Twenty feet away from arguably the most spectacular high desert scene lay a pile of photographic detritus. Busted tripod legs, smashed lenses, and camera bodies pulverized beyond recognition, the scene looked more like a badly bungled camera store robbery than a National Park vista. You could say the incident began 20 million years ago with the uplift of the Colorado Plateau
In a renewed focus on the east side of the county s third most visited park, Zion National Park s charity Zion Forever has received $500,000 in state grant for nearly 25 miles of bike trails.
With 10 miles of trails already underway, the 34.5 miles of trails will connect to the new East Zion Visitor Center with construction to begin within the next month and be completed in 2022. This grant from the state I think reflects the validation of the vision around the east side initiative, Zion Forever Director Mark Preiss said.
Of the $7.6 million awarded this year through the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, about $1.4 million is headed to other southern Utah projects like trail improvements, outdoor classrooms and a new ice skating ribbon in Bryce Canyon City.
Today
Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. High 58F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..
Tonight
Rain early.then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low around 45F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Updated: May 17, 2021 @ 2:45 am
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
Christian Murdock/The Gazette
A hiker along the West Rim Trail takes in the view of the Colorado River 2,000-feet below Sunday, March 21, 2021, from the Dead Horse Point State Overlook in Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, Utah. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)