Zion's Canyon-Emerald Pools Hike

The next day we continued our Grygla Get-Together by exploring Zions Canyon. We decided to hike to the 3 Emerald Pools, hoping the sun would be shining on that side of the canyon a little more. It was still pretty icey and muddy but the temperature was great. In one spot the trail heads behind a waterfall, which was pretty slick and a bit steep but lots of fun. Aubrie held Grandpa's hand the whole way. Everyone was camera happy because the surroundings were so scenic everywhere you look. The Emerald pools were frozen over and not very "Emeraldy" looking. The third and final pool was in an alcove with steep cliff surrounding us. As ice chunks would fall from the mountain it sounded like gun shots echoing off the walls, even though they were pretty small peices of ice the sound was huge! On the way back we passed a sign showing pictures of a land slide that occured directly across the river, the before, during and after shots were really fascinating. It was interesting to see how easily the canyon was and is being formed as the river continues to slice through that soft brilliant redish-orange rock.







Only in the desert is winter hiking fun!