Hiking Zion National Park

We’d been to Zion before, but it was more of a drive-through so we decided to return for a proper visit.

We stayed at the Zion Lodge, which is the only option for accommodations inside the park. In peak season, this is the best approach to avoid having to park at the entrance and take the trams. The lodge has everything that you need for a short visit, and the tram system is efficient for getting around to the various trails.

Our first afternoon we did the emerald pools trail. The pool at the end wasn’t that spectacular, but the scenery along the way made up for it.

The next day, we woke up early for the Angels Landing hike. This was a four hour return hike that includes about 1500 feet in elevation change. If you enjoy steep switchbacks, long drop offs, and walking along a narrow ridge to the summit, you will enjoy this hike.

The last day we did the Canyon Overlook Trail, which was an easy hour-long hike.