I used to live in Las Vegas, and Zion was only a 3 hour drive from home. We would travel there at least once a year for many years. Since leaving Las Vegas in 1991, I've been back one other time, taking my wife who had never been.

I'm not an expert hiker by any definition. I'm more of a "weekend warrior" type hiker. I enjoy good scenery, but I don't do long strenuous hikes.

Zion is one of those places you have to see at least once in your lifetime. Even if you just travel through the park on your way to get somewhere else, the scenery is worth it. So, when you get there, what should you do??

Here's my thoughts:

1. Drive through the park: This is the easiest and "roadside" way to visit the park. You can get a great view of the highlights of the park and still head out to your final destination (if you are on your way elsewhere). There are two impressive tunnels, one of which is 1.1 miles long, and there are openings along the tunnel where you can look out. Of course, because it is two lane road, you can't stop to look, but passengers will get some incredible views from within the car.

I've heard that there is a new shuttle system at the park. I don't understand how this works as I haven't been there in about 5 years, but there may be some limitations on private vehicles in the park now.

2. Weeping Rock: This is probably one of the simplest hikes to do and it is pretty amazing. If I remember correctly, the trail is almost entirely paved, and although there are some steep portions, it is pretty easy and takes about 1/2 hour in one direction. At the end of the trail, there is an area of rock that "weeps," in other words, there is water continuously weeping out of the side of the mountain! It is pretty impressive and is one of the quick things you can do at Zion.

3. Emerald Pools: This has got to be undoubtably one of my favorite hikes in Zion. It is probably easy to moderate in difficulty, depending on your ability. There are three pools, the lower, middle, and upper pools. I guess this hike probably takes about 2-4 hours depending on how much area you cover and how often you stop. The upper pool is often very large and can accomodate all the swimmers that are usually up there. Depending on the time of year (especially in the Spring) there is a waterfall that falls 100s of feet into this pool. What a great way to cool off! The middle pool is much smaller and is fed by a stream from the upper pool. The middle pool then drops by waterfall (to my recollection) into the lower pool. These areas are incredibly beautiful and after all that walking and hiking you'll really want to cool off!

In this same area, there is a horse trail where you can do a little riding, but I've never tried that.

4. The Narrows: This is incredible. To do the whole hike, you need a few days, but even the amateur hiker like myself can enjoy parts of it. It is an easy trail about 1/2 mile in from the car, to the trailhead. From there, the trail takes you up the Virgin River (Yes you hike in the river!). I cannot even begin to describe the beauty of this place. If you don't mind getting wet, spend a few hours hiking this and please take your camera! Be careful, though, this hike is very dangerous if there are flooding conditions and during the rainy season, the Narrows can be closed. Check with the Park Service.

One of the other dangerous (and I understand beautiful) hikes is Angel's landing, but I can't say anything about that because I've never done it. I understand if you have any problems with heights, don't plan on doing this one!

Where do you stay at Zion?

There is a lodge and a couple of campgrounds inside the park. Also there are campgrounds and hotels/motels in many of the areas surrounding the park. Look early, because any of the places that take reservations (including inside the park) fill up early!

Want more information? Try the National Park Service web site at
www.nps.gov/zion



Recommended: Yes