Thursday, June 8th ~ Zion National Park
Zion National Park Entrance
We got up and out fairly early for us, wanting to get up into Zion before noon in hopes of getting a spot in the South Campground right inside the park. They do not take reservations, and we knew the odds were not in our favor. After a phone call where I found out that the park usually fills up between 9:00 a.m. and noon, I was even more concerned.
Traveling up from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, then turning off of Hwy 89 onto Utah 9, just before the entrance to Zion, we spotted a campground called Hi-Road and decided to check it out. They had three spots left and we took one. Turned out to be a very good decision, as by the time we actually got to the campground inside Zion, it was completely filled.
Unhooking Jethro, our Subaru tow vehicle, we made our way toward the South Entrance.
Human habitation within this area dates back 8000 years with Native American groups including the Basketmaker Anasazi, the Virgin Anasazi, Parowan Fremont, Parrusits and other Southern Paiute subtribes.
Mormons arrived in the area in 1858. In 1909 the President of the United States, William Howard Taft, in an effort to protect the canyon, named the area a National Monument. Mukuntuweap National Monument later was renamed Zion, the name used by the Mormons. The United States Congress established the monument as a National Park on November 19, 1919, making it the oldest National Park in the state of Utah.
With park elevations ranging from 3,666 ft (1,117 m) at Coalpits Wash to 8,726 ft (2,660 m) at Horse Ranch Mountain, the diversity of plants and animals is impressive.
Along the side of the road, several cars were parked with people gawking at a small herd of Desert Bighorn Sheep.
Desert Bighorn Sheep cling to the side of a steep mountainside
There is a 1.1 mile long Zion-Mt Carmel Highway Tunnel that was blasted through the mountain, quite a feat back in 1927-1930. There are size restrictions and even our small Ellie Mae would have been subjected to an additional $15 fee to pay for the one-way traffic control service. Click here for the size restrictions and other frequently asked questions.
While we were stopped waiting for an RV to come through the tunnel, a lone bike rider was stopped by the side of the road as well. We found out that you can not ride a bike through the tunnel for safety reasons. He was stuck for the moment and asked us if we would be willing to give him a ride through the tunnel. We gladly helped out, lowered down one of our back seats in the Subaru, put the bike in, he jumped into the other seat and off we went. He races bikes and was in training. Wish I had gotten his name…
Zion National Park covers 229 square miles, but the main attraction is the 15 mile long Zion Canyon which was cut by the Virgin River. During much of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive portion of the canyon is only accessible by park shuttle bus.
Tim and I visited both Zion and Bryce NP about ten years ago with our friends, Laura and Michael, so this was a second time for us. We wanted to get a refresher, returning to our favorite section. This meant taking the shuttle bus from the Visitors Center to the end of the line at the Temple of Sinawava.
At this stop you can take the one mile hike (two miles round trip) along the Virgin River to the entrance of The Narrows.
The pathway is mostly paved and accessible for wheelchairs if one has some occasional assistance, baby strollers and toddlers were seen along the way, as well as a very pregnant woman.
The Riverside Walk
The weather was a scorching 97 degrees, and the breeze along the water and respite under the shade trees was very welcoming.
The Virgin River
We were greeted by many squirrels, hopeful for a snack, but there are many signs along the way forbidding feeding any of the critters with a brisk $100 fine if caught.
Even the squirrels appreciated resting in the shade
Water dripped down the side of the cliff and both ferns and flowers clung for life.
Colorado columbine
A young Mule Deer Doe grazed along the side of the pathway, seemingly calm and unperturbed by our intrusion of her mealtime.
Mule Deer – take a look at the size of those ears
As we approached the entrance to The Narrows, the pathway ends with a few steps down to the river. To continue further upstream requires wading through the water.
Steady stream of people going tp and coming from The Narrows
Having just had an amazing time at Antelope Canyon, we had no need to go wading into the slot, but Tim did cool off his feet for a few minutes.
Tim cooling off his feet in the Virgin River
We enjoyed people watching for a while before strolling the one mile back to the shuttle bus.
Tim and Joanne cooling off at the river’s edge
**Warning signs were reminders to not enter The Narrows during rain or if it had been raining upstream, as if it flooded you could become trapped and/or drown.
As a last-minute decision, we hopped off at the Zion Human History Museum and watched the 22 minute movie about the history of the park.
Back at the Visitors Center we loaded back in our car and headed back toward the south entrance.
On the drive between the Visitors Center and the South Exit
In all honesty, the drive between the Visitors Center and the entrance/exit is by far my favorite part of the park. I think it is much prettier, and more impressive than the canyon floor with the HUGE rock formations and towering red cliffs.
Here are some pictures I took along the way to try to give you a small sampling of what this incredible drive is like.
