Zion National Park
Zion, you have outdone yourself! We arrived here on a Saturday morning and stopped just before the tunnel to hike the Canyon Overlook Trail. This hike gives the visitor a first glimpse of the beauty to come. Below you see the winding road that leads from the tunnel through the canyon and eventually into town. Fortunately, we were able to find parking along the road and only had a short walk to this hike. The views were stunning. If you do this hike, enter from the East Entrance and find parking as soon as start getting close to the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel entrance. The Parking Lot near the trailhead is small and doesn’t cater to RVs.
The RV was just .5 inches shy of being too big to travel through the tunnel so, rather than risk it, we decided to purchase a Ranger pass to give us a large vehicle escort through. As luck would have it, we were first in line for the passage through the tunnel. So fun to lead the way and take video of the drive.
We went straight to our campground, Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort, set-up camp, and mapped out our planned hikes for the next 2 days: Emerald Pools, Angels Landing and the Narrows. First stop, grab a picnic lunch, then a .8 mile walk to the park entrance. From here you have to board a shuttle bus that gets you to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Based on the time of day, we decided to hike Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools. This hike takes you first to the Lower Emerald Pool. We walked down to the lookout and found a great spot to eat our sandwich. Then, instead of backtracking, you can walk under the waterfall and catch the Kayenta trail again on the other side, loops you along the North Fork Virgin River, and then back up the mountain to Middle Emerald Pool. This pool parallels the lower trail at a higher elevation. Just a short walk from Middle Pool is a sandy and rocky trail that climbs to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a cliff. All 3 were stunning - especially as the sun was beginning to set and reflected the cliffs in the water. We made our way back down and to the shuttle stop and decided to grab dinner out as we walked back to the RV. So many great options within Zion Canyon Village. Tonight’s pick was Whiptail Grill and didn’t disappoint.
Sunday was dedicated entirely to Angels Landing. Fortunately, we were issued a permit for a noon summit! By 11, we were out the door. This hike also starts from bus stop #6, the Grotto, but goes right along the West Rim Trail to Angels Landing. 4.2 miles with a 1000 foot elevation gain. Needless to say, you are going straight up for most of the hike. This is not for anyone afraid of heights as much of the upper portion has long drop-offs, and you must go single file along the rim with just a chain to guide you. Although a strenuous hike, once you reach the top, the views are breathtaking. We were able to see a couple Condors flying at our level. Beautiful!
Monday after work we decided to race to the shuttle and attempt to get as much of The Narrows as we could before the final bus at 7:15 PM. During the day, Tim rented equipment for us to wear to ensure our feet and bodies did not get wet. We changed and hightailed it from the RV to the shuttle and then to Stop 9, Temple of Sinawava. We had a one mile hike just to get to the river. This hike is an out and back hike so you can take it as far as time permits. We timed ourselves and knew that at 5:30 we would have to turn around and head back to the shuttle stop. Fortunately, we made it to “Wall Street” and hiked between some of the most beautiful narrows. Monday was the last day of 80 degree weather so we timed it perfectly. Although the water was freezing, the equipment we rented kept us dry as much of this trail is through the river that winds through the narrows.
Tuesday the cold weather arrived, and we made it a rest day. Our bodies were feeling the effects of three days of strenuous hiking.
WANDER far, live fully!
What we loved - What is there not to love about this park! So much beauty and postcard moments around every corner. I really enjoyed the Narrows and the thrill of victory making it to the top of Angels Landing.
Advice - Go to Zion Guru to rent your equipment if you plan to hike the Narrows! They are the only outfitter that rents a one-piece wader. You will not regret this! Also, allow 4-5 hours from shuttle to shuttle if you want to not feel rushed and make it to Wall Street and back.
Not to Miss - Angels Landing! It’s a strenuous hike but so worth the victory of making it to the top.
Do remember to request a permit the day before (between noon and 3 PM) if you want to hike Angels Landing. The Rangers were on the top checking permits.
Eat at Zion Canyon Brew Pub or at least stop for a post-hike beer! Just minutes from the shuttle drop-off, it’s a great place to recharge and refill on carbs! Or try dinner at Whiptail Grill - you can’t go wrong with their famous Goat Cheese Chile Relleno or Green Chili Burger. Both were outstanding. Or, for a more upscale location, try the Spotted Dog - their Brie Cheese and Chutney appetizer was delicious. If you stay in Springdale, Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon came highly recommended.
Reserve a spot in Zion Canyon Campground & RV Resort. If you are driving an RV, we loved the convenience of staying here and being able to walk to the park shuttle and pretty much everywhere.