Welcome to Zion National Park!
Utah is home to many of parks, but Zion National Park was Utah’s first! It goes without saying that this place is worth a visit!
Located in the south east corner of the state, only two hours from nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. However, don’t let the close proximity fool you, both parks are drastically different and each offer unique landscapes and activities.
Zion is the 4th busiest National Park
In 2018, Zion had over 4.3 million visitors! Thats more than the iconic Yellowstone National Park. As you might expect the park has experienced issues with over crowding and traffic congestion; measures have been put in place to help alleviate the problems.
If you’re like us and visit during the summer it would be wise to book your accommodation ahead of time because the campgrounds WILL fill up. Also, plan to take advantage of the shuttle service offered throughout the park. The parking at Zion is so limited it may as well be non-existent, we didn’t know this until we had already arrived and by then it was too late. We were forced to tour the park on our own and we unable to stop at many of the iconic points due to lack of parking.
View from the valley floor!
For the most part Zion Canyon is viewed from the bottom of the canyon as opposed to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon being viewed from the rim. I found this to be humbling as we made our way into the park.
Zion is widely known for its insane hiking trails! Angels Landing is one of the most sought after hikes, not for the faint of heart, there are plenty of long drop-offs and steep exposed sections especially on the final push to the summit. Once at the top the panoramic views from the top will erase any fears of heights you had. Plan 4-5 hours round trip for Angels Landing and be sure to make it back to the start before the last shuttle of the day!
Another popular hike is the Narrows, this one is longer than Angels Landing but not as exposed or steep. The trail will take you deep into a narrow canyon that will tower above you on both sides. Do you research beforehand as this hike is very much weather dependent. It is probably the last trail you would want to be on if a storm was approaching.
Theres also plenty of hikes suitable for children as well as paved trails that are handicap accessible. Zion National Park has tons of ranger led programs and activities that take place throughout the year. Check out the park website here for a detailed look at what’s going on but expect wildlife encounters, star gazing, nature hikes, geology classes, and much more! Horseback riding is also one of the main attractions for visitors looking for a unique experience.
Mount Carmel Highway
The scenic twelve mile highway provides access to the park from the east. making it easier for visitors to visit Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
Famous Tunnel
The 1.1 mile tunnel was opened to the public on July 4th 1930, at the time the tunnel was the longest of its kind in the United States. Not much has changed since then but the narrow road combined with the sharp turns began to cause a wide number of wrecks as visitor numbers began to rise. Permits are now issued for anyone looking to make the drive with a RV or Trailer.
Checkerboard Mesa
I wouldn’t advise trying to run up the checkerboard mesa in sandals, its much steeper than it looks. Makes me look pretty small in comparison. The unique grid-like erosion pattern can be seen on the surrounding cliffs but none as as drastic as the one pictured above.
Big bend, canyon junction and the weeping rock are also notable areas of interest that I would suggest visiting. When you are planning your visit be sure to a lot plenty of time for the shuttle system. I would advise against driving through the park in your own vehicle.
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