Zion National Park — Attraction in Apple Valley

Zion-your beauty and splendor are so wonderful to be saved and shared, yet the joy of the experience hard to find in the midst of the crowd of the Narrows. Zion shows the wonder of creation. We are glad we went but prefer the quieter less-busy places. More on that later.

5-stars for beauty. 1 star for crowds. See below, day 3, do off-the-beaten path.

We didn't hurry and arrived at the visitor center parking area at 10 a.m. on Columbus/Indigenous People weekend (Friday). As expected, it was full, but we wanted to see if we could find a spot but could not. So, we headed south through Springdale and found parking at area 8 of 9. The shuttles, both in Springdale and in the park were functionally and timely but not conducive to "seeing" the sights. The seats face inward and once the aisle in the middle is occupied the view becomes one of legs and torsos.

So about 35 minutes later we exited the park shuttle at the Virgin River Walk and proceed up the asphalt path. We didn't wade due to the toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. It also appeared to have some time of algae bloom. The water was a bit murky and had the odor of algae. After dodging crowds (fist photo) and getting off the asphalt and following tracks in the sand along the east side of the river, we got some nice views and a true sense of the canyon and river.

Rejoining the shuttle we then exited at stop 6, The Grotto. There on the east side of the river we walked a nice track to stop 4, Zion Lodge. We saw lovely sandbars and banks, and nice pools of water. We didn't pass anyone along the way. Most hikers and walkers followed the Emerald Pools Trails. Note the bridge at the lodge was closed, thus one of the reasons we stayed on the east side which resulted in our nice, quiet walk.

We exited the trail about 3 p.m. local time and walked over to the lodge for a cool drink. The cafe had a good selection of beverages and snacks (some healthy). The lodge looked like a good place to stay. Maybe someday we will return as part of a tour that stays at the lodge.

Day 2 complete-we headed back to our camp spot in the city of Virgin.

Day 1. I didn't mention that yet. We arrived in Virgin mid-afternoon, set up camp, and then dove into the park to check it out. It was much less crowded than Day 2, being late in the day and a Thursday before the holiday weekend. We drove highway 9 through the tunnel and then made the return trip back through the tunnel. It was fun, and pretty. The tunnel is way cool. It would be nice if they closed it at times and let people have a walk through. We returned to Springdale to find some dinner. Everything was busy with long waits. We finally chose Wild Thyme Cage at Trees Ranch (see separate review) because it was "only" a 30-minute wait and looked fun with good reviews on the food.

Day 3. We had a leisurely day at the campsite, got some gas for the truck and then drove along the N. Kolob Terrace Rd. NOW-this drive was wonderful. A few locals on the road, some tourists like us, and a few climbers, re., Lambs Knoll BLM Climbing Stie.

Our destination was Lava Point--do it--it is worth it? Pic number 2 is one of the sunset that never stopped changing and got better and better as we drove. Pic e is the view from Lava Point overlooking the Virgin River canyon and Narrows. The last bit of the road is rough, and gravel and any car can make it if you drive...

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is one of America's most awe-inspiring natural treasures. Known for its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and breathtaking landscapes, Zion offers a diverse range of experiences that captivate visitors from all over the world. The park is characterized by its vibrant red and orange cliffs, lush valleys, and the winding Virgin River that cuts through its heart, creating some of the most iconic scenery in the American Southwest.

One of Zion's most famous features is Zion Canyon, a dramatic, steep-sided gorge that offers a variety of ways to explore. Visitors can drive or take a shuttle along the scenic Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which provides access to several of the park's top attractions. For those who prefer to experience the park on foot, Zion offers an array of hiking trails that cater to all levels of adventure.

The Narrows is one of Zion's most iconic hikes, taking you through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon as you wade through the Virgin River with towering walls of rock rising above you. This unique hike offers an immersive experience, allowing you to feel the cool water, touch the canyon walls, and witness the play of light and shadow in this stunning natural corridor.

Another legendary hike is Angels Landing, known for its exhilarating and challenging ascent to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. The trail involves a series of steep switchbacks and a final section that requires holding onto chains bolted into the rock for safety. The reward is a breathtaking 360-degree view of Zion Canyon that is both thrilling and unforgettable.

Zion also offers more accessible trails, like the Emerald Pools Trail and Riverside Walk, which are perfect for families or those looking for a more leisurely exploration. The park's diverse ecosystems mean you'll encounter a variety of flora and fauna, from desert plants and cacti to lush hanging gardens and waterfalls.

Beyond hiking, Zion National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for rock climbing, canyoneering, and even horseback riding. The park's rich cultural history, with evidence of ancient Native American habitation and the early pioneers, adds another layer of depth to your visit.

Zion's beauty extends beyond the daylight hours as well. The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent destination for stargazing. On a clear night, the sky comes alive with stars, offering a serene and magical experience.

Zion National Park is a place where the grandeur of nature is on full display, offering visitors a chance to connect with the natural world in a profound way. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or simply the chance to stand in awe of some of the most striking landscapes on Earth, Zion delivers an experience that is both humbling...

Zion National Park truly lives up to its reputation as an adventure paradise. Even visiting in the off-season (we went in February) was an unforgettable experience. One huge benefit of traveling during this quieter time is getting to drive through the park at your own pace without the typical crowds or the mandatory shuttle system. The winter landscapes are every bit as stunning—red cliffs, dramatic canyons, and open vistas free of the summer throngs. That said, the off-season does come with a couple of drawbacks: some of the more challenging hikes and activities can be limited due to colder temperatures or trail conditions, and many local shops and restaurants in the nearby town are closed until the busier months. If you don’t mind those trade-offs, you’ll be rewarded with peaceful scenic drives and near-empty hiking trails.

For those looking to go during peak season, be aware that you’ll have to use the shuttle to get into many of the park’s most popular areas. However, this small inconvenience quickly fades once you see the sheer scale and beauty of Zion's iconic cliffs and canyons. From narrow slot canyons to awe-inspiring viewpoints, there’s something for every skill and thrill level. Zion That said, the off-season does come with a couple of drawbacks: some of the more challenging hikes and activities can be limited due to colder temperatures or trail conditions, and many local shops and restaurants in the nearby town are closed until the busier months. If you don’t mind those trade-offs, you’ll be rewarded with peaceful scenic drives and near-empty hiking trails.

For those looking to go during peak season, be aware that you’ll have to use the shuttle to get into many of the park’s most popular areas. However, this small inconvenience quickly fades once you see the sheer scale and beauty of Zion's iconic cliffs and canyons. From narrow slot canyons to awe-inspiring viewpoints, there’s something for every skill and thrill level. Zion offers a wide range of exhilarating adventures, including permit-only hikes for the more daring, and even wading through rivers and narrows—perfect for those seeking a true adrenaline rush.

Whether you visit in the off-season for a quieter, crowd-free experience or venture there in peak months to have a full menu of activities and open shops, Zion National Park stands out as one of the most stunning and adventure-laden destinations in the national park system. Highly recommended for anyone looking to be awed by nature and test...