Zion National Park Reviews (Springdale, Utah)

Fabulous, Fabulous, Fabulous

by dkm1981

Blackburn, England, United Kingdom

August 28, 2012

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Zion National Park was the fourth of the parks we visited on our road trip and, I have to be honest, it was the one I was least looking forward to, probably because it was the one I knew least about. After having visited it, I can safely say that it ...Read more

From journal American Road Trip Part Two

AMAZING

by rufusni

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

October 14, 2011

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo We drove in from Kanab, meaning to enter the main valley we would have to travel through the Mt Carmel/Zion tunnel...but there was so much to see before that. Just before the tunnel is a short trail called the Canyon Overlook Trail which is about a ...Read more We drove in from Kanab, meaning to enter the main valley we would have to travel through the Mt Carmel/Zion tunnel...but there was so much to see before that. Just before the tunnel is a short trail called the Canyon Overlook Trail which is about a 2 mile round trip. There are only two small car parks here...so it can be interesting to get a parking space and difficult because of the traffic queuing to get through the tunnel...but its worth it. The trail itself starts with steps, and much of it is on rock....there are the odd narrow sections and a bridge were there must have been a collapse a while ago. Its not a difficult hike though it is uphill, and the path is not level and is rough in places with the odd bit of a scramble. But it is worth it in the end with the views over the valley and seeing the switchbacks leading to the tunnel and one could hear the motorbikes below (which kind of ruined the silence). I enjoyed the views. It took us less than an hour and that included a reasonable amount of time at the viewpoint. There were vault toilets also in the carpark.

We got into the queue to go through the tunnel which was begun in 1927 when the first cars really started to explore the region, and was to better connect the different developing parks such as Zion and Grand Canyon. They built a piece of incredible engineering for the time, and built something capable of handling more traffic than I suppose they ever imagined. Its interesting to drive through and then there are these big windows which were used to get rid of what was dug out...but know give these amazing series of snapshots of the park...snapshots punctuated in the darkness of the tunnel. Coming out the far side we made our way down the switchbacks.

Now the main canyon is not accessible by car...so we headed to the visitors centre, parked and caught the free shuttle which trundles through the park. We headed to the Lodge, and bought an early lunch before the rush. My tuna roll was a bit mushy and too much mayo so I was glad to have bought a bag of crisps. None of the food was stuff you were going to write home about. There is a main food counter, a smaller counter for drink orders and also a bar on the patio. There is also a shop here to buy souvenirs. The Lodge also provides accommodation.

From here we crossed over the Virgin River and up to the Emerald Pools...this was a fairly easy walk...and was just muddy at the lower pool under the overhang were water runs and drips into the pool. It was pretty to see the sun shining through the falling water. We walked on from there to the Grotto and again got on the shuttle which we took to the end of the road at the Temple of Sinawava. From here is a short riverside walk that leads to the beginning of the narrows walk. This is a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible...its not flat but there are no major slopes to manage. There are a good number of benches along the path, including some nice shady ones, and there are a good number of trees about as well. This was incredibly busy when we were there in the afternoon, and there was quite a crowd at the end of the trail...so I started to walk back and there is another point were the trail allows for access to the river, so I wandered down here and put my feet in the water which was incredibly cold...and indicated I was glad not to do the narrows at this stage.

We caught the shuttle bus back...the bus was crowded from the end of system back to the visitors centre. We had a wander in the shop before leaving. It was also nice that the park provided taps of spring water to refill water bottles.

Honestly, I was sorry not to have had time and opportunity to do the hike to Angel's Landing, as none of the other hikes had any difficult to them...but were pleasant. I just wish I had more time to explore the place...to stay overnight at least would have been good. But it was stunning with the cliffs rising above and the running river providing a constant musical backing track. Simply breath taking....the only problem is traffic...its noise and the roads which make this place so accessible to so many also detract from its beauty. But still amazing! Close

From journal Kanab Capers

Zion National Park

by Jctravel1983

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

December 11, 2010

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo The American Zion National Park is located in the state of Utah, near the town of Springdale. The most famous section of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon, a ravine 24 kilometers long and 800 meters deep. Every year over 2 million people visit the ...Read more

From journal USA

Crowded but Worth It

by Chris & Carinne

Oakland, California

July 24, 2010

Email
Print

Given that this is one of the most visited parks in the country, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by the bumper-to-bumper traffic as I drove through the canyon floor. There are some spectacular sections to this park, so it's definitely worth ...Read more

From journal National Parks Tour

The Rest of Zion

by Wasatch

heber ctity, Utah

March 13, 2010

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo If you follow the recommended itinerary, you will arrive in Zion National Park from the east on super scenic Ut Rt 9. In a bad year, we visit Zion NP 2-3 times. In a good year, more than three. We stop at Zion on our way to Las Vegas. We stop at ...Read more

From journal Waterfalls in Zion National Park in 2010?

