Zion National Park Hike

Front Row L – R: Jeff, Tony, Brennan
Back Row L – R: John, Paul, Jack, Bob, Nick, Anthony

Miles Hiked 6.5
Elevation 5,100 feet

Today, we had nine hikers in our group. All were either relatives or friends of my brother in law, John Stranges. We left the Watchman Campground at Zion National Park about 9:15 on a Red Rock Shuttle and arrived at the Lee Pass Trailhead at about 10:15.

*Waiting for the shuttle to Lee Pass Trailhead*

After unloading our gear and then putting on our backpacks, we headed down the trail. It was going to be a short day as the plan was to hike to the Laverkin Campsite (#8), which is only a 6.5 miles hike.

The trail itself was very easy and mostly down. It was just what I needed to test my knees. It’s been almost exactly two months since I was on the Arizona Trail when I blew out both knees coming down a snow covered mountain. This hike is to test my knees and see if I’m ready for Maine and the Appalachian Trail in July.

The hike went well and I kept up with the other hikers, all of whom are younger than me. We broke for lunch around 12:30 and reached our campsite about 2:00 PM.

After setting up my tent, I rested for awhile and then about 4:00 PM John, myself and one of the hikers went to see the Koloa Arch. The hike was about .6 mile. Initially we missed the Arch but did find it. I tried to take a picture, but the sun was right over the Arch and the picture did not come out.