When we first arrived at Zion National Park, it was late afternoon and hot. But soon, as had been the case throughout the week, thunderheads arrived and cooled the air. Undeterred by the weather, we took an evening tour of the middle and lower Emerald Pools with a Park Ranger in the evening. The next morning, we hiked Angel’s Landing Trail (5 miles, 1488 feet elevation change). Dan made it to the top, though Sandy stopped just beyond Scout’s Lookout and returned to the lookout to await Dan’s return, about 45 minutes later. Later in the day, we took the busy Riverside Walk to the entry point for The Narrows, a walk in the Virgin River, through a slot in the canyon. Because the water was 45 degrees Fahrenheit and running swiftly, we decided not to attempt the river this trip.

Accommodations: Flanigan’s Inn