We
were in the park from Sunday April 9 through Saturday April 15, 2006. It is
almost exactly a 500 mile drive for us from San Diego. On the way up we broke
our trip in Las Vegas. We returned in a one-day marathon drive.
We
were in the park from Sunday April 9 through Saturday April 15, 2006. It is
almost exactly a 500 mile drive for us from San Diego. On the way up we broke
our trip in Las Vegas. We returned in a one-day marathon drive.
One week is not enough if you want to explore Zion Completely! It is a paradise for hiking and biking. There are trails galore, and they range for easy strolls to strenuous climbs. The campgrounds are exquisite, and finding a space in the South Campground which is a first come, first served non-reservable facility was possible on any day that we were there. You did have to arrive at the CG early most days - probably before noon to get a good spot. The picture to the left is our rig actually at the other campground, Watchman, where you can make reservations. We had a spot there for three days, but actually moved to the South campground a day early because we preferred it's atmosphere to Watchman. It had more trees and Watchman was more open as apparent in this image. There are no hookups in the South campground, but generators can be run during a few hours in the morning and evening, so it's possible to keep the batteries fully charged. Neither of the campgrounds have shower facilities although there are flush toilets throughout. If you don't have a shower in yoru rig there are paid showers available in town.
This was our first trip towing the Suzuki. It was great to have it along. It made trips into town a breeze and allowed me to explore some of the back country that would have been difficult to see in the truck.
The town is Springdale, and it is immediately to the East of the Park entrance. There are a number of campgrounds in Springdale, and there is shuttle service from throughout the town to the Park entrance. At the entrance you can catch the Park shuttle to all points on the scenic drive. You cannot drive your private vehicle in the Park during most months. The shuttle service is great. It is very efficient, and we much preferred it to driving ourselves.
Zion
is of course a canyon, and the sandstone has been carved by millions of years of
erosion, primarily by the Virgin River which runs through the valley floor. The
picture to the right is of the "Patriarchs", one of the famous formations in the
park.
IN PROGRESS -- MORE TO COME!
feedback: travels@mary-and-joe.com