Zion (meaning the promised land) is shaped by water like Bryce; however the water that shapes it is different. Rather than erosion, the Virgin river shapes Zion.
As a result Bryce and Zion are very different parks. Compared to Bryce's stunning surprises everywhere you turn, Zion's massive sheer cliffs are majestic, calm, and serene. I often could not get everything into a picture because of their size. The other surprising thing was the amount of water in the park. Hikes took me to weeping rocks - weeping because layers of mud turned to shale and layers of sand turned to sandstone. As snow and rain seep into the sandstone, it cannot penetrate the shale. The water runs sideways until it 'weeps' out of the rock. Often in waterfalls - small and large - as you will see below.
As I sat by the upper pool on the Emerald pool listening to the weeping water and watching the calm pool of water feed the pools below, I recognized the biggest gift of Zion. While Bryce demands to be paid attention to with its incredible views and formations, the quiet, dignified cliffs of Zion demand to be revered and respected. All while feeding the plants and wildlife with the water that creates Zion - and nourishing the people that visit with tranquility and serenity.
Yes, that is the mountain reflected in the pond.
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