Our family first visited Zion National Park in the Summer of 2019, and it is hands-down on our family favorite National Parks in the country. When we were planning our trip to the Southwest for this Summer, we knew that we had to revisit this favorite, and also looked forward to some of the adventures that we weren’t able do do on our first trip there.
Driving from Mesa Verde National Park, we spent the day exploring Four Corners National Monument, Monument Valley, and Horseshoe Bend along our route to Zion. Each of these stops were spectacular, and we all loved the beauty in each of these places.
We arrived in Zion in the afternoon, and made our way through the park to our lodging for the night, the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park, located right in the town of Springdale, Utah, the gateway to Zion National Park. We had to have a “park escort” to drive through the Tunnel into Zion, which runs from 8am-8pm, and costs $15 (you don’t need to book it ahead of time, but just tell the ranger when you approach). Our family absolutely loves the little town of Springdale, and the Zion Canyon Campground is the only RV park located right in town, aside from the park campgrounds (in which we stayed for the remainder of our time in Zion). The Campground was right in the heart of town, and we enjoyed some ice cream in the afternoon, before spending our evening at the campground BBQ-ing, racing remote control cars, and roasting s’mores. It was a great evening
We woke up the next morning, planning to explore a hike called the Narrows the next day. We knew it would be a hot day, and that hiking in the canyon, in the water, would be the perfect adventure, especially knowing we had to move the RV that morning to our lodging in the park, the Watchman Campground.
We set off that morning across the street to rent river gear from Zion Adventure Company. These neoprene socks, water hiking / canyoneering boots, and walking sticks would be so incredibly valuable to us that day on our adventure.
After checking into our spot at the Watchman Campground, conveniently located right next to the Visitor Center in the park, we walked about 7 minutes to the park shuttle, which we rode to our destination for our hike, the Temple of Sinewava Stop in the park (the last stop on the canyon shuttle line). The Zion Shuttle is the only way to access the park, as no cars are allowed to drive the canyon. in order to get to the trailhead to begin your hike to the Narrows, you must hike the Riverside Walk Trail first. This trail is 1 mile long each way, and is a great hike for anyone with small children, or anyone wanting an easy hike along the river into the canyon
From the end of the Riverside Walk Traill, we began our hike into the Narrows. This trail goes for a considerable distance into the canyon, and you will hike IN the river. Keep in mind that you will want to monitor conditions leading up to attempting this hike, as flash floods can be common in the area (this hike was closed during our visit in Summer of 2019 for this very reason). You will also want to make sure to take your time on this hike, as you will be hiking over river rocks, many of which are slippery, along the way.
Our family absolutely LOVED this adventure. Hiking IN the Virgin River was unlike any other hike we had ever done, and wading through the water (which at times was at least knee-deep to waist-deep was a thrill). We hiked at least 1.5 miles up the River to Orderville Canyon, and saw the most spectacular views of the narrow canyons. It was incredible.
The next morning, Justin and I awoke at 4:30am for the most incredible adventure together. On our visit to Zion National Park in the Summer of 2019, I had completed a solo hike to Angels Landing in the park, after having been intrigued about it in my research. My takeaway on that journey – it was my all-time favorite hike, to date.
In plotting our return to Zion National Park this summer, my number one goals was to return to Angels Landing, and to take Justin with me. So, we woke at 4:30am, and were in line for the Zion Canyon Shuttle by 4:45am, hoping to get on the first shuttle up the canyon that day, which would begin running at 6am.
We boarded that first shuttle, and were some of the first few people out on the trail that morning. And, before we knew it, we were ahead of the pack, climbing up the 21 short switchbacks, aptly named “Walter’s Wiggles,” to a destination called “Scout’s Lookout.”
From “Scout’s Lookout,” the trail to Angels Landing climbs up an over a long, narrow rib of rock with cliff drop-offs on both sides, and utilizing cables along the way for stability. This part of the trail is extremely dangerous and scary and, thus, is not recommended for children or those with a fear of heights.
Justin and I climbed this section of trail olong the cables. He was in awe, and I was just as scared as I was on my first journey up this trail.
In a little over an hour on the trail (we were hauling), we reached the top of Angels Landing with no one else around, the sun rising in front of us. It was spectacular, and the views of the park and canyon from that vantage point were other-worldly, an incredible reward.
After taking in the views, we made our way back down the cables, and encountered some traffic along the way, the most scary part of that hike in our opinion. This is the critical part of making sure that, if you want to attempt this hike, that you get yourself on the first shuttle bus that morning – you will encounter WAY less traffic on the way DOWN the cables, critical because the way up an down is on the same trail.
Justin and I returned to the RV that morning before our kids even woke up for the day. We then spent the rest of the day together in the park, enjoying the lawn at the Zion Lodge, and playing games and frisbee there.
On our final day in Zion, we planned to hike the trail to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools. Our family had visited the Lower Emerald Pools on our first trip to Zion in 2019, but the Middle and Upper Pools were closed at the time.
We began our hike from the Grotto Shuttle Stop, and took the Kayenta Trail 1.5 miles each way to the Middle and Upper Pools. It was a great hike for the morning, and the pools and surrounding rock cliffs were gorgeous. We also really enjoyed the views up and down the canyon along our route
That afternoon, we had some fun down by the river adjacent to our campground, a wonderful respite on a hot day.
The boys had an especially great time playing on a rope swing that we found down by the river.
It had been a fantastic three days in Zion National Park, full of new adventures for our family. It is such a sweet journey to revisit a family favorite and have the opportunity for new adventures. And, the best thing, we know we will be back again at some point!
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