Zion National Park (overall)
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Utah's First National Park
Massive canyon walls ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs, or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons.
24 Reviews for Zion National Park (overall)
47
30 families found this helpful
"BEAUTIFUL!! BUT...NOT with the younger kids!!!"
Ok, I am totally a fan of a beautiful walk and hike through Zions, but when we went last late summer, we had a 2 year old with us, and that was SO NOT FUN. But really, take your older children that will STAY by you and you don't have to "cart" along somehow. It will be much more enjoyable, and they little ones won't be bored. We'll do this again in abut 5 years ;)
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'11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Insanely cool scenery"
If you are in Southern Utah for outdoor adventures, Zion's is a must. The drive down is absolutely spectacular. You go through a long tunnel and emerge among the most stunning and breathtaking views in the world. There are so many trails for hiking, from beginners or families with young children to the most experienced backpacker. There are a few campsites within the park, but they fill up fast in the peak season. We usually stay a few miles out at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, there is a cheap campsite there that is almost always empty. Last time we were in Zion's around Easter, there was a rad Farmer's Market going on in Springdale. There was great food and live music, and we stopped for hours after our few nights of camping and hiking to refresh for the drive home. Be careful driving around there though.... the speed limit changes unexpectedly through the small towns and we landed ourselves a speeding ticket on the way home.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful!"
Zion is a must-see in Southern Utah! There is a shuttle that will take you around the park. We have often seen deer and other wildlife when we have visited. The park is wonderful at different times of the year as the foliage changes. there are a variety of trails to suit families and folks of all ages.
1 family found this helpful
"Awesome trip- even for young kids!"
We love Zions! I think it's a fantastic place even for families with young kids. First of all, you can't beat the scenery. It's like a wooded Grand Canyon-esque + rivers, streams and other wonders park. We took our oldest when he was only 3 and he did great. If you go during peak season- Spring- Fall, they have shuttle buses that will drop you off at the trail head. Many of the trails are paved, so perfect for strollers, etc. We went first week of May and one cool thing about that time was there were caterpillars EVERYWHERE. We spent a lot of time simply watching them, holding them, etc. One thing we weren't prepared for was cooler temps during the day. Pack both warm and cool outfits just in case! A storm blew in and even though it was only lightly raining, it was cold enough we had to buy sweatshirts from the gift shop! Next time we'll be more prepared. GREAT vacation though!!!
Updated 5/2012 to add- If you are going to Zions with young children, my favorite "hike" is the Riverside Walk. Take the shuttle to the very last stop- which the kids enjoy in itself! This walk is all flat and has loads to see- squirrels, lizards abound and the entire trail runs along the river. There are sandy beaches alongside the river and the great thing is, the river is so shallow- even during spring when runoff is at its peak. All-around FUN.
Weeping rock is really steep- not suitable for strollers, but still very cool. It's super short too. Our young kids- ages 2.5+ did it OK- adults had to hold hands as the trail is not only steep but runs alongside some pretty extreme cliffs.
Lower Emerald Pools trail is great, but our young kids just didn't do well on it. It's a bit long for them, first of all. Second, so many portions of the trail are in direct, intense sunlight, so in the middle of the day it was HOT- even though it was mid-May and only about 80 degrees out. It was a real struggle getting them along this hike!
2 families found this helpful
"Magnificant views"
This has become one of my favorite national parks to visit in Utah. Be aware that you can not drive though most of the park anymore but that you will be riding on buses. This is great in the fact that you can see all the sights without worrying about driving. The downside to this is that you need to come prepared. Plan on packing everything you will need to have backpacks for hiking and water and be willing to pack everything that you need for the day as it is a little difficult to go back to the car. We did go back for lunch the one day also there is a restaurant at the lodge that you could get some lunch. Some area's have spots for filling up water bottles but be prepared with plenty of water.
If you have never been the views here are amazing we hiked many of these hikes with the whole family including grandparents, young kids,pregnant mom and teenagers. When you get tired of hiking head back to the car and go drive through the tunnels that have been dug out of the mountains.
