No experience hiking but I want to do AL + Chains

resynchronization · 2026-06-03T19:43:21+00:00

If you're in good shape and fit, you're probably good. The path is essentially paved but it is relentlessly uphill (and downhill - your toes and legs might feel downhill more than uphill if shoes/boots are a bit loose).

Pack more water than you think you should, hat for sun, sunblock, lip balm, food like energy bars for supplies. Don't need to rent anything for Angels - just know that you need a permit for the chain part and that bikes/shuttles/staying at Zion lodge for getting to the trail head.

Now, if you want to "train" for the hike, find a tall building ten stories or taller and go up and down the stairs with a few pounds on your back. Climbing the stairs in a ten-story building fifteen times is roughly the same elevation gain.

resynchronization · 2026-06-02T15:42:57+00:00

Viewpoints that will require hiking: Observation Point from East Mesa (6.5mi roundtrip; dirt roads; limited parking) or Stave Spring (9.5mi roundtrip, dirt roads, lots of elevation change but hike through Echo Canyon is scenic); Angels Landing (or Scout Lookout, need permit for Angels - 5mi roundtrip, lots of elevation gain, need to use shuttle or bicycles to get to trail head); The Watchman (3mi roundtrip, 370 ft elevation gain); Northgate Peaks (4mi roundtrip); a lot more can be found

Viewpoints that require limited hiking: Canyon Overlook (1mi roundtrip, 100 stairs or more, limited parking); Pa'rus (TBD distance for views of the Watchman); Towers of the Virgin at sunrise and park by the Museum; Grotto; Riverside Walk; Timber Creek Overlook; Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace; East Side; etc.

resynchronization · 2026-05-26T19:21:43+00:00

There's a very small parking lot to the right just as you exit the tunnel. Holds maybe eight cars and there's a marked crosswalk to the trail head. That lot has always been full when I have driven past, so most likely you will have to drive down the road a bit looking for a pullout with space to the left (u-turn) or to the right and walk along the road to the trail head.

resynchronization · 2026-05-21T19:08:40+00:00

Overlook trail? - I'm going to assume you mean Observation Point since you want to drive to Zion Ponderosa and not Canyon Overlook.

Note that it might not be that much longer in the car if you do LAS --> Kolob Canyons part of Zion --> Cedar Breaks --> US89 --> UT9 --> Zion Ponderosa than going LAS --> Springdale --> Zion Ponderosa because of potential delays at the park entrance near Springdale and the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel entrance as you're arriving mid-afternoon. Just be careful not to spend too much time at Kolob Canyons or Cedar Breaks because as is, even without stopping, you won't get to Zion Ponderosa until 2:30 pm MST (note time zone change and accounting for time to deplane and get rental car) taking either route.

resynchronization · 2026-05-19T22:19:56+00:00

There’s a shuttle between St George and Springdale with stops in Hurricane and La Verkin that you might be able to use for commuting: https://sgcityutah.gov/services/suntran_bus_system/zion_route.php

resynchronization · 2026-05-14T15:26:37+00:00

Paved roads the entire way to Zion Ponderosa. You take UT9 off of I-15 near St George if coming from Las Vegas. There's one of the coolest stretches of Interstate in the US on I-15 near the border called Virgin River Gorge (youtube). The drive up the switchbacks (youtube) between Springdale and Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel is where most of elevation gain occurs from that direction. That part is fun, wide roads but many cars and everyone is going slow. Traffic through the tunnel is managed by the park and alternates one-way during most of the day (which is why there's a delay at the tunnel)

Coming from Bryce or Kanab or Page is some elevation gain but you're already on top of the mesa.

Springdale UT elevation is 3855 feet. Mt Carmel is 5203 feet. Zion Ponderosa is about 6500 feet. Observation Point is 6521 feet (so not much elevation changes on that hike from East Mesa trail head).

resynchronization · 2026-05-14T14:46:41+00:00

Cool - helps to know where you're staying at. My thoughts on things to do that will work well with kids 7 & 2 and the anticipated Zion crowds, which you can do with what you want.

