If you are looking for a place to bring you complete euphoria, visual bliss and tantalising hikes, I cannot recommend Zion enough. To date, my favourite national park by far! My main goal is to achieve ‘Mysterium tremendum et fascinans’ moments and Zion is certainly just that.  

Nestled in Southern Utah, among the rolling red hills, Zion attracts 4.5 million visitors a year. Yet with the vast route options you still experience the exhilarating peace and awe. 

The Narrows

The narrows were the hike that drew me to Zion. Water up to your thighs, wading through rocks as you are captivated by beauty and complimentary colours of vermillion, crimson and bronze. Look up and see them merging softly into the emerald greenery. Each view as breath-taking as the next. Undeniably, I found myself realising a picture would never do justice yet each picture I took looked as if hand painted. Hike the narrows if you are prepared to get wet and are steady on your feet, the rocks can be uneven, and the current can sway.

Scouts’ Lookout

I be-lined straight to this route after the narrows as it is one of the steepest and leads to angels landing. As I approached, straining my neck to see the tiny dots of people spread across the switch backs, I wondered if I had what it takes to reach the top. Instead of focusing on the end point, I reasoned that I would just keep walking until 1pm, giving myself enough time to decline and get back to the tour bus. Taking lots of breaks to catch my breath, take in the view and converse with other hikers, trying to gauge how close I was to the top, I made it. 12.58pm…2 minutes to spare! Above all, I was ecstatic to reach the top from only my internal motivation and the view was an added bonus 😉 

Emerald Pools

With the descent from Scouts Lookout being quicker than expected, I decided to check out the Emerald pool route. Summer heat meant most of the pools and waterfalls were dried up at the time of my visit. In cooler months the route should offer sparkling cool off points and areas to spot wildlife.

 

Angels Landing

If you are ready to float with the clouds while challenging your mountain goat, Angels Landing (permit needed) is the perfect climb. Unaware if I would have time on the tour, I did not request the permit. For access, first hike scouts landing. 

More Hikes

Unquestionably, a great excuse to return- More hiking routes through Zion.

• Canyon overlook
• Watchman
• Parus
• Northgate peaks

Getting around

Travelling alone and without a car rental, I grounded my boots in Las Vegas to allow easy accessibility to a range of surrounding national parks and sites. Often national parks are best explored with a car to hand, Particularly those in the US. However, Zion National Park provides a free shuttle to each of the hike start points. Running reliably every 10/15 minutes, you could easily see the wonders without a paid tour. 

I toured with Mojave Wave LLC which was £60.

Shanni’s Tips

• You can fill your water at shuttle stop 1,2 and 5. 
• I recommend taking snacks/lunch so finding food doesn’t disrupt your day
• Roughly plan which routes you will take, to get the most out of the day
• Admission is $20 per person (or with car $35 up to 15 people)
• Although the Zion website states there is a good cellular network, I experienced the opposite. So, tell your loved ones where you are going and when you will return

Zion National Park is completely worth travelling for, as you need to experience the natural spectacle of this park. Achieving my personal record of 35,000 steps and over 200 floors, Zion will always be an experience I love to talk about.