Park 10: Zion National Park-Kolob Canyon, UT:  Scenic road UT- 14, was closed until July due to a land slide, so our alternate route through Cedar City for camping supplies was not as breath taking.   Kolob Canyon is the northern part of Zion and is least visited and least accessible; however, the 15 mile drive to the vista did not disappoint.  Upon exiting the park, we drove 60 miles to the south entrance of Zion following the hurricane cliffs that hide the park’s grandeur.   

Early development of a slot canyon

Butte and Mesa in Kolob

Hurricane cliffs on highway into Zion

We checked into Watchman Campground, Loop C25, just inside the main entrance about 4:30 and set up our campsite in a blowing wind!  Simple meal of hotdogs and baked beans hit the spot after Happy Hour.   I have to compliment John for making my first camping experience since college first class in a rustic sort of way.  The roomy REI tent and down sleeping bags that zip together, plus the end of the “super Moon”, made for a cozy evening until gale force winds began blowing through the canyon all night long!  The temperature was in the mid 50’s that night, much warmer than the higher altitude of Bryce where it was in the upper 20’s.

Campsite in Zion

Odometer: 4,290 miles.