Visit Utah: Zion National Park

Even though we were in Salt Lake City, Utah a year ago, we decided to visit Zion National Park in South Utah during our recent trip to Las Vegas.  This is because the drive was at least an hour shorter from Las Vegas.

We left Las Vegas around 530am in hopes to get to Zion around 8am, as we wanted to get there early enough to ensure we got a parking spot - but we totally forgot about the time zone change!  

Even though we got there after 9am (after some pit stops along the way), there was still some parking left at the lot by the Visitors Center.

Entrance fee was $35 per standard vehicle (good for 7 days), and during most times of the year, there is a free shuttle that takes you to various stops throughout the park.

We went on the last day of the shuttle season.  When the shuttle does not operate, visitors can drive to each spot, but parking is limited, and we were told by one of the shuttle drivers that certain areas are blocked off once parking is maxed out.

I read mixed reviews about going when the shuttles operate vs going when they are not operating, and I appreciated that we were there during the shuttle operations.  We didn't have to wait long for a shuttle, and although some shuttles were packed, I liked the convenience of not having to drive and find a parking stall. 

There are nine shuttle stops and multiple trails throughout Zion National Park.  We hiked a few of them.  

The first was a super short, super easy trail - The Grotto Trail, which gives you some nice views of the Court of the Patriarchs.

We then went on the Lower Emerald Pool Trail down to the Kayenta Trail (we got off at stop 5 and ended up at stop 6).

There was a nice little waterfall that flowed into the emerald pool (there is also a middle and upper pool, which we did not hike to).

The Virgin Rivers runs through the Park.

It's imperative you don't swim or drink from any of the rivers or streams in the park due to the high presence of cyanobacteria.

On the two aforementioned trails, there were some really steep steps, slippery and muddy pathways, as well as paved trails.

Hiking shoes are highly recommended. 

It was a brisk 40 degrees, but with all the hiking it did get kind of warm. 

Weeping Rock

We also went on the Weeping Rock trail.  I wasn't planning on going on the hike, even though it was short, as the shuttle driver said it was pretty steep.  However, we saw a family that took our family photo (and we took their photo) on the first little hike, and they said it was worth it to go up.

So we did.  Yes, it was steep, but it was neat to see the Weeping Rock, where water is dripping out of the sandstone.  The trail was actually closed for a couple years due to a rockfall and re-opened back in September. 

You can also drive the Scenic Route on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway for even more spectacular views. 

We were there for about 3 hours total, and had a nice time enjoying the outdoors.  We even saw some deer!

If you are a more adventurous hiker, you can do The Narrows or Angels Landing (read about Nadia's experience on The Narrows here).