Tubing the Virgin and Hiking the Narrows...Zion Highlights!

Prior to this trip, I knew very little about Zion.  I certainly did not realize that it is one of the most visited national parks (maybe 2nd, maybe 3rd?) in the country, but given its relatively close proximity to Las Vegas (it’s about a 2.5 hour drive without traffic), it makes sense.  This was definitely the most crowded park we visited, however, if you’re a morning person, or can at least convince yourself that you are for the sake of this trip, you will handle the crowds swimmingly.  You are required to park your car at the visitor’s center and ride the shuttle throughout the park (UNLESS you stay at Zion Lodge….more on that in a minute), and once late morning hits, even the wait for the bus can be over an hour long….no thank you.  Get there early, get there early, GET THERE EARLY.

Traveling from the Grand Canyon, we entered Zion from the east, making the stunning drive on the Mt. Carmel Highway.  Like so many of the places we’ve seen on this trip, not even pictures can really do justice to the spectacular vistas.  Once you reach the canyon floor, the turnoff northward is restricted to shuttle buses and guests of Zion Lodge.  I can’t stress enough the incredible convenience of staying at one of the national park properties. (and again, booking a year in advance was SO worth it).  The setup at Zion is similar to Bryce and Grand Canyon, in that there’s a main lodge with lobby, gift shop, and restaurant, plus out buildings that are either groups of hotel rooms or cabins, which is what we were in.  By the time we arrived, shortly before dinner, the masses had departed for the day, and only lodge guests remained relaxing on the huge front lawn, as nearly-tamed deer came in to graze, as if on cue.

Day 2 was a scorcher- 108 degrees by noon.  We hopped aboard the shuttle bus for a morning hike.  Thankfully we again- say it with me- GOT THERE EARLY, so we were down and back by the time the mid-morning heat set in.  From there, we promised a little “kid fun” in the form of tubing down the Virgin River (just outside the park boundaries).  Zion Outfitters is your go-to purveyor of all things outdoorsy in Zion and they’re located right next to the Zion Visitor Center next to the bus station.  Normally they rent tubes for $25, put you in the river right there, and you leisurely float for 2 hours, where a shuttle then picks you up down river.  That’s on a normal day.  When the river is low, however, you’re on your own.  In this case, Zion outfitters will sell you a standard issue pool tube (i.e. flimsy Wal-Mart version), fill it up for you…and bid you a fond farewell.  Regardless, what ensued were about the most hilarious 2 hours we have ever spent as a family.  Yes, we lost a Cubs World Series T-shirt somewhere in the rapids, and yes, we adults had seriously bruised tailbones (low water natural hazard I suppose), but we also laughed hysterically, and the kids were in absolute heaven.  What a perfect way to beat the heat.  And the image of my husband stabbing each tube with a sharp stick at the end of the ride so we were allowed to ride the shuttle back…will be etched in my mind forever.

Day 3 – The Narrows  This is the must-do experience within Zion.  “The Narrows” refers to the slot canyon cut deep by the Virgin River.  This hike is done almost exclusively in the river itself.  And in spite of the sweltering heat, that river is cold, especially at sunrise.  Thankfully we did our homework and rented the appropriate gear from Zion Outfitters the day before: neoprene socks, hi-top water-proof hiking boots, and a sturdy walking stick, all of which, we soon discovered were essential to navigating this challenging hike.  In the end, the boys were exhausted from traversing the fast-moving water and the uneven river stones (no “sandy bottom” here!), and while it was a bucket-list experience, it is NOT for the faint of heart!  I wish I had photos of this hike, but unsure how deep the water might get, we thought best to only bring the Go-Pro.  So this one taken back at Zion Lodge after the hike will have to suffice.  Hey, we made it out in one piece, so that’s a win in my book!

Travelers Tip:  More than any place else, when it comes to Zion- GET THERE EARLY, or as my son said, “wait in line with the chumps”.

Our cozy Western Cabin at Zion lodge - you can't beat the convenience of staying in the park boundaries!

Deer grazing on the front lawn, as if on cue!