gfm198

Hi, does anyone have some experience and information on Zion National park?

Wll be doing a day trip from Las vegas early November, so any advice on weather conditions parts to go and avoid would be great.

Thanks in advance.

G

spirobulldog

It can be done as a day trip, but I never would. Try to spend a night in the Zion Lodge for a much more enjoyable experience. There really is a lot to do there and the hikes are outstanding.

The Narrows and Angels Landing are not to be missed. The Narrows aren't really hard or strenuous- they are just different from any other hike that you will ever do.

Angels Landing is a tough hike, but really not that tough since it isn't that long of a hike. And then coming back down is all super easy going. If you are really afraid of heights or aren't adventurous, then this hike wouldn't be for you. The last 1/2 mile of it has some really steep drops, but the view is beyond outstanding.

There are other really good hikes in the park, but those two are by far the best IMOP.

You are likely to encounter wild turkeys and deer in the park.

spirobulldog

I meant to add that we went the 3rd week of October a couple of years ago to gorgeous weather. If you are going early November I doubt you would have any problems. Even late will probably be fine. However, you never know for certain.

VolCrew

DW's trip report at http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...10-2509.cfm?22

VolCrew

BTW, I have shared info with spiro before and his experience is solid.

InSandy

Well on a day trip from LV you'll be spending 6 hrs in the car. And in November you'll have about 12 hrs of daylight. So your day will be shorter than a good day visit should be imo.

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't come, just don't plan to see it all.

The Narrows is a great hike, but in November will probably be too cold without cold water gear to keep you warm, and getting that will cut into your time. So I wouldn't recommend that on a one day visit.

Angel's Landing is a classic and can be done in about 4-5 hrs if you are young and in shape and alot longer if you are neither of those. But I'm not sure I would recommend that either on a short visit in November, unless that is all you want to do.

What I would do is see the visitor center, take a look at the relief maps, get on the shuttle take it to the end, get off at Temple of Sinawava and walk along the trail there to the river. Then get back on the shuttle and get off at every stop. Big Bend can be a fairly short stop, but you can look up at the hikers on Angel's Landing or walk down the road to the Weeping Rock shuttle and just enjoy the canyon. Take the short hike to Weeping Rock. At the Grotto take the Kayenta Trail over to Emerald Pools, go to all of them, then you'll end up at the Lodge. Take a break enjoy something to eat, look for the resident deer and turkeys. Then head down to Court of the Patriarchs for another short stop. If you want to walk the Pa'rus trail, then get off at the Junction, otherwise stay on and get off at the history museum which is a nice place as is the view of the towers of the Virgin in the back. Then if you have time left take your car and drive hwy 9 east up to the tunnel and hike the Canyon OVerlook trail.

To do all that may not be possible depending on when you actually get to the park. But it would give you the grand overview of a wonderful place.

emalloy

Get out of bed early and go!!

If you leave Vegas before 7 you will be in Zion by 10 and have hours to explore before it gets dark.

Have a fantastic trip

smetz

Zion is wonderful, but Insandy makes a good point in that you need to be cautions about Angels Landing that time of year. If the weather gets bad during your hike, or if there is snow or ice on the trail, it could be treacherous.

That said, Zion is beautiful, and like Spriobulldog said, the view from the top of Angel's Landing is really fantastic. You can stop at Scout's Lookout and get a great view, but from the top it's great, great, great! Here is a link to a few pictures-

https://picasaweb.google.com/1129843...PAngelSLanding

dwooddon

I agree with all the previous comments except those about the potential weather. In early November, the weather is wholly unpredictable this early. It could, as many have said, be beautiful. It could also be wet and stormy, cold and stormy, wet, cold, and stormy, calm, windy, etc. Your best bet is to check a week or so ahead then, even if it is predicted to be nice, be prepared for other possibilities (warm clothing, etc). Having said all that, I love Zion in any season and any weather (except maybe horizontal sleet).

bachslunch

If you're looking for less strenuous hikes in Zion, consider either the Emerald Pools trail or The Riverwalk. The latter is the start of The Narrows (before getting into the water) and very easy -- it's InSandy's "get on the shuttle take it to the end, get off at Temple of Sinawava and walk along the trail there to the river" option. The Emerald Pools trail is more uphill/downhill, but easier than choices such as Angel's Landing -- though the trail to the upper of the three pools is more demanding than those to the lower two.

As dwoddon suggests, one advantage to doing easier hikes that time of year is lessening your chance of encountering slick conditions because of ice or precipitation.

Agreed with all here that Zion is a wonderful park to visit.

spirobulldog

You don't have to use the shuttle in November(at least I think i'm right). But, it is very easy to use and get around. Much less of a hassle than finding a parking space at a trailhead.

InSandy

You are right spiro, In Nov the shuttle only runs on the weekends and is optional.
I would take it if only for the nice information you get along with the ride.