By Danielle Lockwood and Simone Shomaker.
With air travel being limited, road trips are all the rage right now. After being cooped up for so long, we thought a road trip through Utah, Wyoming and Montana would be just what the doctor ordered. One of our favorite spots and one of the most popular/trendy destinations of the moment? Zion National Park!
Zion National Park
Zion is a gorgeous “mini Grand Canyon” in Utah, and you guessed it, it is filled with red rock canyon as far as the eye can see. That and beautiful warm water rivers winding through the canyons, perfect emerald-colored swimming holes, bitchin’ hikes (and some that are quite a bitch, ahem, Angels Landing), and views as far as the eye can see. This park is huge and it can be quite daunting trying to plan out your trip here which is why we are doing the hard work for you, so you can enjoy! Without further ado let’s get right into the good stuff, how to prepare for your trip to Zion National Park!
How to Get to Zion National Park
To begin, let’s talk about preparation for Zion. We definitely underestimated how much lead time you need to prepare for your trip. First off, the camping books up so quickly (months in advance) and parking in Zion is a BITCH to put it lightly. Typically there are shuttles that take you from the main large parking lot to where the hikes begin, but due to COVID, the shuttles were not running. Because of this, you had to get really creative in order to be one of the few people let into the scenic drive each day.
The hiking trails are about 5 miles from the main parking lot so if you don’t have a shuttle or you don’t have a bike to get you from the parking lot to the trails, you have to walk 5 miles uphill, in the desert heat. Not ideal considering how long the hikes are once you get there! There is one parking lot that is directly next to where the hiking trails begin, however, it is small and it books up VERY quickly and early. We are talking get to the park before 5am early to secure a spot. If you don’t, the lot fills up and you are forced to go to the larger parking lot that is 5 miles away.
Danielle, unfortunately, got there about 20 minutes too late and the parking lot next to the trails was totally full. After driving around from bike shop to bike shop trying to find a bike to rent, to her dismay, the bikes were all already rented. Danielle and her fiancé had to park at the bottom lot, hike 5 miles up the hill and then start their hikes for the day. It isn’t terrible in the morning but it gets much harder at the end of the day. After hiking about 20 miles throughout the day, having to face a 5 mile hike in the blazing heat at the end of your trip is challenging to say the least. It is especially soul crushing when you are watching people blissfully zoom past you on their bikes as you hallucinate from heatstroke.
Simone did it differently as she didn’t spend the full day in Zion. She arrived in Zion a little later in the day around 4pm, and was able to get a parking spot and have an awesome sunset hike.
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Bike Rentals in Zion National Park
Below are some bike rental companies for Zion. Biking costs about $35 for a full day and the bike shops are right by the visitor center which is next to the main larger parking lot (5 miles from where the main trails start). If we had it to do over again, we would use the bikes for the day!
https://www.zionadventures.com/zion-bike-rentals.html
In conclusion, we can’t stress this enough: if you want a full day in Zion, get there EARLY, 5am early. OR book bikes in advance just in case. We hear that the shuttles may be up and running now but if you are uncomfortable getting onto a shuttle during a pandemic like we would be, the early arrival or bike may be your best options.
Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Angels Landing
Angels Landing is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion and has been called the scariest hike in the USA. The top of Angels Landing is notoriously terrifying and apparently 10 people have tragically died from falling off because it is so narrow and steep. It is an exposed hike on a precipitous rock formation with only a chain to help you keep your balance. This is not recommended for those that are afraid of heights. As long as you are cautious and pay attention to your surroundings you should be very safe. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the top of the hike was closed as there isn’t much of a way to socially distance on a very narrow mountain top and a shared chain. Regardless, Angels Landing is still a long and beautiful enough hike to enjoy without going to the very top.
The length of Angels Landing is 5 miles at 1,630 feet elevation gain. We called this “the hike of a thousand switchbacks” as there are SO many you feel like they will never end. We stopped at every switchback to take a photo as the views became more and more awe inspiring. We were disappointed that we couldn’t get to the very top of Angels Landing but there is a stunning view point right below the chains begin called Scout Lookout, which we thought to be the most magical view of the trip.
+How to Get to Angels Landing
Angels Landing is easy to find, simply follow the signs from the visitor center and follow the trail. It starts at the Grotto Trailhead which is the 6th stop for the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Once you arrive at this trailhead you cross the Virgin River and follow the trail to West Rim Trail where you start your strenuous uphill hike. The beginning of West Rim Trail is exposed until you get to Refrigerator Canyon which is shaded on the side of the canyon. We imagine they gave it this name because it is the only relief from the heat that you will get on this hike. You also get a lovely break from the steep incline.
Once you reach Walters Wiggles, or as we called it “death by a thousand switchbacks”, you must climb a compact set of many switchbacks until you arrive at Scout Lookout. Once at Scout Lookout, reward yourself with a beer and sit on the edge to enjoy the view. Or if the top of Angels Landing is open, brave the remaining steep climb to get the best views in the park. Once you are done, turn back and go the way you came. The hike is much easier on the way back!
+Tips for Hiking Angels Landing
As a warning, Angels Landing has some very steep parts and we found this one to be the most challenging of the hikes. Make sure you take breaks in the shade and bring double the amount of water that you think you need. It is hot and you will sweat! Hopefully when you go, the top of Angels Landing will be open for you to check out. Some tips for climbing to the top (if allowed): make sure to hold onto the chains the entire time, don’t go when it’s windy, do not attempt when it is crowded, and if you are afraid of heights, this hike is not for you! We also wouldn’t suggest allowing children to do this hike. Only experienced climbers who understand the risks! Take it slowly and you should be fine.