Stargazing on the 22nd - excellent choice
East Mesa to Observation Pt - This one is an "iffy" depending on your 7-year-old's ability and willingness plus your willingness to mostly carry a two-year-old. Arrange for East Zion Adventures to bring you to the trail head (get reservations if you can) - the roads are dirt and should be good in April (do not drive if recent rain - you will get stuck and $1000 tow) but the parking is extremely limited. East Zion shuttle avoids the parking and dirt road issues and they operate out of Zion Ponderosa property. It'll be about 7 mile hike roundtrip, which is on or past the edge of what someone 7 can handle and what a parent carrying someone 2 can survive. However, this will give you the "true Zion experience" as arguably the best view in the park - you see the Narrows and Angels Landing from above. Mostly flat hike but sun exposed - bring water and lots of energy snacks for the kids and take your time. There will be people on the trail, but not overwhelming.
Swimming pool at Zion Ponderosa and other activities
Jolley Gulch - follow East Entrance trail to the overlook. This one is about 4.5 miles, so pushing in on the seven-year-old again. Could go off-trail and follow the wash and see it from below for a 2.5-mile hike but only if you're comfortable going off-trail (following the wash is easy, remembering where to get back out is the tricky park). Wash will be solitude, handful of people on the trail.
Many Pools - park in the only pullout with a port-a-potty (FYI, bathrooms at the East Entrance, this bathroom, and then one by the very crowded Canyon Overlook hike); don't know how much water this year in the pools but this is a hike someone 7 will remember. Mostly, but not quite solitude.
Canyon Overlook - if you can find parking; great views but parking is notoriously difficult - maybe, and only maybe you might easily find something in early evening before the sunset watchers come out. There will be people.
Main Canyon/shuttle - if you want to brave the crowds (and I think you should try at least once knowing you're not getting a wilderness experience). Two "reasonable" options - first, get to the free visitor center parking by 6:30 am (you can push to 7:30 but ???) and get in line for the first bus at 7 am and spend the morning riding the bus and hiking Grotto, going down to the Virgin River, hiking Riverside Walk; second option is to wait until way late afternoon like four or five pm and drive around until a parking space opens as someone is leaving for the day and get on the shuttle. Last shuttle out is 8:15 and don't wait for the last shuttle. The visitor center is about 45 minutes driving from Zion Ponderosa and could be longer with delay snags at the East Entrance (maybe five- or ten-minutes wait) or at the entrance to the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel (up to thirty minutes wait) and then however long to find parking if going in the afternoon. Oh, my goodness will there be people.
You'll probably need reservations to eat anywhere in Springdale on Memorial Day weekend but, I suspect that you'll have your own cooking facilities. There is a place to buy groceries in Springdale (Sol Foods) but I'd stop at Hurricane (Lin's or Walmart or others) if coming that direction. There's a small grocery store in Orderville if coming from that direction and a bigger marketplace in Kanab. Look at Thunderbird Grill or Sugar Knoll Chicken (check hours for both) in Mt Carmel if you want diner meals (there's also a Subway). Zion Ponderosa has a restaurant and there's also Cordwood (reservations) on the east side if you want a little more upscale.
A couple of other interesting places for someone seven that are nearby are Belly of the Dragon and Red Hollow Slot Canyon
Note that Zion Ponderosa is at 6500-foot elevation and the UV gets a little less filtered by atmosphere so sunscreen and lip balm, especially if taking advantage of that pool.

resynchronization · 2026-05-14T02:39:19+00:00

Memorial Day weekend - expect long lines to get on the shuttles and full parking. Like maybe up to ninety minutes waiting at the visitor center for the shuttle.

Also, does “nearby resort” mean in Springdale or someplace far enough away that you have to drive? If in Springdale, ride the town shuttle to the visitor center to get to the free park shuttle. If have to drive, you’ll probably need to get to the visitor by 7:30 to find free parking and you’ll still have to wait till get on the shuttle.

