I Fell In Love With Zion National Park!
I’ve never really had much of a desire to visit National Parks until I went to Zion. Having grown up in Alaska it’s nearly impossible to beat the beauty of Mother Nature I was privileged to experience. I grew up with the tallest mountain in the world as my view on every clear day and the Northern Lights illuminating cold, clear nights. We spent the summers fishing, shrimping and crabbing on Prince William Sound and the winters skiing cold Alaskan mountains. You just can’t beat that.
With that said, I have to say Zion National Park made my jaw drop. The natural beauty far exceeded my expectations and was impressive even to this Alaskan boy.
The park is broken into two sections, one you can drive through and the other requires you to ride the bus.
A Drive Through Zion
The drive through the park is relaxed and enjoyable. I highly recommend a National Park Pass so that you do not have to pay entrance fees. Disabled, veterans and seniors all qualify for discounted passes but even the full price passes are worth it.
After passing through the entrance to the park the road meanders up into a canyon to the right, ultimately leading to the entrance to a long, single lane tunnel. There are plenty of pullouts along the way that make for great photo ops. Use them!
The landscape changes dramatically after passing through the tunnel. It reminded me of the Thunder Mountain Ride at Disneyland, but the real thing. From there you can head over to Kanab for a bite to eat and then through Colorado City, former home of the Warren Jeffs polygamist cult. Stop in at the grocery store there if you get a chance!
Here is a video of the ride taken on my motorcycle. It is from the backside of the park to the main entrance and I’ve sped it up a bit, but it is no substitute for the real thing!
Exploring Zion
The other part of Zion requires you to take a bus, which you board at the Visitors Center, to any of the numerous trails throughout that portion of the park. Please note that some trails require a permit that must be obtained in advance to enter, specifically Angels Landing and the Narrows. Plan accordingly.
Angels Landing is a challenging hike and we were able to obtain a permit. The views are stunning but I would highly recommend being in shape for this hike. While I was successful in completing it, my heart condition was a serious issue and I came very, very close to needing medical assistance to get off of the trail. Unfortunately, that will be a one and done experience for me since it is just too dangerous with my condition. However, if you are in shape and lack a fear of heights this hike is definitely for you!
Conclusion
If you enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature this is a must add to your bucket list. It is a destination trip in my opinion and with everything else there is to do in the St. George area you will not be bored. If you get a chance, you can even volunteer at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and help animals in need!
