Page Updated: March 06, 2024
Zion National Park
He’s Lee - I'm V. He's quiet, funny, and intelligent. I’m impatient, determined and super awkward. He’s the yang to my yin and my best friend in life. If I’m taking the leap, there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side.
Zion Canyon - Zion National Park UT
There’s a plethora of ways to describe Zion National Park; amazing - beautiful - jaw dropping - mesmerizing - spectacular. The list goes on and on, and each is accurate. There’s a reason it’s one of the top 5 most visited National Parks in the United States annually and something you have to personally see to appreciate.
In my mind, the best word that sticks is “vibrant.” The sky is bluer, the trees seem greener, the rock is a brilliant shade of orange, and it all converges in this little corner of Utah creating Zion - the Hebrew word for sanctuary or refuge.
Zion was designated as a National Park in 1919
Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel cuts through the Pine Creek Canyon wall, is over a mile long, and has 6 windows cut through the stone allowing visitors glimpses of Zion’s landscape.
Angels Landing is noted as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.
Kolob Canyon - a remote area set apart from Zion’s more popular areas - has its own entrance, its own visitors center, and it’s where adventurists access the strenuous Subway hike (permit required).
Scenic Drive
From Zion’s East Entrance Ranger Station to the Park’s most popular South Entrance, Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive weaves through the Upper Canyon for 11miles passing slick-rock formations, scenic pullouts, and short trails to stop for exploration. Beloved features of the drive are the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and the Checkerboard Mesa.
RVers & large vehicle owners take note:
Vehicles 7’ 10” in width or 11’ 4” in height require traffic controlled escort through the tunnel.
Vehicles over 13’ 1” are prohibited, as well as single vehicles over 40’ long, combined vehicles over 50’ long, cyclists, pedestrians.*
*Full list of restrictions can be found here.
Hiking
Zion has a broad selection of family-friendly , strenuous day, and even longer multiday hikes. Popular hikes of Zion, such as Angels Landing and the Narrows, have historically been inundated with crowds. Visitors seeking a tranquility should consider less popular trails for quiet exploration.
Camping
Watchman Campground is located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and is open year-round. Required reservations are made on a 6 month rolling window. Campground offers both RV and tent sites.
South Campground is currently (MAY2021) closed for rehabilitation work.
Lava Point Campground is roughly 90mins from Zion’s South Entrance, offers primitive tent sites only, and is closed in winter. Reservations work on a 2 week rolling window.
Zion has an nice selection of overnight backpacking sites to choose from - all requiring a Wilderness Permit
For current info, news, and updates on all things Zion - including fees, permits, and closures - visit Zion National Park at nps.gov
2021 MAY
The first of the Mighty 5 for us to explore, Zion National Park is Utah’s most visited Park and a slice of heaven for a nature lover! Babes at camping - Our 2021 visit!
