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).

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Visit Utah: Zion Canyon Brew Pub

We worked up an appetite hiking for a few hours at Zion National Park, and one of the closest eateries was Zion Canyon Brew Pub.

Elevated Elk Burger

Buffalo Meatloaf Burger

My husband loved this burger.  

Bangers & Mash

The bratwursts were made with wild game and served with a mango-apple chutney.

IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club

I had the IPA-Sriracha Glazed Chicken Club.  The chicken wasn't very spicy, but it was juicy and tender. 

Chimichurri Fries

They offer seasoned fries or chimichurri fries with each burger / sandwich, or you could upgrade to onion rings, salad, or a cup of soup or chili for $3.

Service was overall good and we were happy and satisfied.

Notew:  There is a path from the Visitors Center to Springdale, so if you parked at Zion, you can walk to the restaurant, or even catch the free shuttle.  You simply need to make sure you bring your entrance fee pass with you to show proof that you paid for entry for when you return to your car.   We didn't realize there was a path, so we drove out of Zion, only to later drive back in to take the scenic drive (the entrance pass is good for 7 days). 

As for parking, there are some stalls that are paid parking in the restaurant lot (I'm guessing Zion visitors sometimes park there if the lots are full in Zion), but there are others that say "2-hour parking," which is free parking, as we confirmed with the restaurant employee. 

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Visit Utah: Bumbleberry Gift Shop & Bakery

Bumbleberry is a gift shop / bakery / ice cream shop in Springdale right near Zion National Park.  

They make a popular Bumbleberry Pie (you have to read their website to find out what bumbleberry is), but we went specifically for ice cream. 

Of course we had to get some Bumbleberry Ice Cream!

Bumbleberry Cobbler

\The Bumbleberry Cobbler had pieces of pie crust, and I loved that extra buttery texture.

Checkerboard Mesa

The Checkerboard Mesa was a brown sugar flavored ice cream with peanut butter, chocolate pretzels, and pretzel bark. 

Emerald Pools

Emerald Pools was a mint ice cream with mint cookie pieces. 

Bumbleberry Cheesecake

Cream cheese ice cream was combined with bumbleberry flavoring and cheesecake pieces.

Bumbleberry is a great stop post-Zion-hike for ice cream, souvenir shopping, and restrooms!

Bumbleberry Gift Shop & Bakery
897 Zion Park Blvd
Springdale, UT 84767

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Visit Utah: Thanksgiving Point Fireworks

New Year's Eve in 2024 was spent in Salt Lake City.  We decided to look for fireworks to get in a bit of a festive mood and to also get a taste of home.  

We saw that Thanksgiving Point (named by the owners as a reflection of their gratitude - it's nothing to do with the holiday) had a fireworks show during Luminaria - one of their popular light display events during the holidays.  

We could've bought tickets to Luminaria as well to see all of the dazzling light displays, but it was just way too cold and I didn't want to fight the crowds.

So, we simply found a parking spot in the lot to watch the fireworks.  

It was a short, 10-minute show, but just what we needed to ring in the new year.  

Thanksgiving Point
3003 Thanksgiving Wy

Lehi, UT 84043

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Visit Utah: Wasatch Parc Snow Tubing

My kids had a blast tubing at Woodward Park City, so we decided to try out Wasatch Parc Snow Tubing, which is bobsled-style tubing.  

Snow Tubing at Wasatch Parc was a lot cheaper than at Woodward Park City, and it was a very different style.

Unlike at Woodward Park City, where you get to the top of the hill via magic carpets, your snow tube is hooked onto a cable that pulls you up while seated, and at the top, you push yourself down once you get the go ahead.

Being able to sit while getting pulled up to the top gives you a bit of a rest, and a lot of people, including my kids, had fun throwing snowballs at each other on the way to the top.  

There are two lanes that riders can go down, and the staff there was constantly grooming the snow and rearranging the end-of-lane pads (that make you slow down) to ensure a great experience while also keeping people safe.

A helmet is recommended, but I didn't see anyone wearing a helmet.  I did see some people end up upside down and nearly flip over or they flew out the end of the tube lane and were stopped by a team member (so as not to crash into nearby tubers), but there were no real concerning incidents, and everyone had a blast.

Tubers were flying down the lanes, but the staff did an excellent job in ensuring the safety of all around.

The kids got way more rides in the 2 hours than they did at Woodward Park City, and they had so much fun.  

Note: There are only portable restrooms on site. 

Wasatch Parc Snow Tubing
3567 Nordic Valley Way

Eden, UT 84310

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Visit Utah: Metaphor: The Tree of Utah

On the way to the Bonneville Salt Flats from Salt Lake City, you'll come across Metaphor: The Tree of Utah.  

It's a peculiar, colorful sight as you drive past miles of barren land. 

Created by artist Karl Momen, the sculpture stands 87 feet high, and is made with 225 tons of cement.  

It literally is in the middle of nowhere, and this sculpture does indeed break up the monotony of the landscape.  

As with most art, it is subject to interpretation, and the fact that Momen entitled the piece with the word "Metaphor" in it only reinforces that fact.  

There were plans to build a museum at the site to open by 2020, but I'm not sure what happened to those plans, as there is no museum, nor anywhere to park if you wish to take photos (I've read that people would get cited for pulling over on the side of the road to take photos, so do so at your own risk).  

If you've seen this sculpture, what does it mean to you?  

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Visit Utah: Temple Square

We did a brief walk through Temple Square one morning while in Utah.  The Temple Square is home to all things related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).  The Temple itself is currently undergoing renovations, but there was still a lot to see.  

There are gardens, reflecting pools, galleries, restaurants, and more spanning 5 blocks. 

We got there quite early as we had plans later in the morning, so some places were still closed, but we did get to learn a little more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while exploring the area and all the outdoor exhibits and statues.

One of the highlights was the Tabernacle, where the renowned Tabernacle Choir performs.  The day we visited they were no performances going on, unfortunately, but we could still visit inside and listen as they demonstrated the acoustics and played the organ - even dropping a pin that could be heard from the back of the hall. 

Parking is plentiful, and there are restrooms on site (the nicest restroom building I've ever seen!). 

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Visit Salt Lake City: Iceberg Drive Inn

Iceberg Drive Inn is a restaurant chain that originated in Utah and has since branched out to other states.  They offer burgers, fried foods, and are ultimately known for their thick shakes!

They offer a variety of flavors, such as Brownie, Cookies & Creme, Nutella, Reese's, and seasonal flavors like Peppermint and Eggnog. 

Check out how thick those shakes are!

Fries

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Iceburger

Zucchini Strips

The Fries were really good, but the Zucchini Strips were a little too thick in my opinion.  Everyone loved their burgers or sandwiches, and of course - the shakes!

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