Zion National Park

Slot Canyons and River Hikes

You may not have heard much about Zion National Park. but we can recommend it to you...

Make it part of your exploration of the American West.

It is overshadowed by it's bigger, more famous neighbor...

The Grand Canyon...

A canyon which is wide and open and puts on a show for you in the changing light.

And it may seem a little staid next to its showy smaller neighbor Bryce Canyon...

Where hoodoos seem to dance and play and invite you in.

A Park Of Hidden Treasures

When you first arrive in Zion, you might even say, "How can I really see this park?" This is a place of soaring, brooding walls... a park of hidden treasures.

As a kid exploring Zion National Park, what I remember is the winding road into the park...

Those towering cliffs around the lodge...

And a walk under a big overhanging rock I was worried would fall on me. 

I guess that rock is pretty stable because as an adult, I walked under that same rock... somehow it didn't seem so threatening.

My favorite new memory is a day hike in The Narrows... fighting our way up the river with the canyon towering over us made us feel like real adventurers.

The Virgin River Carved These Canyons

There really is no place to drive around inside the park.

Scenic roads lead into the park and stop at the river.

The Virgin River cuts through it... continuing to carve the canyon. 

During the crowded summer months, no private vehicles are allowed into the heart of Zion Canyon.

Free shuttle buses run frequently to popular stops.

Shuttles also run from the nearby town of Springdale.

It's easy and convenient to transfer to the park shuttle.

If you arrive in the Zion National Park on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway...

...you'll start your scenic drive as you enter the park.

Entrance Roads To Zion National Park

This winding road offers sweeping views of the canyon...

   ...the Great Arch of Zion,

   ...and the Checkerboard Mesa....

   ...rock that seems to swirl and flow.

You will also pass through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel where you'll get peek-a-boo views of the stunning rock formations.

(Note: This road has oversize vehicles restrictions. It is narrow and winding. If your RV is too big, you may be re-directed or you may need an escort to drive this road. There is an extra fee of about $15 for the escort.)

You Can See Why Checkboard Mesa Got Its Name

Walk To Appreciate Zion's Canyons

You must do a little walking to appreciate Zion. 

A short but steep hike will take you to Weeping Rock. 

Take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop. 

For a short easy walk, take the mile-long paved trail up the river to the beginning of a slot canyon. 

Slot Canyon Hikes - The Zion Narrows

If you want a classic Zion National park hike, this is where you will begin the hike through the Zion Narrows....

It's a fun, exhilarating, inspiring hike, but the Park Service emphasizes that it is not to be taken lightly.

There is no trail per se... the Virgin River IS the trail. 

You will be walking IN the river as much as 60% of the time. The current can be strong.... it threatens to sweep you off your feet in places. 

The water is cold, and you will be in shade...

Because the walls of the canyon close to only 20-30 feet apart at times!

Sheer vertical walls soar above you. If I'm gushing a bit about this hike, it's because it's one of my favorite new memories remember.  (No pictures here... it was a few years ago, and we left our camera back in the room so we wouldn't get it wet.  Pity!)

Check On Weather Conditions For Flash Flood Warnings

Check with the Visitors Bureau for information that will help you decide if you should make this hike.

You don't need a back country permit if you are just going part way up the slot canyon and back in one day, but you need to check the weather.

Flash floods are a constant possibility. If conditions are right, and you are prepared, this is a hike you will never forget.

Get Above The Canyon

Hike UP to Angel's Landing for a different view over part of the park. Switchbacks climb up, and a narrow rocky ridge takes you to the lookout, so it’s not for someone afraid of heights.

For the more adventurous still, there is rock climbing.

Getting There And Accommodations

The best way to get to this park is to drive yourself.  A fun one or two week vacation is to drive the Western National Park Loop.

There is a Lodge inside the park and plenty of accommodations in the town of Springdale.

As you walk and explore, you'll find that Zion National Park welcomes you and rewards your walks with the hidden treasures you didn't expect when you first saw that towering rock wall as you drove in.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark

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Thanks, Judy and Mark

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