Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah
"Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon's steep red cliffs. The Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River."
The beauty of this place was almost beyond description. We were fortunate to find accommodations IN THE NATIONAL PARK for 3 nights. The views from our hotel were magical. Depending on the time of day, the sunbeams casts a kaleidoscope of multi colors on the sandstone cliffs. 
Several nights, we gazed at the stars, while sitting in the parking lot. It was magnificent!
........and of course, the views from the pool were MORE THAN OK!😂
All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass. I think the current price is $35.00 We purchased our life-time park pass years ago when visiting another national park($10.00😁).Life-time park passes are currently $80.00, but well worth the expense if you are going to visit many national parks. The line of cars going into the park was short and swift. Most everyone, including me, had our windows rolled down to snap photos of the breath-taking views. There were designated areas for pulling over and stopping!...... and stopping we did!
The 1.1 mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel used to be the longest tunnel of its type in the US, when it was completed in 1930. 
The Watchman is the spectacular formation at the south entrance of ZNP.... 1/2-mile wide and heights from 1,000 to 1,500 feet 😮.
Did I say jaw-dropping gorgeous?
One of the most recognizable and iconic landmarks in ZNP is the Checkerboard Mesa, the white sandstone formation.
Because we stayed for 3 days in Zion National Park, we were able to come and go at our leisure. One day was cloudy, thus the difference in iPhone photos! 
Thus far, photos shown were taken on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. At Canyon Junction(#3), parking is available to hop on the shuttle. The Scenic Drive through the Zion Canyon is approximately 8 miles long one-way..... and only available to shuttle buses(which runs continuously throughout the day every 15 -20 minutes). Hop on, hop off at designated stops for as long as you want. Hiking paths are available at each stop. Do them all, some, or none! 
After we completed the Narrows Hike, we stopped back by Zion Lodge, ate lunch, then hiked the Emerald Pools Trails (2 miles roundtrip). 
Below is the Zion Information Guide. It includes the hikes available.
Photos, honestly, do not capture the beauty of Zion National Park...... but they are a reminder to me of it's uniqueness....... one of the nation's most popular national parks. 
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