Zion National Park, Utah

With so many national parks to choose from, it’s hard to know just where to start. Your best bet is to narrow the list by focusing on what you’re most interested in doing or seeing. Hiking? Stargazing? Waterfalls or lakes? Start planning your adventure at the National Park Services website, where you will find an abundance of resources to help tailor your visit. Here’s a few more things to consider before packing the car and heading out: First and foremost, if you don’t own them already, buy your hiking boots now and get them broken in. Moisture wicking socks are also a must to avoid blisters that mysteriously arise and suck the fun out of walking one more step. Find a pair of lightweight water shoes or sandals to shove into your backpack to switch into when it comes time to creek walk. If you are planning on stringing together several parks, or camping again later this year, invest in the America the Beautiful Pass. For $80, you can visit as many of the over 390 parks as you would like without the $30 (per vehicle) entrance fee. There are also other discounts available for seniors, free passes for military members, and the hidden gem…a year pass for free visits for every 4th grader!

Zion, one of the five “Mighty Parks,” is both breathtaking and bountiful. The lush green shrubs juxtapose with the pink and orange lined cliffs as you make your way through the Virgin River Canyon that leads to the south entrance of the park and the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. But, if you take a left on Kolob Terrace Road and follow the dirt trail for a few miles, you’ll discover a glamper’s paradise; Under Canvas, Zion.

Later, over s’more roasting and in the midst of learning how to rope cattle, you can chat with fellow campers about your best options for visiting the park. During our stay, we discovered that Angel’s Landing was packed, and that the narrows had just opened the day before due to extremely high water levels. So, we sought advice from the Under Canvas staff and ultimately altered our plan. Putting off hiking the narrows was pretty disappointing, but I knew it wouldn’t stay on my bucket list for long. Armed with a great suggestion for an alternate adventure and a few maps to show us the way, we headed back to our tent.

In the morning, we headed north off the 15 to the Kolob Canyons in search of a less hectic experience. The middle fork of the Taylor Creek Trail to the Double Arch Alcove will take you 3-4 hours and runs 4.9 miles round trip. The entirety of the trek traverses a quick moving stream which offers welcome relief to the heat. This moderate rated hike has plenty of shady spots to rest and a few old cabins to check out along the way. The alcove at the end of the trail is well worth the effort, and if you follow the trickle of the creek further up the valley, you may find the hidden waterfall for a natural cold shower before heading back out.

STAY- Under Canvas Zion for more time for fun without the hassle of setting up and breaking down camp. Be sure to print and take the driving directions with you!!

EAT- Restaurant on site and coffee and tea in the main tent in the morning. Grills available for barbecuing if you bring in your own meals. Closer to the park, in Springdale, have a burger at Camp Outpost Co. Or, if it’s mexican food you’re after, try Bit & Spur Saloon for fantastic burritos, drinks, and an amazing outdoor patio!