On the way to the Zion National Park

On the way to the Zion National Park

One of my favorite things in traveling is the constant ability to surprise me. Whether it is about discovering hidden beaches in Vanuatu or meeting sea turtles during a dive in Samoa, trips often offer the unexpected. The latest example was during our unplanned visit to the Zion National Park in Utah on our (unplanned) American road trip.

We had spent a few days to explore the Grand Canyon National Park and enjoyed our last meal in our lodge when we talked to another group of hikers.

You suggested adapting our route to the Zion National Park. "It's like a red yosemite in the desert," they told us. "You will love it."

varied topography

Well, the Zion National Park is nothing "little"-on the contrary. The solid sandstone rocks in cream, pink and red protrude dramatically into the sky.

When you get out of the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel, you will be greeted by hilly plateaus that gently waves before the slopes and sandstone gorges, which are overgrown with juniper, quickly climb up 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) and never fall below 900 meters (3,000 feet). .

There are meadows with fresh water streams and the Virgin River that flows through the park, as well as dripping sources and even one or the other waterfall. The topography is refreshing and really varied.

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• Alt = "Zion National Park">
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• Alt = "Photo of the Zion National Park">
• Alt = "Photo of the Zion National Park">
• Alt = "Photo of the Zion National Park">
• Alt = "Photo of the Zion National Park">
• Alt = "Photo of the Zion National Park">
• Alt = "Photo of the Zion National Park">
• Alt = "Photo of the Zion National Park">
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The excellent National Park Service did a good job here too. On arrival, numerous information and signs are available to help the first -time visit to the decision.

The park is crossed with a number of hiking trails of different lengths and challenges that are suitable for every time frame and every fitness level. There are rock towers, sandstone gorges and sharp cliffs that have to be climbed when you have time and strength.

We made an unplanned detour and only had the day. We decided to explore three short hikes: the Weeping Rock Trail, the Upper Emerald Pool Trail and part of the Riverside Walk.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive meanders through most of the park and combines the starting points, viewpoints and other services (restaurants, cafés and information points).

I would like to come back and stay on the well -stocked campsite for a few days (if Kia allows it) and try some of the more demanding hikes such as the Hidden Canyon and La Kin Creek.

Zion is the United States' national park visited at the eightest, but don't be fooled by it - he asserts himself against the heavyweights. In February, the park was peaceful and quiet with breathtaking views that could record it with the more well -known National Parks Yosemite and Grand Canyon. If you ever have the opportunity, take the street to Zion. We loved it. You will do it too.

How to get there

Zion National Park is located on State Route 9 in Springdale, Utah. We drove from Arizona in the south on the US Route 89 and then to State Route 9.

Depending on where you come from, you should probably drive towards St. George, La Kin or Mount Carmel Junction. It is best to use the "Plan Your Visit" page (Plan your visit) on the excellent NPS website.

The entry fee for the park is $ 25 per vehicle or $ 12 per person, and the passport applies to a week what makes it more economical if you can visit a group and stay for several days.

There are camping options and lodges both in the park (expensive) and nearby. You can find a lot of information on the National Park Service website, including maps, shuttle timetables, hiking routes, accommodations and more.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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