To further flesh out Myer's point about starting Angel's Landing early: the first part of the hike is the hardest, when you keep going up, and up, and up. If you start early enough, not only will the ambient temperatures be cooler, but the entire initial ascent will be in the shade. I started later, and did that part with the midday sun beating down on me, on a 90-plus-degree day, with a slightly gimpy ankle, carrying a heavy camera. It was pretty tiring, but having a few bottles of Gatorade in my pack made all the difference. The most important lesson I learned as a novice hiker in Utah was the importance of replacing not just water, but also sugar and electrolytes as well. Unfortunately I kind of learned that the hard way...

I only made it is far as Scout's Lookout. As Myer said, the hike is strenuous up to Scout's Lookout, but the ground is even and easy to walk on. Two other notes: (1) there's an outhouse at Scout's Lookout, so the lack of private peeing spots along the trail is no excuse for risking your life by not hydrating, and (2) from Scout's Landing, it's possible to climb up even higher, rather than going out onto Angel's Landing. I don't remember the name of the trail up there, but a guide told me that the views are even more impressive if you keep going up, and also that it's possible to look back down onto Angel's Landing. It occurred to me that, if I ever make it back, it might be cool to go with a friend, and have one person take a telephoto picture of the other person standing out on Angel's Landing.

Some good photos of the Angel's Landing hike: http://rangerpaul.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html

I just returned from Zion and hiked almost all of the day- hike trails in the the park. The Narrows was closed. It was my second visit to Zion, and I have also been to Bryce. Zion deserves at least two full days. One day is enough for Bryce, which is a much smaller park.

Personally, I think the Emerald Pools trail is overrated, as is the Riverside Walk. Observation Point is my favorite hike in the park, but it is very strenuous. Canyon Overlook is very short, with nice views at the overlook (not as spectacular as Observation Point or Angel's Landing). Pa'rus is not truly a hike - it is a paved, multi-use trail. If you are really into hiking, do the Observation Point and Hidden Canyon trails together, and do Angel's Landing and part of the West Rim trail together (that is the trail that Hawksbill did not know the name). If you don't want to go to Angel's Landing, you can continue on West Rim from Scout's Lookout. If The Narrows is open, you really should do it. I sure wish I could have.

Zion Lodge is not great, but convenient to all hikes. If you don't stay there, check Cliffrose Lodge or Desert Pearl.

I stayed at Desert Pearl in Springdale, and liked it. It's a motel-format place, but a nice high-end one. Springdale also has an assortment of restaurants that are much better than those typically found in a National Park town, including some high-end ones. I ate at Oscar's and Whiptail Grill, and enjoyed both. If you only have time for one, try Whiptail Grill. Both will make food to go if you want.

Near Bryce Canyon, I stayed at Stone Canyon Inn. A wonderful place, but it's a bit of a drive to the Park, and know that there are no good restaurants in Tropic. Maybe I should have stayed closer, at Ruby's Inn, but something about the reviews I read turned me off. Clearly Bryce Canyon Lodge would be the best option, if you can stay there.