Zion National Park – adventure abounds at this spectacular exhibition of beauty. The ever-changing landscape paints a portrait of an America we often forget exists.
Zion National Park is one of the most frequented National Parks, with an average annual visitation of over 4 million people. The busiest months to visit are April through September with the park seeing over 400,000 people in those months. The majority of these visitors are within Zion Canyon, although you can also hike within Kolob Canyons as that is a part of the Park as well.
The name Zion means “promised land” and it has been a sanctuary to people in the desert. Nearly 84% of the park is protected as wilderness as a part of the 1964 Wilderness Act.
Although you are in the desert, most of what you see has been created and supported by water. From the Canyon itself to the lush green trees growing above to the emerald pools to the wildlife. All of this is brought to you by the rain that occurs further up the Colorado Plateau.
Summer is a scorcher in Zion, and if you are planning to brave the heat you need to be prepared with water, and make sure you are staying hydrated throughout the day. And before you begin make sure you know the signs of both Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. Every year people are rescued due to their underestimating the heat as well as their capabilities. These two things coupled together can prove deadly.
Now for what you really came here for – the hikes themselves. There are hikes for all capabilities and adventure levels. Zion is after all “84% Wilderness and 100% Adventure.”
Here are the Hikes we recommend, each one has a separate article.
- The Emerald Pools
- Kayenta Trail
- Watchman Trail
- Angels Landing
- The Narrows