Thinking of visiting Zion National Park. Let me outline some very compelling reasons why you’re thoughts are leading you in the right direction.
View of Zion National Park main canyon
1- Center of Scenic Wonders: Zion National Park is located in an area that offers the greatest concentration of natural scenic wonders in the United States (perhaps the world). Try to identify an area that has more national parks, along with numerous national monuments, state parks, forests, lakes and rivers, all within a one-day drive. In fact, within two hours of Zion National Park you’ll find Grand Canyon, Lake Powell (Glen Canyon, Grand Staircase National Monument, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, and there’s more.
Hiking in Zion National Park
2- Trip Advisor #1 Rated: Trip Advisor recently rated Zion National Park as the #1 National park destination in the United States, even over the Grand Canyon. There may be several reasons for this, but Zion is much easier to access and to experience than the Grand Canyon, and frankly the views are more beautiful. Is the Grand Canyon also great? You bet, that’s why it is rated #2.
3- World Class Hiking: There are miles and miles of trails to hike in Zion. Many of these trails have been paved for the comfort and access of everyone, even handicapped individuals. There are also many unpaved back-country trails to access. You have your choice of easy walking trails to strenuous ascents that lead to incredible views. But even the person who seeks a casual walk to get a great view will enjoy the easy trail to Canyon Overlook, just above the Zion tunnel. The walk into the Zion Narrows is rated one of the best hiking experiences in the world and Angels Landing trail is just as magnificent. The adventurous person will enjoy Canyoneering in Zion National Park
Moon Over Zion National Park
4- Weather: The base of the main canyon in Zion National Park sits at 4,000 feet above sea level, and this elevation makes for cool mornings and evenings in the summer and mild winters. Zion is spectacular in winter months and the views of formations are even more visible without the leaves on the cottonwood trees along the Virgin River. It rarely rains in Zion and skies are blue and vivid over 300 days per year. But if it does happen to rain while you are there, count yourself lucky, because you are likely to see 20 or more waterfalls cascading over the canyon walls. Zion Ponderosa Ranch resort sits on the eastern border of the park at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Summer nights are beautiful here and you’ve never seen more stars in the sky than above Zion Ponderosa.
5- Size: Zion is large enough that you can find a quiet spot for yourself, even in the busy summer months. Just do a little research or ask our guides about the secret places where few people ever go. Zion National Park is 30 miles in length and over 15 miles across at its widest point.