Emerald Pools
We did this hike after Angels Landing as we were sweaty and exhausted and the thought of jumping in a body of water sounded like a gift from the heavens. This hike is much easier than Angels Landing, however it is also all uphill so be prepared to climb again. Keep in mind there are 3 pools along the way. We kept thinking that every pool we got to was THE pool and we would get very disappointed as they were too small to swim in and a bit dried up because it was summer. Luckily we passed some fellow hikers who assured us to keep going and after about an hour we finally reached the great emerald pool.
There are lower, middle and upper emerald pools; it is a 1.2 mile hike to get to the lower, a 2 mile hike to get to the middle and a 2.5 mile hike to get to the upper. We highly recommend doing the full hike to the upper, the pool is the perfect temperature to swim in. Full disclosure: you actually are not allowed to swim in these but out of desperation we had to go for a quick dip. Major rule breakers over here. The hike up is stunning as the views out to the red rocks and lush green landscape look like an incredible painting. Make sure you add this to your Zion list!
The Narrows
The Narrows is a famous and hyped hike that has the added bonus of being probably the most unique hike we have ever done. Have you ever hiked through a river, for the whole duration of the hike? We have done tons of hikes that feature multiple river crossings, but never one that starts in a river, continues through the river, and ends, you guessed it, in a river. Basically what we are saying is bring your water shoes because this is an aquatic hike.
We went to Zion in the summer, read: the temperature was hot AF! What better way to stay cool than a hike that has water for the entire duration? This hike can be done during the winter as well, but if you plan to do the whole thing, a drysuit is recommended. We would suggest summer for this hike, while it is hot, you don’t have to deal with snow or the added gear that comes with winter. This hike goes through a canyon for the whole way. Make sure to check the weather, and if there is any chance of rain, reschedule your trip. Flash flooding is common here and it is not something you want to tangle with.
This hike begins at the Temple of Sinawava, which is accessed at the end of the Zion Canyon scenic drive. You walk along the paved Riverside Walk for a while until it dead ends in the river. Continue walking upstream, and follow the river up the canyon. This hike is flat, but the cobble stones can be slippery so we recommend finding a walking stick, or bringing hiking poles for balance. The beginning of the hike is crowded, but as you go further into the river most people turn around. You can walk for as little as a few minutes, or make this an all day hike by continuing up the Virgin River.
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
This is a short but sweet hike. The Canyon Overlook Trail starts in the upper east canyon just before you pass through the ranger station into the tunnel. This hike is well maintained and very popular, so expect some company. While we would rate this as an easy hike, there are several spots that are exposed, and you are high up on a cliff edge, so please exercise caution. This hike is 1 mile round trip, and can be done in about an hour. Hikers are rewarded at the end of the hike with stunning views of the canyon below. If this is your first trip to Zion, we highly recommend you add this hike to your list of must do’s.
Where to Stay in Zion National Park
Glamping
Simone here! Danielle and I actually went to the canyon on separate trips, so we have different experiences when it comes to accommodation.I opted to stay in between Zion and Bryce, in a tiny town called Alton. Via AirBnb, my fiancé and I found an enclave of mini cabins that used to be ranger cabins in Bryce Canyon, but were relocated when they were decommissioned. They were certainly no frills, but they had AC, a cozy bed, and featured a communal fire pit and grill situation. It was lovely in the evenings to come back and have a fire and a glass of vino (side note on that: bring beverages with you, it is very difficult to find alcohol in Utah due to its Mormon influence).
I recommend staying here if you want to bounce back and forth between the two parks, each is about an hour from the accommodation in opposite directions. We also loved staying here because it was pet friendly, and we had Mango with us! She loved sleeping in the AC while we were off exploring. Another side note: dogs are not allowed on trails in national parks and it was very hot! Best to leave your dog at home, or if that is not an option, stay here! The only trail that allowed dogs in Zion was Pa’rus Trail, it is relatively flat and your dog must be kept on a leash the entire time.
Cliffside Tiny Home Container AirBnb
Danielle here! My fiancé and I stayed in a “tiny house” we found on AirBnb for the night before we went to Zion. It was right between Bryce and Zion and was the perfect little place to stay for the night. Definitely no frills but it was clean and cute and had a great little rooftop.
Camping in Zion
Danielle again! After a long and strenuous, awesome hiking day at Zion, we drove about an hour and a half to a campground called Ranchito Feliz, right next to Kodachrome State Park in Utah. This was the midway point between Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase Escalante. Keep in mind, if you want to camp in Zion you need to make reservations way in advance, when we went it was booked up for months beforehand. We chose this camp ground because one, it was open, and two, it was on the way to the spots we would be hitting the next day. This was actually my first time camping and we chose a pretty bare bones site to really throw myself into the experience. After a broken lighter issue and a freezing cold hose down shower, we were rewarded with the clearest skies for stargazing. It was a nice campground and did the job so I would definitely recommend it.
That concludes our Zion National Park recommendations! It is a magical place with so much to see and explore. We highly recommend you take advantage of domestic travel during this time and go see it for yourself! Stay tuned for our future Utah blog posts where we explore Bryce Canyon National Park! And in case you missed it, make sure you check out our blog post on Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, just two and a half hours away from Zion!
Have you been to Zion National Park? We would love to know your experiences! Comment below!
Xx,
Danielle and Simone
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