Zion National Park, UT

A weekend guide to Zion National Park

Friday

We started our road trip from Southern California. We camped at the Watchman Campground. It was in a great location and had access to restrooms. The only issue we had is that it was extremely hot. WAY TOO HOT. I do not recommend going in August like we did. I really wish I had brought my portable fan with me. 

Saturday

We got up early in the morning and headed to our first hike of the weekend and by far the highlight of the trip. There is a parking lot near by where we were able to walk to and catch a bus that took us to the entrance of the hike. Note: you must make reservations in order to ride the bus, so plan ahead of time. There is a small fee when booking online (I believe it was $1-2 per person - trust me, it is completely worth it). Also, download or take a screenshot of your tickets ahead of time as there is bad reception in the park. 

Once off the bus, off we went to hike the famous Narrows. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN and recommend everyone does this hike at least once in their life (if you are able). My little brother hates hiking, but he said this one was fun to him. I recommend bringing lots of water, shoes with great grip (they WILL get wet), and hiking sticks. We did not have walking sticks, but really wish we had some as the whole time we were walking against the current. The first part of the hike is paved and along the river, then about 20 minutes in, it turns into the rocks and water portion. Many people just hike the paved part and turn back around, but I recommend going into the water section as that is where all the fun is. Give yourself about 4 to 5 hours for this hike there and back. If you are a pro, this hike could last all day. 

After the hike we went to grab some ice cream and rest near the gift shop. There were deer just roaming around outside trying to pick at people's food, it was fun to watch. We then headed over the bridge to our second hike of the day, the Emerald Pools. We made the mistake of climbing to the upper emerald pools. I don't recommend it. Go to the Lower Emerald Pools!  The upper emerald pool climb was straight up hill and the pool was underwhelming. When then headed back down through the lower emerald pools, which in my opinion was much nicer. After the hike, we cooled down at the river near our camp site. Then we went off to make dinner, and enjoy campfire chats under the stars. It rained that night (it was the end of August) so bring a tent!  

Sunday

The next morning we got up, and walked to go on on a short hike that was near the camp site. We then got back, packed our stuff and headed home.  

Itinerary for Zion National Park, Utah

Friday

• Road trip to Zion
• Settle in Watchman Campgrounds
• Sleep

Saturday

• Early Breakfast
• Hike Narrows
• Lunch at Zion gift shop
• Hike Lower Emerald Pools
• Cool off in river near campground
• Dinner and sleep

Sunday

• Hike near camp ground
• Clean and pack
• Road trip back home

-Out of Office.

With love, Erica

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