Even with the panoramic options on most cameras and smart phones, when you’re in Zion National Park, you will have the thought, “Wow! – There’s no way to fit all of this inside my camera!” However, you’ll sure have fun trying.
It would be easy to create a list of way more than 13 things to do, all inside Zion National Park. So for this list, number 1 will be all of Zion National Park. The remaining 12 will hopefully give you some fresh ideas of ways to add more fun, excitement and adventure to your next trip to the Zion/Springdale area.
Angel’s Landing – Spine
1. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is loaded with hikes for just about any physical ability, Weeping Rock being one of the easiest and the West Rim trail – one of the toughest. If you have young, elementary age kids, you’ll want to check out Emerald Pools and Hidden Canyon.
The Narrows is one of the most popular hikes in all of the U.S. National Parks. This is the place to be on a hot, summer day. You can spend as little time as 30 minutes or take all day playing in The Narrows.
Our family’s favorite non-rope hike in ZNP is Angel’s Landing. This is a great way to challenge teens and adults. The last half mile you climb the spine of the mountain with the aid of chains put into the mountain years ago.
2. Horseback Riding with Jacob’s Ranch
Most of us have experienced the nose-to-tail horseback ride that might provide some excitement at a 5-year-old’s birthday party. This is Not that ride! Zion Canyon Trail Rides at Jacob’s Ranch is like no other Horseback Ride anywhere in the world. Their guarantee says it all. “We guarantee that your horse riding experience will be the most exciting, adventurous and informative horse ride you’ve ever experience or it’s free.”
The ranch hands take the time to teach all riders to not only walk their horse, which they call first gear, they have you go through all eight gears. Second gear is a seated trot, third is posted trotting, fourth is canter, fifth is loping, sixth is gallup, seventh is run and eighth gear is dead run. When was the last time you raced your family on a horse? If you’re not yet sold on this adventure, you need to go to their website and watch their video: http://ziontrailrides.com or call Jackson, the lead Cowboy that has worked at Jacob’s Ranch since it opened 13 years ago. Jackson’s enthusiasm is contagious. He will surely get you excited as he describes just a little of the gauntlet that takes you from mild to wild. Call Jackson today at 435-635-1552.
3. Visit the North American Wildlife Museum
Inside the Majestic View Lodge in Springdale there is a 3000 square foot museum, one of the finest in Southwest America. Each display has been set in its natural surroundings with attention to detail; done by an internationally known wildlife habitat display company.
In addition to the museum, you’ll find a trading post/gift shop at the Majestic View Lodge. The Trading Post features a large array of gifts and souvenirs that are unique to Zion National Park. They also have an impressive collection of Native American jewelry. While at the Majestic View Lodge, you can fuel yourself up at Arkansas Al’s steakhouse, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
4. Take a Meditation Walk on the Labyrinth Path
This is located just above Flanigan’s Inn in Springdale, Utah. A walk through the Labyrinth Path is designed to quiet your mind. As you start, take a moment to take in a few deep breaths and relax the mind. As you make you way slowly through the winding path, your body will find its way into a peaceful rhythm. When you hit the center, stop and focus on how you’re feeling. As you exit the path, take time to consider the insights you received. For more information go to http://www.flanigans.com/spa/mind-body-spirit
5. Make Sure You Have a Piece of World-famous Pie at Blondie’s Diner
While hiking in Zion National Park, I love to strike up conversations with fellow hikers. I have met people from all around the world. I usually start this conversation with ‘Where are you from?’ and ‘How did you hear about Zion National Park?’ On more than one occasion the answer to the question has been, ‘My neighbor came here and told me it was a must see’ and was quick to add, ‘if you make it to Zion, you’ve got to have a piece of pie from Blondie’s Diner‘. Blondie’s Diner is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. They serve a variety of traditional home-cooked American cuisine at the most reasonable prices in Springdale.
6. Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre
After a full day of exploring Zion National Park, my family enjoys the 6-story giant-screen theatre. This is the largest screen in Utah. The Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre opened in the spring of 1994 showing Zion Canyon-Treasure of the Gods. This 40-minute film depicts the majestic beauty of the canyon and the legends of the Anasazi Indians who lived here anciently. http://zioncanyontheatre.com/treasure-of-the-gods
Several years ago, they started showing first run Hollywood movies on their giant screen. New this year is the Robert Redford narrated movie, National Parks Treasure. For all showtimes and current Hollywood movies go to http://zioncanyontheatre.com/now-showing
7. Kolob Reservoir
From State Road 9 in the small town of Virgin, Utah watch for the road sign, “Kolob Road” and head north 23 miles to the headwaters of the Virgin River. There you will find one of the locals’ favorite recreation areas, Kolob Reservoir. Fishing is one of the most popular activities on the reservoir. Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brook Trout are all caught here. Kolob Reservoir is just over 8100 feet in elevation. The reservoir has an average depth of 21 feet. Lakeside camping and picnicking make this a great place to beat the summer heat when the temps are high.
