Zion National Park
I’m still day dreaming about the views in Zion, it really does live up to the hype.
It’s a scenic drive from Las Vegas and less than 3-4 hours away from Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, Make a road trip out of it starting and ending in Sin City (because Vegas is always a good idea).
Stay
Nama Stay Cabins
If the name alone doesn’t sell you, the view will. Nama-Stay Cabins have a quaint ambiance, convenient location right outside the park and are walking distance to dozens of restaurants in Springdale. The rooms have a retro fridge, shared patio, a cozy bed and more than enough shelf space to store your snacks and gear.
Eat
Whiptail Grill is a converted gas station with amazing salads. Be sure to stop by here for lunch after spending the morning in the park.
A cold Bud Light just tastes different when you’re looking out at the red canyons of Zion under the shade. I couldn’t tell you why a gas station turned restaurant is so cool to me, but they certainly nailed the ambiance and every time I passed here there was a line.
Spotted Dog Café has tasty pasta, fries, and a patio with good sunset views.
It’s a perfect spot for locally crafted beers too. At the very least, come here for a sunset happy hour and request a seat outside.
Bit & Spur is a Mexican restaurant with charming twinkly lights, it feels like you’re dining in your fancy friend’s backyard under the stars.
Ask for the house margarita, which changes seasonally.
Pictured here: watermelon.
For a fancier dining experience, go to the Switchback Grille.
While there is indoor seating…sit on the patio because you’re in Zion and can’t miss an opportunity for more views.
Feel Love Coffee is an adorable spot with giant coffee cubes (to keep your coffee strong and not watered down, I asked) and vegan pastries. On the menu, there’s a hot egg, cheese and potato breakfast in a to-go cup - perfect if you’re heading to nearby Bryce or Capitol Reef early in the morning and need to get on the road ASAP.
This place was so charming and rustic I wanted to come back twice. The pastries were mysteriously gone within 45 minutes of our departure from Zion...
You’re on vacation, treat yourself to a scoop from Springdale Candy Company…at any time of day.
After hiking ten hours through the Narrows, drop your gear off (at Zion Outfitters) and get some fries and a beer at Zion Canyon Brew Pub across the parking lot, so you can’t miss it.
If you’re craving pizza (whether because you’ve worked up an appetite hiking or because pizza is always a good idea), you can’t go wrong with Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
We had this as a post-hike snack and pushed our dinner reservation out 2 hours to adjust accordingly.
Do
There are many epic hikes to do in Zion, but these three are my favorite: The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and the Lower Emerald Pools.
Note: there are a lot of other hikes available but check the NPS website to see what is open. A few trails were. closed due to rock slides or weather.
The Narrows! This is a full day affair, starting with the night before. Get your gear at Zion Outfitter (don’t forget the walking stick, the real MVP of the day), as well as the weather forecast and tips from some locals. The water proof shoes and socks took some getting used to, and the waterproof backpack came in handy to keep our water, snacks and dry flip flops safe all day.
I recommend getting into the park before sunrise to start your trek early and avoid extreme temperatures. Your journey starts with a shuttle ride (The Grotto, the last stop), then a walk along a paved path until you get to the water. Don’t waste any time taking photos at the beginning because the views will only get better.
Give yourself time to get to Wall Street, and then if you’re feeling athletic, head all the way to Big Springs. The crowds really thin out after the first mile or two.
My favorite part of the hike was the golden light dancing through the canyons on the return hike. Looking back at pictures, it’s hard to believe these views are real. Pro tip: plan to do the Narrows on your first full day, on the off chance that there are flash floods or bad weather, you have flexibility to adjust. That way you have more options to get this epic hike done on your Zion trip.
If you mention or google Zion, you’ll hear about Angel’s Landing. I went down an internet rabbit hole reading a lot of scary commentary about this hike. The reality is, the hike is safe as long as you’re paying attention to where you are, and it isn’t too crowded. I didn’t take a lot of pictures on this hike because I wanted my full attention on my footing and surroundings.
From the beginning, it’s a serious incline, but the view from the top is worth it.
The new park rules control crowds (starting April 1, 2022), so as long as you aren’t nervous around heights, this is a must do hike. The tickets are only to control the crowds for the last half mile.
Again, get to the park before 6am to beat the heat - on the walk down the sun was already beating down, and I was thankful I was not sweating on top of being out of breath.
The key to this hike is putting one foot in front of the other, and focusing on the next step. There are chains to hold onto towards the top, but its more for grip (not as a barrier)
The shuttles were reliable. Its the only way to get around the park and we never waited more than a minute for the next one to come.
For an easier hike with pretty views, check out the Emerald Pools. It’s a close shuttle stop after Angel’s Landing. There are Upper, Mid and Lower Emerald Pools but my favorite was the lower. The Upper Emerald Pools are an additional loop, and not worth it in my opinion (unless you want some extra cardio for a “just okay” view.)