Zion National Park

[BioHawk]

I just went there this morning. We got to the visitors center at about 8:00 AM and there was already a 2+ hour wait for the shuttles to go see the northern parts of the park. Absolutely insane. As it turns out, the media was correct when they said that people are flocking to national parks this year. At any rate, we didn't want to spend the entire morning waiting in line so we could go to another place to wait in line some more. Instead, we found a nice trail to go hike and had fun doing that. If I wanted to wait in ridiculously long lines I'd go to Disney. So, I can say I've seen Zion but apparently I'm going to have to come back again at some point. Anyway, if you are planning on making the trip this summer plan accordingly.

BTW: The best way to see the park this summer probably is to either rent a bike or bring your own. We didn't plan this well enough to do that though.

 

[WrigleyHawkeye20]

I’m heading to Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park next week. Dreading a similar experience. With the timed entry, I’m hopeful crowds won’t be too insane.

That said, it sucks how different the experience is from 10-15 years ago. I’ve been going to Estes annually since the late 90’s and it’s just not the same anymore. Not nearly as enjoyable with the overcrowding. Only going this year to take my son. Before I had kids, I actually gravitated away from RMNP and the front range and started staying in Breck/Buena Vista to hit some of the peaks and trails in those areas.

 

[WadeLookingbill]

I’m heading to Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park next week. Dreading a similar experience. With the timed entry, I’m hopeful crowds won’t be too insane.

That said, it sucks how different the experience is from 10-15 years ago. I’ve been going to Estes annually since the late 90’s and it’s just not the same anymore. Not nearly as enjoyable with the overcrowding. Only going this year to take my son. Before I had kids, I actually gravitated away from RMNP and the front range and started staying in Breck/Buena Vista to hit some of the peaks and trails in those areas.

Assuming you have your entry pass, RMNP in the Park will be fine. Good call on the BV area. Twin Lakes is still not too bad crowd wise. Sand Dunes area is highly recommended.

And Zion has seen it change for the worse even moreso than RMNP. Used to be a ghost town there. Basically any of the big-name parks are barely enjoyable anymore during peak season. It's too bad, but I guess that's the way it is everywhere with any cool travel destination during the age of instagram.

 

[BioHawk]

On the other hand, some of the state parks and surrounding areas have fantastic things to do.

 

[OrlandNole]

We've got a trip to the Keys planned for later in August, after school is back in session, but have otherwise held off on major trips until the post-pandemic rush has died down some.

 

[mthawkeyes]

Capitol Reef used to be quiet and unpopulated. The last times I was there (2016?), this was no longer the case. Still not crazy like Zion. Kolob Canyon area of Zion might not be too bad, especially early in the morning.

 

[WadeLookingbill]

On the other hand, some of the state parks and surrounding areas have fantastic things to do.

Yep, that's the best way to explore the West these days. Some incredible state parks, or other non-famous locations. Sure can find some incredible dark night sky in parts of Utah.

 

[markfromj]

Angels Landing hike is awesome.

 

[WadeLookingbill]

We've got a trip to the Keys planned for later in August, after school is back in session, but have otherwise held off on major trips until the post-pandemic rush has died down some.

For the well-known national parks, this isn't just a post-pandemic rush. The parks are being loved to death. People post the photos of Angels Landing or the Narrows and popularity increases in a hurry. There isn't a great fix other than truly limiting visitors, however that feels like an inadequate solution to a complex problem. I don't know, it's just tough to see the park experience almost become competitive.

 

[FSUTribe76]

I just went there this morning. We got to the visitors center at about 8:00 AM and there was already a 2+ hour wait for the shuttles to go see the northern parts of the park. Absolutely insane. As it turns out, the media was correct when they said that people are flocking to national parks this year. At any rate, we didn't want to spend the entire morning waiting in line so we could go to another place to wait in line some more. Instead, we found a nice trail to go hike and had fun doing that. If I wanted to wait in ridiculously long lines I'd go to Disney. So, I can say I've seen Zion but apparently I'm going to have to come back again at some point. Anyway, if you are planning on making the trip this summer plan accordingly.

BTW: The best way to see the park this summer probably is to either rent a bike or bring your own. We didn't plan this well enough to do that though.

I have repeatedly said that Zion is not only the most overrated NP amongst the Big Five in Utah but it’s the most overrated NP period. There’s nothing to see or do in the park that isn’t typified better elsewhere and it’s literally crawling with tourons. Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce and Canyonlands (esp Island in the Sky) all live up to the hype, Zion doesn’t. It’s because all of the same dumb tourons flooding Vegas make a quick stop off and are amazed, just like Red Rocks which is equally overhyped. And then they never make it to the better spots.

