Exploring Zion

Looking for an adventure? We have just the park for you! In this episode of the podcast, we are exploring the incredible Zion National Park.

We have been fortunate enough to spend a ton of time in this park, and it’s probably our favorite place for anyone looking for a stunning and high-adventure national park to visit. If done right, this is one of the most memorable places to visit, so we are excited to explore this incredible park with you today!

Join us as we cover:

Why Zion is such a great place to visit
What you need to know about the Zion Lodge
Everything you can see and do in this area
Where to find the best views in Zion
Our favorite things to do in Zion Canyon
Tips for how to do this park if you want to bring your kids
What you need to know before hiking Angels Landing
Our favorite trails in Zion
The smaller, lesser-known places to visit in this park
The best food in this area
Our favorite surprising area in Zion

We hope you enjoyed exploring Zion National Park with us. You really can’t go wrong with this park – it will blow your mind! You’ll have some adventures that you’ll never forget.

If you are ready to plan your trip and want some help, head over to Dirt In My Shoes to get our Zion Itinerary!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Zion National Park Overview

We’re diving into the fascinating world of Zion National Park. As we explore the park’s unique features and attractions, we touch upon its size and the challenges of navigating crowds, as well as a common mispronunciation of the park’s name.

So, join us as we uncover the wonders of Zion National Park, with a friendly reminder to plan your visit wisely to make the most of this incredible destination.

Zion’s Entrances and Main Visitor Center

Starting in Springdale

Zion has three distinct sections, and we kick things off with the main part of the park, accessed through Springdale. This charming town serves as the gateway to Zion and is the ideal base for your visit. From delicious food options to intriguing art galleries, Springdale offers a perfect prelude to your Zion adventure.

Zion Lodge: An In-Park Stay

If you want to immerse yourself fully in the park experience, consider staying at Zion Lodge. It’s right in the heart of the action, allowing you to easily hop on the park shuttle and explore the wonders of Zion.

Exploring the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Visitor Center and Hiking Options

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is where much of the park’s magic unfolds. While the drive itself is accessible by shuttle for most of the year, you can park at the visitor center, where several exciting activities await. Hike the Watchman Trail for panoramic views or explore the Pa’rus Trail, a multi-use path with a unique blend of nature and accessibility.

Beat the Heat

One thing to note about Zion is the intense summer heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees. For a more pleasant experience, we recommend visiting in the cooler months, like September, October, or November. Avoid midday hikes in scorching temperatures, as Zion can feel like an oven.

Human History Museum

Learning and Scenic Views

Don’t miss the Human History Museum, which provides a wealth of information about the park’s history and features some stunning viewpoints. It’s worth a visit, whether you walk there or catch the shuttle.

Campground Convenience

For campers, the park’s campgrounds are conveniently located near the Visitor Center, allowing easy access to the Zion Canyon shuttle. The Watchman and South Campgrounds are particularly accessible, so you can seamlessly embark on your Zion adventures.

Discovering Zion’s Spectacular Narrows

Heading Up Zion Canyon

As you ride the shuttle past Canyon Junction and that iconic bridge, you’ll start the exhilarating journey into the heart of Zion Canyon. Here, the towering rock walls loom so close that they can be almost claustrophobic, leaving you in awe of their massive scale.

The Narrows: A Hiking Adventure Like No Other

But what makes this part of the park truly extraordinary is the chance to experience “The Narrows.” This hike takes you through the Virgin River, with towering cliffs on either side. It’s a trail like no other, as you’ll find yourself wading through the water itself, sometimes in slot canyons, creating an epic adventure.

Zion’s Iconic Angels Landing Hike

An Adventure Beyond Compare

Angels Landing offers a unique experience as you find yourself scaling red rock cliffs, gripping chains for support, and navigating epic switchbacks. The hike provides jaw-dropping views and encounters with sheer cliff faces that will leave you in awe.

The most famous part of the hike is the chains section, where you must hold on to chains for the last half-mile to safely traverse the cliffs and reach the summit. It’s an exhilarating experience that some may find intimidating, but it’s worth every heart-pounding moment.

