This morning there was not a single empty campsite in Watchman Campground, Zion National Park in Springdale, NV. Our best option was to explore a few less popular hiking options.
Just to the east of Watchman Campground is a 100-foot high bluff overlooking the mouth of the valley. There was no trail, we had to carefully find our own way up the steep, rocky slope. Above the campground was a clear view of the west wall of Zion Canyon where millions of years of geologic formations are evident in the many varied layers now exposed. At the center of the picture below is Altar of Sacrifice with the West Temple to its left and the Sentinel at the far right.
From the plateau, you could almost forget there was a campground just below. There was evidence (scat) everywhere of the park's wild animals (I think mostly deer and maybe a few coyotes), but they stayed out of sight as we slowly worked our way back down the bluff.
Next, after a quick lunch, was the north end of the Pa'rus trail. Sam hiked with us on the level, nicely paved trail along the river. We explored a few other turn-outs along the river before heading back to spend the late afternoon soaking up the sunshine and reading outside the coach.
Further up the river the landscape changes. The sandstone is quickly eroded and it digs deep instead of wide. It also creates some very interesting river walls.
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