 

[Pepperman]

I have repeatedly said that Zion is not only the most overrated NP amongst the Big Five in Utah but it’s the most overrated NP period. There’s nothing to see or do in the park that isn’t typified better elsewhere and it’s literally crawling with tourons. Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce and Canyonlands (esp Island in the Sky) all live up to the hype, Zion doesn’t. It’s because all of the same dumb tourons flooding Vegas make a quick stop off and are amazed, just like Red Rocks which is equally overhyped. And then they never make it to the better spots.

you have stated that opinion before and many disagree. I loved Arches and Canyonlands but I also love Zion. To me, Zion was the most unique of them all.

 

[FSUTribe76]

Angels Landing hike is awesome.

Not in the past ten years or so it hasn’t been. It’s just a chain of tightly packed Vegas tourons trudging up a hill mostly getting shots of each other’s butts.

I had a close friend go there just two weeks ago and even midweek it looked like this and the Narrows hike was just as terrible.

 

[h-hawk]

This may or may not work this year, but since we have had annual and now lifetime passes, we go in as early as possible and do as much as we can before people arrive. It took me awhile to realize that the gates of most NP are open as early as one can get there.

 

[WrigleyHawkeye20]

Assuming you have your entry pass, RMNP in the Park will be fine. Good call on the BV area. Twin Lakes is still not too bad crowd wise. Sand Dunes area is highly recommended.

And Zion has seen it change for the worse even moreso than RMNP. Used to be a ghost town there. Basically any of the big-name parks are barely enjoyable anymore during peak season. It's too bad, but I guess that's the way it is everywhere with any cool travel destination during the age of instagram.

We do have our entry passes, thankfully. Stocked up the morning the were made available. There’s still so much of Colorado I want/need to see (sand dunes/San Juans) but now that I have young kids, my options are probably somewhat limited, at least for a few years.

 

[BioHawk]

I have repeatedly said that Zion is not only the most overrated NP amongst the Big Five in Utah but it’s the most overrated NP period. There’s nothing to see or do in the park that isn’t typified better elsewhere and it’s literally crawling with tourons. Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce and Canyonlands (esp Island in the Sky) all live up to the hype, Zion doesn’t. It’s because all of the same dumb tourons flooding Vegas make a quick stop off and are amazed, just like Red Rocks which is equally overhyped. And then they never make it to the better spots.

Well, we're doing Grand Canyon (well, just a few places, can't do the whole thing in a day) tomorrow and then Bryce on Thursday. Looking to do off the beaten path things on Friday.

 

[WadeLookingbill]

We do have our entry passes, thankfully. Stocked up the morning the were made available. There’s still so much of Colorado I want/need to see (sand dunes/San Juans) but now that I have young kids, my options are probably somewhat limited, at least for a few years.

For what it's worth, I've taken young kids to Sand Dunes and the trip worked out great. Zapata Falls campground is a great spot for future reference. Enjoy your trip.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

On the other hand, some of the state parks and surrounding areas have fantastic things to do.

Yep, don't underestimate the state and local parks. Some hidden gems out there.

 

[NoleATL]

I have repeatedly said that Zion is not only the most overrated NP amongst the Big Five in Utah but it’s the most overrated NP period.

We have to agree to disagree.

 

[mnole03]

What’s the temperature? We’re at 100° even in Denver.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

These are first world problems we should be happy about. With all the bullshit out there with shootings, riots, covid, etc; people enjoying nature with friends and family, with a positive vibe in a natural setting, should be viewed not as minor inconvenience, but a welcomed one.

 

[UNIowaHawk]

We did Yellowstone and Tetons last year and got completely spoiled. No RV’s. No tour buses. No Canadians. No more than 2 vehicles in front of us at park entrances any day. Mount Rushmore (which we did because it was on the way and could check off list and never do again) was main level parking and no wait. All overflow parking lots closed due to not being necessary. Pulled into Old Faithful around noon, which is supposed to be one of the busiest spots in the park, lot was 1/3 full.
Thought about a similar trip this year for 4-5 weeks to Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona but so did everyone else. ☹️

 

[LuciousBDragon]

Thank the “#doinitforthegram” folks for all the crowds

 

[BioHawk]

What’s the temperature? We’re at 100° even in Denver.

99 where I'm at. It's been near 100 every day so far.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

Thank the “#doinitforthegram” folks for all the crowds

View embedded media

 

[mnole03]

99 where I'm at. It's been near 100 every day so far.

Gives you more options for lunch.

 

[goldmom]

The Wall Street Journal had a big article this weekend on how the NP’s are slammed right now and showed a mass of people standing near the Arch in Zion. Wait times have been as much as 3-4 hours.
My sister and I went a few years back the week after Labor Day and there were no crowds at all in Utah or up in Yellowstone or Grand Tetons. Kids back in school made the difference. I agree there are sights just along the highways in Utah that rival the parks.

