Our second stop in Utah was Zion National Park. Although the drive into the park down winding roads was a little nerve-racking, the park is beautiful.
Zion National Park
2018 Price: Free due to my Annual Pass (Fee would have been $35 for a 7-day pass)
Zion National Park
You would think seeing canyon walls would get old, but they never do because each sight is picturesque in its own way.
Hiking in Zion
Zion is a hiker’s paradise. I preferred the Grand Canyon due to the ease of seeing everything compared to Zion where there are more individual hikes and stop-offs required.
The most popular trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows are in Zion Canyon. Routes on other trails may not be well marked and can be difficult to follow. Some trails on the East Rim Trail, such as Observation Point, have long-term closures due to a major rockfall. You can still get to Observation Point from the East Mesa Trail; however, the road to the trailhead is rough so it is suggested to park down the road at a large dirt lot.
Additional trails are in Kolob Canyon and Kolob Terrace. If you are visiting during peak season, many find the Kolob Canyon area to be less crowded but just as beautiful.
Many of these hikes are in remote or harsh locations. Be sure of your hiking ability and do research before heading out. Rangers have to complete many rescues each year.
Zion Canyon Trails
The Pa’rus Trail is universally accessible although people in wheelchairs might need help. Many of the other ‘easy’ hikes are short with steep paths and may have minor drop-offs. Emerald Pool has three trails – Lower, Middle and Upper Emerald Pool.
Spring through fall, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to shuttle busses only. You must park at the visitor center or museum at the entrance. We found this out the hard way – there was a sign except we missed it. There are parking lots throughout the park, so we thought it was ok.
Angels Landing
This is an extremely popular but strenuous trail. It is almost 5.5 miles on the West Rim Trail. The last section has deep drop-offs along a steep, narrow ridge. Visitors need to use a chain to move on the path in a single file line. Hikers can be stuck waiting for others to pass before being able to move. Starting in April 2022, visitors need a permit to hike on this trail.
The Narrows
Another well-known hike is The Narrows via the Riverside Walk. Marvel at the gorge walls which are a thousand feet tall. Hike as far in as you like and then turn around to head back the way you came. This is an adventurous trail for those looking to hike up to 9 miles and spend over half the trail wading, walking, and swimming in the river. Flash floods are common and can be deadly.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
This scenic highway runs from the south entrance to the east entrance. The trailhead and parking area for the one-mile Canyon Overlook Trail are just after the tunnel. Parking here is very limited.
East Entrance
From the east entrance of the park, you can see Checkerboard Mesa, a white-colored mesa. There are limited pull-off parking spots here and they are small, but it is worth a stop if you find one.
Other activities available in the park include rock climbing, horseback riding, biking, camping, and bird watching.