Zion National Park: 10 Things You Should See On Your First Visit
Zion National Park stands as the oldest and one of the most exciting locations to visit in Utah. Designated as a national park in 1919, this is the most visited national park in the state. Compared to other locations, Zion
National Park offers you an opportunity to sample some of the rare sites and experiences. In this article, we are going to sample ten things you cannot miss in this national park.
The Subway
The Subway is one of the unique places you cannot afford to miss in this national park. This narrow canyon resembles subway tunnels, which informs the choice of the name.
The Horseshoe Bend
It is arguably one of the most photographed locations in the Southwest. If you are looking for those great shots, then consider a pre-dawn for nicely saturated shots. If not, then high noon can also come in handy
with nice shadows that give a reflection of the canyon walls.
The Scenic Byway
The Zion National Park has a stunning scenic byway for anyone who loves road trip shots. With time travel of approximately one and a half hours, a drive along the Highway 9 will give access to a dozen spectacular
scenes
Kolob Canyons
This is a section of the Zion National Park located at Exit 40. The Kolob Canyons offers a special experience. Essentially, this is home of some of the spectacular finger canyons that come with soaring cliffs that range
from the red Navajo sandstone right through to the deep pocket canyons. Whether you are in for hiking or site seeing, you will carry home splendid memories.
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Weeping rocks
This location offers a short hike through the verdant gardens. It also offers an opportunity to see moss and ferns that overhang the cliff. In addition, the leisurely hike allows you to experience the cascading
water drizzles as they make their way to the pools below
Kolob Arch
You cannot visit Zion National Park and fail to see the Kolob Arch. This nature’s masterpiece provides you with the opportunity to be part of the second largest natural arch in the world
Angels Landing
If you are looking for an opportunity to experience a brisk walk through the valley to an amazing overlook, then Angels Landing will definitely give you that opportunity. The round trip starts with a switchback trail and
finally ascends to stunning locations
Checkerboard Mesa
After going through the tunnel, you will finally end up to the Checkerboard Mesa. This uniquely patterned sandstone represents a grind. It captures what you see on a checkerboard.
The Narrows
This is one of the most popular and gorgeous hiking locations. As you hike through the Narrows Trail, you will not help but experience some of the fun-filled encounters
Human History Museum
This location features a variety of displays related to American Indian culture. It also sheds light on various settlements as well as painting the picture of how the park came about. You can also take advantage of the
easy to read displays that run within the museum to enhance your experience.
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Zion NP Related Questions.
Can I drive through Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is one of the greatest natural sceneries Utah offers in its Southern part.
You can drive through Zion National Park via a 12-mile highway, namely Mount Carmel. While narrowing into a thin tunnel for a short length, it takes your time more than usual often because of heavy traffic. Eventually, it passes by two entrances of Zion NP and reveals the natural scenes full of natural aroma, beauty, and unforeseen views. Inside the park, there are well-formed roads, where usual vehicles are allowed. Other than this, there are sandy areas for more adventurous riding.
What is the entrance fee to Zion National Park?
You can enjoy the entry to the park by purchasing a recreational pass with different validity periods each with the exception that people aged below 16 are free. Further details of entry charges are:
Weekly Passes:
• Per Person: $ 20
• Per Vehicle: $ 35 (Maximum capacity: 15 persons)
• Per Motorcycle: $ 30
Annual Passes:
• Interagency Annual Pass: $ 80 (Allows pass holder with three other adults at per person fee area)
• Zion Annual Pass: $ 60 (Allows pass holder and passengers in a vehicle with the capacity of 14 persons at per person fee area)
• Interagency Volunteer Pass: $ 0 (Allows volunteers for 250 hours)
• Senior Citizens: $ 20 (For people aged 62 or above)
Lifetime Passes:
• Interagency Senior Pass: $ 80 (For people aged 62 or above)
• Interagency Access Pass: $ 0 (For permanent disable people only)
All allowed vehicles must be non-commercial only.
What is the best way to see Zion National Park?
The best way to see Zion NP is Angels Landing, which not only, itself is a great outlook of natural scenery, a great experience of hiking the narrow mountains, but once you are on to the rocks, it is time to see the park at 360 degrees down to your feet. The other ways to see the park are Narrows, Court of the Patriarchs, The Trails, The Subway, Weeping Rock and the Emerald Ponds.
How much time do you need to see Zion National Park?
To allow the beauty of nature to mesmerize your soulfully, a stay of at least a week would be a good deal. This period will allow you to explore the beauty of nature, more and more. Having stayed for below four days would still be enough to enjoy the beauty, walk around the park and get pleased with a peaceful journey of rust-free life. With a couple of days, you can still enjoy by just sacrificing hiking or other adventurous activities.
What should I wear to Zion National Park?
All at Zion NP is to enjoy nature and be within nature. During the summer, you should wear thin clothing layers as the temperature usually rises to 30 degrees. If you select winter, there should be reasonable warm clothes. Other than this, you must pack hiking shoes, water shoes, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
Can you see Zion and Bryce in one day?
With a faster ride, it is possible to see Zion and Bryce in a day, but, it cannot be recommended to do this. It is around a 100KM distance between both parks and, rushing both places altogether, will lose the integrity you are supposed to have with both these natural areas.
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