Brilliant red rocks
Look at the size of the cars on the road lower right corner for perspective
Narrow opening between the stone walls
Multi-colored layers and shapes
Checkerboard Mesa
Back settled in with Ellie Mae where we dish up a welcome hot meal from the pressure cooker. I loaded it up with chicken pieces, onion, garlic, potatoes, and lots of herbs and used the slow cooker function letting it simmer all afternoon.
So nice to come “home” to a hot meal…
Not too shabby for camping 🙂
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for the opportunity to relive fond memories of our visit with our dear friends years ago.
A Note From Abroad 
Stunninly beautiful! I really liked that mule deer! Looks like you had a lot of fun!
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We seem to be on a similar route. Our journey started in North Carolina May 1. I’m enjoying your posts, I hope to be able to get my blog to look this good, I’m new at this. 😄
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Beautiful photos! Having just been through Zion, my husband and I looked at your photos and were able to spot places we had been to also. Didn’t see any Big Horn Sheep though. Having seen so many similar shots in yours, had to chuckle when got to your last photo with the Instant Pot- have one too and LOVE it!
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Hi Nanci, sorry you did not see any of the Bighorn Sheep. It was fun watching them on the side of the rocky slopes. I was hesitant bringing along the Instant Pot because of how much room it takes up in my already tiny, stuffed kitchen, but I think it may come in handy.
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We were there couple of weeks ago and saw no Bighorn Sheep either. Consider yourself lucky! 🙂
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Love that sink cover in Ellie Mae. And great narrative and photos, as always.
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Thank you Mike. It helps create a bit more counter space. Need to make use of every inch.
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I had forgotten about hiking/wading through the narrows… that was quite an experience… must have been about 15 years ago… your photos brought back so many good memories!
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I’m so glad we could help you relive happy memories!
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Very lovely location and the photos show it wonderfully. Just like being at home with Ellie Mae isn’t it? Have a great time you two.
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Great photos! I really enjoyed the drive through Zion outside the canyon. We drove our fifth wheel through the tunnel. I was a little nervous about it but it was fine. It was nice of you to help out the biker.
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I think we too would have been OK driving our RV through, but it was certainly easier to not have to worry about it. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
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Awesome photos – you are so living your dream! Hope you out all these posts with photos in a coffee table book.
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I have quite a collection of coffee table books I have made over the years using Shutterfly. I’m now about three years behind though, lol.
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Again, fantastic pictures! Can hardly wait to see it. Some of the red rock formations remind me if Valley of the Sun outside of Las Vegas. Thank you for the information regarding entrance fees.
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You will love it!
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I went to Zion National park in May of 2011, walked the Narrows and also hiked all the way up to Angel’s Landing. That was some adventure – great trip and your pictures brought back some fantastic memories.
Asif
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Asif, you are much more fit than I am, and taking on Angel’s Landing would not be fun for me today. But the Narrows, I just might try someday – that is if I return before I’m 90, lol. I’m sure that both of those experiences were fabulous for you.
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Thoroughly enjoy ‘travelling with you’ on your many journeys. Just think, when you take a breather from mooching around the world, how many hours of memories and photographs you have to ponder on! Great stuff. Travel in good health.
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Many thanks Joy! So happy to have you traveling with us.
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I thought of you after reading this article on penny smashing machines. I bet you see many in your travels. http://www.coloradolifemagazine.com/Penny-Smashing-Road-Trip/?utm_source=fbsp5&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=19-TM-24572-IA
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Jeanne, thank you for sharing this bit of information. We used to collect the Silver Strike coins in the past, but was not familiar with anyone collecting these. We have seen them on occasion. What fun!
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Now I can’t wait to find another one! They even sell books to keep them in – who knew?
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We visited Zion some twenty years ago and loved the beautiful canyon. Thanks for sharing your photos.
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You are welcome. Thank you for checking out what we are up to.
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One of my all time favorite trips was to Bryce and Zion National Parks.
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They are both quite different, and have such natural beauty. Perfectly close enough to combine in one amazing trip! So happy that you enjoyed them as much as we did.
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The formations are beautiful here. When I was there, I didn’t go to the narrows, but did enjoy the drive around, as you did. Thanks for sharing. It amazes me as to the differences in landscape that our great country has to offer.
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I think we have more diversity in the USA than almost any where else on Earth. It truly is “America the Beautiful”.
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Lovely photos! Our trip to Zion in May was our first and we loved It! We hiked the Canyon Overlook hike, and then the River walk but the Narrows was closed due to the incredibly high water flow, still it was wonderful!
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Yes, I bet the Narrows was still quite swift in May with as much rain and snow pack as we had this year. Sounds like you still had a wonderful time though.
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It was truly the trip of a lifetime. That sounds trite, but it’s true! 😍
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