Check out this video Will produced from footage of our trip to Utah where we visited Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef National Parks!

Date of trip: June 2007

We decided to plan a trip to Utah after a fellow traveler told me it was his favorite place and looked like no other in the world. We booked our cabin at Zion a year in advance and chose early June to avoid crowds and the intense heat that comes later in the summer. We flew into Las Vegas and drove 2 1/2 hours to the park. The drive was beautiful as deserts turned to mountains and canyons. My parents and my brother Chris joined us.

Highlights:

-Cars are not allowed in Zion from the spring through the fall. A free park shuttle will take you along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and stop at all the main sites and hiking trailheads. The stops include viewing points for The Temple of Sinawava, the Court of the Patriarchs and the Great White Throne, rock formations that I found particularly impressive. You can also check out the Human History Museum or Visitor Center to learn more about the park and plan your activities there. If you are patient and have good eyes (or binoculars) you may be able to spot the famous Natural Bridge on a mountain outside the museum. The shuttle schedule varies, but during the summer it runs from 5:45am to 10pm and comes about every 5 minutes.

-Zion is a hiker’s paradise and there are trails of all levels in the park. If you are not the athletic type or are short on time, the Weeping Rock Trail is the shortest in the park at a half mile round-trip. It takes you to a beautiful hanging garden caused by springs that drip continuously down the steep rock face. Another relatively easy and popular trail is the Emerald Pools Trail which leads to waterfalls that form pretty pools. The falls can be powerful or weak depending on the water level during the time you visit. It is just over a half mile on a paved trail one way to the Lower Pool. The trail gets more difficult to the Middle and Upper Pools.

-The Narrows is a moderate hike to and through Zion’s famous slot canyons and it is widely considered the best hike in the United States. It offers a truly unique and stunning perspective of the park, but does require some advance preparation. Most people who hike The Narrows do a bottom up day hike to Orderville Canyon. This takes at least 4-5 hours. A through hike from the top to bottom can be done in about 12 hours or with an overnight camp out but requires a permit. Checking the weather forecast before heading out is necessary as rain could cause a flash flood in the canyon and leave you trapped with no escape. I strongly recommend renting the appropriate socks, shoes and walking sticks from Zion Adventure Company right outside the park. Much of the hike requires walking in water on slippery rocks and having waterproof footwear and an adequate stick to keep your balance is in my opinion worth the $17/person rental fee. I also encourage hikers to start early to avoid crowds and the heat of midday. All that said, as long as you take the necessary safety precautions, hiking The Narrows is a rewarding and beautiful experience you will never forget.

-The Red Rock Grill is Zion’s only restaurant other than a small a la carte cafe. Although it is casual, dinner reservations are required and worth it as the dinner is very good. Another meal option is the Zion Pizza and Noodle Company right outside the park. The Springdale shuttle will drop you off right in front of it.

-Entering or leaving Zion through the East entrance is a must so you can drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The scenic byway travels over six switchbacks and through two tunnels blown into mountains. It offers some of the most dramatic views in the park. Vehicles 7’10″ wide and/or 11’4″ tall or larger require an escort through the tunnels and will be charged a $15 fee. There are many places to pull out on the road for pictures including a stop for the Checkerboard Mesa, a giant rock face with carvings on it resembling a checkerboard. Right outside the second tunnel is the Canyon Overlook Trail, which is not too difficult but is steep and has some uneven terrain. The scenery here is absolutely beautiful and if you are lucky you might even see some bighorn sheep!

Like so many of the national parks in the United States, Zion is truly a treasure. There are few places you can visit that will leave you so impressed with nature’s power and beauty. It is important for me to add that respect for that power should be upheld at all times. Whenever hiking, even on the easy trails, it is vital to protect yourself by wearing adequate gripping footwear as well as a hat and sunscreen. You should always carry sufficient water and snacks. Stay on trails and follow all park rules. Every year, people die from preventable accidents. Make sure you play it safe and trip to Zion will be fun and memorable experience.

For more pictures, please visit my Photo Gallery or click on any of the photos posted above.

Zion Links:
Zion National Park Official Site
Zion Lodging and Dining Reservations Site
Zion Adventure Company
Zion Pizza and Noodle Company