Overview of our trip to Zion National Park
The 15th National Park created, and one of the most popular in Utah (and the US).
This picture is overlooking the east section of the park into the main canyon, you can see several interesting spots from this vantage point. This is the first hike we climbed and we would recommend everyone start with this hike. You can drive to the trailhead in your own vehicle (all the hikes in the main canyon are accessed via the shuttle), and we loved seeing these landmarks as we drove through the canyon the rest of the week.
Zion National Park has a lot of great hikes for different skill levels. We had our 3 kids with us, ages 11-3, and needed to find hikes that we could complete as a family. Here are a few travel guides you can follow if you want more advanced hikes. There is more detailed information about our hikes in these posts.
We stayed just a couple minutes outside the park in a travel trailer, but you can reserve a site in the park 2 weeks in advance. We loved the campground, there was access to the river, some indoor buildings with AC, and a great pool, check out this post for more specific details about our campground and those available in the park.
Zion gets pretty warm in July and August, average temperatures reach high 90s and into the 100s. The river is refreshing, and fairly accessible in many parts of the park, so pack river shoes (water sandals like these), and plan to complete hikes early in the morning and later in the afternoon/evening. Play in the river, or take a nap after lunch to refresh and regroup for the later hikes.
The main visitor center has some charging stations, and this is where you start your day. You'll want to arrive at the visitor center early to get one of the few charging spots so you can charge up your vehicle, climb on the bus, and start exploring. If your travel companions are feeling adventurous there is a (mostly) paved trail along the river between the main visitor center and the first shuttle stop. There is another visitor center (with AC) with a great film and comfy seats at that first shuttle stop. And if you catch the shuttle at this second spot you'll avoid the (sometimes) long lines at the main visitor center.
We brought our reusable water bottles, and a camelbak and refilled at the shuttle stops, there were lots of drinking fountains at almost every shuttle stop. We also packed some yummy snacks to replenish energy supplies between hikes and ate at restaurants just outside the park for dinner in the evening. This post provides more details about our favorite dinner spot, and don't forget the ice cream!
Are you excited yet? Start planning your trip to Zion!
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