1 family found this helpful
"Visit in the off season to avoid the crowds"
Zion National Park has become a pit stop for tour buses headed to the Grand Canyon which makes it one crowded national park. The park service has alleviated the overcrowded issue by requiring visitors to utilize park shuttles during the park’s peak season. My family has alleviated the overcrowded issue by visiting Zion National Park only on the off season, usually winter through early spring. Not only is the park less crowded, but hotels are cheaper, the weather is milder, and the views of snow on red rock are amazing. I do have to caveat my review and mention that I have not used Zion’s shuttle service during peak season. My concern is that with kids and all of the paraphernalia required to travel with kids, a shuttle would not be conducive.
The majority of travellers to Zion National Park drive the dead ended Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from southern entrance to the Temple of the Sinawava. This drive is absolutely beautiful with some great hikes, picnic areas, and photo opportunities along the way. Be sure to stop at the visitor center at the southern entrance and sign your kids up for the junior ranger program. This is a great program for kid’s to complete while they are enjoying the park.
Good family friendly hikes include the Virgin River Trail (perfect paved biking path as well), Emerald Pools, Court of the Patriarchs Sand Bench trail and the Riverside walk -Temple of the Sinawava (note that this trail follows a narrow canyon and be quite icy in winter months). My family loves the remote wilderness found in the Court of Patriarchs area. We always see herds of mule deer and wild turkeys in this area.
If you have the time, drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. There are not as many hikes along this road but the kids will love driving through the huge tunnel carved in the red rock. There are some steep switchbacks along the road that can cause some white knuckles in winter, but the views are definitely worth it. If you have even more time, consider driving north to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center which is accessed off of interstate 15. Even if you don’t have time to hike around Kolob Canyon, this short drive in to the northeast entrance is beautiful and quite different from the southern entrance.
I also have to mention that the town of Springdale at the southern park entrance is a nice place to stay. This town also has some good dining options, souvenir shops and art galleries that are worth visiting. If you are spending a few days visiting the area I would highly suggest taking the time to enjoy this quaint town.
In summary, I would recommend that your family packs some coats and travel in the off season in order to find solace in Zion National Park.
0 families found this helpful
"Zions"
I would say Zions is better for older kids, but still fun to go through with little ones. Our kids thought the tunnel was really cool, but that was about it. Someday when they get older I would like to take them hiking up the Narrows ( I went in jr. high, and loved it). It's very pretty to see.
0 families found this helpful
"Something for all ages"
There are so many levels of trails at Zion National Park that there is really something for everyone. Even if you don't like to hike you can just ride the shuttle buss through the canyon. My husband and I loved Angels Landing but it is a very hard hike and not for children at all. There are crazy heights and drop offs so if you have someone to watch your kids and a few hours to spare, go for it!
Biggest tip: If you go in the summer get an early start to the day and make sure you are well hydrated and bring plenty of water!
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful"
For beautiful hiking amongst red rock, Zion is the place. The scenery is wonderful. There are many hiking trails. Angels Landing was one of my favorites, but it is not for kids. There are steep drops and its a fairly rigorous hike. Worth it though. There is a Scenic drive you can go on and many other easier hikes with just as beautiful views.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful..."
If your traveling through Southern Utah make sure you make a stop at The Zion National Park. The breath taking views will make you in awe of this beautiful work of art. Pack a picnic lunch and dont forget to take lots of pictures along the way. Great family day trip that will make memories that will last a lifetime
1 family found this helpful
"Very Pretty"
Zion offers gorgeous views and plenty of things to see. A quick trip to the lodge will provide you with a map and an explanation of all the different hiking trails. Each one has a different theme, designed to give you a different experience of Zion. Try two or three to get the full experience, because Zion is a vast park with a lot of different and beautiful geological features. There are dozens of places to camp, and plenty of picture perfect opportunities.
1 family found this helpful
"Zion National Park"
Zion National Park is absolutely breathtaking and is definitely a must see! There is a $25 entrance fee per vehicle. Once you get inside the park, you will park your car and hop on a shuttle. The shuttle will take you around the park and you can hop on and off as you please, as there are many shuttles that come and go. There are several hiking trails within the park that are all very beautiful. You will want to pick up a brochure at the visitor center to choose the right hike for you. There are shorter and easier hikes that are appropriate for families with young children, and there are more strenuous hikes for the more experienced hiker. A park ranger will be able to point you in the right direction.
1 family found this helpful
"Amazing!"
