Today, we arrive at the final gem of the “Mighty Five” national parks in southern Utah—Zion National Park.
Zion’s mixture of dramatic uplifted cliffs, scenic river walks with older rocks nearly 300 million years old, picturesque waterfalls, naturally sculptured rocks, ancient Native American petroglyphs, and historic wooden lodges now attracts about 5 million visitors now a year. Of course, this popularity has also necessitated accommodations such as running a free shuttle bus system to take visitors around the park’s roads. Even hiking several of the park’s most popular trails now requires obtaining advance permits—and months in advance!
Most people who come to this park are there to hike the multitude of easy, moderate, to challenging trails. Some trails follow the twists and turns of the Virgin River which winds through cliff-lined peaks. When the water level is low, visitors put on wading boots and balance themselves with a hiking stick to wander up the Virgin River’s upper waters through an in increasingly narrow and high peaked canyon known as “The Narrows.” However, the other most popular trail hike involves a strenuous climb up to a peak known as “Angel’s Landing.” Thinking that the peak was so high and narrow, that only angels could comfortably land here, hikers climb up challenging switchbacks for nearly two miles to a staging area known as “Scout’s Landing” (this is as far as I traveled). Next, hikers begin the ascent up a chain section which allows the bravest to ascend the peak. And when I say brave, I mean it. High winds, slippery surfaces, and awkward steps have caused 14 people to fall to their deaths from this high summit
Of course, this scenic park, despite its increasingly crowded nature, is still home to mule deer, mountain lions, wild turkeys, and eagles along with hanging gardens of ferns amidst weeping rocks, cactus, and gorgeous flowers ranging from the reddish Indian paintbrush to yellow primrose.
Everywhere you look in Zion is awe-inspiring. There is the massive rock peak called the “Alter of Sacrifice.” This red-streaked rock wall, which rises 7,505 feet, is amazing. One of my favorite sites was the to the postcard-like beauty of the “Canyon Overlook,” which affords visitors the chance to see nearly the entire Zion Canyon from a strategic overlook. And by the way, if you also love unique shopping opportunities shadowed by towering cliffs, you must spend time among the shops of adjacently-placed Springdale. Our favorite was the Bumbleberry ice cream and gift shop. Thank you for your interest.
