Zion National Park Sports & Outdoors

Zion National Park is very known for its incredible slot canyons, which attracts hikers from around the world. We did two hikes. One towards the Upper Emerald Pool. And one through a slot canyon. Both were worth while. Free guided and interpretive tours are available. Below a brief description of some interesting trails:

One hour or less (round trip)

- Weeping Rock: self guiding walk to a spring and "hanging garden";
- Canyon Overlook: self guiding walk to a canyon viewpoint;
- Lower Emerald Pools: easy walk to a waterfall.

One-two hours (round trip)

- Riverside Walk: easy walk along the Virgin River;
- Middle Emerald Pool: moderate walk to pools and waterfalls;
- Watchman: moderate walk to viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon.

Three-four hours (round trip)

- Hidden Canyon: fairly strenuous hike to a hanging canyon;
- Angels Landing: strenuous hike to the top of Angels Landing.

Equipment: Have a look at Zion National Park Packing List.

Zion National Park, in southwest Utah, preserves one of the iconic landscapes of the American Sothwest and offers some of the most memorable day hikes to be found. The park is devided in diffirent sections. East of the Zion-Mt. tunnel, you can see fascinating shapes and patterns at the top of the sandstone layers. The southern part of the park is a lower, desert area. Here, colourful mesas are bordered by rocky canyons and washes. The western sections of the park are from volcanoes and petrified wood from ancient forests. The northern sections of the park are higher plateaus. The cool, green forests overlook broad panoramas of rugged canyon country.

We hiked our way around and started across from Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from the Zion Canyon Lodge. The trail towards Lower Emerald Pool was probably one of the easiest paths and was paved for handicap accessibility. It was a rather crowded track as it is the perfict hike for the family. But anyway, the view we had at the beautiful pool with its waterfal was beautiful. We continued our way via a rocky path. We were pleased to watch the views in the shades provided by the trees. Beautiful hike!

Equipment: Have a look at Zion National Park Packing List.

Designated in 1919, Zion National Park is Utah's oldest National Park. In our opinion Zion is the one place you absolutely should not miss on a trip to Utah. Also known as the "Land of the Rainbow Canyons", Zion is famous for its bright red-orange sandstone canyons that merge in shades of white, pruple, pink and yellow to create some of the most brilliantly coloured rockface in the world. Here the Virgin River has cut through a high plateau to create a geological marvel. If you want to see these colourful sandstone canyons, hot rocky deserts and cool forested plateaus the right way you must definately hike.

Zion is one of the most diverse hiking meccas on the entire planet. We found lots of visitors facilities, the grandest viewpoints and trully many hiking paths. These paths ranged from extended backcountry trails to easy 10 minutes strolls to places of interest. Low and high deserts, waterfalls, high cliffs, sandstone wildeness, the Virgin River's lush valley and Zion's water filled canyons, it's all there!

Equipment: Have a look at Zion National Park Packing List.

Guided horseback trips are available in Zion from March through October. The one hour trip will take you along the Virgin River for about one mile. No child under 7 may go on this ride, and no one over 220 lbs is allowed. The half day trip along the Sand Bench Trail will take you along the Sandbench Trail, gradually climbing 500 feet, offering you a spectacular view of the southern end of Zion. This half day trip has an age limit of 10 years, and a weight limit of 220 lbs.

Technical mountain climbing is allowed within the park, however, it is recommended that you do not climb alone. The climbing in Zion will often be on sandstone and requires hardware and technical rock climbing skills. Climbing is prohibited in certain areas of the park, such as those above Middle and Lower Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock. Other routes are closed when Peregrine Falcon are nesting. Be sure to check which routes are closed to climbing at the visitor center before beginning a climb. If you are planning an overnight climb, permits are required.

With 2000 foot cliffs all around you, you have a multitude of choices for your next rock blast. Most of the routes are quite serious and draining. Scouts Landing, Greta White Throne, the Tunnel Walls all await your chalk. The Backcountry Desk at the visitor center can lend more information about routes. No permits are needed unless your climb requires an overnight bivouac - nothing quite as much fun as spending a night in a bat hammock! Like in Park canyons, power drills are not allowed for bolt placement. Inner tubes are not allowed either for would-be canyoneers.

Equipment: Rock gear of various levels. Most climbs tend to take an extreme nature with only a few areas where you can top rope. There are a lot of easier places to learn to rock climb, though there are plenty of places you could do so here, too.

There is a paved trail that will follow along the campground border and into the scenic drive area. We only followed the trail near the camping areas in order to kill some time. It is a lollygag trail which serves its purpose. It is a nice way around people since few take this route. We did not have time to explore the whole route and were more excited to ride for real at Gooseberry Mesa.

Visit the visitor center’s web site and click “Services” to find a description of the following two shops where you may rent bicycles. Bike Zion is at 1458 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767, and Springdale Cycles is at 932 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767.