Zion National Park, Utah
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Zion National Park
Utah
Zion National Park in Utah, is a land of unlimited recreation and better hiking is not found anywhere. Zion's trails range from easy strolls along the Lower Emerald Pools to intense paths like Angels Landing. Atop this lofty peak you will be eye level with the towering Great White Throne and other magnificent monoliths of Zion Canyon. Angels Landing can be hiked almost year-round. Beyond hiking, climbers flock to the park to scale the walls, canyoneers come to drop into dark, skinny slot canyons including the world renowned Zion Narrows and backpackers arrive ready to explore the East and the West Rims. Some explore the natural arches found on the in the park and others head to the Kolob sections see the world's 2nd longest arch or the enjoy the spectacular scenic drives. |
Plan your Utah trip with our "Canyon Country "
Vacation Itinerary
Athough Zion, is a smaller National Park it is packed full of adventure, exciting views and trails. Zion National Park is only second to Yosemite when it comes to rock climbing "big walls." Zion Canyon Shuttle drivers will point out mountain climbers when they are active. One of the regular shuttle stops is at Big Bend, where climbers can often be seen scaling the giant monolith; Angels Landing. Hiking trails are abundant in the Southwest and hiking is a favorite pastime in the park, second only to the scenic drives. If biking is your goal, the Pa'rus Trail offers a safe bike path that runs from the campgrounds to Canyon Junction, which is the spur off the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway into Zion Canyon. Zion Canyon and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy can also be biked. In the busy summer Zion Canyon is relatively "car" free with the exception of the shuttles. The shuttles do carry bike racks if you want to ride up hill to the Temple of Sinawava and then pretty much coast all the way back to the campgrounds. Fishing is allowed in the park with a current Utah fishing license and swimming is allowed in the Virgin River. Just outside the park you will see people riding tubes and kayaks. ATV and 4WD trails, golf, historic sites and rock hounding are all offered on the east side of Zion National Park.
Zion National Park Mileage to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. |
Canyoneering in Zion
Many flock to Zion to challenge the Zion Narrows, but the sport of canyoneering has gone far beyond just river hiking.. Zion is truly the U.S. mecca for canyoneers. The sport of canyoneering involves the use of ropes, harnesses and other gear. Orderville Canyon and the Subway are two of the easier technical canyons within the park boundaries. These canyons still must be done with great caution and involve gear and technique to safely navigate the obstacles found through the watercourse. Most slot canyons in Zion also involve a long hike to and out of the canyon and are for those that crave hardcore adventure. |
Zion National Park Vacation: Canyon Country
Zion Mt. Carmel Highway: Cars and normal sized trucks can travel SR-9, from Zion's south entrance, out the east entrance (or visa versa) to the junction of SR-9 & US-89 year-round, 24 hours a day. See restrictions for oversized vehicles.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: April through October only the free Zion Shuttle is permitted to travel through the canyon. November through March private vehicle may drive along the road and park at the trailheads in the canyon. (Shuttle dates may vary slightly) |
 Nature Notes
Zion is extremely popular in the warm months of the year, but the winter has a mystical draw for many. Early spring rains bring water flow that is not seen the rest of the year. Wildflowers burst with color in the spring. Fall in southern Utah is spectacular, as autumn's red and orange glows give another perspective to the natural green setting of Zion National Park. But still most come to the park in the summer when everything is basked with sun and beauty.
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