Today, we’re super pumped to take you along as we relive our amazing trip to Zion National Park. Whether you’re looking for epic hikes, unique experiences, or practical tips, we’ve got you covered! If you want to hear the podcast episode where we detail all you need to know about visiting Zion National Park then check out Ep. 2 The Road to Zion National Park.  

Introduction to Zion National Park

Hello everyone and welcome back! We are thrilled to share our adventures and the incredible experiences we had at Zion National Park. It’s a must-visit destination for any travel enthusiast, and we hope our stories inspire you to add it to your travel bucket list.

Why Zion National Park is a Must-See

Zion is one of the most epic national parks in the U.S. With staggering cliffs, picturesque trails, and rich wildlife, it’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. This vibrant park, nestled in the heart of Utah, offers something for everyone, from adventurous trails to serene landscapes.

The Journey Begins

Our adventure to Zion was part of a three-month road trip. One of the most remarkable memories from this trip was an exorcism on our car! Yes, you read that right. On our way to Cedar City, an eerie booming noise came from Kim’s car, which we eventually had to fix at AutoZone with the help of a fantastic employee named Chad.

Staying in Cedar City

We stayed at a cozy Airbnb in Cedar City, a fantastic town about 45 minutes from Zion. Cedar City is not only convenient for its proximity to the park but also charming with artistic vibes, the renowned Shakespeare Festival, and delightful wineries.

Climbing Angels Landing

One of Zion’s highlights is the incredible Angels Landing hike. This strenuous hike features a 1,500-foot elevation gain and 21 switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. Once you reach the top, the view is breathtaking, with sprawling canyons and dramatic cliffs. Although it’s challenging, the sense of accomplishment and the views are worth every moment.

Encountering Wildlife: The Possessed Car

On our way through Cedar City, we experienced car trouble that felt out of this world. Loud booms and strange noises haunted us even with the car turned off. Thankfully, with advice from Kim’s stepdad and the help of Chad from AutoZone, we discovered it was an issue with the sound card. Once it was removed, the noises stopped, allowing us to continue our journey noise-free, albeit without a car radio.

Hidden Gems Near Zion: Kanarra Falls

If you want to explore beyond Zion, we highly recommend visiting Kanarra Falls. This hidden gem is about 30-45 minutes from Zion and offers an exhilarating adventure through a slot canyon. While trekking through the canyon, you’ll navigate boulders, climb ladders, and marvel at the stunning waterfalls.

The Narrows

Hiking The Narrows is another iconic experience in Zion National Park. Walking through the river with towering walls on either side is exhilarating. Remember to rent water boots and walking sticks from the visitor center for a more enjoyable hike.

Pine Creek Canyon Overlook

For a scenic and less crowded hike, head to the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook. This trail offers beautiful views and the chance to catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep. The overlook provides a different perspective of Zion, making it a refreshing change from the more populated trails.

Fun Facts About Zion

• Home to the California Condor: Zion is a sanctuary for the endangered California Condor. We were lucky enough to see a baby condor, a rare and thrilling sight for bird enthusiasts.
• Kolob Arch: Zion boasts one of the longest natural arches in the world, the Kolob Arch. Spanning 287 feet, it’s an impressive feature not to be missed.
• North Zion: This lesser-known area of the park, also known as Kolob Canyons, offers three remarkable trails and sees fewer visitors, making for a tranquil experience.

Behind the Scenes: Our Road Trip Mistake

After our strenuous hike on Angels Landing, we made a rookie mistake. We decided to walk to the lodge instead of waiting for the shuttle, only to be exhausted and hungry by the time we arrived. To make matters worse, Isaac forgot his wallet, leaving us with just $15. After canceling our initial order, we settled on a simple meal of chicken noodle soup with extra crackers.

Next Destination: Cedar Breaks National Monument

From Zion, we continued our adventure to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Often considered the little brother of Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks offers stunning views with fewer crowds.

Exploring Cedar Breaks

We were enchanted by the beautiful scenery of Cedar Breaks. The drive up to this national monument is a scenic journey in itself, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. At the top, you’ll find striking rock formations and vibrant colors that are reminiscent of Bryce Canyon.

Upon our first visit, we were unprepared for the cold temperatures at the higher elevation. Wrapped in a car blanket, we scrambled to the viewpoints to take in the fantastic vistas. Despite the cold, the views were worth every shiver.

Unique Wildlife at Cedar Breaks

One of the most memorable encounters at Cedar Breaks was spotting a long-tailed weasel. These elusive creatures are rarely seen, and we felt incredibly fortunate to witness one. We also spotted a marmot enjoying the view from a tree and a unique ground bird that looked a bit like a pheasant, adding to our list of wildlife sightings.

Concluding Thoughts

Our trip to Zion National Park was nothing short of magical. From the adrenaline-pumping hike of Angels Landing to the scenic beauty of Cedar Breaks, every moment was an adventure. We learned valuable lessons along the way, from ensuring we had enough money for food to respecting the unpredictable nature of travel.

But perhaps the most enriching part of our journey was the people we met and the stories we created together. Whether it was making new friends on the trails or getting help from a kind auto technician, these experiences added a deep, personal layer to our travels.

We hope our blog inspires you to embark on your own adventure to Zion National Park. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring hidden gem slot canyons, or simply soaking in the majestic views, Zion has something to offer everyone. 

So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Until next time, adventure on!

Our trip to Zion National Park was nothing short of magical. From the adrenaline-pumping hike of Angels Landing to the scenic beauty of Cedar Breaks, every moment was an adventure. We learned valuable lessons along the way, from ensuring we had enough money for food to respecting the unpredictable nature of travel.

But perhaps the most enriching part of our journey was the people we met and the stories we created together. Whether it was making new friends on the trails or getting help from a kind auto technician, these experiences added a deep, personal layer to our travels.

We hope our blog inspires you to embark on your own adventure to Zion National Park. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring hidden gem slot canyons, or simply soaking in the majestic views, Zion has something to offer everyone. 

So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Until next time, adventure on!