Dear readers, I extend a heartfelt invitation to join me on a remarkable adventure as we delve into the captivating realm of Zion National Park. Together, let us immerse ourselves in the unparalleled beauty that awaits, traversing its enchanting trails and witnessing nature's grandeur firsthand. From the moment we set foot on the hallowed grounds, we will be spellbound by the towering cliffs, the melodious symphony of flowing waters, and the breathtaking vistas that unfold at every turn. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of exploration, and prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring wonders of Zion National Park. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovery that promises to leave an indelible mark on our souls and forever ignite a profound appreciation for the raw power and magnificence of the natural world.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOCATION OF ZION NATIONAL PARK
It was the highlight of my trip when my boyfriend and I visited in 2021, we fell in love with its breathtaking beauty and diversity. The park is in Utah’s southwest region; we drove there from Las Vegas Airport after celebrating our friend’s wedding and rock climbing at Red Rocks. It is an easy drive, only about two and a half hours from Las Vegas. As another reference point, Zion is around a 4.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City Airport.
WHEN TO VISIT ZION NATIONAL PARK
If you're contemplating when to embark on this remarkable journey to Zion National Park, allow me to share my experience and offer you some valuable insights. Our visit took place in early November, during the park's low season. While the water in the park was slightly colder and higher during this time, we relished in the tranquility and seclusion it provided. It was a time of serene solitude, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the park's natural splendor. The added bonus was the captivating display of autumn leaves, painting the landscape with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold.
For those seeking the vibrant energy and bustling atmosphere of peak season, I recommend planning your visit between May and September. During these months, the park is abuzz with visitors from around the world, creating a lively atmosphere that can heighten the sense of adventure. However, if you prefer a quieter experience with slightly milder temperatures, consider scheduling your visit in April-May or September-October. These transitional periods offer a more temperate climate, ideal for exploration and hiking, while still showcasing the park's breathtaking beauty.
WHERE TO STAY & BEST LODGING BY ZION NATIONAL PARK
1. SPRINGDALE, UTAH
Springdale is the most populated and one of the best places to stay for Zion National Park. It is convenient and considered to be the gateway to Zion with a free shuttle service that takes you to the park entrance and Zion National Park visitors center. Springdale has a variety of accommodations, from hotels and motels to bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals along with many restaurants, shops, galleries, and services for tourists.
2. HURRICANE, UTAH
Hurricane is a cool place to stay near Zion National Park with more affordable options for lodging. There are a few local eateries and shops nearby. We chose to stay just outside of Hurricane at a place called Gooseberry Lodges which are Miniature Cabin Rentals. The little cabin was super cute and clean (and inexpensive), perfect for what we needed as a basecamp to our adventures. Hurricane is about a 30-minute drive from Zion.
3. ZION NATIONAL PARK LODGE
This is an ideal place to stay in Zion National Park if you want to be immersed in nature and enjoy stunning views of the canyon walls. The Lodge is the only lodging option in the park, but make sure to book your stay well in advance as it books up quickly.
4. KANAB, UTAH
Stay if you are on a budget and/or want to explore other nearby attractions. Kanab is about an hour's drive from Zion's east entrance and has cheaper lodging options than Springdale. It is also close to other national parks such as Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon North Rim, and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Kanab has a charming downtown area with cafes, museums, and historic buildings.
5. ST. GEORGE, UTAH
St. George is a great place to stay in Zion National Park if you prefer some home comforts and nightlife during your visit as it is one of the most popular cities in Utah with easy access to both Zion (about an hour drive) and other natural areas such as Red Cliffs Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park.
TRANSPORTATION INSIDE ZION NATIONAL PARK
The park is closed to outside traffic and offers a free shuttle bus from the town of Springdale to the Zion Canyon Visitors Center and destinations including Zion National Park Lodge and trailheads for hikes to Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, West Rim Trail and the Narrows. If you are traveling during peak season the lines to board the shuttle can get lengthy. Plan accordingly.
We decided to rent an E-Bike from Zion Guru instead of taking the shuttle. We experienced the canyon in an incredible way with this option. BONUS – The E-Bike was so much fun to ride! We stopped at scenic spots along the way, took breaks whenever we felt like it and had a personalized schedule for our day. I highly recommend it!
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS & HIKES IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
1. ZION NATIONAL PARK THE NARROWS
This hike is an amazing experience that lets you explore a stunning slot canyon with towering walls, hanging gardens and natural springs. You need to be prepared with proper equipment like water shoes, hiking poles, dry bags in addition to your typical hiking supplies. We elected to rent all our Narrows equipment from Zion Guru (the same location as our E-Bike rental). The low temperatures were in the 40's with a high in the upper 60's, the water was chilly! A dry bib with neoprene socks was a must to enhance the enjoyment of the day.
The bottom-up hike starts at the Temple of Sinawava and follows the Riverside Walk for one mile until you reach the entrance of The Narrows. From there, the hike follows the North Fork of the Virgin River upstream of the main canyon where the walls close in to form tall, narrow canyons. The bottom-up hike is about 10 miles and takes about 8 hours to complete. Hike as far as you want and return the same way. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make it back!
