"My Favorite National Park... Zion" Zion National Park by Shihar

Zion National Park Travel Guide: 572 reviews and 1,226 photos

Angels Landing Trail - Zion National Park

Beautiful, Beautiful Zion

When asked what my favorite National Park is I always reply ZION without hestitation. I can't 100% explain this because all the Parks I have been to are remarkable, stunning,and have there own unique qualities. So, my answer is purely a personal preference and not to discredit any of the other Parks.

In the background of the picture above, you will see some brave hikers climbing to the Angels Landing peak. I was not so brave when I saw the linked chains that were your only support to the top. I believed the Park Ranger when he said " you gain major street cred in the hiking community if you can make it to Angels Landing Peak".

The trek there is a challenging enough hike, before you get to the peak you will find "Walter Wiggles". Wiggles is a row of around 21 narrow and steep switchbacks that in itself will test your endurance.

Getting to Zion..

Zion may be reached by going north or south on I-15 and then heading east on Route 9. From the east on U.S. 89, take Route 9 heading west to the park.

The best time to visit is March through October. The weather is ideal during this time for hiking.

The sights here are amazing!. The Virgin River has carved many of the dramatic features you will see. There are steep cliffs dropping 3,000 feet, huge buttresses and deep alcoves.

Dramatic Landscape

Waterfall

Millions of years flowing water has marked through the red and white sandstone to form the walls of the park.

Zion is usually viewed from the bottom looking up, as opposed to many canyonland parks where your view is from an observation rim.Zion's landscape can be fully appreciated from a high vantage point above the river. The trails gives give you a wide variety of choice landscapes.

Zion became a National Park on November 19, 1919.

Pros and Cons

Pros:I enjoyed every minute here! Amazing trails!
Cons:nada, nothing, can't think of a thing!

Last visit to Zion National Park: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Jan 21, 2006
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Reviews (9)

Winters can be Dangerous - Zion National Park

Winters can be Dangerous Warnings and Dangers (1)

We visited in early March,and I must say the weather was absolutely beautiful in the Park. But.. some trails can be... more travel advice

Vistiors Center Favorites (2)

There are 2 Visitor centers at Zion NP: 1) ZION Canyon Visitor Center- This is located across the river from... more travel advice

Driving through Zion - Zion National Park

Driving through Zion Things to Do (2)

There are many scenic highways that provide great views of the Park: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive- 6 miles Short drive... more travel advice

Zion map and guide Favorites (2)

At the entrance gate, you will receive a Zion Map and guide from the park ranger. I seem to appreciate this park planner... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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chewy3326 Aug 21, 2006 at 10:36 AM

I can't believe I still haven't been to Zion (or Utah) yet. It looks like a very beautiful place, the Angels Landing trail sounds fun. Wonderful photos.
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mikelisaanna Aug 9, 2006 at 5:59 PM

We loved the Utah national parks and you are so right about Zion being great. Thanks for visiting our Death Valley page.
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mrclay2000 Mar 20, 2006 at 6:20 AM

Another Utah park I have not seen. . .I've been meaning to do the Utah parks in one mega-trip but the deserts have cast me toward greener parks.
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annk Oct 16, 2005 at 8:15 AM

Will check back for more tips later. I must return to this park...it's been so many years and I don't remember much.