Zion National Park

You can't go to Utah and not go to Zion! Zion is home to two of the most amazing hikes in the US. Since this park is one of the most popular in the country, the internal campgrounds fill up months in advance. If you want to be close to all the wonderful things that the park has to offer without the constant in and out of the park, I would recommend staying within the park. This option does require some leg work at the very minimum nine months prior to your trip. I however, did not take this route and was given only three months to plan. At three months out when I looked at internal campsites, NOT MOST.... but ALL of the internal campsites were full. On short notice I had to shoot from the hip, which I had done before in Glacier National Park... and it worked out well. At every national park that I have been to there are independent campsites out side of the park along with over flow camping. From my experience even if you have a last minute camping trip planned finding a place to pitch a tent will never be an issue as long as you aren't picky. If this isn't your style of traveling, check out the campsite reservations, or scroll down to Day 3 and see a wonderful alternative to camping, glamping. If neither are your thing, the town of Springdale is right at the main entrance of the park and has hotels and B&B's you can choose from.

Day 1: Drive In

We were headed from Arizona so we came into the park from the East Entrance. Half a mile outside of the entrance we found a wonderful campsite with availability. I really had wanted to stay inside the park, but we decided we shouldn't try our luck this late in the day with a campsite inside the park. We stayed at "The Get" Campground on a site that was 4WD access only. It was large, away from other people and a great view, so we stayed for 2 nights instead.

Day 2: Angel's Landing Hike

Angel's Landing is a strenuous hike and not for those afraid of heights. The last part of the hike is steep and narrow that they added metal chains to hold on to in order to climb it more effectively. I thought I would be more scared on the portion, however the chains really did help ease the fear of falling off. My biggest tip would be to go super early. Andrew and I got to the trailhead before the sun came up and started our journey then. We were the only ones on the trail until about half way up. We ended up being the 9th and 10th to the top. I was glad we went early because it was much cooler and then hike down was a game of hurry up and wait while you waited on groups coming up that needed the chain as well.

After an early and strenuous hike, we decided to grab our suit and head to the river for some swimming.

Day 3 Part 1: The Narrow's Hike

This is the hike that peaked my interest and desire to go to Zion in the first place. A hike where you wade through water down a canyon. I hate wet socks but when they are constantly wet and your surrounded by natural beauty, it's a different story. We parked inside the park at the lodge and hopped on the bus around 7:30am. When we started the hike it was 8am and the sun wasn't out, so it was pretty cold for the two hours. There is about a mile hike until you even get into the river. It takes you a while to get used to wading through water but once you are, you aren't bothered by it anymore, and you really start to enjoy the scenery. We decided to hike in for about 2 hours and then turn around and head back due to time constraints. The hike in was very pleasant and not too crowded but about half way on the way back, nearing the starting point, the crowds were ridiculous. Not to mention there were people attempting to hike this in flip flops, like it gave them some badass award, rather than a broken ankle. We went during early September and the water never got past my pockets (I'm 5'7"). That is not to say that the hike does not become deeper further along or with more rain. Flashfloods on this hike are very common, so make sure to check the weather before you start.

I hiked this in my Merrell hiking boots and hiking socks from REI. It provided me ankle support and had enough grip for the slippery rocks. I was going to wear my Chacos but decided against it, and I am glad I did because I would have banged up my toes a few times if I had. I would recommend layers even in summer.

Day 3 Part 2: Under Canvas Zion

I love camping but when you have an opportunity to go glamping, you go! I had stalked Under Canvas for a while before I even knew about this trip. When I decided I was going to Zion I knew I had to stay here. Just imagine a safari style tent with a backdrop of Zion.

Why I love it:

1. Beautiful facilities and eco friendly

2. Free S'Mores every night at the fire pit (also a great place to meet people)

3. Free activity each day (I got to have a free yoga class!)

Other highlights close by:

Zion Canyon Brewing Company

Located just outside the main entrance to the park by the visitors center. Try their Burnt Mountain Brown Ale.

Kanab - Moqui Caverns Located right off the highway and a half mile from the Moqui Caves in Kanab, UT. Park the car on the side of the road and hike up.