ZION NATIONAL PARK

One of the nation`s oldest national parks. For millions of years, earthquakes and the combined forces of wind, rain, frost and the churning Virgin River cut through Navajo sandstone to create Zion NationalPark.
There are ten park trails, some are easy, self-guiding trails, and others are more demanding strenuous hikes. I`ll be reviewing the three best trails the park has to offer.

ZION CANYON TRAILS:

Weeping Rock:  Easy. Self-guiding trail. It is a paved trail that ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs. Along the trail you`ll see some of the most colorful flowers and hanging gardens. Springwater seeping through the porous rock walls nourishes these hanging gardens. The average round time is between 1/2 hour to one hour.

Riverside Walk
The Narrows:  Easy to demanding. It is a paved trail that follows Virgin River upstream to Zion Canyon Narrows, where paved road ends. You may continue hiking beyond the end of the trail; this is where The Narrows begins.

The Narrows of Zion Canyon is one of the park`s most popular, and most demanding, strenuous off-trail hikes. The Zion Narrows is a section of the Virgin River where the canyon walls are only 24 feet apart and over 1000 feet high. Hiking through The Narrows involves walking in up to 4 feet of water and climbing over rocks. Wear sturdy boots or shoes with ankle support and carry drinking water.

The Narrows is a 16 mile trip requiring at least one full day, but hiking for a few miles (at least 2 to 3 miles) which it will take between 2 to 3 hours round trip.It will be enough for you to catch the beauty and grandeur of the canyon.

Angels Landing:  Demanding. Strenuous hike. This trail is not for anyone fearful of heights. It has long dropoffs and narrow trails that ends at summit high above Zion Canyon Floor. Wear sturdy boots or shoes with ankle support.

The last 1/2 mile follows a steep narrow ridge that chains have been added for safety. It is the only trail with the most spectacular views of the whole canyon, and if you are lucky; sighting of falcons, mountain lions and bears. The average round trip is between 4 to 5 hours.