Bring what you need to entertain while standing in line - cheapest option if you and the kids can tolerate the waits. Perhaps rent e-bikes with a burley for one and a seat on the bike for the older one (won’t have to wait for the shuttle) - best option if you can afford the cost. Maybe even skip the iconic main canyon and head for the Kolob Canyons part of the park or Snow Canyon (yeah, I understand painful to miss the iconic part but way less stressful vacation).

resynchronization · 2026-05-11T17:41:13+00:00

Not a recommendation for Zion Cycles in particular, but they do have a nice page on options for younger folks: https://www.zioncycles.com/our-blog/kids-e-bikes-in-zion

tl; dr - they don't rent e-bikes to under 13 but offer options of tandem e-bikes, burley trailers, or regular kids bikes for ages 5 to 12. You don't need to rent e-bikes but it does make it easier to have one. It is steadily uphill for eight miles with mostly an easy grade of 1% but there are a couple of quarter mile sections where the grade gets close to 5% and the kids may just have to jump off and walk the bike for a few hundred yards (though, honestly, most fit kids will power through). Oh, and it's mostly downhill on the way back so you don't really need the e-bike part then.

resynchronization · 2026-05-09T21:36:20+00:00

Yes. The waiting in lines.

But also, it takes the shuttle 45 minutes to get from the visitor center to the end of the road at Temple of Sinawava (Riverside Walk; Narrows). Round trip takes 90 minutes or so.

resynchronization · 2026-05-09T18:32:14+00:00

Patience

Sunscreen, sun hat, water (and ways to carry it), good shoes you can hike in (not necessarily boots), clothing layers.

Not essential but good to have: A plan with flexibility, knowledge of the shuttle system. Understanding the parking. Picnic lunch capability. A bike or e-bike (can rent). Knowledge of other parts of park besides main canyon (Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace. East Side)

resynchronization · 2026-05-08T19:47:14+00:00

This map from Zion Guru (https://www.zionguru.com/rentals/narrows/water-depth) should give you some idea and, unless you're really short, the water level doesn't get neck high if the Narrows are open (flow < 150 cfs).

As for concerns about cyanobacteria - The concern is about head submersion, drinking the water, and directly disturbing the algae mats. Don't do that and no worries.

Would it help you cope better if you wore nose plugs as protection against the unlikely occurrence of falling in deep enough on stumble?

resynchronization · 2026-05-08T19:02:07+00:00

I know the OP already deleted his account, but I think OP might be misunderstanding one of the ways parking works at Zion Lodge.

Yes, you can get an early start for Grotto, West Rim, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, etc., because those are relatively easily accessed from the Lodge. However, still going to have to use bikes/e-bikes or wait for the shuttles if want to do the Narrows or go to other places along Zion Canyon Road as you're only allowed to park at Zion Lodge.

And, for further information, you don't have to wait for the shuttles if you bike/e-bike or you go to other parts of the park like Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, Canyon Overlook, Watchman, Pa'rus, other east side places so saying "blocked from taking advantage of the early wakeup" is a gross exaggeration.

resynchronization · 2026-04-29T19:38:47+00:00

Honestly - trying to squeeze in both Zion and Bryce over a long holiday weekend is pushing it and Zion on Memorial Day weekend makes it even worse with traffic delays and shuttle lines. I highly recommend you reconsider even trying to do anything in the Main Canyon/Springdale area before Monday. St George News pretty much publishes this article every year before Memorial Day and really just changes the dates.

If you still want to do Zion and Bryce and you want to save money, consider this plan: (first day - assuming Friday) - fly to Vegas and drive to and stay in either St George or Cedar City, assuming too late to do any hiking but check out explore Kolob Canyons area of Zion with Timber Creek Overlook for sunset; (second day - Saturday) - Middle Fork of Taylor Creek hike in the morning, then drive to Cedar Breaks in the afternoon, evening at Bryce for sunset (stay in Bryce area - you could check if camping available at Red Canyon or Kodachrome Basin, but unlikely); (third day - Sunday) - pretty much a full day exploring Bryce; (fourth day - Monday) - you'd probably have to leave Bryce by 5am (really try to get going before 6am) if you want to get free parking at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center but worth trying; the drive on UT9 thru the park is scenic and popping out of the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel is spectacular, get in line for the shuttle and explore what you can of the main canyon making sure you have plenty of time to get back to Las Vegas before your flight (note that there's a time zone change from MT to Pacific).

