Travel to the Cliffs and Canyons of Zion
Posted in Family Fun, Hotels, National Park, Scenery, Southwest, Travel | By Shelley Gillespie | Tags: Desert, Romantic Travel, Southwest, US Domestic Travel
When you travel to the National Parks in the Southwest and start with Zion, as we did, you find yourself overwhelmed and feeling very small. The cliffs tower over you and you can get lost on the trails.
Part of the “Grand Circle” of National Parks, we really enjoyed the diversity of the trails. One moment, walking along a nice level path, you might see a deer grazing not too far away.
Red cliffs of Zion National Park
Moments later, you might see rocks that have had the etching of water over thousands of years that are discolored by the minerals. Or, see plants growing in the unlikeliest nooks of the stone. Or walk up a canyon, like the Virgin River narrows, and have a challenging effort to stay out of the water.
And, it is all about the water, which can be friend or foe. It can create charming tableaus of lovely flowers or come rushing down canyons. sweeping away everything in its path.
Virgin River Narrows
To do in Zion
Climb – we saw many climbers challenging themselves to climb the almost vertical cliffs.
Hike – paths of many lengths and difficulties give people a chance to enjoy the world from the ground up.
Enjoy nature – just identifying the plants and animals could happily occupy travelers. I’ve never been that close to a deer -that didn’t run away.
We truly enjoyed our stay.
Deer along the trail
Staying in or near Zion
There is a lodge in Zion (Zion Lodge) itself, one of those old, woody lodges that is a throwback to years ago with a good restaurant. Book way ahead for that.
Or, just outside of the park, in Springdale, Utah you can find a number of small hotels. See this list for all of the hotels/motels just outside of the park entrance.
http://www.utah.com/lodging/zion.htm
We especially liked the Desert Pearl Inn when we visited. Second floor rooms have high ceilings and are very spacious. There are thoughtful amenities with a refrigerator, microwave and wet bar sink; the decor is appealing. You can even enjoy a great view of Zion from the pool!
http://www.desertpearl.com/home.shtml
When you leave Zion to head over to Bryce Canyon, you will have one of the windiest and most photo-worthy drives anywhere in the country!
Next week — More on travel planning for the trip to Scotland (Edinburgh, castles, and more), some US Parks and a unique museum.
Tags: Desert, Romantic Travel, Southwest, US Domestic Travel