Waterfalls in Zion

by Wasatch

heber ctity, Utah

March 13, 2010

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo The spring of 2010 is shaping up to be unusually wet in the desert southwest. This shows promise of a chance to see one of America’s most impressive natural wonders– Waterfalls in Zion National Park’s Zion Canyon. The last time this happened was ...Read more

From journal Waterfalls in Zion National Park in 2010?

Zion Is Truly Gods Land

by Autumnrose2008

fort Collins, Colorado

November 23, 2009

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo After driving through Utah many times on our way to Vegas to many to count actually we finally chose to stay and explore the town of St George Utah. St George being the largest town closest to Zion National Park we felt that it was ideal for our ...Read more

A Park Named After Heaven

by airynfaerie

St. Augustine, Florida

October 11, 2009

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo One of the most breathtaking national parks has to be Zion National Park, with the colorful, looming rocks, hanging gardens, emerald pools, and pristine rivers.We visited Zion as a day trip from Las Vegas, and I can honestly say that I'd rather have ...Read more One of the most breathtaking national parks has to be Zion National Park, with the colorful, looming rocks, hanging gardens, emerald pools, and pristine rivers.

We visited Zion as a day trip from Las Vegas, and I can honestly say that I'd rather have stayed in this lovely park for a few extra days. It was quite easy navigating through the roads to the entrance and parking lot. We paid the entrance fee and were greeted by knowledgeable and courteous staff at the lodge where we read a bit about the history of the park and the sites within it. Be sure to pick up some literature there which will guide you through the must-see spots in this massive park.

The staff told us about three of the main paths that we could take, that would take us past the main sites. We walked most of the paths, but also took advantage of the park Shuttle Bus system which can help you get around a little faster. Take your time and enjoy viewing the many observation points, pools, and rock formations.

Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes. Overall it's not a very difficult hike, as there are clearly marked paths, mostly on level ground. At the end of the hike, take a stop at the lodge restaurant or cafe for some lovely regional food. Or grab a few items to-go and enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawn out front under a large shade tree.

You won't regret visiting this unique destination in the West! A must-see!

http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
Entrance Fees: Private Vehicles/RVs - $25 per vehicle for a 7 day pass
Open: Daily
Closed: December 25
Spring: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Summer: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Fall: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Winter: 8:00 am. to 5:00 pm.
Close

From journal Exciting Day-Trips from Vegas

Our Favorite National Park

by Wasatch

heber ctity, Utah

June 4, 2009

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo If you follow the recommended itinerary, you will arrive in Zion National Park from the east on super scenic Ut Rt 9. In a bad year, we visit Zion NP 2-3 times. In a good year, more than three. We stop at Zion on our way to Las Vegas. We stop at ...Read more

From journal Free visits to the National Parks

The Not to Be Missed National Park

by Wasatch

heber ctity, Utah

May 27, 2009

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Zion National Park is one of 18 National Parks within a one day drive of our home in Northern Utah. We have been to them all several times, but Zion is where we go most often. Attendance figures for Utah’s National Parks show that Zion has as ...Read more

From journal Utah for Visitors from Other Lands

IgoUgo

Zion National Park

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

Fabulous, Fabulous, Fabulous

AMAZING

Zion National Park

Crowded but Worth It

The Rest of Zion

Waterfalls in Zion

Zion Is Truly Gods Land

A Park Named After Heaven

Our Favorite National Park

The Not to Be Missed National Park

Zion National Park

What's Nearby?

Nearby Things to Do

Popular Springdale Hotels

Popular Things to Do in Springdale

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

Fabulous, Fabulous, Fabulous

AMAZING

Zion National Park

Crowded but Worth It

The Rest of Zion

Waterfalls in Zion

Zion Is Truly Gods Land

A Park Named After Heaven

Our Favorite National Park

The Not to Be Missed National Park