Zion National Park
Geology
Zion National Park, covers a total of 229 square miles in Southwest Utah. It is an elevated plateau that consists of mostly sedimentary rock formation. The Virgin River formed a sandstone canyon that has formed over the past million years.
Location and Lodging
Inside of the park, there is the Zion Lodge and many campsites, but book early in busy seasons (March to November). My family stayed in Springdale which is a small town with many hotels and restaurants located just a few minutes by car from the park.
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You can drive with your car through the park but to get to the trails, you park your car at the visitor center and take the park shuttle. In busy season, it is possible that parking lot fills up before 9am. You can also take a shuttle from Springdale to the visitor center.
Weeping Rock Trail
The Narrows trail
Family Friendly Trails
Canyon Overlook Trail
Angels Landing is a popular hike, but it is not recommended with families with young children, because of it’s steep sections. One of my favorite trails was the Narrows, it is 16 miles in total, but we started with the Riverside Walk and hiked only 2 miles to when the trail meets the river (part of it you walk inside the river). Be careful, and pay attention to flash flood warnings and with appropriate clothing, because you will get wet.
Some other great trails that are are great for families is the Pa’rus Trail (3.5 miles from the visitors center), Weeping rock (0.4 miles), Watchman Trail (also staring at the visitors center), and Emerald Pools (1.2 miles).
One trail not on the shuttle route, is one of my favorites the Canyon overlook trail. Parking is available at the start of the trail, and it is one mile long that leads to a scenic view of the park.
Angels landing is a popular hike, but it is not recommended with families with young children, because of it’s steep sections. One of my favorite trails was the Narrows, it is 16 miles in total, but we started with the Riverside Walk and hiked only 2 miles to when the trail meets the river (part of it you walk inside the river). Be careful, and pay attention to flash flood warnings and with appropriate clothing, because you will get wet.
Some other great trails that are are great for families is the Pa’rus Trail (3.5 miles from the visitors center), Weeping rock (0.4 miles), Watchman Trail (also staring at the visitors center), and Emerald Pools (1.2 miles).
One trail not on the shuttle route, is one of my favorites the Canyon overlook trail. Parking is available at the start of the trail, and it is one mile long that leads to a scenic view of the park.
Fun Facts/ Travel tips
We arrived at Las Vegas airport which is a very vibrant city with many shows and venues. If you time properly, you can catch one of your favorite bands/singers or a nice Cirque de Soleil show. The following day we crossed Nevada’s border into Utah, a 2 hour trip by car.
