Two National Parks - Zion and Bryce Canyon
Hey, y’all! This trip report includes Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. It was my first time to visit both parks, located in the beautiful state of Utah. I was pleased to learn that American Airlines flies into St George, UT, and it is the closest airport to Zion. The next nearest airport is Las Vegas. It is a 2 1/2-hour drive. It is a beautiful drive and could be a great addition to your trip
Day 1: I departed Nashville (BNA) in the afternoon, and I had to make two stops. First in Dallas (DFW) and then Phoenix (PHX). I didn’t mind two stops; it had been a while since I had been on a plane. I was excited to fly on an A321NX. I am an aviation geek! I arrived in St George at 950p MT. I booked a room at the Fairfield Inn St George.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sgufi-fairfield-inn-st-george/
American Airlines A321NX - nice airplane!
St George, UT airport (SGU)
As you can see on the map, St George is close to Zion. If you can find affordable airfare to St George, that would be great. But, it is a small airport, and airfare and car rentals are usually more expensive. As I said earlier, flying into Las Vegas is a great option. Also, flying into Phoenix and adding Sedona and the Grand Canyon would be a fantastic option. See the sample itinerary below.
Day 2:
After a good rest, I was excited to get to Zion! I arranged for a taxi to pick me up at the Fairfield Inn. The taxi arrived right on time at 10 am. We drove to LaVerkin, UT. This cute little town on the way to Zion. In LaVerkin, I met up with friends and my sister and brother-in-law. They drove in from Park City, UT. I hopped in their SUV, and we continued to Zion National Park.
Zion Nation Park is located in Springdale, UT. Let me say this part of our country is beautiful! As we approached the park, there was a sign that said parking was full. So, we chose to park in Springdale and take the shuttle, a great and simple option. At Zion, you have to take the shuttle inside the park. So, wherever you park, a shuttle will be by every 10 minutes. I suggest parking in the first lot you see in Springdale and hopping on the shuttle. It will save you a lot of time driving around looking for a parking spot in the park. Please note that you must buy a ticket ahead of time online for the shuttle due to limited seating. Check the website daily for changes in park regulations regarding COVID-19.
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
Zion is a big park! There’s a lot of trails from which to choose. I suggest getting a hiking guide ahead of time and study the routes (see link below.) Consider all in your party when selecting the trails to hike. Pay close attention to elevations if you have anyone with breathing issues such as asthma.
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/Zion-National-Park-2020-hiking-guide-ADA-vetted.pdf
We chose to hike the Upper Emerald Pools and The Narrows.
We studied our map ahead of time, so we knew when to hop off the shuttle. As soon as we entered the trail, we crossed over a bridge, and the scenery was spectacular.
Next, we entered a canyon that looked like an amphitheater. It was a vast and circular shape with a waterfall that you had to walk underneath. The cold water felt good!
Up to this point, the trail had been wide and flat. It was easy to navigate. That soon changed, with the path becoming rocky and elevated. It was still enjoyable; you just had to watch your footing a lot more carefully.
As we ascended the trail, we came upon the lower and middle Emerald Pools. Honestly, they were not worth writing home about! I was certainly hoping for more from the Upper Pools.
After a strenuous upward hike, I am happy to report that the Upper Pools did not disappoint. It was worth it!
Clear, cool water! Stunning scenery.
Standing in the middle of the Upper Pools!
We snapped this pic as we were leaving the Upper Pools.
Next, The Narrows! This trail is very popular; there will be crowds at times. However, the area is so broad, vast, and enjoyable. The path runs along the river for one mile. This part of the trail is flat and wide. The course comes to an end, and you can continue another mile in the river bed. Continuing will require waterproof shoes. It is a must-do! Enjoy the pics of The Narrows!
When you enter the trail, this is what you see! Beautiful!
The canyon is amazing! In every direction, there is something to see.
Notice the paved, flat path. This hike is a great choice for someone with a disability or gait issues.
When you get to the end of the mile-long River Trail, this is what you see! Simply amazing!
Beautiful squirrels in the canyon. They were very friendly!
Taking a rest at the Narrows!
Remember that I told you the path ends after a mile, then you can continue in the riverbed for another mile? This is where you enter the riverbed trail!
Riverbed Trail entrance! Yes, you should do it!
My friends, Joy and Randy, in the riverbed trail!
After we returned from the Narrows, we caught the shuttle back to our car in Springdale. Be aware that when leaving The Narrows, the line for the shuttle is long! It feels a little like a line at Disney. But it does move fast!
We drove back to LaVerkin to spend the night. We searched for a dinner restaurant and found a great place called The Stagecoach Grill. Now, it is a little cheesy from the outside, but don’t be fooled. It was fantastic! We were happy campers! We spent the night at the LaQuinta Inn; it was super nice! I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleased.
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/la-verkin-utah/la-quinta-la-verkin-gateway-to-zion/overview
https://thestagecoachgrille.com/
Day 3 - Bryce Canyon - My favorite!
On this day, we drove back through Zion National Park at sunrise. It was amazing to see. We took this route to get to Bryce Canyon. Zion was completely different at dawn. I am so happy we made this early morning drive. We arrived at Bryce Canyon around 9a. The park was not crowded at this time. In Bryce, you are allowed to drive your car through the park. We elected to park and use the shuttle system as we did in Zion. We parked at the visitor's center.
We walked across the street from the visitors center to catch the shuttle. We chose to get off at Bryce Point. At Bryce Point, you can walk out to a fantastic viewpoint. The view stretches for miles. From this vantage point, you have the opportunity to take a lot of pics. After taking the pics, you can choose to hike the "rim" trail and the canyon floor trail; both are fantastic! The canyon floor trail is called Peek-a-Boo. Please enjoy pics from both paths.
Map of the Rim Trail from Bryce Point to Sunrise Point. Be sure to start at Bryce Point; the trail is mostly downhill to Sunrise Point. It is much more enjoyable hiking in this direction!
Bryce Canyon - hiking the rim trail provides great scenery in every direction.
A hoodoo is a tall spire of rock protruding up from the ground. I learned a lot about hoodoos! Who knew?
The canyon changes colors as you continue on the path!
Another view of Bryce Canyon!
Me with Inspiration Point in the background!
The trail is wide and flat; this makes for an easy hike! (My sister, Debbie!)
See the small human beside the large rock? On the way to the canyon floor.
Please note that the Peek-a-boo trail is incredible! However, you have to traverse 25 switchbacks to get back up to the rim. Take your time and remember to bring plenty of water!
I love seeing greenery in the desert.
It’s great to be in wide-open spaces during a pandemic!
Pine trees in Bryce Canyon!
Wall of Windows at Bryce Point!
So long Bryce Canyon. I will be back, y’all! I’ll see y’all around.
Stay tuned for my next trip report to Mirror Lake, UT!
