Zion Shuttle

Today was our big day in Zion National Park. We were going to do the big attractions including Angels Landing and part of the Narrows. So, we woke up bright and early and super pumped to start the day. We ate a quick and hearty breakfast at our campsite and then packed everything up since we had to switch to a different campsite that night. Even after all that, we still made it to the Visitor Center to catch the shuttle by 7am. We shouldn’t have a problem with lines that early in the morning, right? Wrong. As far from wrong as we could get. We didn’t have an issue finding a parking spot, but the line was already an hour long. Seriously. The rangers told us it was most likely going to be the 2nd busiest weekend of Zion’s entire history, following Memorial Day of this year. Absolute craziness. 

So you don’t have to deal with this, I’m going to let you in on the biggest time-saving secret ever that I wish we had known about. Do NOT catch the shuttle from the Visitor Center. Instead, do one of 2 options. (1) Park at the Zion Museum and board the bus there. There aren’t very many parking spots, but no one seemed to know about this trick, and there were only a handful of people there at 8am when our Shuttle passed by and picked them up. (2) If the parking lot at the Zion Museum is full, park on State Route 9 and walk to the nearest shuttle stop, Canyon Junction.

Angels Landing

Although a bit later in the morning than we anticipated, we eventually did make it to the Grotto shuttle stop which is where the trail to Angels Landing starts. This stop is your last chance to use the facilities and fill up your water bottles, so do it now. There is nothing at the top, and it could be several hours before you return. 

The first part of the trail was very pleasant. Since it was still fairly early in the morning, the trail was mostly shaded, and it was flat. It also followed a winding stream and offered great views through the canyon. Enjoy this section while you can. 

We then came to switch backs. At first, they were gentle, and I started thinking all the hype and “strenuous” warnings were all about nothing. Then I realized people were on steeper switch backs on the gigantic cliff in front of me. What?! It is tiring, but the views keep getting better and better making it worth it. Plus, there are plenty of places to duck out of the sun and cool down. 

After the switch backs, the trail flattens out and heads through a shaded area. What it is doing is fooling you into thinking you have made it to the top. Nisheet had a blast climbing into all the holes in the rock cliffs in this section. I was afraid of finding snakes in the holes. 

And then you suddenly come to another set of switch backs called Walter’s Wiggles. Only this time they are much much steeper and you are much much more tired. Thankfully, this section is rather short. 

Once you make it to the top of Walter’s Wiggles, you are at Scout’s Lookout. The views are great here, but please don’t turn around here. I promise they get better, so keep going. The last 0.5 miles looks scary, and there are drop off on either side of you, but it really isn’t that bad. The worst part is the crowds. There are so many people that you will be hiking and climbing up rocks in a single file line. Just take your time though and don’t push past others. 

By the way, take a look at the 2 pictures below. When you make it to the top of that little peak, you are not even close to Angels Landing. That’s just the first tiny hump on the path there. 

Like I said, the views are worth it! You’ll be so glad you didn’t turn around at Scout’s Landing and slowly followed the masses out to Angels Landing. Simply incredible. 

The way back down was much easier than the trek up, and I really felt for the people on their way up. They had it worse than we did because by now it was super hot. Did I mention that we were in Zion during a ridiculous heat wave where it was well over 100F every day? I think this would also be a good time to mention that the #1 trick to beating this heat is to use a chilly pad. Soak the special cloth with water, put it around your neck, and it will keep you cool for hours. It was a lifesaver. I’m not sure how those without it survived the heat. 

Virgin River

When we got to the bottom of the trail, we could only think about one thing. Splashing around in the cool and shaded river. Well… that and refilling our water bottles because someone didn’t tighten the water bladder in the backpack and it leaked everywhere leaving us with only 0.75L between the 2 of us for the entire hike. That is one mistake we will never make again! 

Zion Lodge

After splashing around in the river for a while, we decided to eat a snack at the lodge. We hadn’t planned on going to the lodge beforehand, but I’m so glad we did! There is a large grassy field with a giant tree providing a big patch of shade, and everyone is sitting around relaxing. We split a burger and fries and sat around for a while soaking in the atmosphere. 

The Narrows

After relaxing at the lodge for far too long, we finally pulled ourselves away and headed to the Narrows. To get to the Narrows, you first walk along Riverside Walk. And it is just that. A walk. No hiking. The path is level and paved, and we saw many family pushing strollers and wheel chairs. It was also mostly shaded when we were there, and it was simply beautiful. The cliffs were a brilliant red with the sun shining on them and the water was the most amazing teal color. 

At the end of the the Riverside Walk, you enter the river and begin the Narrows. And, let me tell you, it was crowded! I thought Angels Landing was crowded, but it was nothing compared to the Narrows. Also, I should probably point out that if you are doing both Angels Landing (or any other hike for that matter) and the Narrows, you will need to bring a change of shoes. We both had water sandals in our backpack. It wouldn’t be much fun hiking in the river with hiking boots! You should also bring a hiking pole to steady yourself in the river. 

Because it was so crowded and the fact we didn’t have hiking poles, we only went a short way into the Narrows. But, we  still had an incredible time, and now we know we absolutely must come back and spend a full day hiking the Narrows in the future.

Camping

By the time we finished, we were just able to catch one of the last buses back to the visitor center. And then we were off to set up or new campsite before it got dark. Instead of going to dinner in town, we had my favorite meal of bread and cheese and gazed at the stars from our little campsite. Such a perfect day. 

I still need to learn how to take better night sky pictures (or maybe just get a different camera), but hopefully the picture below will give you an idea of how beautiful the star gazing is there.