Window Mt. Carmel Tunnel   Zion      click to enlarge

This could very well be an observation window overlooking the East gate into the Mines of Moria, also known as Khazad-dûm. Khazad-dûm, which means Delving of the Dwarves in their language, perfectly describes the purpose of the city they created within the mountain.

It was here, in Moria, that the dwarves created the tunnels and caverns that was the magical city beneath the Misty mountains. It’s history is as long as that of Middle-Earth and it is made up of legends of monumental victories, incredible tragedies, halls filled with gold, silver, and jewels that defy counting, and was the source of the fabled Mithril, a metal beyond price. It also contains the bones of those who failed to protect it.

Much of the adventures of the Fellowship could well have been shot here in Zion National Park. If you know the story at all you can imagine where many of the events could have taken place had they been staged here. This window, one of several carved into the face of the mountain, lets in air and a small amount of almost blinding sunlight that you encounter as you travel through the near total darkness of the 1.1 mile long Mt. Carmel tunnel. It isn’t difficult to imagine orcs watching from the darkness as you pass.

The natural wonders of Zion are more than enough to draw you there but it’s always fun to add a layer of fantasy to this spectacle of natures miracles. But even if you’re not a fan of “Lord of The Rings” you’ll have your own adventure just experiencing this amazing place.