Zion National Park

Magnificent! Awe-inspiring!

In general, National Parks in the US encapsulate unbelievable nature attractions. But even with that reference, I found Zion National Park to be exceptionally beautiful.

We started from the eastern entrance, and a relatively steep hike (Canyon Overlook trail) that provided overwhelming views of the park.

Then, we settled in the fantastic Watchman Campground, inside the park, near its southern entrance. While somewhat rustic (no showers), this is exactly the kind of campground that makes me prefer camping over other accommodation options. It’s situated in a valley between two majestic mountain chains, hanging high above. It is also crossed by the swift Virgin River, allowing for chilly and very enjoyable bathing. Hadas coined the name “Yam” (beach in Hebrew) for it.

I find it hard to convey the exhilaration of gazing into the surrounding cliffs, so close that you can feel part of them. One specific cliff, visible directly from our tent, was my favorite. I could spend long minutes gazing at it, with a large V shape carved in its topmost portion, filled with sharp blue sky in the background. Each early morning stroll with Maayan, to get milk for her mandatory bottle, was filled with fantastic scenery.

And that’s only the campground, not to mention the Zion Canyon itself. The sheer size and steepness of the canyon walls is mind-boggling. This is the sort of nature you gaze at speechless, again and again and again. The canyon caters for short hikes, longer hikes and boasts the second most popular rock-climbing site in the US (after Yosemite). But that’s for professionals only, as was made clear by the tiny dot of a climber on the extraordinary cliff, starting his 2-days climbing journey upwards (a night while hanging in the air included!).

Interestingly, due to a very wise (and atypical in America) decision, one can’t drive into the Zion Canyon. A free shuttle takes you into the canyon and back. These propane-fueled shuttles, aside from consuming way less energy than comparable buses, are very effective and convenient, departing every several minutes. And as advertised in the park, 5000 vehicles per day with 450 parking spots would make for a lousy experience.

The park does have a few weak points. For one, it’s too crowded to my liking, which is to be expected in light of the above. It’s very hot in the summer, making longer hikes too strenuous. And at least in our campground, you get very strong winds every night, leading to a less than perfect night’s sleep, when in a tent.

Recommendations:

I guess it’s clear by now – visit Zion National Park if you have the chance! We spent 3 nights, but adding a night and visiting Kolob Canyons could also work well.

Riverside Walk, at the end of the Zion Canyon a.k.a. Temple of Sinawava, is beautiful, but extremely crowded. In the summer, starting early in the day will give you more privacy.

As mentioned above, the eastern entrance is highly recommended, including driving through the long tunnel.

The lawn in front of the Zion Lodge (inside the Zion Canyon) is shaded and kid friendly. With ice-cream it’s a good ending to a hiking day.

Giora