Zion National Park

1,319 Views | 9 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by BSD
David_Puddy
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AG
Pondering a trip here in the coming months. Never done a trip like this before, but from seeing pics, videos, etc......it looks amazing. Looks like the best course is a flight to Vegas and then hopping a shuttle from there, but not 100% sure on that. I've got comped nights at Cosmo in Vegas, so that wouldn't cost me anything (minus if I lose gambling ). Anyone who has been have any recommendations or how to make the most of the trip? Just starting to do my research, but figured I'd ask here first.....
mpl35
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AG
I flew to Vegas and rented a car. Zion is great. It's super packed right now thanks to COVID.

Non COVID:
If not camping. Stay in Springdale. Hop on a shuttle to the park in the morning. Walk into the park. Hop the the shuttle around the park. Hike

Repeat.

Utah has weird alcohol laws

If open a good hikes:

The Narrows
Angels Landing
Observation Point.
Weeping rock (short
The Subway

Rent the neoprene socks and shoes from outfitter for the narrows.



FbgTxAg
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AggieOO
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mpl35 said:

I flew to Vegas and rented a car. Zion is great. It's super packed right now thanks to COVID.

Non COVID:
If not camping. Stay in Springdale. Hop on a shuttle to the park in the morning. Walk into the park. Hop the the shuttle around the park. Hike

Repeat.

Utah has weird alcohol laws

If open a good hikes:

The Narrows
Angels Landing
Observation Point.
Weeping rock (short
The Subway

Rent the neoprene socks and shoes from outfitter for the narrows.




this. just know that the subway access is from the other side of the park and requires a permit.

Zion is incredible, but out there several times. Trans Zion is a hell of a route (and includes a lot of the above), but doubt you are looking for a multi-day, point-to-point route.
BSD
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AG
We've been to Zion a few times. We rent a car in Vegas and drive up. It's about 2.5 hours. We've always stayed at the Lodge in the park. Not the best food there so we'll go to Springdale for dinner and sometimes lunch. At the Lodge you get a parking pass so you'll always be able to get into the park.

We use Zion Adventure Company for our outings. We've been canyoneering and rock climbing with them. We even rented e-bikes to do the valley floor when the shuttles weren't running back in March as Covid hit. They are great people. If you have an extra day, drive up to Bryce Canyon. Antelope Canyon is also a few hours away but it's closed right now (entire Navajo Nation is closed to tourists).
cohibasymas
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AG
I'll second the trip to Bryce if you're that close, and The Wave if you can get in. Beautiful area.
mpl35
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AG
cohibasymas said:

I'll second the trip to Bryce if you're that close, and The Wave if you can get in. Beautiful area.
That isn't a bad idea. When we went to Zion we day tripped to Bryce and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
nosoupforyou
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AG
Here's my plan for how I attacked Zion last May

o Leave at 5:00 am - Drive 45 minutes to Zion National Park Visitor Center. Park & Ride 6am shuttle bus.
o Shuttle to Stop #6 Angels Landing 5 miles, 1.75 hours up, enjoy view 30 minutes, 1 hour down. Great!!
o Shuttle to Stop #5 Zion Lodge rest under the huge shade tree ice cream and coffee.
o Shuttle to Stop #8 for viewpoint The Great White Throne, but be sure to hike down to the river great!
o Shuttle to Stop #5 for Lower Emerald Pools 1.2 mi RT (this was just ok would skip.)
o Shuttle to Stop #4 to hike Court of the Patriarchs lookout to see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob peaks.
o Skipped The Narrows riverbed hike go to where it forks and turn back heavy snow so closed for us.
o Skipped Shuttle Stop #7 and the Weeping Rock Hike .4 miles RT.
o Skipped Shuttle Stop #9 and the Riverside Walk Hike 2.2 miles - 90 minutes.
Drive 45 minutes back for dinner at Thunderbird Restaurant

can't do all of that in 1 day but some research I found

as others said, check out other parks while you are out!

o Drive 15 minutes to Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. Opens at 8am. Park and hop on the shuttle.
o Exit Bryce Point and walk short hike to the Viewpoint, then Shuttle to Inspiration Point for that Viewpoint.
o Shuttle to Sunset Point hike 10 minute Rim Trail to the start of the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail that ends back at Sunrise Point. Then Shuttle back to Visitor Center. All of Bryce done in 4 hours.
o Leave the park and drive 10 mins for Lunch at Ruby's Inn on Center Street ice cream and rock shops.
o Drive 10 minutes north to 1 mile RT Mossy Cave Trail and the Waterfall trail too fun!
o Drive 30 minutes to Kodachrome State Park and hike Angels Palace climb up and around fun!

Also check out to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park park and hike through the sand out to the Dune Overlook. Rent a board and play in the sand! Then drive further back to the Campground area and discreetly find the showers to clean up before leaving. Sand everywhere but fun.
Marauder Blue 6
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AG
If you're transiting through Vegas with your own car, I'd also consider Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon in NV and Snow Canyon State Park in UT for some more options.
Bachelor99
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AG
we love heading into the mt charleston area to do some hiking and also as a reprieve from the heat....it can easily be 30 degrees cooler up there also the lake mead area is nice to get on the water for either swimming, kayaking or hiking...so many options right around vegas and away from the casinos
BSD
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AG
Marauder Blue 6 said:

If you're transiting through Vegas with your own car, I'd also consider Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon in NV and Snow Canyon State Park in UT for some more options.


We go rock climbing in Red Rock. It's a good place to rope up and get vertical.
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