 

[General Tso]

I just went there this morning. We got to the visitors center at about 8:00 AM and there was already a 2+ hour wait for the shuttles to go see the northern parts of the park. Absolutely insane. As it turns out, the media was correct when they said that people are flocking to national parks this year. At any rate, we didn't want to spend the entire morning waiting in line so we could go to another place to wait in line some more. Instead, we found a nice trail to go hike and had fun doing that. If I wanted to wait in ridiculously long lines I'd go to Disney. So, I can say I've seen Zion but apparently I'm going to have to come back again at some point. Anyway, if you are planning on making the trip this summer plan accordingly.

BTW: The best way to see the park this summer probably is to either rent a bike or bring your own. We didn't plan this well enough to do that though.

Fun. We're leaving for Zion tomorrow morning

 

[billanole]

Capitol Reef used to be quiet and unpopulated. The last times I was there (2016?), this was no longer the case. Still not crazy like Zion. Kolob Canyon area of Zion might not be too bad, especially early in the morning.

Kolub is cool.

 

[millah_22]

I just went there this morning. We got to the visitors center at about 8:00 AM and there was already a 2+ hour wait for the shuttles to go see the northern parts of the park. Absolutely insane. As it turns out, the media was correct when they said that people are flocking to national parks this year. At any rate, we didn't want to spend the entire morning waiting in line so we could go to another place to wait in line some more. Instead, we found a nice trail to go hike and had fun doing that. If I wanted to wait in ridiculously long lines I'd go to Disney. So, I can say I've seen Zion but apparently I'm going to have to come back again at some point. Anyway, if you are planning on making the trip this summer plan accordingly.

BTW: The best way to see the park this summer probably is to either rent a bike or bring your own. We didn't plan this well enough to do that though.

I'm envious. I've spent a day at Arches (which in it's own right is incredibly beautiful), but we didn't make it down to Zion. It's on the top of my list of national parks to visit.

 

[coasterhawk75]

Fun. We're leaving for Zion tomorrow morning

I couldn't even get an advance shuttle ticket when I was in that area last month so I opted for Bryce Canyon instead. Beautiful drive from Vegas (well the last half of the drive) and a great park as well.

 

[BioHawk]

Fun. We're leaving for Zion tomorrow morning

Good luck. It is beautiful though.

 

[General Tso]

I couldn't even get an advance shuttle ticket when I was in that area last month so I opted for Bryce Canyon instead. Beautiful drive from Vegas (well the last half of the drive) and a great park as well.

We are hitting Bryce on the way out there at least.

 

[3boysmom]

Headed to Fort Collins tomorrow and will be there until the 28th. Thursday and Friday we are driving down to New Mexico and back to visit a few schools. I’ve not been down that way since I was a child. Looking forward to the scenery. Then hoping my son will have good intel for hiking without the crowds around FC.

 

[z_ape]

I have repeatedly said that Zion is not only the most overrated NP amongst the Big Five in Utah but it’s the most overrated NP period. There’s nothing to see or do in the park that isn’t typified better elsewhere and it’s literally crawling with tourons. Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce and Canyonlands (esp Island in the Sky) all live up to the hype, Zion doesn’t. It’s because all of the same dumb tourons flooding Vegas make a quick stop off and are amazed, just like Red Rocks which is equally overhyped. And then they never make it to the better spots.

Just don't tell them about Valley of Fire.

 

[FSUTribe76]

Just don't tell them about Valley of Fire.

Yep, that’s one of my favorites especially of those close to Vegas.

 

[Hawki97]

Not in the past ten years or so it hasn’t been. It’s just a chain of tightly packed Vegas tourons trudging up a hill mostly getting shots of each other’s butts.

I had a close friend go there just two weeks ago and even midweek it looked like this and the Narrows hike was just as terrible.

Wow. I had no idea it was getting that bad. I will say, I don’t hold the same opinion of Zion as you - but maybe because when I went it still hadn’t been insta’d to death. When I was there I went up Angel’s with only a handful of nervous souls and the narrows had very few people and basically felt like a small group of us set out. The reason I think it stood out is because so few people were there. Obviously, that has changed and I can see how that would give me a negative view of things. I’ll remember it as it was when I was there.

Heading to Glacier tomorrow. We’ll see what it’s like.

 

[FSUTribe76]

We have to agree to disagree.

Meh, there is nothing in Zion that sparsely attended Big Bend NP doesn’t do better. (The next pics aren’t mine as I haven’t uploaded any to a host like Shutterfly).

Want to hike and/or kayak a water filled narrow canyon? Do Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend. And it’s even cooler because everything to your right is American and everything to your left is Mexican.

But surely there’s nothing in Big Bend NP as nice as the view from the iconic Angel’s Landing seen here the literal best part of Zion?

