First off, it is important to remember public land is native land. Zion National Park is located on the land of the Paiute Tribe, or as they'd prefer it to be called Oawingwa 'a place where the stream flows'. So, remember and educate yourself on who's ancient land you walk, some steps have been made to honour and recognise the historical and cultural connections between national park and tribal lands, some parks are now working alongside the tribes that once occupied the land, others show little acknowledgment. Access prices are hiked up high holding local indigenous populations at a greater distance from their own lands. Advocates vary from; a start native americans should have free access to a land of the free pass, so they can access their sacred land, others call for acknowledgment, others call for partnership and some call for decolonisation and repatriation of land. What is for certain more is needed to shape future policies for a more inclusive system. That's not to say the conservation of national parks is not important but why does one have to be a cost to the other.
Above and Below; Welcome to a Zion Hiking Guide, the following hikes are split into sections based on difficulty, the difficulty ratings were set by the NPS. To get around Zion National Park use its free shuttle bus system, park at the visitor centre or in the town of Springdale on the edge of the park. This system and clear trailhead signs for each stop makes the park very easy to navigate. One of the most famous features of Zion National Park are the Narrows. I cannot stress enough how important it is to pay attention to weather alerts in Zion, it is an area prone to flash floods and the Narrows is one of the most risky areas to be.
'The fun begins where the tarred road ends.'
-Unknown
Easy Trails
Trails I would recommend for all abilities.
Easy to Moderate Trails
Trails that vary in difficulty
Strenuous Trails
Deemed strenuous largely due to there steep ascents but well worth doing
Famous Trails
The 2 hikes Zion is most famous for, with some iconic views.
The Narrows: prepare for one of the most unique hikes you’ll ever experience, and prepare to get your feet and well potentially everything wet, as you hike through the Virgin River. Hiking is not permitted when the river is high and is best during the early summer months. The most popular place to start is the riverside walk (Shuttle stop -No. 9 Temple of Sinawava). It can be anything from ankle, to calf, to waist deep or swimming in parts depending on your height.
For Bottom up options; You can hike as far as you want and turn back at any point. As you can see its busy, but the majority of these people are probably not going too far into the narrows. The difficulty will depend on the water flow.
Popular turn back points include an area called Wall Street, a 2-3 hour hike, 2.5 miles one way, it is then generally quicker on the return.
It is then a further 2 miles to Big Springs, and this is as far as bottom up hikes are permitted to go
For Top down options:
You’ll need a permit for this option. The most strenuous trail is a 16 miles, 10-14 hour hike, you’ll need to be quick to do it in the day, alternatively, turn it into a multi day hike hiking for 6-8 hours per day
If you don’t have appropriate footwear, you can hire special shoes designed for hiking the narrows at several stores in Springdale.
Angels Landing; possibly the most popular, thrilling and photographed hike in the park, for good reason. The dramatic long drop offs, steep terrain and exposed trail, will mean many inevitably turn around, add to that the increasing popularity of the hike, in 2020 the National Park Service are set to introduce traffic management on the trail, to allow crowds to hike more safely. Start at shuttle stop number 6, The Grotto. The first 2 miles are a steady uphill climb. There isn’t much shade, get it when you can. After 2 miles you’ll start the switchbacks known as Walters Wiggles, your legs will begin to burn during this intense steep section. After that the ‘chains’ start. The first section of chains is where you can practice, before you reach the middle where the path becomes narrow with a sheer drop either side, before reaching the top. Try to beat the crowds and the heat of the day in the summer by leaving early, however, you’ll probably reach the top with a large section of the canyon still in shade. It is important to add, it's the same way up, as down, which is quite daunting on narrow parts as you’ll have to wait to pass these, have patience on the way back down as others are still on their ascent, to allow an alternating one way system on the exposed parts of the trail. If you're scared of heights don’t attempt this hike, you need a good level of fitness, and preferably some experience especially with chains, it is not for the faint hearted.
There are a number of top viewpoints within the park which don’t require hiking:
Court of the Patriarchs
Socks and Sandals
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