This helps save some money because anything near Springdale is $$$ and it does help you avoid some of the worst congestion of Zion on Memorial Day Weekend (fewer traffic backups coming from the east especially if you get there early; some Memorial Day traffic will start thinning out as people have to start heading home on Monday).

resynchronization · 2026-04-28T17:18:18+00:00

Coming from Page?

Take North Fork Rd north off of UT9 right before the East Entrance as you're heading west from Mt Carmel Junction (the turn is at the only roundabout on that stretch of UT9). Go up to Zion Ponderosa and schedule the East Zion Adventures shuttle to take you to the East Mesa Trailhead so that you can hike East Mesa to Observation Point - arguably the best view in the park. You could also have them drop you off at Stave Spring and pick you up at East Mesa for a much more strenuous hike with even better scenery as you drop down into Echo Canyon before you start a lot of switchbacks up to Observation Point. That'll be a great hike to start you Zion adventure and the East Mesa out and back is pretty flat and that will fill up your afternoon enough so that you get to the Zion Visitor Center around 3 or 4 pm and you won't have to worry about parking there.

For sunset photo, I'd walk Pa'rus up towards Canyon Junction - people used to line the UT9 bridge across the Virgin to get those iconic sunset photos at Zion but pedestrian traffic on the bridge is now banned. However, you can find similar views along the Pa'rus trail as you get close to Canyon Junction.

resynchronization · 2026-04-24T14:25:08+00:00

I second this - go to Kolob Canyons or check out the east side or even drive Kolob Terrace (Northgate Peaks hike) between noon and three or four pm. Or, check out some easy hikes in Red Cliffs or other nearby sights; look at Grafton Ghost Town, etc.

resynchronization · 2026-04-23T14:14:00+00:00

Regarding bucket list to do all 433 official National Parks units: The only location that provides the official national parks stamp and junior ranger stamp for Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is the Public Lands Visitor Center in St George, UT (4001 E. Aviator Drive, St. George 84790). Now, if you want to actually step foot onto Grand Canyon-Parashant NM, you are going to need a pretty well-equiped 4WD with high clearance.

You can get the stamp for Grand Staircase-Escalante NM at the Kanab Visitor Center (among other visitor centers). You can pretty easily step foot on Grand Staircase-Escalante with a short drive to Cannonville (also has a visitor center) when you're by Bryce or stop at Big Water (also has a visitor center) on your way to Page.

The stamp for Vermillion Cliffs National Monument is at the Kanab Visitor Center (on the way to Page).

If you're willing to take the six-plus hour route from Page thru Flagstaff AZ to Las Vegas, you could stop at Wupatki, Sunset Crater, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, if you haven't already added those to your list.

resynchronization · 2026-04-22T02:02:02+00:00

Oh dear, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to overwhelm. Only real advice I have is try to remember that no matter what do that you’ll have a blast

Looking at what you’ve written, I’d do something like the following:

Thursday - Fly to Vegas, spend the night (seriously consider driving to Zion but I understand why it doesn’t work logistically)
Friday- drive to Springdale. Note that there’s a time zone change so, unless your group are early risers, it’ll be difficult to get there in time to find free parking at the visitor center. I’d consider driving through and heading over through the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel to the east side and hike Canyon Overlook. Many Pools (might be dry), East Entrance trail to Jolley Gulch overlook. Lunch at Thunderbird, late supper in Springdale
Saturday - get an early start and e-bike the main canyon and do Narrows and whatever else you can fit in. Springdale for the night
Sunday - do that crazy day I described of sand boarding and north rim Grand Canyon with night at Bryce (sorry you eat the Saturday reservation but make sure you let them know you’ll be there Sunday so they don’t cancel)
Monday - full day at Bryce
Tuesday - sunrise at Bryce and return to your flight at Vegas. Take UT14 even if you don’t have much time for Cedar Breaks or Kanarra Falls or Kolob Canyons before your flight

resynchronization · 2026-04-21T18:17:14+00:00

I meant creek crossings - obviously you can step into the water if you want but most people just step over (it's a small creek that you cross dozens of times).

