This was my first visit to Zion National Park and I was in love with it very soon after entering the park. Even though it is not as large as some other parks, it is a paradise for hiking, photography and feasting on majestic landscape. It is hard to believe as you walk around that the seemingly meek Virgin River has created this canyon through the towering red cliffs, but she has indeed.
During the busy summer months, visitors are required to park their cars either at the parking lot by the Visitor Center or in the village of Springdale which is literally at the doorstep of the park. From either location they can then board the shuttle which takes visitors around the park to various view-points and trail heads. Exception to this is the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Utah-Rt 9) which goes east towards Kanab and offers a most scenic drive and goes through a very impressive tunnel.
Inside the park there is one hotel, The Zion Lodge, and those staying there receive a special permit to be able to drive their own cars to the lodge. However once inside they too are required to use the shuttle to get around the park.
I stayed for longer but here is what you should put on your list if you only have a day to visit or if you want a couple of very leisurely days consisting of short walks, relaxing and admiring the scenery from the shuttle or your car.
- Take a stroll along the Virgin River
Your best bet is if you park at the Visitor Center (in the busy summer months, it fills up by 9AM), there are restrooms, exhibits with lots of info, and the shuttle stop is very easy to spot. From here you can either walk towards the river or take the shuttle to the first stop and cross the street down to the river.
- Court of the Patriarchs
It’s a very short walk up to the viewpoint to get a great view of one of the three tallest peaks in the park, named after the apostles- Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
- The Emerald Pool
You must absolutely make time for this short and easy hike. Get off at the Zion Lodge shuttle stop and walk across the lawn and the small bridge to the beginning of the trail. I’ve done a couple of the longer and more famous hikes in Zion and yet this one is up there among my top favorites. It is so very pretty!
- The Temple of Sinawana
It is the next to the last shuttle stop and when you get there it will be clear to you why it has this name, you’ll be standing surrounded by the highest peaks of Zion. Look straight up and you will see Angels’ Landing and if your eyes are healthy enough you’ll be able to make out the people climbing up to it. If you look at the photo bellow, the paved triangle next to the road is the Temple Of Sinawana stop; you cannot climb up from there to where this photo was taken from, it’s just a good place to get off the shuttle and really take in the grand surroundings.
- Riverside Walk
This is the last shuttle stop. From here a paved walkway goes along the Virgin River for about 2 miles. There is hardly any elevation, it is simply a beautiful, relaxing stroll. It can be done with children or elderly and since it is paved and in good condition it is easily accessible by wheelchair. At the end of the paved walkway you can take the few steps and relax on the sandy river bank or on one of the giant rocks sitting by the river. Here you will also see the hikers who choose to do “The Narrows”, the hike through the river further into the canyon.
On the way back a good place to stop for a meal is the Zion Lodge. There are both a restaurant and a very humble cafe but you can also bring your own picnic and sit on the huge lawn in front of the lodge.
- Take the Scenic Drive on Route 9
This is the road I mentioned earlier, going east within Zion, where you can drive your own car even during the summer. Depending on how much time you spend taking photos you can do a roundtrip within 90 minutes or 4 hours…. . It is insanely photogenic!!! So if you are like me and can’t stop snapping away keep this in mind when you plan your trip.
Other things worth knowing:
Springdale has the best accommodation, aside from Zion Lodge, although in the high season it gets expensive and booked up.
Other hotels/motels are in Hurricane, about 25 minutes away from Zion NP and they are all modest.
There are two campgrounds near the southern entrance to Zion NP, The Watchman requires reservation and The South Campground is on a first come first serve bases. There’s also a private campsite in Springdale as well as one by the east entrance.
