"Zion National Park" Zion National Park by goingsolo

150 years ago, Mormon settler Isaac Behunin named the park Zion as it seemed to be heaven on earth. Time appears to strengthen this assessment, as millions flock to this popular park, enduring the oppressive 100 degree summer heat to explore the nooks, crags and crannies of Zion.

Zion Canyon was carved from the persistence of the Virgin River. Unlike the Grand Canyon, the mighty forces of nature barely made a dent in the landscape. Zion is extremely narrow and twice as deep as it is wide.

Zion National Park is a mixture of landscapes. From its lowest elevation in Zion Canyon to the towering sandstone rock walls which surround it, Zion is a mixture of colors scenery appearing to have been taken from the Garden of Eden.

My first trip here was a quick one and focused on the main beaten path- the Zion Canyon road and the Narrows. But there's more to Zion, a lot more. Kolob Canyons Road at the northwest corner of the park, which winds past red and orange rocks and onto limestone cliffs and 8,726 foot Horse Ranch Mountain, the highest point in the park. Also, Kolob Terrace road, heading north off Utah 9 west of the park's southern entrance.

Zion National Park

There are numerous short hiking trails and some more extreme, such as the Zion Narrows. The parks most popular rock formations, such as the Patriarchs, are only a short walk away from the main road. The shuttle buses stop at seven or eight different points and are a good way to see the main highlights in a day. But most of the park is backcountry, so if you have the time, take a longer walk off the beaten path and find a bit of paradise of your own.

On my second trip to Zion in November, 2004, I found the park much colder than when I left it. Snow clung to the upper reaches of Zion's highest formations. I also found the crowds to have left along with the warm summer temperatures.

Zion National Park

On my first trip to Zion, I somehow missed the beauty of the area. It was a quick visit and I arrived jet lagged and fatigued, worn down by the oppressive desert heat and the hordes of tourists. On my second journey into Utah's heaven on earth, I was greeted by profound silence as I explored the park. The chilly air swept in the arrival of winter, the lodge had closed and the shuttle was no longer necessary. This is the true way to experience Zion. On an early November morning, the sun casting a glow on the Patriarchs, this is truly the land of paradise.

• Pros:The easily accessible by shuttle bus makes it possible to hit the highlights in a day.
• Cons:Most of Zion's treasures require venturing off the park road, which requires more time.
• In a nutshell:Plan to spend a few days here, exploring on and off the beaten path.