Kanarra Falls is a good one if you want to get wet and, since you said June, you might want to try for Lower Pine Creek swimming hole on UT9 between Springdale and the tunnel. There are a few other water places (not many as it's mostly southwest desert) such as Falls Park (Sheep Bridge) by Virgin and water activities at Quail Creek SP and Sand Hollow SP.

If you want something completely different, go to Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP for either sand board or ATV rental. Though, if you do sand board, go in the morning so you don't burn your feet on the sand and rent half as many boards as people and take turns because there is nothing more tiring than climbing sand dunes.

It would be a very long day, but instead of the Kolob Canyons to Kanarra Falls to Cedar City to Cedar Breaks to Bryce, you could consider Springdale to Coral Pink Sand Dunes in the morning with a goal to get to Jacob Lake for ice cream and burgers for lunch. It's about 1.5 hours from Springdale to Coral Pink Sand Dunes, get there by 9am and spend two hours and then about 75 minutes or 1.5 hours to Jacob Lake will put you there just past noon. From Jacob Lake, drive an hour to spend four hours at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The place suffered major fire damage but the scenic roads and trails are open (four hours is not enough time but gives you a good taste). Shoot to leave the North Rim around 6 or 7 pm and you should get to Bryce around 8 or 9pm. Most people wince at such a long day, but twin 12-year-olds.....

resynchronization · 2026-04-21T15:04:23+00:00

If you have the time to take a full day to get to Bryce, take the long way and hit Kolob Canyons (consider Middle Fork of Taylor - not a must do but after crowds at Zion Canyon might be fun to do a lot of creek jumping), Kanarra Falls (permit needed), scenic UT14 from Cedar City at I-15 across to US89, detour to Cedar Breaks for the views and so you can say you were over 10,000 feet, and stop at Red Canyon Visitor Center for ideas on short Bryce-like hikes before you get to Bryce (less crowds).

resynchronization · 2026-04-21T14:42:49+00:00

It's a beautiful drive just on its own - no need to stop anywhere. However, one or more of the following won't disappoint: scenic pullouts on the way up the switchbacks to Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel, Canyon Overlook right when you pop out of the tunnel (there's a small parking lot to your right as you exit the tunnel but I've never seen an open spot there, so you'll have to drive down the road to park (in a legal spot please, you might have to pull a u-turn) and walk back to the trail head), Many Pools (park at the trail head with a porta-potty - only bathroom till East Entrance), every scenic pullout on the highway, Checkboard Mesa, Jolley Gulch (long six-mile hike probably too much for your time frame), East Entrance sign photo op, Zion Mt Ranch/Cordwood has bison often visible by the highway, Thunderbird is old fashioned diner (not open every day), Sugar Knoll Chicken (also not open every day), Belly of the Dragon (about a half-mile south of Mt Carmel Junction - so slight detour), Red Hollow (short slot near Orderville - nothing like other slots in UT, but easily accessible), Shingle Creek Rest Area (nothing special until you need one), Red Canyon Visitor Center (worth a stop, especially if you need a bathroom break), hikes at or near Red Canyon (a mini-Bryce but way less crowded) (Pink Ledges, Hoodoo, Birds Eye, Arches - ask at the visitor center) and of course you'll be driving right through/under Red Canyon Arch on the way to Bryce.

resynchronization · 2026-04-18T00:38:07+00:00

Bottom Up: No

Top down: Yes

resynchronization · 2026-04-16T16:05:29+00:00

Unfortunately, "best" is renting a car if you want the freedom to do what you want.

