LAS VEGAS, SOUTHERN UTAH & NORTHERN ARIZONA

Our flight to Las Vegas was supposed to arrive at 10:35 AM but was delayed a couple hours which didn’t get us into Kanab, Utah, until after dark. Lou spent many months applying for one of the 60 daily permits to hike The Wave & was finally chosen for January 23. Unfortunately, rain made the 8 mile dirt road to the trailhead impassable, even for our rented SUV. Instead, we drove from our motel in Kanab, Utah, to Page, Arizona, to visit a few sights that we first saw 20 years ago!

Glen Canyon Dam built across the Colorado River created Lake Powell, one of the world's largest reservoirs, from 1956-1966.

The Glen Canyon Bridge crosses the Colorado River near the dam.

We did some research on the fly & found that Horseshoe Bend was just a few miles from Page in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

 

Horseshoe Bend is a famous part of the Colorado River that makes almost a complete circle before heading back the way it came. It is accessible via a 1-1/2 mile trail to the overlook.

It rained the whole time we were at the overlook.

I liked the colors in the rock walls near Horseshoe Bend.

Heading back to Kanab (still in the rain) we stopped at a Lake Powell overlook. Our first trip together in 2002 was to this part of the country. It still has some beautiful scenery.

A small part of Lake Powell in the fog and clouds.

This guy appeared quietly out of nowhere as we viewed Lake Powell.
Quoth the Raven - Nevermore!

The road back to Kanab, Utah.

Even in the rain, the rocks & mountains are incredibly scenic.

The constant rain kept us from wandering around Kanab too much but it is a cute, little town that we may come back to if Lou decides to try The Wave again in the future. We learned that Kanab’s second syllable is pronounced by the locals like “stab”, rather than like “sob”.

 

One of the homes just off the main drag of Kanab. 

I loved the painting on Nick's Shell station. It reminded me of Radiator Springs along Route 66 in the Cars movie.

Downtown Kanab, Utah.

We discovered that Zion National Park was only a few miles out of the way on our return to Las Vegas & since the weather was forecast to be sunny decided to spend a few hours at the park even though we have been there several times. It didn't disappoint. 

 

A herd of bison along the road to the east entrance of Zion National Park. They were in a pasture, not out in the wild.

Sunshine - finally! Although the day started out with some thick fog, it cleared up a little before we made it to Zion.

Entrance to Zion National Park. We each purchased our lifetime National Parks Pass when we turned 65 years old. It is a bargain since the cost to enter the park is now $35.

Some of the gorgeous scenery that surrounded us as we drove into Zion.

The huge rock formations seem to just appear as you round a few corners into another world. 

On our previous trips to the park either the Zion Lodge wasn't open or we didn't stop there. This time it was open & we stopped to check it out.

Zion Lodge nestled into the surrounding trees and mountains.

The lobby of Zion Lodge.

Me relaxing for a few minutes.

Lunch in the Red Rock Grill inside Zion Lodge. We had huge half sandwiches with some delicious cheddar broccoli soup.

My neuropathy really limits my ability to hike much anymore but I was still able to enjoy a little over a mile hike through incredible, awe-inspiring mountains. This was my 4^th time in Zion & it still seems impossible not to stand there with your mouth open & head looking upward at the beauty around you.

Heading back into what becomes the Narrows Trail. It can be treacherous at certain times of the year. I just went a little over half a mile in before turning back and Lou went in another half a mile to where the Narrows began. 

More towering mountains of rocks.

I noticed these interesting rock formations while taking a break and enjoying the scenery.

The tall red rocks bordering the trail.

 As we left the park through Springdale, Utah, the amazing scenery continued for a few more miles before turning back into the normal landscape.

The last of Zion's awesome, impressive landscapes.

I love when the clouds come out to make the views even more breathtaking.

Finally, it was on to Las Vegas. We’ve been there numerous times but Lou wanted to see Sphere & have dinner at the LINQ Promenade. That was as close as we got to The Strip since it is already preparing for the Super Bowl in two weeks.

Sphere is an entertainment venue just off The Strip that can hold up to 20,000 people. There are changing projections on the outside of the attraction. I took this photo out of the car window as we were stuck it a terrible traffic jam approaching the Promenade.

The LINQ Promenade that goes to The Strip near the Flamingo.

Dinner at the Yard House on the LINQ Promenade.

After dinner we walked down a few blocks to get a better view of The Sphere. We were hoping to see the movie presentation inside Sphere but it was closed as they were setting up for a U2 concert the next day. Oh, well, next time.