When our daughter, Leah turned three months old last month, we felt more confident in adding back pieces of our former lives into our new lives. We planned our first trip to Zion National Park.
Unlike our previous trips as a family of two in Zion, we were not waking up in the early hours to make it to trailheads before the sunrise. We were not choosing difficult, long trails that left you in the sun for hours to stay away from the crowds. Instead, we were arriving at the shuttle station in the busiest hours and heading to those family-friendly trails.
Having a baby in a National Park is the only experience in life where I mildly relate to being a celebrity walking out in public. People must smile, and they must stop you to share a quick compliment or story. Stepping out of the heated sun and into the shuttle after our first hike, others quickly stood up to offer their seat at the sight of us with a baby. The goodwill of others at Zion National Park filled us with unexpected hope.
Having a baby in a National Park is also a magical experience. We saw the power of nature on our new infant. Her eyes widened and her legs and arms started to jump when we stopped next to trees, rocks, and flowers. This helped us make notice of every rush of wind on our faces, every sway in the branches, and every new flower in bloom. She laughed a new, boisterous laugh we had never heard before standing next to the upper Emerald pool. She slept soundly that night after a full day of being outside.
We expected this first trip returning to Zion with an infant to be a challenge. Every time we try something new with a baby usually is. In reality, we found a new type of connection to others in the park and as a family. We felt a new appreciation to nature as we watched its magic manifest in our daughter.
Thinking about visiting Zion National Park? Check out our guide to Saint George, Utah!