Zion National Park is AmaZing
/I am no hiking or park expert but I know enough to know that Zion National Park is INCREDIBLE and a must do activity. This very special park is accessible, unique, breathtaking and a place any human would enjoy.
why pick zion?
Unlike many national parks, Zion is quite accessible. It’s just about a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas’ major, international airport. Visitors stay in Springdale, an adorable town (more on Springdale below) that is quite literally situated at the footsteps of the park. And the park itself is not nearly as massive as some others (Yellowstone!). Depending on your hiking interest, a 2-5 night stay is enough to tackle most - if not all - of what you’d want to see in the park.
Needless to say, Zion is also stunningly beautiful. Everywhere you look there are towering red canyons and picturesque vistas. Some of the most famous hikes in the country are also at Zion - like The Narrows, a hike through the Virgin River - and (the scary sounding) Angels Landing. The Narrows was closed during our visit, so we’d like to come back one day to do it.
What to do inside zion national park?
Don’t worry if Angels Landing isn’t your cup of tea. Many national parks, including Zion, have hiking trails for all abilities. At Zion there are about four “easy” hikes, some even with paved trails, that really anyone can handle. We did one such trail, Riverside Walk, after our canyoning experience. It was a pleasant, easy walk that gave us great views of the Narrows trail and the Virgin River.
Most trails in Zion are accessible via a free shuttle system that runs through the park. Cars are not allowed within Zion during the high season. As an alternative to the (admittedly slow and hot) shuttles, many visitors rent electric bikes to access trails and to generally explore the park’s beauty.
On the recommendation of locals, we did the one hike that visitors can drive to because it’s located in different area of the park. It is called Canyon Overlook and in my non-expert opinion, it is INCREDIBLE. This easy-to-moderate hike is just about one mile in length (there and back), and features breathtaking canyon views throughout. Even the drive up to the trail start is worthy of your time. Just spectacular. Note that this trail does have some exposed bits, and is therefore not ideal for wandering toddlers. Also, parking is quite limited, so start early or be prepared to wait for parking.
what to most definitely do that’s just outside the park
“Canyoneering is an outdoor activity that combines route finding, rappelling, problem solving, swimming, and hiking. Zion National Park has become one of the premier places in the country to participate in this exciting activity.” - NPS Website.
Our half day Adventure Canyon Quest with Zion Guru was one of the most special memories we’ve made so far as a family. I urge any visitors - adult or child - to try it. We hiked, we climbed, we squeezed through small spaces and slot canyons and we rappelled down 90 feet cliffs. It was exciting and invigorating. Both kids were initially petrified of the rappel, and ultimately all four of us LOVED it. I legitimately want to go rappelling again. What a family memory. Our guide, Tyler, was fantastic and so patient with us as beginners.
springdale also makes a visit to zion great
Whether you are an avid hiker or a “one and done” hiker, everyone needs a place to rest his head and fill his belly after a day at the park. At Zion, these places are actually GREAT! No need to stay in some creepy government owned lodge or eat cafeteria food here (Yellowstone!) - Springdale is an adorable, quaint, tourist centric (but not over touristed or overly commercial) town located immediately outside the Zion NP boundaries.
The views in town are as stunning as inside the park and most every place you eat in town has a beautiful patio upon which you can sit and soak up those views. In the morning, the air was so cool and dry, my husband and I would have loved to sit out with coffee for hours. Springdale gave us those same cozy feelings we had in Jackson, Wyoming.
There are lots of great places to eat in town. We particularly liked Oscar’s Cafe, Whiptail Grill and MeMe’s Cafe. Restaurants in Springdale are relaxed, casual spots with no reservations taken and no pretention offered.
We also LOVED where we stayed in town. Cliffrose Lodge is part of the Hilton Curio Collection and it offered some of the best service I’ve experienced in my many, many years of travel. It’s a lovely property with the most wonderful, helpful staff. It’s also situated perfectly in Springdale with just a five minute walk to the entrance to Zion National Park. Highly recommend!
Utah came really strong (PS I also really enjoyed our quick visit to Salt Lake City)! Hopefully we’ll see you again zoon, ZNP!
