First impressions of Zion National Park in Utah were “Wow-Wow-Wow!" "Trees jutting out from every cliff and rock." "Words can't describe...just...wow!”
If you ever think of passing over Zion National Park...DON’T!!! Approach it from the east headed west from Route 89 to Route 9 through two tunnels. Both moments of reentering the lighted vistas are awe inspiring to say the least!
Cut out windows in the second tunnel offer glimpses of splendor as well! As you descend into the canyon from the second tunnel, switchbacks allow all passengers in the vehicle to see the amazing views from all sides!
Zion National Park is a rock scrambler’s paradise with everything: red rock, sand, green trees, flowers, rushing Virgin River and huge canyons of gargantuan proportions!
We stayed at Zion Canyon Campground just outside the National Park in Springdale. Camp along the Virgin River if you are able to book it. We have never camped in a spot with a more glorious view!
Most of the year, there is a free shuttle from Springdale to the Visitor Center and there is a free NPS shuttle that runs from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction and up the Zion Canyon Scenic Road. This road leads to most formal hikes like Watchman Trail (see pictures), Lower Emerald Pool Trail or Angel’s Landing.
Vehicles can access other areas east and west in the park where pull offs and unmarked trails lead to beautiful, secluded waterholes or washes.
Though more fellow hikers were present than we prefer on trails since we visited on a Saturday through Mother's Day, a beautiful aspect of our experience was hearing countless languages spoken sometimes more than English! The sounds of heaven!
The wildflowers are amazing due to the wet spring they experienced.
A favorite flower of our family was the gooseberry globe mallow. We also enjoyed seeing blooming sage, prickly pear, thistle, slickrock paintbrush, desert marigold, scarlet lobelia, columbine, shooting star, and sacred detura as well.
On the east side of the park, on our last evening, we parked at a random pull off to scamper down into a canyon wash so the kids could run free and play in a small stream and boulder a little. We used the whistle system for roaming teen and tween which served our nerves, voices, and throats well, while allowing them freedom to explore along with a sense of safety for all of us. Note: Be sure to check in at preset intervals to make sure the whistle reaches!
The general splendor, majestic grandeur and sheer magnitude of the park almost overwhelmed us! More than a few times, Drew commented this rivaled any National Park he had ever been to. For all of us, this was a favorite.
We felt this was a place we could stay and explore for a lengthy amount of time. As with each of the parks we have visited, we got only a taste of what is offered here. But for any who may doubt the value of a national parks system, it is truly essential that God’s creation is protected in ways that give life to those who need scenic beauty, nature, and wild places in which to roam free from the press of crowded towns and every day life. Our family needed this place at this time to experience some of God’s love for us, moments of renewal, and be enlivened by Him again!
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