A Walk in the Park: Zion in a Day
Description:
Zion has so much to see, it's a shame to experience it in only one day. But if that's what your schedule demands, you can still get a significant idea of the park's grandeur in less than 24 hours. You can hit the highlights, travel for free on Zion's much-lauded clean fuel shuttle system, and come away with great pictures and memories. Whetting your appetite with a short trip will make you want to come back to Zion National Park for a longer, more intensive stay! This day is appropriate for children as well as more mature guests, provided everyone can hike a bit.
Author: Julie Trevelyan
Day 1 - Zion National Park
Start with a quick breakfast in Springdale at Zion Park Gift & Deli—and also buy lunch wraps to go. Then hop on the free shuttle and head to the Zion Visitor Center, right by the South Entrance. Check out the exhibits, pick up a map, and talk to friendly rangers. Then back on the shuttle to the informative, interesting Zion Museum. Next shuttle stop: Zion Lodge or the Grotto, for the Emerald Pools trailhead. Choose between three great hikes, all loops: Lower (1.2 miles), Middle (2 miles), and Upper Pools (3 miles), ranging from one to two hours round-trip. These utterly gorgeous pools are very popular with excellent canyon overlook views. Be aware of steep drop-offs. Enjoy lunch and head back down. Relax at the Zion Lodge before catching the shuttle to Temple of Sinawava. Take the very gentle, flat 1-mile Riverside Walk. You'll end peering into the Zion Narrows, which you can even walk up, depending on the time of year and your own preparedness. Return to Springdale for a well-earned dinner at the Bit & Spur Mexican Restaurant and Saloon.
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Zion Shuttle
Location:
view in google mapsZion National Park
Zion National Park, UT 84767
Phone:
(435) 772-32562
Watchman Campground
Location:
Zion National Park, UT 84779Phone:
(877) 444-67773
Emerald Pools-Kayenta Loop
Location:
view in google mapsZion National Park
Zion National Park, UT 84767
