Zion National Park

During the summer months you park and catch the shuttle to tour the park. In the winter months you can drive in.

Open year round. Fees: $16/night, $18/night with electric hookups, $20/night for river sites. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance at www.recreation.gov or 877-444-6777. First come first serve Oct 28 – late March.

Open year round with rooms, cabins, suites and a gift shop. Reservations recommended: 888-297-2757, 435-772-7700 or www.zionlodge.com. Other lodging available in Springdale (see my Springdale Utah guide) Rockville, east entrance, Mt. Carmel Junction, Kanab and Cedar City.

From the Zion Canyon Visitors Center this short but steep trail climbs a small hill to the outlines of small prehistoric storage buildings. (.4 miles/.5 hours round trip)

Paved trail follows the Virgin River from South Campground (3.5 miles/1.5 hours)

The short but steep trail leads to views of the Three Patriarchs (named after the three patriarchs of the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) and the Sentinel. (100 yards/.25 hours round trip. Shuttle Stop: Court of the Patriarchs)

This paved trail is one of the most popular short hikes in the park leading to wispy waterfalls cascading into the Emerald Pools. (1.2 miles/1 hour round trip, trail access: Zion Lodge)

Short but steep paved trail with minor drop offs ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs. (.5 miles/.5 hours round trip)

Easy, serene paved trail, boardered on both sides by tall cliffs, follows the Virgin River up into the beginnings of the Zion Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava parking area. (2 miles/1.5 hours round trip)

From the Zion Canyon Visitors Center this moderate hike with minor drop-offs ends at viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon. (2.7 miles/2 hours round trip)

This moderate hike with long drop-offs is the access to the Upper Pools. (2 miles/2 hours, start at Zion Lodge)

I haven’t been on this one but the Trail Guide says it’s strenuous with long dropoffs – not for anyone fearful of heights. (2 miles/3 hours round trip, starts at Weeping Rock)

One of the most spectacular overlooks in the park. However, a word of caution: It is very steep and two people have already fallen to their deaths this year. And one more died of a heart attack on the trail. Three in one week is a record for the park. (5 miles/4 hours round trip, start at The Grotto)

I haven’t climbed this one either but my neice, Aubrey, got engaged to her now husband, Mike, here and, according to them it’s longer but not as strenuous, steep or exposed as Angels Landing. This may have the best views in the park. (8 miles/5 hours round trip, starts at Weeping Rock)