Zion National Park: camping and adventure

 

Is hiking Angel’s Landing or the Narrows in Zion National Park on your bucket list?  What about camping at Watchman Campground?  Well we’ve pulled together our Zion travel tips if you’re feeling like a road trip to Utah!

 

exploring zion national park

 

Utah’s National Parks can feel so remote and tranquil when you actually take the time to enjoy them.  Therefore, if you are rushing through Zion National Park, you will feel exactly that way.

Zion is one of the most visited National Parks in America.  However, only a small percentage of visitors ever leave the pavement!  So, we’ve got tips to not only get you off the pavement but enjoy Zion at a relaxed pace away from the crowds!

 

 

When you leave the pavement in Zion National Park and hike up, even just a for a mile or two, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views!

 

highlights of zion national park

 

Here are the top things to see and do while you are visiting Zion National Park. Even if you only have 1-2 days, or didn’t quite pack the right gear, there are still plenty of adventures that await!

 

1. Hike the Narrows

 

The Narrows is a sandstone canyon tucked in the far eastern end of Zion National Park.  With walls as high as 6,000ft, just exploring the first few turns through the canyon is special.  The canyon was carved by the Virgin River, and if you plan to hike the Narrows, you’ll spend much of the time actually in the river!

However, there is a paved section, the Riverside Walk, that you can walk along for about 30 minutes before you have to get into the water.  Visit the NPS.gov website to learn more about the Narrows, and determine if a permit is required for the type of hike you plan to do.

If you begin at the bottom of the Narrows, at the Temple of Sinawava, you will not need a permit.  However, you may need to rent gear like trekking poles, neoprene socks or booties, and hiking boots, and Zion Outfitter is your best bet for rentals!

 

2. take in the View, and the Wildlife

 

Gaze up at the massive sandstone cliffs, with colors ranging from deep reds to coral to brilliant white!  Do you love geology?  Well, the geological history found within these sedimentary rock layers is also what makes Zion so special.

More interested in wildlife than park geology?  Well here’s just a few of the animals you’ll find in Zion:

• mule deer
• big horn sheep
• ringtail cats
• coyotes

 

Love bird-watching?  Zion is a birder’s paradise!  Get up early and find a good spot to watch as the park wakes up.  In addition, the California Condor has been reintroduced into Zion!

 

3. Hike Angel’s Landing or the watchman trail

 

Angel’s Landing

 

Perched high above the valley floor, Angels Landing lives up to its name!  This hike is not for those with a fear of heights or if you’re traveling with small children.

If you plan to hike up to Angel’s Landing, beginning in 2022 you’ll need to apply for a permit so get on it early!  And, be prepared for 2.4 miles, 5 miles round-trip.  Your terrain will consist of steep, exposed rocky sections and the infamous switchbacks of Walter’s Wiggles!  You’ll gain 1,500ft of elevation to top out around 5,790 feet.

The last 1/4 mile is very steep, exposed, and can be icy or covered in snow!  Plan on 3-6 hours round trip.  It took us 4 hours to hike Angels Landing and back, with a stop at the top for photos!  Click over to the NPS.gov site to apply for a permit and get more info.

 

Watchman trail

 

If Angel’s Landing seems like it might be too much of a challenge, start smaller with the Watchman Trail.  This 3.1 mile out and back trail departs right from the Visitor’s Center! The Watchman climbs up gently gaining about 650 feet before you reach the Mesa Loop. 

In addition, the Watchman Trail will give you a great view across Zion to West Temple and of course, the Watchman looming overhead!  Please note, the Watchman Trail does not take you to the top of the Watchman.  You’ll need rock climbing gear if you want to climb to the summit!  More on rock climbing in Zion next…

 

Get up early, and on a weekday, to hike Angel’s Landing! No special gear is needed, just good fitness and some bravery!

 

4. go rock climbing

 

The rock climbing in and around Zion National Park is mainly sandstone, which is fragile, and easily eroded.  So, how is this possible that there is world-class climbing here?

Well, the sandstone is characterized by long, consistent joints or fractures which form cracks.   Therefore, you can place trad gear into these crack formations to protect you as you climb.  In Zion you will find more traditional (trad) climbing than sport (bolted, anchored) climbing.  And, Super Topo has a great Zion climbing guidebook you can pick up, or check out Mountain Project.