If the chains section seems daunting, don’t worry. You can still enjoy Angels Landing without tackling the most challenging part of the trail. The views along the way are spectacular, and you don’t have to go far to experience them.

Exploring Zion’s Hidden Gems

Beyond the famous hikes and iconic vistas in Zion Canyon, there are several smaller trails and unique experiences worth discovering.

Emerald Pools Trail: This is a delightful option, especially if you venture beyond the first pool and waterfall. Keep in mind that it tends to be quite busy due to its popularity.

Wildlife Watching: One of the most captivating aspects of Zion is its desert landscape and the diverse wildlife that inhabits it. Keep an eye out for mule deer, coyotes, and even bighorn sheep on the eastern side of the park. The real highlight, though, is the opportunity to spot condors in Zion Canyon. Many visitors head to the Big Bend shuttle stop to catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds.

Weeping Rock: A short and pleasant trail takes you to Weeping Rock, where water seeps through the red rock, creating a stunning hanging garden. This area is a testament to the fascinating geology of the park and the importance of water.

Hidden Treasures Lost to Nature: It’s worth mentioning that two once-popular trails, Observation Point and Hidden Canyon, were completely wiped out by a landslide. The impact of such natural events is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of Zion National Park.

Mother Nature’s Unpredictability: The park’s dynamic environment keeps visitors on their toes. The knowledge that you’re exploring a place where anything can happen adds an element of adventure to your experience.

Remember that many of these attractions in the Zion Canyon area require shuttle transportation, especially during peak visitation periods. So, as you embark on your adventure in this breathtaking landscape, take in the wonders of Zion’s hidden gems while staying safe and aware of the natural forces at play.

Exploring the East Side and Beyond

After diving into the attractions of Zion Canyon, it’s time to explore the less-traveled but equally captivating east side of the park.

Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel: To reach the east side, drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel via Highway 9. This tunnel is an exhilarating experience as you pass through the dark rock, occasionally catching glimpses of the stunning canyon through picture windows. The tunnel itself is over a mile long, making it a unique journey.

Canyon Overlook Trail: Right after exiting the tunnel, you’ll find the Canyon Overlook Trail, offering a thrilling yet manageable adventure. This trail includes bridges over ravines, Moki steps carved into the cliffs, and breathtaking views of Zion Canyon from atop the rocks. Don’t forget to look out for the future Great Arch, aptly named!

Unique Landscape: As you venture to the east side, the landscape transforms, featuring distinctive formations such as dome-like mountains, checkerboard patterns, and a lighter color palette compared to the deep reds of Zion Canyon. It’s a striking contrast that adds to the park’s diversity.

Visitor Center Expansion: Keep in mind that the east side is gaining popularity, and plans for a new visitor center are underway. While this development is positive, it also means more visitors are discovering this area, making it less of a hidden gem.

Observation Point and Full Narrows Hike: You can still access Observation Point from the east side, and this trail offers spectacular views of Zion Canyon. Additionally, if you plan to hike the full Narrows, you can start from this side with a permit. The east side provides an entirely different perspective on the park’s iconic features.

Limited Amenities: Remember that amenities, such as water sources, are scarce on the east side, so be prepared and carry sufficient water with you during your exploration. The development in the area is limited, and services may be minimal.

Kolob Terrace Road: A few miles outside Springdale, near the south entrance, you’ll find the Kolob Terrace Road. This road leads to the remote Lava Point campground and serves as the starting point for the West Rim Trail. The North Gate Peaks Trail offers a quieter hiking experience with unique geological features resembling those on the east side.

The Subway Trail: For those seeking adventure, the Kolob Terrace Road also leads to the trailhead for The Subway. This renowned trail involves rappelling and takes you through a narrow, rounded canyon carved by water.

While the east side and Kolob Terrace Road offer less frequented options, they showcase a different side of Zion’s beauty. Consider exploring these areas if you have additional time and a desire for more solitude. But remember, the majority of your first visit to Zion will likely be spent in the main canyon area, where iconic attractions await.

Thinking about taking your own trip to Zion? Grab our Zion National Park itinerary!

Links mentioned in this episode:

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