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Lush and heaven-like greenery in one of Zion’s valleys.
Words by Jennifer Leigh Hill
Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, 257.5 km (160 mi) north of Las Vegas and 495 km (308 mi) south of Salt Lake City, you’ll find one of the most beautiful parks in the United States with a rather unusual name, Zion National Park.
Isaac Behunin, an early Mormon settler, arrived in the area in the 1860s and is believed to have given the canyon its name. Standing on the rim he stated, “A man can worship God among these great cathedrals as well as he can in any man-made church; This is Zion.” Henceforth, the canyon became known as Zion Canyon and the community of Zion was established.
Although Zion no longer exists, the stunning landscape does. The beauty that Behunin alluded to consists of a mixture of towering cliffs with ruby-red walls, incredible slot canyons, and unique sandstone formations.
Photo Visit Utah Matt Morgan
Exiting Mount Carmel Highway Tunnel 1.
These features make the area a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. In 2021, there were more than 5 million visitors to the park. Unfortunately, its popularity makes for crowded conditions at times.
For mountaineers,’ Zion is known for its big wall climbs that reach more than 610 m (2,000 ft). Due to the soft nature of the sandstone, this is not an area for the inexperienced. There are even opportunities to experience canyoneering, which is the opposite of rock climbing. While it involves a vertical ascent, the sport of canyoneering is the descent down the rock face to the canyon floor.
The park encompasses a dozen hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. The most arduous one is Angels Landing and not recommended for the faint of heart. It’s considered one of the scariest hiking trails in the world due to its sharp drop-offs and narrow paths that cling to the canyon walls.
Photo Visit Utah
More RVs touring the Mount Carmel Highway.
Another popular trail, also rated as difficult, is The Narrows. It starts from the highest cliffs and leads to the narrow canyon floor where the Virgin River flows.
Be rest assured, the park has several hikes for all abilities. A popular one is the Pa’rus Trail, which skirts the river’s edge 5.6 km (3.5 mi) in the flat lower section of the canyon where it’s more open in areas. This trail is also paved, making it easily accessible for those with physical disabilities. Bicycles are also allowed.
For those travelling with young children, the trail is stroller-friendly and park ranger-led activities are scheduled at Zion National Park Visitor Center. The rangers are very informative and the programs will be the highlight of their trip.
To take in the views and capture a true ‘Zion moment,’ the available light is a photographer’s dream. A popular driving route is the 1.8 km (1.1 mi) Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. It runs north to south, the views are breathtaking and has large openings cut out of the rock to admire the scenes of the valley below.
After driving through the tunnel, many pull over to get a full picture of this mind-boggling engineering feat that was completed in 1930. Keep in mind, vehicles more than 4 m (13.1 ft) are prohibited through the tunnel.
Photo Hunter James
The incredible trails lend Incredible views of the park.
RV Camping
Three campgrounds in Zion accommodate trailers and motorhomes but only one - Watchman - is open all year. Services are limited so plan for a boondocking experience. Be mindful that size and height restrictions are in effect depending on the location of the site. Visit www.nps.gov for all of your options and further details.
Typically, from mid-March through to late November the campgrounds and even accommodations outside of the park fill quickly so it’s best to reserve months in advance.
Photo Tevin Trinh
The stunning sunlight streaming through a slot canyon.
To control traffic flow, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is one of the park’s most impressive areas, is only open to shuttle buses much of the year. The first departure is at 7 am and space fills up fast so you may have to wait.
Only service dogs are allowed on the shuttles so make sure to have a comfortable space for pets. Summer temperatures commonly rise above 350C (950F.)
Zion has unique features every season, but spring and fall are best to avoid the crowds. Even during these times and holiday weekends, the park can get very busy.
With proper planning, a trip to Zion National Park is an incredible experience and as a bonus, it’s only 177 km (110 mi) from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which can offer a well-rounded U.S. National Park experience.
Nonetheless, spending more time in Zion to explore some of its hidden nooks and crannies - not to mention its serene, rugged landscape - will provide a memorable RV trip. For more details visit www.nps.gov or www.visitutah.com
Enhance Your NPS Experience at Bryce Canyon National Park
Only 135 km (85 mi) from Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park doesn’t have canyons like Zion but it does have towering eroded cliffs and hoodoos sculpted by time and the elements. Hoodoos, also known as ‘tent rocks,’ ‘fairy chimneys’ or ‘earth pyramids’, are tall spires of rock.
An appealing aspect of Bryce Canyon National Park is it offers the chance to drive the Main Road for 29 km (18 mi) and admire most of the scenic viewpoints.
Photo Drew Hay
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the most perfect Hoodoos.
Parking is typically available but during peak season, all vehicles more than 6 m (20 ft) are prohibited from parking anywhere but at the designated Shuttle Station, which leaves every 10-15 minutes. Plan several hours for a roundtrip, especially if you are going to hike and take photos.
There are 15 hikes ranging from 1.3 km (0.8 mi) to 12.9 km (8 mi). They are less strenuous than those at Zion and the easiest is the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. It’s paved and leashed dogs are allowed. Two campgrounds, Sunset and North, accommodate RVs. For information and further details about the RV services in the park visit www.nps.gov