Zion is also world famous among the ranks of big wall aid climbing.  And, it offers some of the hardest multi-pitch climbing in the country!

Looking to get an easy start rock climbing in Zion?  See below about hiring a guide.  Or, check out the Practice Cliffs.  Other climbing areas that are easier to reach from the road include Kung Fu Theater!

 

5. go canyoneering

 

Canyoneering involves more than rock climbing.  Typically you’ll spend a day scrambling, rappelling, wading, or swimming through canyons!

And the best canyoneering adventure in Zion?  The Subway!  First, you begin with a drive to the top of the canyon.  Ditch a car there and leave a car at the end of the hike where you will come out.  Then, begin your hike down into the canyon.

Once deep into the canyon, you’ll be hiking in and out of the North Fork of the Virgin River.  Often swimming across narrow canyon pools!  What will you need to experience the Subway in Zion?

• a wilderness permit
• climbing rope
• harness
• helmet
• good hiking shoes and warm socks that can get wet but dry easily
• belay and/or rappel devices
• waterproof gear or drysuit if it is cold
• 7-9+ hours
• trained partner or a guide to help you navigate the way down successfully

 

And at the end of a long day hiking, you emerge finally through a subway-like tunnel.  We can’t stress enough how much having a guide or someone with canyoneering experience and good navigation skills will come in handy!

 

6. mountain biking near zion national park

 

Keep in mind that mountain biking within Utah’s National Parks is often not allowed.  You can ride on the road within the park, but not on trails.  And, this is often the best way to get around if you don’t want to be stuck in traffic or on the shuttle!

However, Zion National Park does have some of the best mountain biking just outside its boundaries around St. George and Hurricane.

 

Top 3 Mountain Bike Rides Near Zion National Park and St. George:

 

• Jem Trail: A good loop for beginners and intermediate riders.

• Gooseberry Mesa:  Great for intermediate and advanced riders.

• The Whole Guacamole:  One of the most challenging trails we’ve ridden near Zion!

 

 

mountain bike rentals and gear

 

Need gear or want to rent a mountain bike for a day or two?  Check out Red Rock Bicycle Co!  Located in St. George, this is the best shop for both bike rentals and gear.  In addition, the staff are locals and can not only give you tips on where to ride, and where to grab food and be after!

 

 

flash floods and other things to keep in mind on your visit to zion

 

Before we go on, we want to ensure you realize the risks associated with the activities above, especially as it pertains to flash flooding.  Of course, mountain biking, rock climbing, and canyoneering are inherently dangerous.  However, Zion in particular is known for flash floods that can turn a casual hike into a catastrophe within minutes.

It’s important to check the weather before you get started, and during your hike or climb if possible.  Watch for clouds, keep those headphones out of your ears, and pay attention to any warning signs- rising water, change in water color, increase in debris, or stream flow.

Know which areas have the potential to flood and have a plan B in case they do. Do not attempt to cross a river or stream bed that is flooded.  Even 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet!

The Zion National Park website and any outfitter you are working with can provide you with other things to look for, and more resources in case the weather does not cooperate.  One of the things on our packing list and gifts we buy for outdoor lovers is always some way to reach out for help.

Your fully-charged cellphone is great, but plan on not having much service in the park.  Therefore emergency messaging tools like the Garmin InReach, Spot, Rescue Me, or some type of personal locator beacon is a great investment if you plan to spend time off the grid. 

 

Best time to visit Zion National Park

 

When is the best time of year to visit Utah’s Zion National Park?  In the Spring or Fall.  Even the Winter for fewer crowds.

Summer in southern Utah can bring temperatures of over 100 degrees!  Therefore, always check the weather before rolling out.  You could easily find snow, ice and freezing temps at higher elevations, especially if hiking Angel’s Landing before noon.

 

HOW TO GET TO ZION NATIONAL PARK

 

Zion National Park is in the southern part of Utah.  Therefore, you might be driving in from Las Vegas.  Or flying into Salt Lake City, renting a car, and driving south.

If you’re coming in from Las Vegas, there are plenty of hotel options near the airport, and rental cars are quite cheap!  You could also drive from Las Vegas through the Virgin River Gorge and into St. George.  Here you can stock up on all your travel essentials before heading into the park.  

