Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of my favorites in Utah. This is the only park in the area where all the facilities are on the valley floor, very similar to Yosemite. In recent years, the park closes most of the roads and only allows a shuttle to take you to various trail heads. This usually starts around the first week of April so be prepared.

The views from the canyon rim are the best in Utah. However it does take some time to get to the top. The best hikes to see the canyon is the Angels Landing Trail and the trail to Observation Point.

My most recent trip in June 2016, I explored a little more of the canyon floor and hiked a wonderful loop from Zion Lodge to the Emerald Pools to the Grotto but hiked a social trail along the Virgin River back to Zion Lodge. The views along the river are fantastic. This hike is best done in the morning for optimum lighting.