from their sign appears to be the whitest double peak in the central background of the photo to the right.

We are off at about 10am for our return drive through Zion Park. It is another beautiful morning to see the wide expanses of God's creation.

Within a couple of minutes driving we are starting up the long switchbacks that approach the tunnel from the west. You can see two of the switchback legs here. The view is westward and includes the peak West Temple in the center background.

This mountain view includes the road behind us as we have just made a sharp switchback turn. The long switchbacks provide a gradual slope to the tunnel, which I'm sure is useful in winter with snows.

On up the switchbacks. The contrast between the lush green of the desert vegetation and the rocks contributes to the great beauty of the area.

Now, from high up on the switchbacks, we can see the road we have traveled from the valley. In left background are West Temple and Sundial mountains.

On up the switchbacks. The contrast between the lush green of the desert vegetation and the rocks contributes to the great beauty of the area.

The character of the terrain east of the tunnels is different, but still dramatic and beautiful. The mountains are lower, and small trees tenaciously cling to every possible niche.

A great place for a morning drive. Wide open road, blue sky, and beautiful weather.

Nearing the eastern gate after about a 35 minute drive, we begin to see structures similar to Checkerboard Mesa.

I was interested in a closer view of the cracks and fissures in the Checkerboard Mesa rock.

Upon closer view, the patterns of the "checkerboard" are not as regular as they appear from a distance. And you can begin to see that there are many fine layers of this sedimentary rock.