 

What to pack for a Zion National Park adventure

 

For Zion National Park, the temperature can range quite widely.  It can be below freezing at night, and rise into the 90s during the day.  Even in the summer!

Therefore, pack lots of layers!  Good hiking boots.  Rain gear or a waterproof jacket and pants.  Wool socks!  Need a packing list?  Check out our Adventure Camping Packing List!  We even have a downloadable PDF you can print out and tape to your closet door.

 

 

Campgrounds and Accommodations

 

Camping inside the park

 

Book your campsites in Zion National Park through Recreation.gov at either South Campground or Watchman’s.  Both are located right inside the southern park entrance.  And, within walking distance to the town of Springdale.

Again, bring a bike to get around the park, this way you’ll avoid crowds, get into the market for supplies, and still access areas like Emerald Pools and Angels Landing even if the park road closes to vehicular traffic.

 

Springdale

 

The gateway to Zion National Park from the west is through Springdale.  There are plenty of hotels and motels in Springdale, and if you bring a bike you can ride into the park within minutes!  Remember to bring bike locks if you plan to ride then hike.  We did this for Angel’s Landing and it worked out quite well as the main park road had closed and the shuttle was not running at the time.

From Springdale, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head Resort are also great day trips, along with Kolob Canyon.

 

Kanab

 

A hidden gem in southern Utah, Kanab is a classic western town with access to Zion National Park (eastern entrance), Capitol Reef National Monument, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Keep in mind if you’re driving to Zion, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel may be closed to vehicular traffic at certain times during the day.  For camping nearby we love Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, especially if surfing the sand dunes is on your bucket list!

 

LIVING THE VAN LIFE in Utah

 

Are you planning to camp and looking for that #vanlife?  Well, then rent a sweet ride for you and your favorite adventure buddies.  Here are a few companies to check out:

• Outdoorsy: Here’s a $50 rental credit to get started!

• Escapod

 

things to do near zion

 

Want some other things to do near Zion National Park?  Here are a few options:

 

• Rock climbing in the Virgin River Gorge
• Hiking, biking, and rock climbing in Snow Canyon State Park
• Mountain biking around St. George and Hurricane
• Cedar Breaks National Monument– Check out the Spectra Points and Ramparts Overlook Trail in Cedar Breaks.
• Visit Kolob Canyons, a northern extension of Zion National Park

 

 

guides, guidebooks, and gear for zion

 

If you’re interested in hiring a guide or renting gear to explore deeper into Zion National Park, there are a few outfitters that can help:

• Zion Outfitter
• Zion Rock Guides
• Zion Adventure Company

 

Going it alone?  We love Falcon Guide Books for exploring all of Utah’s National Parks.  Whether hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking, we carry a Falcon Guide in our pack!  For more Zion National Park area maps, check out:

• Utah.com

• National Geographic

 

Camping Equipment

 

Already landed and in the area and forgot some essential travel items at home?  Here are a few places on your way to Zion where you can find hiking, camping, mountain biking, or rock climbing gear:

• Backcountry.com has its headquarters in Park City but there’s also a distribution center and a great gear shop in Salt Lake City near the airport.  Just order online and pick up in-store when you land!

• REI is where you can buy or rent gear and they have 2 locations in the Las Vegas area, 2 in Salt Lake City.

• Black Diamond is our go-to for all skiing and rock climbing needs and has both a headquarters and a company store in Salt Lake City.

• The Desert Rat in St. George has everything you could possibly need for hiking, camping, and climbing.

 

Remember to Take It Slow

 

We know time is important, and you might have to be back at your desk come Monday.  But, take a few days to soak up the natural wonders in Zion.  And keep in mind, it’s not often the destination, but the journey that is most memorable.

Want more adventure tips and travel destinations?  Check out some of our other travel blogs here:

• Traveling California’s Route 395: The Eastern Sierra to Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park

• Road Trip Checklist: What Essentials to Pack for the Best Adventure Travel

• Lodging and Camping in Grand Teton National Park

• Bike Catalina: Travel Tips for Gravel Riding and Mountain Biking in Paradise

 

Until next time, follow Top Rope Media’s daily wanderings on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Happy adventuring!

– Meredith McConvill