Bryce and Zion. Two parks in southern Utah, both boasting red, groovy rock formations and singularly spectacular vistas. Usually spoken together in the same breath, these parks are geographically close, yet a world apart in personality.
Zion's huge canyon and grand mounts present a grand panorama that usually inspires awe. Bryce is smaller, offering more comical ambience in it's wide amphitheater of water-worn spires and goblin-shaped rocks.
The Holiest Park of All
Both parks have trails suitable for the beginner. Let's start with Zion National Park, the more widely-known of the two:
Established by the National Park Service in 1919, Zion NP protects 229 square miles of scenic cliffs, deep green canyons and the scarlet-walled, darkling Virgin River Gorge.The world’s largest arch – the Kolob – is accessible via backcountry permit, deep within park boundaries.
The name Zion means “holy land” for both Judiac and Mormon religions. The massive main canyon is like a stained-glass cathedral, nature’s monument to the sacred. Sandstone formations bear monikers like Sinawava Temple, Angel’s Landing and the Great White Throne – denoting heavenly grace. As expected, the park is a grand and special place.
Start your pilgrimage at the Park Entrance Visitor Center. Tour the museum and watch the slideshow; browse the books, maps and Native American gifts. Be sure to nab a free copy of The Sentinel Newsletter for the scoop on ranger-led programs and shuttle times.
Zion's Easiest Trails
Zion has a plethora of satisfying, yet simple trails, without much elevation change.
- The Riverside Walk/Narrows Hike is excellent by any account.
- Also easy: the Pairus Trail, which parallels the scenic road for 2 miles into Zion Canyon. Start at the campground and wander as you please.
- Weeping Rock, a 1/4 mile hike that only ascends 100 feet to lush, moist hanging gardens.
- Emerald Pool Trail - which leads to an enchanting little pond, after an easy climb of 200 feet along a 1-mile paved trail.
- The Kolob Section of Zion offers a few more no-stress trails, in a more remote location.
For more descriptions on these trails and more, check out About.com's Southwest Article on the subject: Zion Activities
Bryce Canyons's Got the Goods, Too
It's also worthwhile to check out nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. The offical National Park website opens with:
Bryce Canyon National Park is named for one of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. Erosion has shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones and mudstones into thousands of spires, fins, pinnacles and mazes. Collectively called "hoodoos," these unique formations are whimsically arranged and tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name.
Ponderosa pines, high elevation meadows and fir-spruce forests border the rim of the plateau, while panoramic views of three states spread beyond the park's boundaries. This area boasts some of the nation's best air quality. This, coupled with the lack of nearby large light sources, creates unparalleled opportunities for star gazing.
The trails there start off with a descent, which beginners should take slowly. Once you're standing under the hoodoos and spires, you'll find it's worth the effort. Then you can wander around the moderate loop trails on the canyon floor, and take a nice break in outstanding scenery before you make the ascent back to your car.
The easiest trail is the 1/2-mile (one way) section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points. Other moderates: Queen's Garden (1.8 miles round trip) and Navajo Loop(1.3 miles round trip).
Places to Stay, Things to Do
Springdale - the town just outside Zion Park. For info on lodging, campgrounds, restaurants and tourist attractions, read my Suite101 article: Zion: Welcome to the Holy land
Pah Temple Hot Springs Hot Springs - in the nearby town of Hurricane, this is a worthwhile activity after all that hiking - just relax in the clean piped spring tubs, or clamber into the mud pits. Why not? It's just like at the spa, but this bubbling mud is made by nature! Then take a shower at the nice cabana at their facilities. Call for fees: 825 North 800 East 35-4, Hurricane, UT 84737, USAPhone: 1-801-635-2879
Gear Suggestion - Great dayhiking Shoes from the Sierra trading Post -
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