Last fall, we set out on a an extended trip to see and hike at the Mighty 5 National Parks! The Mighty 5 parks are Zion, Bryce Cannon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. We traveled from the Midwest to southern Utah to visit Zion National Park first and then went diagonally across the state to northeast Utah. I had previously been through Utah, however, have never stopped at the national parks and the beauty that lies within.
Evening in Springdale
Upon our arrival at La Verkin, Utah, we headed to the town of Springdale before taking in the sites of Zion National Park. We ate outside at a quaint little restaurant and had a great atmosphere named Wild Thyme restaurant. I would rate the restaurant A+.
Getting There and Getting Around
The first thing I would do before heading to each National Park is get a National Park pass. We paid for a Senior Lifetime Pass and you only need 1 pass per car and admission is free. There are special hiking, backpacking, canyoneering, camping, and hiking wilderness routes that require special reservations. There is a ranger-led nature center for kids that also requires a reservation. Check the National Park Service for varying different types of passes.
If you are staying in the town of Springdale, there is a free shuttle that has stops within Springdale and will drop you at the entrance to Zion National Park. Depending on the time of year that you go to the park, the accommodations are fully booked up or expensive to stay in Springdale.
We stayed outside Springdale and we took the bus system which dropped us at the park entrance. Within the park, there is a Zion shuttle that you can catch for stops 3-9 and back down. Stop 1 is the Zion Canyon Visitor Center which is where the Springdale shuttle and buses will drop you at. Stop 2 is the museum which is walking distance from the vistor center. Be sure to check the Zion shuttle schedule for the first and last shuttles depending on the time of year that you visit.
Although the shuttles and buses are easy to navigate, they have an Oversize Vehicle lot for RV’s and other large vehicles as long as your vehicle can make it through the tunnel. Parking for regular-sized vehicles is very limited and you can only drive up to stop 3 and then you must ride the Zion shuttle or walk.
Hiking
Most people that go to Zion National Park, go there to do some hiking. At, Zion, they have trails that are easy, moderate, and strenous. Whatever one you choose, make sure that you consider safety at all times:
- Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water.
- Be aware of algae as it can have a high level of bacteria in the water.
- Dress appropriately as there is extreme heat (You are in the desert!)
- Flash floods are very common during and after storms.
- Very steep cliffs.
- Be wary of elevation as it affects everyone differently.
Easy Hiking
- Pa’Rus Trail
- Paved trail that follows the Virgin River to Canyon Junction. Takes 2 hours and 3.5 miles long. Elevation change is 50 feet.
- Grotto Trail
- A short trail that parallels the roadway connecting Zion Lodge to the Grotto Trail. Takes .5 hour and 1 mile long. Elevation change is 35 feet.
- Riverside Walk
- Paved trail follows the Virgin River into a deep canyon.Takes 1.5 hours and is 2.2 miles long. Elevation change is 57 feet.
- Lower Emerald Pool
- An unpaved descent which leads underneath the Middle Emerald Pools to the Lower Emerald Pool. Takes 1 hours and is 1.2 miles long. Elevation change is 69 feet.
Moderate Hiking
- Canyon Overlook
- There are minor dropoffs and handrails and ends at lower Zion Canyon. Takes 1 hour and is 1 mile long. Elevation change is 163 feet.
- Watchman Trail
- There are minor dropoffs. Ends at the viewpoint of Towers of the Virgin, lower Zion Canyon, and Springdale. Takes 2 hours and is 3.3 miles long. Elevation change is 368 feet.
- Sand Beach Trail
- Hike atop a massive landslide under the Sentinel and entiled the Courtyard of the Patriachs. There is a commercial horse trail that is open from March to October. Takes 3 hours and is 4 miles long. The Elevation change is 466 feet.
- Middle Emerald Pools
- An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge that parallels the lower trail at a higher elevation. Takes 1.5 hours and is 2.2 miles long. The Elevation change is 150 feet.
Strenuous Trails
- Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail
- This trail has long dropouts and is not for young children and not for anyone afraid of heights. Hikers will need a permit to Angels Landing. Takes 3 hours and is 4.2 miles long. The Elevation change is 1,000 feet. Be careful!
- The Narrows
- You walk in the Virgin River surrounded by tall sandstone walls of the canyon. Takes 8 hours and is 9.4 miles long. The Elevation change is 334 feet. Do not plan to visit in April, May, and early June due to the flash flooding and monsoon storms. Make sure to wear the right gear (closed-toed water shoes, and have a sturdy walking stick). Bring water bottles and do not drink the water due to toxic bacteria.
Kolob Canyons Hiking Trails
An area that is located in the northwest corner of Zion and a scenic road that climbs past spectacular red rocks and canyons.
- Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- This trail follows a ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains. Takes 1 hour and is 1 mile long. Elevation change is 100 feet.
- Taylor Creek Trail
- This trail follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. Groups of 12 people are allowed at one time. Takes 3.5 hours and is 5 miles long. The Elevation change is 450 feet.
- Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail
- This trail follows Timber and La Verkin Creeks. A side trail leads to Kolob Arch. Takes 8 hours and is 14 miles long. The Elevation change is 1037 feet.
During our trip, we hiked on the easy and moderate trails : Riverside Walk, Grotto Trail, Lower Emerald Pool, Court of the Patriarchs (with surrounding cactus), Canyon Junction, and Pa’rus Trail. We also took in the Museum and Visitor’s Center. We spent 2 days at Zion which is the recommended time. For some good food, try the Zion Lodge Restaurant and Whiptail Restaurant. Best time to visit Zion National Park is in the fall!
Have fun hiking, be safe, and stay hydrated!
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