Sunsöker Tours doesn’t believe in the cookie cutter philosophy that one tour fits all. Tours are custom designed to tailor fit you and your group. If seeing the beauty of Southern Utah from a 4 x 4 jeep that will take you to see panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon, Gooseberry Mesa, Kolob Terrace or Mollie’s Nipple is of interest to you, then you need to call Sunsöker Tours today. They can also provide some added adventure to your tour with a treasure hunt where you’ll find a hidden stash of souvenirs. They call this their stash quest tour; or maybe you need to find a unique way to unwind. Sunsöker can take you to one of the most beautiful locations on earth for some yoga and meditation (for beginners to experts). You need go to their website and check out their yoga photos! http://sunsokertours.com
9. OC Tanner Amphitheater
Take in a concert and/or a show at Dixie State University’s OC Tanner Amphitheater. This is a 1,500 seat outdoor theatre is at the base of the red cliffs of Zion National Park. The summer of 2016 is packed with concerts and live theatre. Country Jam Rockfest, Hippiestock and Roots Revival are the headlining concerts. New for 2016 will be the storyteller, singer, songwriter, Sam Payne in an original production of ‘Sanctuary . . . The Story of Zion’. You’ll want to make sure you don’t miss Sam and the rest of the cast as they tell you the story of Zion National Park from its first people, to the town founder to today’s residents and tourists. This show will both entertain and educate you through image and song. For more information and a calendar of events go to http://dixieculturalarts.com/o-c-tanner-amphitheater-add/
10. Road/Mountain Biking
You don’t have to spend much time in Springdale to hear and feel the excitement about them hosting stage one of this year’s Tour of Utah. Springdale will be the place to be come the first week of August; book your rooms now!
Spotting a deer on the way to Temple of Sinawava
The seat of a bike may be the best way to experience Zion National Park. It allows you to smell the numerous plants and flowers and hear the sounds of the wildlife found in the park.
Gooseberry Mesa has been drawing mtn. bikers from all over the world for years. Many believe it’s the best mtn. biking trail in the state of Utah, however there are many other trails in the area waiting to be conquered. If you’re not sure where to find them or like the idea of going with someone who knows the ins and outs of the trails, just give Zion Mtn. School a call. They have been taking groups out on some of the best trails in Southwestern Utah for years.
11. Canyoneering/Rock Climbing
On family trips to Zion National Park, our kids have always tried to spot the rock climbers on the red cliffs en route to the Temple of Sinawava. It’s no wonder as our kids got older, they wanted more adventure added into family trips. So, a few years back, we started doing some canyoneering.
Our first real experience was in Pine Creek Canyon inside Zion National Park. We were hooked; with its nine repels within a 1/2 mile ranging from 20′-100′ in height; then a mile scramble hike over some large boulders and ending at a pond where you can cool off with some cliff jumping. It was after our trip through Pine Creek, that my son and I went into Zion Mtn. School in Springdale. They rent all the equipment you might need for just about any adventure in the area. They are also a premier guide outfit, whether you and yours want to try rock climbing, canyoneering or mountain biking for the first time or maybe you have a lot of experience and just want to improve your skills while taking on new challenge, Zion Mtn. School can set up a tour tailored just for you and your group. ZMS is Zion’s only comprehensive guide service; from Beginners to Big Walls.
12. Visit Grafton Ghost Town
Just south of Zion National Park you’ll find one of the most photographed ghost towns in the western United States; Grafton, Utah. Several Hollywood movies filmed here including the first talkie filmed outdoors, ‘In Old Arizona’. Probably the most famous would be ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’. In 1977, in cooperation with multiple organizations, Grafton’s church, cemetery and three homes were restored to preserve its history. A 150-acre farm being developed will enhance the look and feel of the town, making it more like it would have been in the mid-1800’s.
13. Night Sky Events
The town of Springdale is the gateway to Zion National Park. Each year in the spring, summer and fall the city hosts night-sky events that are free to all and held at the community center. Bring a blanket or a chair to sit on and learn about the wonders of the night sky. For a calendar with dates, times and topics go to http://www.springdaletown.com/events/nightskyevents/.
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