Tips for Hiking and Visiting Zion National Park in Utah

Tips for Hiking and Visiting Zion National Park in Utah

Zion National Park…a sanctuary of exotic beauty!

Every year since 1988 I’ve pilgrimaged to Zion National Park to refresh my spirits by drinking in some of the most sublime, and colorful beauty on earth. The first Mormon scouts to see Zion canyon appropriately named it after the biblical heaven…”Zion”, and rightfully so. Zion includes elevations from canyon and low desert of 3,700 feet to aspen and fir covered slopes accented by black & grey basalt at 8,700 feet. Unlike the Grand Canyon or Bryce, Zion is a “hiker’s park”, with over a hundred miles of trail that actually draw you into the deep bowels of canyon country, hugging steep trails that lead to spectacular vistas of the whole of southern Utah, while affording you awesome looks into the depths of those same canyons.

Trails are awash in color…vibrant, intense, mystical! Whole sides of canyon walls sweep down at you with rusts and browns, bright yellows and orange, reds and lavenders. Some places actually vibrate with color, azure and cobalt to match the soaring sky arching over the whole of canyon country. A photographer’s dream, where the deep green forests atop the canyons contrast with the colors below.

There is a calming presence in Zion, much like a medieval church where “sanctuary” was given to persons pursued by threatening worldly forces. Zion is the ultimate “stress management” seminar, teaching us to access our quiet strength within, rejuvenate with an aesthetic elixir, see the primordial forces of wind, earth, fire and water sculpt a majestic setting Michelangelo would have been proud to have carved. And did I say “hiking!”

Specific Hikes

Zion is usually a quick drive through by the 2.5 million visitors seeing it each year. But don’t cheat yourself. Zion is a forever experience. I booked 3 days my first time there and ended staying almost 2 weeks! Zion is always new and refreshing. After you’ve hiked the great “Inner canyon” hikes of East Observation Point and West Rim to Angel’s Landing, be sure to really discover Zion’s backcountry by driving up Kolob Terrace Rd. where the scenery is exceptionally beautiful. My suggestions for that drive include: after 5+ miles park on the left where Smith Mesa Rd. joins Kolob Terrace and hike up to Smith Mesa and across as far of it as you like; a real hidden gem of a hike where especially from mid May to early June its great grass prairie where horses often run is back dropped by soaring canyon mountains and the whole place suggests “the old West” of 1840.

Further up Kolob Terrace Rd. hike Hop Valley, early morning, (mid-May especially sees wildflowers) and when you drop down into the main canyon, explore the 3 side canyons to your right…really!! I’ve never been in a place that seemed so primeval. The next trail along that road is Northgate Peaks. Do it! Quiet serene beauty, yes, but when you come to the slick rock section to the left of the trail that takes you to the famous Subway hike, bushwhack to a high rock out cropping vantage point for great vistas before finishing the hike.

Finally treat yourself to the 13.5 mile one way “5 star hike” Lava Point to Zion Canyon found further up the road. You’ll need someone to drop you off for this one (or park cars at both ends). That one is my favorite. In one shot you go from Zion’s high point to almost its low point, with everything in between affirming and inspiring your commitment to return!

Back in the main Zion Canyon, water level permitting, try hiking the Virgin River to the Narrows. It’s one of the “classic” hikes of the American West, unique, beautiful, and fun! And, just for the “aesthetic record” hike Zion in sunny weather. Its color needs to be seen in sunlight for its magic to cast its spell.

On a more practical note, where to stay, what to do, where to dine.

My favorite hotel, the Driftwood Lodge. Awesome down-canyon views, a cozy park area next to the Virgin River, and Gourmet fare at its best at Parallel 88 Restaurant located on the property. Dog friendly, too. Best Western Zion Park Inn, Canyon Ranch Motel and Flanigan’s Inn rate high also. Restaurants of note include: The Spotted Dog at Flanigans, Oscars Cafe and The Switchback Grille. Great places to compliment Zion’s spectacular hiking where appetites are stoked and memories created.

The town of Springdale has several top photography studios, including Fatali’s and David Pettit, David West and others that do more than justice to Zion’s famous scenery. The National Park Visitor’s Center is a must as well as the IMax Theater. Springdale really is laid back and blest with many small treasures to discover after a day on the trail. Finally, Deep Canyon Spa will top off the day’s adventures with massage treatments for the body that match what Zion Canyon does for your soul. I have found May/early June and September my favorite months to hike. But any time of year is “Zion Time.”

So what are you waiting for? You’re invited. Heaven is just over that next horizon, in a place called “Zion.”

Blog kindly written by guest blogger, Phillip Ferranti (www.phillipferranti.com) author of 149 Great Hikes in and near Palm Springs

***All photos provided by Kirk DeNee***

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