ZION CROSSING

My training this summer simply wasn't enough to cover the entire 48.3 mile traverse without turning into a "death march" and risking an IT Band flareup, so JT started from the very southern entrance called "East Entrance", and then I joined in at the next entry point called "The Grotto", which was about 10-11miles later.  We ran all the way up to the Northern trail head known as "Lee Pass".

While cutting off 10 miles was the best idea for my fitness, this also meant that I missed what JT described as his favorite part of the day, and also meant I started my day on legs that weren't very warmed up, in around 40-43F, going straight up for 90 minutes. (ouch)

We ended up missing 2 turns which meant back tracking, which added around 3 miles (and 35 minutes) to our day, so JT ended up with 50+ and I ran right about 40.  My day started at 9:04am and lasted till 7:29pm. (10 hours 25 minutes) .  

I have some photos that I will post later, that I think really showcase the park, just haven't had time to transfer from phone and regular camera.  Hopefully in next 24 hours.

For those of you interested in seeing what crossing Zion National park might be/look like, here's a little video I put together from our weekend run.  It is 15 minutes long, which means I have condensed a 625 minute adventure into 15.  I filmed while running, so it's a little bouncy, but I think it gives you a great sense of the huge variety of terrain that makes up Zion National park.

So here you go... here's my summary on how awesome this run was!!

(Technical: I filmed it in HighDefinition, and uploaded it in 720P which is an option on youtube dot com, so if you're picky about quality, then maybe go there and choose 720p from the 360default. Unless you can upgrade this embedded player.)

Logistics:

We ran Saturday. 

Friday we stayed in: 

Canyon Ranch Motel

(Great location, shuttle that takes you to Zion park is right across the street.  Within a short 5-10min walk from multiple restaurant options)
http://www.canyonranchmotel.com/index.html

Saturday night we stayed in:
Days Inn Cedar City, UT

(it was the best "cheap hotel" I've ever stayed in.  I think it was pretty new.  Bathtub open till 10pm, which felt great on sore muscles.  Dog friendly)
Exit 57 off I-15

Initially the plan looked like it would only be JT and I.  This meant dropping a car off Friday night up north so we would have transportation out.  JT's girlfriend ended up being able to join us, which not only was a big help to transport our stuff, but she was also a very irmportant piece to the puzzle, as she met us with about 13 miles to go.   This was HUGE.  There were supposed to be 6 water sources, but only found one.  So being able to refill, eat, drink beverage of choice etc, was AWESOME.   It would have been problematic to go an additional 13 miles without water.

Bit & Spur is the happening bar on a Friday night in Springdale.  Decent selection of microbrews on tap, and pitchers weren't too expensive.

Cedar Point (north side) doesn't have much choice in original restaurants, to Chili's is pretty much your best bet post run. 

Lee Pass trailhead is off I-15 on exit 40.  About 25min drive from Days Inn and Cedar Point, UT.  

It's $25 for a Park pass. It is valid for 4 or 5 days.  KEEP the receipt ON YOU.  I needed it 2 more times over the weekend.

After spending Sunday in Bryce Canyon (1.5-1:45min drive from Cedar Point), i drove back to St George which took about 2.5 hours, spent the night at the Days Inn (so much crappier, but still ok).   Bear Paw Coffee Shop is just a mile away, and serves a great breakfast before the 2 hour 15 min drive back to Vegas to catch 12:25 flight.

(There is a 1 hour time difference between Nevada and Utah, so you have an extra hour to make it back to your flight.   While Bear Paw was tasty, next time, I may get up earlier, drive to Vegas and fill up at a nice buffet breakfast on salmon, king crab, omelettes and whatever else the Wynn, Mandalay, or Bellagio serves up!)