I’m sad to read this about Zion. It has always been my dream to do the Narrows.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just returned from visiting "The Mighty Five."

Zion was a disappointment. It was so overcrowded and the buses were packed all the time with standing room only. The popular hikes (The Narrows) were like a non-stop assembly line of people and many of them were obviously not in physical condition to be doing it. Overheard of several instances where people had fallen or otherwise were hurt. We stayed in the lodge on Zion and even with that head-start it was still packed with people.

There were also large tour groups comprised of busloads of people who were only trying to get the perfect Instagram-type shot and were blocking viewpoints, blocking trails, etc. to do so. Bringing changes of outfits, even! Completely oblivious to the beauty around them.

As far as we were concerned, Zion was a one-and-done and we don't have plans to go back.

It pains my to agree with this. Unlike some of the other ultra popular parks Zion's great sights are just highly compressed into a much smaller space which makes the crowding crazy. Gorgeous? Absolutely. But the crowdedness detracts. We walked miles just to avoid riding the shuttle because the lines were so long.

Agree 100%. Zion was kind of a bucket list trip for me and when I finally got there, I didn’t love it. For my tastes, just too crowded to enjoy.

We did love North Rim of Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire. Will have to get back to Utah to check out Bryce and Arches- in the off-season.

Another vote for Desert Pearl. Of all the towns associated with the parks, Springdale was by far my favorite. Just beautiful with a nice dining scene. Try to avoid being in Zion on a weekend. Get in early (like 7:30 and be out of the park by 1 or so). I think you'll be fine. Then go back in toward sunset. I think if you hike in the morning and later, you'll miss the huge crush of people that spill in at like 11 ready to start their days.

Bryce. We couldn't get in to the lodge, but I'd recommend it. Dining room is nice. Town doesn't offer a whole lot here. It's also a dark sky park and they often have ranger events.

I would also check into Canyonlands for evening star program. We only had a morning there and missed it. I do also believe this park would be best in later light anyway, around sunset. Ditto for Arches. Such a different feeling to see the red rock in that late afternoon light.

Def look into the state parks around all these. They are all worthy. We stopped in Escalante for lunch, but I'd love to spend more time around this area, maybe doing the slot canyon tour.

My favorite thing on this trip was driving the Burr Trail in Boulder (UT). Absolutely stunning. We did not do it all the way over the water pocket fold as a back way into Capitol Reef. Just drove about 20 miles and then spun around. There's a "singing" slot canyon you can stop in. Excellent meals to be had at the nearby Burr Trail Grill and Hell's Backbone Grill.

Anonymous wrote:In addition to the national parks, look into Valley of Fire State Park, Glen Canyon Dam, Hovenweep, and Goblin Valley. We were able to do all 5 UT national parks, see the Grand Canyon, and do all of the above on a 9 day trip (that said, I’d go at a slower pace if we go back). Goblin Valley is especially cool, in my opinion.

Valley of fire might make more sense if you are coming from Las Vegas.

Anonymous wrote:Zion end of May won't be crowded, we were there this spring around that time. The Narrows may be too high - it was closed when were there. If it is open, you can rent all the equipment in town. With kids that age, I would try to do Angels Landing, you'll need a permit. The bus system is great but just get there early. The brewery at the exit of the bus in Zion is great, we ate there several times. I was overall impressed by the food in the Spring Hill area there.

We stayed at the Hoodoo Moab Hilton in Moab. You'll want to get into those parks very early, it will already be hot.

You can do Bryce in a day.

Bring clothes for every temp. Arches and Canyonland was hot. We were outer layersfor mornings at Zion. Bryce was freezing.

Have fun!! It is a great trip!!

+1 every time I’ve been to Bryce Canyon it has been painfully cold compared to other Utah parks, like snowing and windy in late April.

Yes to goblin valley. And it is right on the way if you drive through grand staircase/escalate which you should make a priority if it isn’t your default route.

Op thank you for all of the recommendations- keep them coming!

In addition to the national parks, look into Valley of Fire State Park, Glen Canyon Dam, Hovenweep, and Goblin Valley. We were able to do all 5 UT national parks, see the Grand Canyon, and do all of the above on a 9 day trip (that said, I’d go at a slower pace if we go back). Goblin Valley is especially cool, in my opinion.

This is my old post with info on Zion and Bryce if helpful:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/771088.page

I stayed at the Hyatt Place in Moab as a home base to do Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point (state park but worthwhile). It is not at all fancy but was newer, clean, had a pretty good hot breakfast included and decent hot tub/pool. Lots of families.

Go to Dead Horse Point for sunset!

In Moab --
Eat at 98 Center
Take the Monitor and Merrimac UTV tour with Ultimate UTV. So much fun. (Maybe we just got lucky because it was only our family with the guide. We rented two 2-seaters and go to go FAST. Our 16 and 17-year-old teen drivers loved it.)
Rent mountain bikes from Rim Cyclery and take the shuttle up to Moab Brands area. Bike (downhill!) back to town when you are finished.
Hike Fishers Creek north of town
Rent paddleboards and get a shuttle up the river. Paddle downstream.

Zion end of May won't be crowded, we were there this spring around that time. The Narrows may be too high - it was closed when were there. If it is open, you can rent all the equipment in town. With kids that age, I would try to do Angels Landing, you'll need a permit. The bus system is great but just get there early. The brewery at the exit of the bus in Zion is great, we ate there several times. I was overall impressed by the food in the Spring Hill area there.

We stayed at the Hoodoo Moab Hilton in Moab. You'll want to get into those parks very early, it will already be hot.

You can do Bryce in a day.

Bring clothes for every temp. Arches and Canyonland was hot. We were outer layersfor mornings at Zion. Bryce was freezing.

Have fun!! It is a great trip!!

Anonymous wrote:Why are you flying into SLC? Wouldn't it makes more sense to fly into and out of Las Vegas?

All the national parks are in the southern part of the state, you'll have to drive 5-6 hours from SLC.

I'd fly into Las Vegas and then drive to st George and make that your home base for Zion. By the way, Snow canyon State Park is amazing, you should try to see that.

OP- I want to see the great salt lake before it disappears. None of us have ever been.

Anonymous wrote:Just returned from visiting "The Mighty Five."

Zion was a disappointment. It was so overcrowded and the buses were packed all the time with standing room only. The popular hikes (The Narrows) were like a non-stop assembly line of people and many of them were obviously not in physical condition to be doing it. Overheard of several instances where people had fallen or otherwise were hurt. We stayed in the lodge on Zion and even with that head-start it was still packed with people.

There were also large tour groups comprised of busloads of people who were only trying to get the perfect Instagram-type shot and were blocking viewpoints, blocking trails, etc. to do so. Bringing changes of outfits, even! Completely oblivious to the beauty around them.

As far as we were concerned, Zion was a one-and-done and we don't have plans to go back.

It pains my to agree with this. Unlike some of the other ultra popular parks Zion's great sights are just highly compressed into a much smaller space which makes the crowding crazy. Gorgeous? Absolutely. But the crowdedness detracts. We walked miles just to avoid riding the shuttle because the lines were so long.

Anonymous wrote:We really liked the Desert Pearl Inn in Zion. You could walk to the park, and it has a pool. Zion is behind the Inn, so if you book a room off the back, that is your view, along with a little stream. We also enjoyed e-biking through Zion (we have teens).

I second this rec. I LOVED this hotel. Spacious, clean, modern, great location! Ask for a 1st level room so that your patio backs up to the river running behind it. Lovely.