We recently moved to southern Utah and we love Zion National Park. I love that you walk into the park and ride the busses to the different trailheads and scenic stops. You don't have to bring in a car seat and our 17-month-old loved looking out the windows and waving at all the other passengers. There are trails for families with kids of all ages. Our favorite is the trail along the Virgin River because of the river access - our toddler loved playing in the water on the hot summer day we were there.
Update: My mom and aunt came to visit for my son's 2nd birthday and we went to visit Zion. Because it was the off season, the shuttle busses weren't running, so you have to drive yourself to the different scenic points. While I enjoy the ability to drive through on my own, I was disappointed because I like to hear all the information about the park that plays on the shuttles. So even though it can be crowded, it is worth it to go to the park during the summer season so you get your money's worth.
0 families found this helpful
"Breathtaking!"
I have been to zions national park many many times in the past several years. It is absolutely breathtaking! So many phenominal hikes. And if you are not into hiking or not well enough to do so, they have some pretty great lookout points. I love the bus system that runs all summer long. It is included in your park entrance fee.
0 families found this helpful
"Breathtaking!"
I have been here many, many times in the past several years. SO many AMAZING hikes. If you are not into hiking or well enough to do so, they have great lookout points. I love the buses that they have runnig through the summer time. It is included with your park entrance fee.
0 families found this helpful
"Nature at it's best"
Looking for a great spot to camp or have a family reunion? This would be a great place. I have only been once and wasn't able to spend a ton of time but it was beautiful. There are lots of hikes and it really is just nature at its best. We enjoyed the small hike we did by a river with lots of frogs. The kids can enjoy nature and all the things that come with it. Highly recommend visiting if your in the area.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful"
Zion's National Park is an amazing place to vacation! I would definitely camp and go either in the springtime or fall. The weather is perfect! There is so much to do and see. I always wish I had more time. It's full of hikes and is a very affordable place to vacation. It's somewhat kid friendly and baby friendly just make sure you bring some type of a baby carrier.
0 families found this helpful
"Can't go wrong here"
Zion National Park is a must see if you visit Utah. The beauty that is found here can be found nowhere else. It is amazing. There are several hikes that are perfect for the whole family and if you have a more adventurous group there are several technical hikes that can be found. There are plenty of areas to swim for the kids and the campground is great. It is usually very hot so come prepared. All in all I think this place is great for everyone, you can't go wrong here.
4 families found this helpful
"Zion National Park"
I cannot believe how fantastic this park was! Cheap! $25 for a week pass. We have 3 little ones, 10, 8, and 3. The park was clean and easy to navigate. The shuttle system is great. We hiked two different trails. In the morning we followed the paved trail up to the entrance to The Narrows, about 2.2 miles roundtrip. Lunch at the outdoor cafe; $25 fed all five of us well. In the afternoon, we hiked to Upper Pools, about 4.7 miles RT. A bit more strenuous, the bigs never complained. #3 was very content in the Kelty Backpak. Dad was a bit sore, but everyone really had a blast. The trails are well marked, groomed, and busy. It seemed this was a day for international travelers. But everyone was helpful and willing to take our family photo. The views were amazing. We were well prepared, everyone with mole skin, Camelpaks, granola bars, and poncho's for the summer afternoon thunderstorm. We had a great time, and are sure to return the more National Parks. The trails were busy; think NYC Christmas shopping. But don't let that deter you. It made for interesting conversations and some laughs. Zion Nat'l Park is a must.
1 family found this helpful
"Cold beauty"
April 2012 Update:
Spring is the PERFECT time to visit Zion! Our first day reached a beautiful 85 degrees and we were instantly on vacation. We enjoyed several hikes, but our favorite time was spent resting by the Virgin River while our kids threw rocks, waded and played in the cold water. The cottonwood trees above us were green and beautiful and the towering cliffs were awe-inspiring. Our second day there grew cold and rainy (65) but we still enjoyed a quiet and slow hike and more rock-throwing in the water. We could have stayed in Zion for a week and enjoyed every minute.
We came through Zion on a 19 degree day in late December. Our little boys (2,4) were miserable in the cold, so we found the little restaurant inside the park, wandered into the empty meeting room and ate our lunch and played some games. We braved the cold for a view of a majestic oak set against the towering cliffs and wandered along the creek for some scenic views.
We look forward to coming back to this park for some more exploring when it's not so bitterly cold!
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