The Hike to Observation Point

Today we drove to and through Zion to get to the other side.  We were able to drive to the trail head of the East Mesa Trail.  Most of the dirt road was in really good shape.  As predicted, the last half mile deteriorates some, but our Chevy half ton 4x4 was not challenged by it.  This section of road would be impassable if wet.  Someone has been out installing signage pointing to the Observation Point trail which was very nice.  The climate was perfect, it's so nice to be out of the heat and in the upper 70s.
The trail itself is not that visually entertaining.  Much of it is through the trees, some of it is down a water course, and much of it is through loose rock that I always call rubble.  However, it's much less difficult than coming up from the bottom of the trail.

As you approach the end, it becomes more interesting out in the distance.  I think this is Mystery Canyon.  The description of it is that it is a technical rappel to enter and permits are required.

After enough slogging, you get to see this.  It's an amazing sight.  Angel's Landing (on the right foreground) had people on it, but I don't have enough zoom so pull them in.

These are growing alongside the trail.  They're very pretty.

Driving back on the dirt road we saw three wild turkeys.  They're really big.  Unfortunately they wouldn't pose, so I have only this terrible picture of this one running away from me.

When we re-entered Zion we saw this.  I think this is the biggest Airstream I have ever seen.

The east side of the park is just beautiful.  I never get tired of looking at the rocks.

No one was behind us when going through the tunnel, so we were able to stop and take pictures through the cut outs in the wall.

So scenic.

It was a good day.  We walked seven miles with minimal discomfort.  My hip was yipping a little towards the end, but it was all tolerable.  I am not sure what we are doing tomorrow.