Zion National Park, a lush green valley fed by the waters of the Virgin river and set amongst immense towering monoliths of rock rising almost vertically to the sky. Magnificent galleries of stone, upward winding trails leading to tranquil pools and stunning overlooks make this park an outstanding and popular destination. The park has an abundance of wildlife though best seen early morning or late evening. As the park is basin shaped it holds the heat, by midday it can be quite overpowering if you are not used to it. Early morning or late afternoon is recommended if a strenuous hike is planned.

Location: Southern Utah.

Approach : from the East, (hwy. 9) to the park entrance and pay station then an astonishing winding scenic road which eventually takes you through a tunnel blasted through solid rock. Thereafter steep hairpin bends before the short run to the visitor center.
From the West, (hwy. 9) through Springdale to the park entrance and the pay station. The visitor center is a little further along the road and to the right. The Kolob Canyons area of Zion is reached from the ( I 15 )south of Ceder City.

Parking : Parking within the valley itself is only permitted with a pass or reservations at Zion Lodge and cabins. The main vehicle parks are at the visitor center where there is generally adequate space for all. Here also are the restrooms and information desks. To get to the main Zion valley there are frequent free shuttle buses taking visitors to all points, dropping off or picking up in a full loop. During the ride it is common for the driver to give a little history of the park and points of interest.

Lodging: To stay in the Zion Lodge or cabins requires room reservations some months ahead of your stay. There is limited accommodation at Springdale and Mt Carmel, a little further south is Kanab ( a good base) where rooms are usually available at reasonable rates. St George and Ceder City also come into consideration.

Food : A restaurant and snack bar can be found in Zion Lodge, it is usually very busy and lines can be long. If you can eat at odd times of the day you will find the area less congested.

 

 

 

 

 

Trails : Easy to strenuous trails are dotted throughout the valley. Something for the serious hiker and the steady stroller. Some trails require permits.

Emerald Pools are a comfortable to strenuous ascending trail at two levels, the strenuous part is the higher level pool a climb of some 69 ft or so to the base of of high cliff face. The trail can be accessed just across the river from Zion Lodge. Riverside Walk is a very pleasant stroll by the edge of the Virgin river along a paved trail. Access for wheelchairs is a bonus on this trip to the canyon 'Narrows'. If you wish to continue on from here (fair amount of wading involved) a permit is required.
Angels Landing is a steep ascent of some 1488 ft to an overlook, not for the faint hearted as the last half mile follows a narrow ridge with safety chain assistance.
Information on all the trails is available from the visitor center of the official Zion website. (see links)

Well worthwhile is the Canyon Overlook trail, accessed from hwy. 9  just through the tunnel heading East. The trailhead is directly where vehicles are held up waiting to use the tunnel. Parking is limited to small areas of the roadside. This is a partially fenced route to a wonderful overlook of Zion and Pine Creek Canyon.