Zion National Park

Video Link: Scenic drive into Zion via Route 9 Westbound (about 6 minutes long)

Video Link: Into The Narrows (about 8 minutes long)

Video Link: Scout Lookout Trail to Angels Landing Trailhead (about 6 minutes long)

Link to photo album: Zion Natl Park

Zion National Park was the first stop on our tour of Utah's Mighty 5 (a.k.a. The Big 5). The word Zion comes from the Hebrew bible, meaning Sanctuary or Kingdom of God, and it totally lives up to its name. 

The scenic drive to the park entrance is magnificent and gives you a subtle hint of what you will find in the park. You will drive through a mile-long tunnel carved into the mountain and exit onto a stunning landscape of steep, red cliffs sculpted by the Virgin River below. 

Once you arrive at the Visitor's Center, you can't drive any further, so park your car and hop on one of the many shuttles that take you into Zion valley. The shuttles are free and frequent, so if you miss one, just wait a couple minutes for the next one. There are 9 stops on the route, so there is no need to worry that you might miss something. 

Our first day there was a short one, so we just used it as a scouting trip to plan out the next 2 days. We took the shuttle all the way to the last stop, which happens to be the stop for The Narrows. We got out and walked up the Riverside Walk Trail for a bit just to know what to expect the next day when we hike The Narrows. It's an easy, scenic walk, about 2.2 miles roundtrip. 

The Riverside Walk

We took the shuttle back to our car and went into Springdale to pick up our rented gear for our Narrows hike tomorrow. Heavy-duty water boots, neoprene socks, and sturdy hiking poles.

Day 1: The Narrows
This hike is in the top ten most popular hikes in the world, but we were initially skeptical about it. We were afraid of swift currents and ice-cold water but decided that this is probably the only time we will be in Zion, so it was now or never. If we only went 50 yards up the river, at least we could say we did it. 

We put on our gear, stepped into the water, and headed upstream. It wasn't so bad, the water was not that cold and after a while, we got the hang of it and hiked about 3 hours and 1 1/2 miles upriver. It was pretty shallow, just above our shoes, but the water was mid-thigh in some spots. There were areas where you could walk along the shore, but mostly the river was bank to bank. 

We stopped for a snack and decided we should turn around and head back. We were disappointed that we didn't make it to the narrowest part of the canyon, which was another mile or so up the river. Our legs were tired and we needed to make sure we made it back to the shuttle stop before the last shuttle. Missing the last shuttle meant hiking down the road for about 6 miles to our car.  

It was a great hike and we are very glad we did it. Would we do it again? You bet!

Day 2: Scout Lookout to Angels Landing Trailhead

We got an early start for this hike, knowing it was going to be long and strenuous. Thankfully the day was cool and overcast. This is a 3.8-mile round-trip trail with a 1,100-foot elevation gain and 45-ish switchbacks. As with the Narrows, we decided to only go as far as we felt we could handle it before turning around. (The black arrow in the photo below shows the top of Angels Landing, from the beginning of the trail at the bottom.)

We stopped at the Zion Lodge for a quick breakfast and then headed up the trail. The first half mile was easy, very flat, and followed along the river. Then the switchbacks started. 21 of them, gruelingly long with some being steeper than others, climbing up the canyon wall for a half mile, and finally leveling off into Refrigerator Canyon. 

(Looking down onto the trail from about halfway up the first set of switchbacks)

 

Hiking the half-mile in this canyon gives you somewhat of a reprieve and a little recovery time before heading up the famous Walter's Wiggles. 

Our initial goal was to make it to the wiggles, but when we got there, we realized that Scout Lookout was right at the top of these switchbacks. We got this far and decided to go for it. The wiggles were very short but steep, and there were 21 of them. We took our time, rested frequently, and finally made it to the top. The view was absolutely worth every step!

Angels Landing required a permit to hike to the top, which we didn't have or attempt to obtain. Lori has a terrible fear of heights and that section has more than its share of heart-stopping drop-offs. Google "10 +++Most Dangerous Hikes in the world" and Angels Landing will top out most of them. 

All-in-all, it was a great trip, but we likely will not return. This park is very popular, therefore, extremely crowded, too crowded for us. If you plan to go, pack plenty of patience and get there before 7:00 a.m. to get a parking spot, or you'll have to park in Springdale (at a considerable charge) and either walk into the park or take a free shuttle.

Can't forget about Romin!

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Coming up next: Bryce Canyon National Park

Until next time,

Peace, Pete & Lori