Mount Zion National Park

I visited Mount Zion National Park for the first time in 2012. This was my first experience at a national park. I was living in Las Vegas at the time and had mainly stuck to hiking Red Rock Canyon with my dogs and best friends LiLi and Peter Parker. I had been in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship for well over a year and sought out places I felt were safer than home. Living in Vegas was hard for me because I was not a drinker, I didn’t gamble or party. I felt claustrophobic and alone.

I began looking for places to get away. I found Mount Zion. I rented a car and took the almost three-hour drive on Interstate 15 North. I was in love with the scenery as I made my way through two new states (Arizona and Utah). The mountains continued to grow around me and finally, I was driving through the quaint town of Springdale, Utah. It was mid-spring and I could still see snow dustings on the peaks of the mountains. The ranger at the gate informed me I would not be able to visit the Narrows because the river waters were too high from the snow melt, that was fine with me I thought, “I’m grateful to just be present“.

I spent the entire day in the park stopping and going every few steps in utter awe of what I was seeing before me. This was the most peace I had experienced in a very long time. The connection to Earth and Mother Nature is real, never allow anyone to convince you otherwise. I felt I could breathe again. I hiked some of the easier trails and photographed everything I could. This park is huge and beautiful. The second time I visited the park I took my partner. Our relationship had its ups but even more downs. I think I only went with him to prove I had been there before and not out-cheating on him like he was me. We women can go through some denial stages I tell ya! I felt if I showed him my world of nature’s beauty how it would make him want to be only with me, I was wrong of course. I ended up visiting the park a few more times alone before ending the relationship and deciding to move back to Florida.

My visits to Zion gave me hope. It’s full of life, energy, and resilience. The flow of the river; its voice consumed me. The red rocks with trees growing through them showed strength and the wildlife and their families taught me how precious life is and how we can always survive no matter the uncertainty. It also sparks in me a flame to explore. For this, I am truly indebted.