Day 4 - Zion National Park

Emerald Pools is a Zion classic: an oasis in the middle of the desert. The hike is a collection of short trails that meander past a small, lushly-vegetated stream that rolls down from the cliffs and forms several interesting "pools."

Cross the footbridge and follow the trail that goes north along the Virgin River.

The kids take a photo with Mom on the edge of a large rock.

In less than half a mile, the vegetation becomes more lush and the trail makes its way along a tall alcove under two tall waterfalls and the pools below.

Sydney draws a cute flower along the trail.  

There are several spots during the hike where you have some very good views of the east side of Zion.

Another great photo of Mom and the kids.  

  

The year round water supply provides for abundant vegetation, some that grows directly on the vertical rock. 

Kathy and Sydney stop for a short rest on the trail. 

Samantha and Andrew rock climbing.  

Trey and Mom rest for a bit. 

Everyone decides to get into the act. 

Something gets the girls attention while the boys are feeling quite at home.

The first part of the Riverwalk hike is paved and takes you by a swamp and lush vegetation. It seems so out of place in the desert. Then the trail ends at the river.

The well-traveled path, host to approximately 3,000 people a day in the summer, ends where Navajo Sandstone walls close in and water is forced into the narrow walls of the world renowned Zion Narrows.

The ease and beauty of this hike is the reason for its popularity and many young people do play and delight in the river at the end of the pavement on hot summer days.

Be warned that the water in the North Fork of the Virgin River is frigid in the winter and spring.  A fellow hiker aids Andrews in crossing a short section of the stream.

Mom and the kids decide to take a break and pose for a photo.

The Narrows is one of the most unusual hikes on the Colorado Plateau. Hiking is done largely in the river as, for a third of the route, the river runs canyon wall to canyon wall. The walls are vertical and sheer, and often red in color. Water levels change from season to season; most hikers will wade at least waist-deep and many will swim a few short sections.

  Here you can see two hikers returning wearing wet suits.

On a good day this trip is popular, and depending on your tolerance for your fellow visitor you might consider it crowded but its certainly worth the trip.  We hope Dr. Chris and the kids had a great time visiting their first National Parks .  We thoroughly enjoyed being their host and look forward to future adventures.