National Parks- Zion National Park- Utah

On June 14th, we stayed at Zion National Park in Utah. We hiked Angels Landing which is over a mile above sea level and was about a 5 mile hike.

Yeah, we climbed to the top of that cliff.

Photo Credit: Erin Maguire

Look at the happy hikers.

Photo Credit: Erin Maguire

Half way there.

Photo Credit: Erin Maguire

We first climbed two sets of switchbacks then we got to the tough part of the climb where we had to hang onto chains and climb parts of the canyon's rock face to make it to the top.

What we had to look forward to.

Photo credit: Erin Maguire

What a view and climb.

Photo Credit: Erin Maguire

More happy hikers.

Photo Credit: Erin Maguire

View from the top of Angels Landing.

Photo Credit: Erin Maguire

Once at the top we had a gorgeous view of many of the canyons of the park as well as a nice view of the Virgin River which feeds into the Colorado River.

Lunchtime- on top of a cliff!

Photo Credit: Erin Maguire

After making our way down from the intesnve cliff face, we had a discussion about the green initiatives of Zion. First of all, unlike Bryce or Yosemite, Zion only has shuttles going to certain areas of the park; in Bryce and Yosemite you are encouraged to take the shuttle but you can drive your car to all areas of the park. In Zion, you have to park your car near the Visitor's Center and take the shuttle- the only way for us to get to Angels Landing was to take the shuttle.

The Zion Visitor Center is also a tribute to green building design.

Energy-Efficient Features:

• Trombe wall- heat from the sun is trapped between a pane of glass and a black coating. A concrete block wall stores the heat for release into the building later in the day.
• Lighting-The primary source of light in the Visitor Center is daylight because the windows were positioned in the building to collect the right amount of light. 
• Photovoltaic (PV) system- the building only uses natural light and natural cooling practices (so no air conditioning). the little power needed by the center is provoded by these solar panels. Excess power is stored in batteries.  
• Glazing design and window selection- a low-e coating on the glass reduces heat loss from the building while allowing light and heat to enter, the windows also utlize overhangs in each season.

• Trees- a canopy of trees also insualtes buidling in winter and keeps it in the shade in the summer.
• Passive down-draft cooltower- Water is circulated over pads at the top of the tower. As the water evaporates, it cools the air. The cool air "falls" through the tower into the building.