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Day 8 And Day 9. Visit Zion National Park
The distance from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park is 72.3 miles. Zion National Park is also a comparatively small national park, and yet there’s much to see and do here as well. What makes this park a bit different from the other parks previously mentioned on this Southwest trip itinerary.
Zion is said to have a “more lively” feel regarding its hanging gardens, hidden grottos, lovely landscapes, lush meadows, soaring striking cliffs, and a wide variety of wildlife. Upon arrival, be sure to visit the educational Zion Human History Museum. It is here that you can learn about the history of this park and even the region’s former residents once known as the Pauite.
It will give you a much better mental picture of the land upon which you are standing. Once you have learned a bit about this park’s past, check your boot laces and hit the hiking trails, and become a small part of the park’s present as you explore the place further afield. Surprisingly, you can complete several of the trails here in a few hours because the hikes here are relatively short, fairly easy, and quite breathtaking.
Many travel journalists agree, that your must-hike list here should include the Watchman, Riverside Walk, the Emerald Pool Trail, and, of course, the Canyon Overlook Trail. Need more of a challenge? Hike the Angels Landing trail.
Here you will be hiking over sandstone ledges and across rushing streams. Remember though, unlike many of the other previously discussed hiking trails, this one is said to be a “very strenuous” one, so you had best be prepared for this challenge. More importantly, if you have a fear of heights, you had best reconsider attempting this hike.
If you’re not an athletic hiker, you can always explore this national park by driving along the popular 54-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This attractive route runs along such famous landmarks as Angel’s Landing, Twin Brothers Mountain, the Court of the Patriarchs, the Virgin River, and Kolob Viewpoint. Indeed, if you hit the latter on a good, clear day, you might even be able to spot the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
If you can afford some extra time and enjoy canyoneering and overnight backpacking, get permits at the Backcountry Desk and have some fun. Feeling like a cowboy in this Southwest setting? Saddle up to explore the territory on horseback, and find a charming, solitary spot from which to watch the sunset.
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