The Narrows hike is subject to flash flood warnings and closures due to high water levels or poor water quality. Hikers should always check the weather forecast and park conditions before attempting this hike.
2. ZION NATIONAL PARK ANGELS LANDING
Angels Landing is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. The hike climbs up roughly 1,500 vertical feet along the narrow fin of a stone that reaches a top elevation of 5,790 feet. The view is an incredible view of Zion Canyon and its 270-million-year-old rock layers.
The hike is about 5 miles round trip and takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete. Start at the Grotto Trailhead and follow the West Rim Trail along the Virgin River, ascend through Refrigerator Canyon and Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 switchbacks. The final section of the hike is called the Hogsback, where hikers must hold on to chains for support as they traverse a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. The summit of Angels Landing is reached after a short scramble over some rocks.
The hike is very strenuous and requires good physical condition and mental focus. It is not recommended for people with fear of heights or young children. The hike can be crowded and hot during peak season, so it is advisable to start early in the morning if possible.
3. ZION NATIONAL PARK EMERALD POOLS TRAIL
A very popular day hike is Zion National Park Emerald Pool, which leads hikers to a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. The trail starts at the Zion Lodge and crosses the Virgin River. The trail then heads back into a large sandstone amphitheater with three pools: lower, middle and upper.
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is an easy hike that is about 1.2 miles round trip and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is paved and mostly flat and has great views of the Virgin River, the Zion Canyon and a spectacular waterfall at the end. You can even follow the trail behind the waterfall and then through some rock cliffs towards the middle pool.
The Middle Emerald Pool Trail is a moderate hike that is about 2 miles round trip and takes about 1 hour to complete. It connects with both lower and upper pools trails and offers more views of waterfalls and pools.
The Upper Emerald Pool Trail is a strenuous hike that is about 3 miles round trip and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. It climbs steeply from the middle pool to a secluded pool at the base of a cliff.
4. ZION NATIONAL PARK OBSERVATION POINT
This hike takes you to another amazing viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon and beyond. You will ascend about 2,000 feet on a paved trail that passes by Echo Canyon, a slot canyon with interesting rock formations.
ROCK CLIMBING NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK
Zion’s 2,000-foot sandstone walls are world renowned for big wall climbs. Most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers due to the difficult climbs and the soft nature of the rock. If you are not ready for Zion yet (I’m not!), there are a lot of other options nearby!
CHUKWALLA WALL - A great sunny winter crag with over 50 routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.12b on sandstone rock.
TURTLE WALL - A popular summer destination with over 100 routes from 5.7 to 5.13a on limestone rock. A route highlight here is Director of Humor Affairs, a 5.11a sport climb that features a steep roof and a tricky crux.
LAMBS KNOLL - A scenic area with over 70 routes from 5.6 to 5.13c on basalt rock. The best season is spring through fall, but it can get crowded in the summer.
CRAWDAD CANYON - A unique climbing resort with over 200 routes from 5.4 to 5.13d on volcanic tuff rock. You need to pay a fee to access this area, but it offers amenities like showers, camping and a pool.
ISLAND IN THE SKY
A stunning formation in Snow Canyon State Park with over 60 routes from 5.6 to 5.12c on sandstone rock. One of the classic routes here is Living on The Edge, a four-pitch climb that follows a prominent arete. We climbed Leopard Skin, a four-pitch 5.7. It was a great climb that made for a fun and casual adventure!
PIONEER PARK - A convenient and fun spot near downtown St George with over 40 routes from 5.4 to 5.11d on sandstone rock. This is a great place for beginners and families, as well as bouldering enthusiasts.
BLACK ROCKS CANYON - A short drive from St George, this basalt canyon offers over 80 routes from 5.7 to 5.12 on soft and fragile rock. The best season is fall through spring but avoid climbing after rain or snow as the rock can be damaged easily.
CORAL CANYON RIDGE - A secluded area with over 50 routes from 5.8 to .13b on limestone rock. This is a good option for those looking for more challenging climbs away from the crowds.
UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE ON SAND MOUNTAIN
There is so much to do in the area near and around Zion National Park. We were looking for a rest day and something less strenuous and elected to rent a UTV (utility terrain vehicle) in Hurricane. There are several rental locations, we used Mad Moose Rentals. Their location is perfectly placed near Sand Hollow State Park, offering both UTVs and ATVs that can seat up to six people. They offer either guided or self-guided experiences with maps, GPS and helmets included.
Sand Hollow State Park was established in 2003, covering 20,000 acres and features a warm-water reservoir, sandy beaches and red rock. It is popular for off-highway vehicle riding, but also for boating, fishing, diving and camping. The park has an access tunnel to Sand Mountain which is a large sand dune area for the ATV and UTV riding.
The UTV day was a great adventure, and a totally new experience for me. (Safety reminder - please do not drive past your ability and watch out for other vehicles. Rollovers and crashes do happen!)
So, my fellow adventurers, gather your spirit of exploration, pack your bags, and prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through Zion National Park—an expedition that promises to leave an indelible mark upon our souls, forever reminding us of the boundless wonders that await those who dare to seek them.
Zion is truly a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast! Have a blast and happy adventuring!
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