Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park (short)

I’m Immensely Grateful for the opportunity last week of visiting a couple of my Bucket List National Parks, as a pre Celebration of my 60th Birthday!!! Nothing Soothes and Invigorates my Soul like Immersing myself in the Splendor of Nature!!! I spent 5 days exploring Zion and 1 day exploring Bryce Canyon!!! The temps ranged from 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit and included one morning of a beautiful snowfall. The unique experience of visiting these National Parks in the winter time allowed for a less crowded, more peaceful experience, and the ability to explore the scenic routes in your private vehicle or by e-bike. In the summer the primary scenic routes are only open to the shuttle bus system or e-bike/regular bike. The Crown Jewel hikes at Zion are the Narrows and Angels Landing, and they both are worth the Hype!!! Definitely 2 of the most Unique hikes I have ever experienced!!! All of my hikes at both Zion and Bryce challenged my discipline to stay present in the moment and not take a picture every 10 feet🤗 Prior to visiting the Parks, shared information from others on Facebook helped me with my planning; so I am including my itinerary in hopes of helping others planning a trip to Zion or Bryce. Monday January 5th I flew into Vegas and rented a car. Drove to Valley of the Fire state park for a quick visit, then on to Springdale to my hotel. I base camped 1 mile outside of Zion NP, at Bumbleberry Inn that included yummy daily breakfast at Oscar’s Cafe. I had a balcony and a beautiful scenic view from my room. Tuesday January 6th I drove up to Bryce Canyon NP, via the Gorgeous Zion-Mount Carmel highway. Upon arrival at Bryce I drove the scenic route and hiked Bristlecone Loop and Queens Garden Trail. Navajo Loop Trail was closed due to snow. Wednesday January 7th at Zion NP, included driving the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, hiking Riverside Walk to do a little recon in preparation for the Narrows, and hiking the Canyon Overlook, and Weeping Rock Trails. Thursday January 8th provided a Beautiful Morning Snowfall to sprinkle a little extra Magic throughout Zion!!! I hiked all 3 Emerald Pools Trails. Friday January 9th I rented an e-bike from Zion Guru. I am a cyclist, but had never been on an e-bike before. Via the Pa’rus paved trail, I was able to ride the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion-Mount Carmel Hwy up to the tunnel (No bikes allowed in the tunnel). Can’t recommend this e-bike experience enough!!! Finished the day on Watchman Trail, catching a Beautiful sunset. Saturday January the 10th hiked the Narrows, which is a trail walking through and alongside the Virgin River between the Canyon walls. It is an out and back trail and you can choose what ever distance works for you. I made it to the Boulder at the end of Wall Street!!! (Layered up good for warmth and rented wet gear from Zion Guru and stayed warm and dry 👍🏾👍🏾) Sunday January the 11th I hiked the West Rim Trail Wiggles and made it all the way to Angels Landing!!! Angels Landing requires a permit from their lottery system to minimize crowds on the trail. I was fortunate enough to receive a permit. This trail was hands down the most technically challenging, scariest, (snow and ice top half of the trail), most Breathtaking trail I have ever experienced!!! I was calling on all of the Ancestors to summon up the Bravery to complete this trail, and I had to laugh out loud at the fancy word laced conversation I was having in my head!!!🤣 I am Soooo Grateful for this Gorgeous Experience!!!❤️🙏🏾🤗