The Lollipop Road

In anticipation of National Parks Week (April 17th-25th), we’re exploring several of our nation’s most popular National Parks.  Visiting a National Park is an interesting, educational and exciting activity for kids and during National Parks Week it’s FREE!

This week we’ll be exploring one of our Nation’s most interesting and photogenic parks, Zion National Park.  Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, Zion is only about 150 miles from Las Vegas and sits less than 50 miles from the nearest major town, St. George, Utah.  You’ll want to avoid traveling the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in the summer of 2010 if possible as there will be major road construction from May through October.  Check their website in advance for detours.

Its proximity to Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Canyon National Park (North) makes Zion National Park a convenient and ideal destination by itself or as part of a more extensive family vacation.  You should allow at least two days to visit the area.

Regular entrance fees are $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.

Getting Around

If you are staying at lodging located within the park, you’ll have the option of driving your vehicle into Zion Canyon (up to the lodge), which we recommend.  If not, you’ll have to rely on the two free shuttle routes that serve the area from April 1 through October 31.  The Springdale loop serves the nearby town that sits at the edge of the park.  Offering accessible (and green) buses, the Springdale Shuttle stops at nine points (several are flag stops) between town and the Zion Canyon Visitor’s Center.  So, if you are staying in town or need a place to park, this is the shuttle you’ll likely utilize.  There is also parking at the Zion Canyon Visitor’s Center, however, during peak periods it does fill early.

The Zion Canyon Loop Shuttle will take you into the park, making eight stops as it winds its way up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.  Shuttle buses run frequently, but be prepared for a wait during peak periods.  Early mornings are the best time to avoid the crowds.  If you are staying at the Zion Lodge, you will be required to utilize the shuttle system if you want to travel past the Lodge.

If you are traveling in an oversized vehicle or plan on bicycling in the park, please check restrictions before you go.

Visitor’s Centers

The Zion Canyon Visitor’s Center is open 364 days a year.  During off-peak times, the center serves visitors from 8AM-5PM, while in summer they stay open until 8PM.  With extensive outdoor exhibits, gift shop, picnic area and other services, this should be your first stop upon entering the park.

Just a short distance from the Zion Canyon Visitor’s Center is the Zion Human History Museum.  Open daily from March through November, this quaint museum displays various exhibits focusing on the people of Zion as well as art from local artists.  A short 22-minute film also provides a great introduction to the park’s landscape.

Sandwiched in between these two locations is the Zion Nature Center, open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  The Nature Center serves as the center of all organized kids activities within the park.  Kids aged 6-12 can participate in a variety of Ranger led programs that are not only fun, but educational too.

Lastly, the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (open 364 days a year from 8AM-5PM (4:30PM off season)), located in the western end of the park, offers some basic services and exhibits for visitor’s exploring Kolob Canyon.  If you’re only visiting for a day or two, it is unlikely that you’ll get to explore this area.

Things To Do

Hiking

Despite the soaring canyon walls and deep gorges, there are plenty of family friendly hikes within Zion National Park.  For the easier, more tranquil strolls, check out Pa’rus Trail (3.5 mi paved/stroller friendly) that begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor’s Center, Lower Emerald Pool Trail (1.2 mi paved/mini-stroller possible) and Grotto Trail (1.0 mi) starting at Zion Lodge or Riverside Walk (2.2 mi paved/stroller friendly) starting from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop.  Be aware that if you choose to continue on to the Middle Emerald Pool or Upper Emerald Pool, these trails require some scrambling over loose sand and rocks that are often slippery.  This trail also has some steep drops and is not appropriate for young kids.

If you have a little more adventure in you, or have teenage kids, try the short Weeping Rock Trail (0.4 mi short and steep) from the Weeping Rock shuttle stop, Canyon Overlook trail (1.0 mi moderate) just east of the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel or the Watchman Trail (2.7 mi moderate) from the Zion Canyon Visitor’s Center.  All of these hikes require a bit more energy, but are worth the effort.

Avid hikers come to this park typically for one of two reasons.  One, to hike Angel’s Landing (a 5.4 mi strenuous hike with steep drop-offs) or two, to hike The Narrows.  Hiking Angel’s Landing can be a great bonding experience if you have older teenage kids, however, its challenges should not be taken lightly.  You should prepare for this long and strenuous hike not only physically, but also mentally.  You’ll need lots of water, food for emergencies, solid hiking shoes, a good sun-blocking hat and a great deal of courage.

Hiking The Narrows, at least in part, although labeled as strenuous can be accomplished by most families.  However, you’ll need to rent (or bring your own) water hiking shoes, hiking sticks or poles and wear shorts and a light shirt that are preferably quick drying.  You’ll also need dry or waterproof packs to carry extra clothing (for warmth), food, water, camera, etc.  If you are fit and sure footed, you might make part of this hike carrying a baby pack, but I wouldn’t risk it, so reserve this hike until the kids are able to walk surely without any assistance (probably at least 6-7) as the water can be deep and quick moving in some areas.

The Narrows hike begins at the end of the Riverwalk trail and winds up the sometimes narrow canyon for 16 miles to its end.  Most hikers will start at the bottom, hike part way and return.  If you wish to hike through, a permit will be required.  At least 75% of the hike will be spent in the river navigating over the stones that cover the river bottom.  These can be slippery, so take it slow until you feel comfortable. 

There are “beach” areas along the way to rest, so make sure to take advantage of these.  The whole area is subject to flash flooding from even the shortest of rain storms, so always be prepared.  I can personally attest to the fact that being stuck out there in the middle of a thunderstorm is NOT fun!  Overall, this is the most amazing hike that we’ve ever taken and if you visit Zion, be sure to at least take a short stroll into the river.

Ranger Programs

Zion National Park offers an incredible array of Ranger led programs that offer something for everyone.  From educational talks to leisurely walks, Rangers provide extensive insight into Utah’s first National Park.  They also offer drop-in programs that allow you to stay as long as you’d like or join a 2-hour shuttle tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to the park.  Of course, evening programs are available at Watchman Campground to round out the activities.

Other Activities

If you haven’t had enough of sightseeing, hiking or listening to the Rangers, there is also Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing and Bicycling for the more adventurous.  Bicycling is allowed on paved roads as well as the Pa’rus Trail and to make it even easier, each shuttle has a rack that accommodates two bicycles just in case you get tired.  You can also troll through the streets of nearby Springdale where you’ll find the Zion Canyon Theatre (showing 3D on the big screen).  There is simply too much to do in one day!

For a complete listing of all activities in Zion National Park, check out the Spring Map and Guide.

Be sure to check out Part 2 of this series where we take a look at Lodging, Camping and Dining in the park.

If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby.

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