Zion

We LOVED Zion so much. We had just spent three days in the Grand Canyon, which was awesome. But at Zion, instead of looking down for spectacular views, you look up. It was quite a contrast.

As we set up camp at Watchman, a mule deer came to greet us, which we considered to be a good omen.

To limit traffic at the often-crowded Zion, visitors ride a shuttle to get around. We took the shuttle to Emerald Pools. The Upper Trail was closed, so we did the 1.2-mile Lower Trail, which is paved and leads to a waterfall. We grabbed a snack (warm pretzels) at Zion Lodge and then took the shuttle to Weeping Rock - a half-mile steep trail that leads to a rock alcove that seeps fresh water - before heading back to our campsite for the evening.

The next morning, we hiked the 3.3-mile Watchman's Trail for a great view of Watchman Peak, the town of Springdale and lower Zion Canyon. It was an out-and-back trail with some steep sections. But the kids (and adults) had no trouble doing this hike.

Then we took the shuttle to the flat, paved Riverside Walk, which is just over 2 miles out and back. This trail leads to the famous Narrows, which was closed due to snow melt. We would love to come back with the right equipment and weather to do the Narrows.

We had packed up our campsite and after this full day of hiking in Zion hit the road for Vegas.

L says: It's really cool being at the bottom of a canyon, where you could look up.

G says: It was warm, but we still did some cool hikes. I liked hiking up Watchman because it was 3 miles.