Today was our last day in Zion so we decided to tick off a few more of the suggested hikes. We had a leisurely morning at the hotel (to give our legs a rest after our uphill trek yesterday) and then did two more walks in the afternoon.

• Total distance walked = 9.22 miles
• Change in elevation = 466 ft

Sand Bench Trail

The first was Sand Bench Trail, and it had quite a different feel about it compared to the others we’d done. For one thing the majority of the route you are walking on sand (the clues in the name!), making it more strenuous. The walk winds through some wooded areas with lots of trees and brush. In season the route is shared with horse riders, but it was very quiet when we were there.

The walk starts along the Virgin River, which you have to cross, before a gradual climb (and then loop) as you walk through the remains of an old landslide.

Views from the top were very good too.

Pa’rus Trail

The second walk we did was an easy route, on a flat concrete path that follows the river, which took us just over an hour. This is the only trail in the park where dogs are allowed so we saw a few of them along the way, along with some deer.

We are heading to Bryce Canyon tomorrow so look out for further posts when we’re there.

Lucy