Greetings America!

Hope you had a productive and accomplished work week and that your ready to enjoy the weekend I know I am! For those of you lucky enough to be visiting Zion National Park this weekend, we have some good news.

The North Fork wildfire that was started by lightning about 24 miles southeast of Cedar City. has been contained. The 5 acre fire is burning in the steep rugged terrain of the canyon. However, firefighters have been able to access the area on foot. Helicopter aerial attacks have also proven effective as Crews from Color County Fire Management, the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Dixie National Forest and the State of Utah are on the scene.

Due to the speedy containment response by firefighters, there have been no evacuations, injuries or closures. So those of you visiting the Park have nothing to fear as reports indicate that the fire is considered over 40% contained and crews say they hope to have it completely contained by Saturday night. "After Tuesday's high wind, we had favorable conditions today and the crews really got a lot of work done," Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Incident Commander David Hamilton said. "This is the step-by-step part of the job now - finding any leftover hot spots and getting rid of them," he said. "It's tenacious, demanding work, and the crews are doing a fantastic job. . . If we continue to get favorable weather and make good progress, we could begin to demobilize some of our crews by [tomorrow]."

The firefighters are to be commended for their quick and systematic containment of the fire so that we can enjoy Zion this weekend without having to fear for our safety our hats go off to these brave men doing their job to keep us from harm. Happy Trails!

Photo By: Picture Taking Fool ()

Greetings America!

If you visit Zion this month look up at Kolb Canyon as you pass it by and you may see Kevin Zwick hanging from it. Have no fear Zwick is fully trained (he has spent 14 years of training) and is fully prepared for the 2,000 foot climb. His strategy is a slow but sure ascent of the Canyon as he tells Colorado's Channel 9 news: 

"I will climb up to various points along the wall, I will then repel back down, retrieve gear that I used to climb that section of rock," he said. "I will then haul my gear up to the point where I'm at and then climb the next section and then come back down and repeat that for about 2,000 feet."

Zwick plans to spent several days making the ascent, living in the mountain and sleeping on a ledges that he will be mounting by the end of each day.

"The ledge is actually relatively comfortable because I can sprawl out on it and I don't have to worry about being cramped on a small sloping rock ledge that I might slip off of in the middle of the night." 

This grueling test of will and strength is also Zwick's way of raising awareness for the Rocky Mountain MS Center. Already having raised several thousnad dollars through his activities, Zwick hopes that this highly publicized climb will continue to raise money and awareness for the center. 

"It's an amazing resource with amazing people that work there that are really striving on a daily basis to provide resources education seminars to people that really need help," 

To learn more about the Rocky Mountain MS Center and to donate you can visit their website by following the link (). Good Luck Kevin! 

Last week we talked about the historic Zion Lodge. This week the lodge completed a renovation of some of the historic cabins that were part of the Lodge. Originally built in 1927, the cabins are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The owners of the lodge, Xanterra Parks and Resorts, worked to restore the original look and feel of the cabins while keeping up with modern materials such as plumbing and electricity. 

"The cabins and baths inspired by Union Pacific archival photos have been redone to try and capture that feeling of a bygone era that made our national parks one of our country's proudest achievements," said Trina Smith, general manager of Zion Lodge. There are 40 of these cabins available and therefore space is limited. To make a reservation for one of these historic landmarks of Zion you can either visit the lodges website or call 888-297-2757
Happy Trails!

Photo by: Dr. Doc ()

In celebration of National Trails Day this Saturday and Sunday, June 5-6th , you get FREE admission to Zion along with the rest of the National Parks. That's right. Free!

“National parks offer visitors great places to exercise their bodies and their minds- or just relax with family or friends,” said Park Service director Jon Jarvis. "Whatever your interests come on out this weekend and experience the best places that America has at the best price you’ll find - free!”

Other dates in which the parks entrance fee is scheduled to be waived this year are August 14-15th, September 25th and November 11th. So mark your calenders and seize this great opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Zion and begin forming your own great adventure with family and friends!

However those who are trekking to Zion this weekend need to be reminded of the construction that is going on around the park's east entrance that began yesterday. For a complete listing of construction schedule along with alternate routes, click on the link. ()
Happy Trails! 

photo credit: Kevin McNeal ()

For those looking for excitement, adventure and a fun time with both family and friends now is the best time to visit Zion National Park! Today begins the 4th Annual Amazing Earthfest in Kenab. Just a stone’s throw away from Zion, Kenab is located along Route 89, just a few miles west of the park. The event, which runs all week long features a wide array of activities from lectures to movies to Native American culture programs and horseback rides.

The event is designed to celebrate both national and state parks and help visitors form a greater appreciation for the natural wonders around them. The events are designed to be both educational and fun as scholars, scientists and staff of several major educational institutions are asked to take part in the activities along with artists, musicians and storytellers. Throughout the week there will be an art show, a nature hike, and a series of lectures every day along with various other activities designed to inspire and excite visitors of all ages and from all walks of life.

For a complete list of the daily events, directions or any other information please visit http://www.amazingearthfest.com/index.html . Feel free to share your experiences from this week in the comment section below
Happy Trails!