"Getting High in Zion" Top 5 Page for this destination Zion National Park by richiecdisc

Zion National Park Travel Guide: 643 reviews and 1,233 photos

The Virgin River running through Zion Valley

Zion National Park has got to be one of the most gorgeous sights in the world. Sheer red rock in various hues shoot up from a lovely lush flat pastoral valley with a raging Virgin River running through it. It is not hard to imagine a dinosaur lumbering through this Jurassic looking park yet only small traces remain of the area's early inhabitants of 12,000 years ago. Though both Anasazi and Paiute Indians left a more indelible mark a few thousand years later, Mormon settlers seem to have taken not only a more pronounced place it its history but also on the imagination of those who visit it. They even managed to wrangle the name change from its original more Native American sounding Mukuntuweap National Monument. The Christian name of Zion has perhaps a more holy sound to the current people visiting it but no matter the name, it is the person with absolutely no faith who can look upon its beauty without ascribing it to some power above.

take even a short walk

looking down on Zion from Observation Point

Zion National Park is one park that seems to require no effort. You can merely linger in the valley and experience a rare beauty so spectacular yet gentle. Utah as a rule exudes the stunning when it comes to color in rock formation but in Zion it is in stark contrast to the pastoral quality of the valley below. The Virgin River cuts a swath through the sheer cliffs surrounding it and gives birth to a lush forest for this dry part of the country. The road through the park mirror the river but there are also flat walks that parallel the road. This is one place where even a walk of little effort has great rewards so by all means get of your car and walk.

happy to be in Zion

the joy of getting to Zion

Last visit to Zion National Park: May 2008
Intro Updated Jun 13, 2009
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (31)

views entering Zion from the East Entrance - Zion National Park

free Internet if you have time Local Customs (2)

The very cool and rustic Zion Lodge is worth checking out in its own right but another bonus was free Internet. It's not... more travel advice

wild turkey strutting his stuff - Zion National Park

wild turkeys and squirrels, oh my Off The Beaten Path (7)

We didn't see much wild life during our seven days at Zion, even in the back country but the wild turkey was ever... more travel advice

The West Temple aglow at dawn - Zion National Park

naming the rocks Off The Beaten Path (7)

As I'm sure Native Americans named the beautiful rock formations before them, Mormon settlers had some interesting if a... more travel advice

Zion's colors not confined to the rocks - Zion National Park

wildflowers Off The Beaten Path (7)

Arriving in Zion in early May was not only great for the weather and hiking but also for the wild flower display. Some... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
saving some bucks & being healthy
Favorites (3)
See All springs don't always spring
Transportation (3)
See All East Rim or Mt. Carmel Highway
Hotels (2)
See All backcountry camping
Been to Zion National Park?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (8)

Nemorino Apr 4, 2010 at 9:57 AM Report Abuse

Another fascinating page with beautiful photos! Great that Zion has free electric shuttle buses every seven minutes. I hope you had (or are having) a stress-free move to Munich.
sim1 Mar 21, 2010 at 2:05 PM Report Abuse

Thanks! I knew I could rely on you for some fantastic pages on the National Parks!! Zion is on my list of course. I just don't hope I'll see snow there, lol, we've got enough at that here at home (sigh, it's snowing again today).
TheWanderingCamel Dec 26, 2009 at 5:09 AM Report Abuse

Gorgeous reminder of 2 trips we made to Zion - late October with fall colour and January blissfully quiet. My favourite corner of my favourite region of the US. Fabulous photos. leyle
Bwana_Brown Jul 10, 2009 at 7:02 AM Report Abuse

Another beautiful little piece of the American west Richie! Those deep canyons and cream-coloured peaks would really be something to marvel at in 'real-life'! The chain hike sounded very interesting too!
toonsarah Jul 2, 2009 at 12:50 PM Report Abuse

More stunning photos Richie, and I liked the occasional B&W ones - the one on your Internet tip is sort of Ansel Adams -ish. And I had to laugh at the Polygamy Porter ;-)
BruceDunning Jun 23, 2009 at 3:19 PM Report Abuse

I read some more of your comments and trail hike tips. Thanks for the insight. My September trip looks to be power packed.
Trekki Jun 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM Report Abuse

Lol, and I was wondering where your name comes from :-)) Fantastic photos and descriptions, but I cannot believe a unisex shower existing in Utah.... ahhh... I want to go, too :-)) Hiking that is, red rock country that is :-)
DoreenDe Jun 13, 2009 at 4:14 PM Report Abuse

I remember our little homestead...& how we felt about it... Now, let's imagine we are pioneers settling in a tropical paradise, fighting the heat, humidity, mosquitoes...we can do it!