We have, here at Ruby’s Inn, an almost two-hour drive to Zion and then to the parking area inside the center. This means a rushed breakfast and then a later arrival at the park. Almost 10:00 when we get there. After driving, we had to circle four times and then found a car backing up and grabbed their spot. Must be good living as others seemed to be circling for some time.
Going backward a bit, the drive into Zion National Park includes multiple tunnels (and two tiny ones in the Red Canyon near Bryce), including one that is 1.1 miles long. After the tunnel, there are some 15 mph turns with drops, creating switchbacks to get you down to the valley floor (still about 4,000 feet above sea level). It was another twenty minutes to reach the Visitor’s Center, and mandatory bus usage (unless you are a guest at the Lodge or have a pass). Beside the narrow road, seemingly glued to a cliff-side in what seemed like random places, were parked cars and people walking on the road to get to a viewpoint or other lookout before reaching the visitor center. We also found a goat that decided to show off, slowing traffic with its cuteness.
We tried the facilities and the gift shop until joining a Disney-like line for a ride. It was ten more minutes to get to a bus, and it was not hot yet, but during our multiple trips, I got a chair once when young folks offered two for Deborah and me. I never found the park quiet, peaceful, or comfortable. The buses were always packed and became uncomfortable as the day got warmer.
Deborah wore the backpack, and we had to keep all our stuff there, as there were no lockers, and the trip back to the car would be long and sweaty. It got heavy as we took off our layers. Again, we had no lockers or anywhere to put things. We saw lots of people carrying stuff. People in waders looked very warm (we later learned that the river trail to The Narrows is literally in the water).
We loved the Weeping Rocks and the Hanging Gardens. It was fantastic, but the steep climb was hard. Like everyone else, we had to carry everything we brought. It was our best moment in the Park.
Other climbs were interesting, and we did walk a few more, but none were as awesome as the Hanging Gardens. We started the river walk to see how far we could get, but it is a mile walk in with all our stuff, and we turned around. Nope.
It was crowded, with few benches and seldom on difficult trails. The map we had was rudimentary, and the signs were few, if any. Even our reliable guidebook seemed to be overemphasizing a large rock as an interesting sight. After spending over six hours, and having a lovely lunch at the Lodge (now I have had lunch/dinner at three of the great lodges, we took the bus back. Found the car (Deborah had taken a picture, which was good since the phone’s navigation was not connecting well). Our drive back was fabulous as we knew what to expect, so there was less white-knuckle driving.
(Yes, the water bottle got in the picture. I did not notice it when I took the picture).
It was two hours back, and we reached Ruby’s Inn before sundown. We tried two other restaurants in the area, and like most things in Utah on a Sunday night, they were closed. We looked on our way from Zion, and nothing was open, not even most gas stations. We had dinner at Ruby’s Inn. We went to bed early as we were tired.
Again, I am sorry if this sounds a bit harsh on Zion, but it was not a good experience. I think staying at the lodge in the fall, before it gets too cold and the tourist season ends, would be lovely ($424 a night). This would allow you to return to a home base. We left and entered Bryce Canyon and Arches multiple times and found the experience more positive.
Note: Women’s Restrooms had long lines and were out the door. Food lines were long. This was early in the season and before the hot weather. Yikes!
Thanks for reading.
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 