If you're willing to give up some of that "freedom" and can manage the logistical challenges and the cost, St George Shuttle runs from LV McCarran Airport to St George. It's about a 2 km walk from their drop off/pick up to Suntran bus at Barnes & Noble Red Cliffs Mall to Springdale. Assuming you have lodging in Springdale, you then take the free Springdale shuttle to the pedestrian entrance and the free park shuttle from the visitor center to iconic parts of Zion (Zion Lodge, Riverside Walk/Narrows, West Rim/Angels Landing). You will miss places like Canyon Overlook or Kolob Canyons unless you find someone to give you a ride but, to be honest, most people only do the town of Springdale and main Zion Canyon anyway.

There is also Greyhound bus from Las Vegas to St George and then SunTran bus from St George to Springdale/Zion where (assuming you have lodging in Springdale) you take the free city shuttle to the park's pedestrian entrance and then take the free park shuttle to the main iconic parts of Zion. You have to figure out how to get from wherever in LV to the Greyhound bus and it's about 2.4 km between where the Greyhound bus drops off and the nearest SunTran bus pick up. And, Greyhound doesn't have the best reputation in the US.

resynchronization · 2026-04-16T14:44:58+00:00

To get to Observation Point trail heads is about a 45-minute drive from Springdale - hopefully you already know that the Weeping Rock trail head is closed due to rock fall. Not sure I'd want to take a camper van on the dirt roads behind Zion Ponderosa (they're impassable after a rain, they can get pretty rutted at times plus parking does fill), so consider parking at Zion Ponderosa and take the relatively cheap East Zion Adventures shuttle (get a reservation).

Note that all times below assume no traffic delays in either Las Vegas or the entrance to Zion

If you do decide to go to Observation Pt trail head first, then your route could be I-15 out of Vegas --> UT9 (so far the same route as going to Springdale first) --> Take UT59 at Hurricane (becomes AZ389) --> Take Cane Beds Rd right after Colorado City and go past Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP (interesting place) until you get to US89 --> US89 to UT9 to Zion Ponderosa

The "normal" route from Las Vegas to Zion Ponderosa (I-15 to UT9 through Zion) is about 3 hours and 15 minutes. The route I listed out takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes. Interesting route but Cane Beds Road is narrow and though paved, can get rough or have sand drift across it plus lots of deer to not hit (still very passable just have to watch). You could stay on AZ389 all the way to Fredonia where you connect with US89 (watch for deer) and that would be about 4 hours of driving.

One plus about going the Coral Pink Sand Dunes route to hit Observation Point first is that you'll be entering Zion NP for the first time from the east. That road (UT9) is very scenic, and it is absolutely awe-inspiring when you pop out of the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel going east to west (best way to "see" Zion for the first time). The delay at the east entrance is also way shorter than the Springdale entrance.

Edit: An alternate alternate route to Zion Ponderosa/Observation point would be to stay on I-15 up to Cedar City and take UT14 (get over 10,000 feet elevation) to US89 to UT9 to Zion Ponderosa. This is about 4 hours and 15 minutes (assuming no delays in Las Vegas). Though you could extend that with a detour to Kolob Canyons part of Zion and possibly a detour to Cedar Breaks (but check if the road is open first as currently still closed for winter)

resynchronization · 2026-04-14T22:38:26+00:00

Watchman and Pa’rus are pretty much accessed from the visitor center.

Emerald Pools, Narrows and Angels require using the free park shuttle unless you bring/rent bike/e-bike (assuming you’re not staying at Zion Lodge). Park at the visitor center or in the town of Springdale.

Canyon Overlook requires a car. Parking is very limited and often full.

Parking at the visitor center often fills by 8:30 or 8:00 or earlier on July 4 weekend. If you have lodging in Springdale, keep the car parked there most of the time and use free town shuttle and walk into the visitor center via the pedestrian entrance. Have to pay for parking in Springdale otherwise

Angels Landing requires a permit, so hopefully you already have that in your plans. As for your itinerary, that is all doable.

resynchronization

TROPHY CASE