Oops, yes there are SEVERAL views as nice or nicer in the Big Bend NP where you just park your car and walk up by yourself a half mile or so as opposed to taking mandatory buses and hiking long dangerous hikes with 2,000 of your closest friends.

 

[BioHawk]

Great stuff about Big Bend NP.

Update:

We went to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and it was fantastic. We got there early, before 8 AM local time, mainly because AZ doesn't observe daylight savings time so we gained an hour on our trip. We went to the major stops along the way and generally were the only people there. Even later in the day the crowds were sparse. In fact, the only place we saw a large number of people was at the visitor center but I wouldn't call it overcrowded. Not much hiking here (just a few short walks). It's just too scary worrying about my kids. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The next day we hit Bryce in the morning to early afternoon. I loved this park. We got there around 8:30 and were able to find parking fairly easily. Everyone said to be there before 10 and that was good advice. Once we were in the park and parked we were able to take the trails and use the shuttles without much of a problem at all. There were a lot of people there and we certainly weren't alone on the trails but it wasn't annoying. If a big group came by we would just wait for them to pass and continue on. You can put me on Team Bryce. I enjoyed my time there more than Zion.

Wait, but I didn't get to see much of Zion, right? Well au contraire, mes amis. On advice from articles and a tip from a friend we went back to Zion in the afternoon. We got there at about 2:30 and sure enough, there were no lines to get on the shuttle or anywhere else in the park. I liked Zion well enough and it is a unique desert river environment but it seems to really get the Holy Crap! experience you need to go to Angel's Landing and, well, I'm just too old for that crap anymore. I'm ok climbing mountains and walking a few miles but 1500 ft climb and 5.5 miles round trip is too much for me. Congrats if you can do it though, it sounds terrifying at the top. The part of Zion I actually like the most is the stuff on the Eastern side of the tunnel. I think it's the same reason I like Bryce better as well. The science nerd in me loves looking at the geology of the region and I just find the sandstone formations on the Eastern side of the park more interesting. Just like Iooking at all the hoodoos in Bryce. Bottom line, if you want to visit Zion, either get there before 6AM or after 2 PM. Fortunately it was pretty cloudy for us so the temperature didn't get much above 90 for us. Zion can be really hot in the afternoon (hence why the crowds go down).

 

[LuciousBDragon]

Great stuff about Big Bend NP.

Update:

We went to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and it was fantastic. We got there early, before 8 AM local time, mainly because AZ doesn't observe daylight savings time so we gained an hour on our trip. We went to the major stops along the way and generally were the only people there. Even later in the day the crowds were sparse. In fact, the only place we saw a large number of people was at the visitor center but I wouldn't call it overcrowded. Not much hiking here (just a few short walks). It's just too scary worrying about my kids. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The next day we hit Bryce in the morning to early afternoon. I loved this park. We got there around 8:30 and were able to find parking fairly easily. Everyone said to be there before 10 and that was good advice. Once we were in the park and parked we were able to take the trails and use the shuttles without much of a problem at all. There were a lot of people there and we certainly weren't alone on the trails but it wasn't annoying. If a big group came by we would just wait for them to pass and continue on. You can put me on Team Bryce. I enjoyed my time there more than Zion.

Wait, but I didn't get to see much of Zion, right? Well au contraire, mes amis. On advice from articles and a tip from a friend we went back to Zion in the afternoon. We got there at about 2:30 and sure enough, there were no lines to get on the shuttle or anywhere else in the park. I liked Zion well enough and it is a unique desert river environment but it seems to really get the Holy Crap! experience you need to go to Angel's Landing and, well, I'm just too old for that crap anymore. I'm ok climbing mountains and walking a few miles but 1500 ft climb and 5.5 miles round trip is too much for me. Congrats if you can do it though, it sounds terrifying at the top. The part of Zion I actually like the most is the stuff on the Eastern side of the tunnel. I think it's the same reason I like Bryce better as well. The science nerd in me loves looking at the geology of the region and I just find the sandstone formations on the Eastern side of the park more interesting. Just like Iooking at all the hoodoos in Bryce. Bottom line, if you want to visit Zion, either get there before 6AM or after 2 PM. Fortunately it was pretty cloudy for us so the temperature didn't get much above 90 for us. Zion can be really hot in the afternoon (hence why the crowds go down).

Did you stop at the Ho-Made Pie Shop in Mt. Carmel (about 30-40 min east of the tunnel)?

 

[BioHawk]

Did you stop at the Ho-Made Pie Shop in Mt. Carmel (about 30-40 min east of the tunnel)?

Not yet, but the wife (no pick) comments on it every time we've gone past it. Is it as good as advertised?

Edit: Oops...ah screw it, I'll leave it there.