Our journey through Utah’s Mighty Five ended with Zion National Park, one of the most well known and talked about parks in our nation. Zion greeted us with low clouds, rain, and a dusting of snow, veiling its towering cliffs in a soft mist. The weather made it hard to take in the sweeping views the park is famous for, but in a way, it added a certain magic and stillness to our time there.
We began our visit by hopping on the shuttle and riding it all the way to the end of the scenic route, where we hiked the Riverside Trail at the Temple of Sinawava. The canyon walls rose dramatically on either side as we strolled beside the river, the rain adding a gentle rhythm to our steps. We reached the entrance to the Narrows, one of Zion’s most iconic hikes, but with the rain and risk of flash flooding, it wasn’t meant to be this trip.
Making our way back, we stopped at the Weeping Rock, in hopes of spotting the elusive California Condor. Though we didn’t see the endangered bird, we had a fascinating chat with a wildlife expert whose job is simply to watch for condors every day. Jason and I agreed… dream job material.
Our next stop was the The Grotto. We wandered along a trail to the iconic Zion Lodge, spotting wild turkey and deer along the way, unexpected companions in the misty quiet. And at the Zion Museum, we learned more about the park’s geology and history.
That evening brought an unexpected gift… a light snow, blanketing our guesthouse and turning Zion into a peaceful winter wonderland. As the family rested, I slipped outside into the quiet night and looked up to catch a lunar eclipse through the falling snow, a once-in-a-lifetime moment of stillness and awe.
The next morning, we ventured back into the park, this time greeted by clearer skies and a magical snow-covered landscape. We took the iconic scenic drive on the Mount Carmel Highway. We tried and failed to hold our breath through the tunnel into the mountainside. On the other side, we hiked the Canyon Overlook Trail, with snow dusting every ledge and branch. It became Evey’s favorite hike of the entire trip. Turns out he is an expert hiker after all.
Later, we explored the Emerald Pools Trail, where melting snow turned waterfalls into silver curtains tumbling over the red rock. We weren’t expecting the not one but three waterfalls that greeted us on the trail. We took our time to see them up close and personal… starting at the bottom, where the water crashed down into the emerald pools below, and then hiking our way up to the top, where the steady streams of water cascaded over the cliffs.
Our final stop was to the Court of the Patriarchs, a fitting last stop that left us quiet and grateful, gazing up at nature’s cathedral one last time.
Zion was our least favorite of the mighty five. Not because it lacked beauty… it definitely didn’t. Not because the cliffs weren’t grand enough… they definitely were. But perhaps because the weather kept us from experiencing the park at its fullest. Regardless, it still gave us something unforgettable… a different kind of wonder, quieter and more introspective. The snow, the eclipse, and the contrast of soft stillness after days of scrambling over rocks and exploring sun-soaked canyons gave us a unique experience we could call our own.
From the towering arches of Moab to the fairytale spires of Bryce, from the deep canyons of Canyonlands to the ancient stories carved into Capitol Reef, and finally to the misty cliffs of Zion… our Mighty Five adventure gave us more than we could have ever hoped for.
We saw ravens and fossils, hoodoos and arches. The boys became Junior Rangers in every park and created their own imaginative trail games, battling bosses and climbing like wildlings through rock gardens and canyons. They earned badges, found fossils, and adopted new stuffed animals who became part of the crew. We hiked over 30 miles, stood beneath natural cathedrals, and shared family moments we’ll carry forever.
And on the way to the airport, we made one final detour, Hoover Dam. A fitting, monumental end to an epic road trip.
This journey wasn’t just about checking off national parks. It was about connection. To nature. To each other. And to the part of ourselves that still believes in wonder.
Until next time,
