Literally glorious! Zion NP is a really unique mix of sandstone rocks and lush wilderness. My first trip to Zion NP was with a group, which I think held me back from really getting to know and appreciate the area. This past month I returned for a weekend of great scenery and personal fulfillment… and damn!! Am I satisfied!!

If you’re itching to plan according to NPS recommendations, here is a PDF of the single sheet the rangers are currently giving out upon entrances. Zion does not generally give out the larger map brochures, and this is a nice summary of hikes and the shuttle system.

 

There is a shuttle that runs through the park you can hop on at the Visitor’s Center (stop 1) or the Museum (stop 2, usually more parking available). Cars are not permitted after the Lodge (stop 5), and parking is a pain, so plan on taking the shuttle to all public trailheads! The hike most hyped on the internet seems to be Angel’s Landing – I personally do not like it, and I have never met a ranger or avid hiker who has recommended it. The hype encourages far too many tourists, which makes the dangerous chain-climb at the end super unpleasant. If you are really dying to go, I’ve heard ~4 AM is the best time to start: avoid the masses and see the sunrise.

Day Hikes

• My favorite day hike in Zion is to Observation Point. This hike is definitely strenuous, gaining 1000+ feet in elevation, and NPS recommends allotting ~6 hours. It takes me ~3.5 hours roundtrip, including a lunch break at the top, but keep in mind that I am active and live at an extreme elevation, so my lungs can easily handle the climb. Observation Point is by far the best view of the park (far above Angel’s Landing)! The strenuous rating and time requirement deter a lot of less experienced hikers, so even on the busiest days you will not encounter as many people as you would on other trails. The trailhead splits about a mile up for the trail to Hidden Canyon. Hidden Canyon is great in that it’s not super packed. However, expect some chain-climbing and low-key bouldering to get to the canyon. I recommend Observation Point over Hidden Canyon if you have the time!
• Another classic Zion hike is The Narrows! While not particular challenging, the hike through water down the Virgin River could be rough with the cold temps. The nice thing about this out-and-back trail is that the time requirement is very flexible; you can turn around at any point, still having gotten a good feel for the hike. You will have to bring/rent equipment, like water shoes and perhaps hiking poles, which is available locally in St. George and at the Visitor’s Center. Also – this hike is not open all year round! If you’re planning on hiking The Narrows, check on Zion’s official NPS page to scope out any weather-related closures.
• If you’re looking for an easier, quicker hike, I like connecting the Lower and Upper Emerald Pools. Depending on the season, you could see a great waterfall and full pools! Take the trail to the Lower Pools, and then simply continue along the trail after checking those out to reach the Upper Pools.

Even More To Do

Other fun activities in Zion NP are climbing and canyoneering. I have friends that gush about both but have not personally participated in either at the park! Both activities require permits, which can be reserved in advance. From my understanding, the less technical areas can be obtained day-of from the permitting office at the Visitor’s Center. Additionally, Bicycling through the park is very popular! Bikes are allowed on all public roads (but not the tunnel). There are plenty of bike rental options within Springdale, and entering the park on a bike brings entrance down to $15 per person.

Spending the Night

There are technically three campsites within the park. If you’re planning day hikes, I’d only recommend South Campground or Watchman Campground. Both are relatively equal with bathrooms and water. South Campground sites can be booked two weeks in advance of your arrival, but are reserved quickly. Watchman Campground can be reserved months in advance. If you’re looking for first-come, first-serve availability, plan on getting to the campgrounds early in the morning. Weekdays in the summer, of course, have a higher likelihood of available sites. I was unable to secure a site at either campground during my last visit to Zion. Instead, I camped on BLM land, Smithsonian Buttes, about twenty minutes from the park. A different, more secluded experience! Here is a map of nearby BLM camping options. If you’re going this route, I would definitely recommend a high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle. Some of the unpaved roads are really rough!

Springdale, UT

Immediately outside the south park entrance is Zion Canyon Village, where you can find Zion Brewery – nothing more satisfying after a long, active day. I enjoyed a really great meal at the low-key Cafe Soleil; if you’re traveling with dietary restrictions, just about everything can be made vegan or gluten-free. The nearby Springdale area leading up to the park entrance is full of rock and mineral shops; cool but a little tricky! Be careful not to buy colored glass instead of geodes!

Zion NP entrance fee is $30/car/week. I constantly recommend everyone become an America the Beautiful passholder for $80/year! National Parks are typically ~$30/car, so if you visit three parks, the pass pays for itself.