Color Country

Ron Kay has been a Zion’s National Park explorer and guide for more than 30 years. He recently published a new book called “Zion National Park: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Zion National Park But Didn’t Know Who to Ask.”  This sounded like an open invitation to ask. Kay had some great inside information to offer that will make your trip to Zion National Park a more enriching and exciting experience.

I start with Scenic Byway 12 because it really is the most remarkable stretch of all-American highway in southern Utah.  But even this gorgeous three-hour drive begs the question: is it really any fun with kids?  With four under the age of 8 my husband and I will join the rallying cry with an exuberant “Yes!”

We may have begun the day in Provo, but we truly began our drive about three hours later, far south along I-15, at the junction of highways 89 and 12.  Highway 12, a scenic byway, humble in its two lanes, is my favorite road in all of Utah, and considered by many to be the jewel of Utah’s paved roads.  It is a three-hour drive, from Highway 89 east to Torrey, and my kids even loved it without a movie.

Aside from the fact that Highway 12 is some of the most scenic in all of southern Utah, you also can consider it the path to some of the most scenic places to hop out of the car and embark on an adventure of a few minutes, hours, days or weeks. Whether you are looking for tourist-kitsch or to wander for days on end where few have, you will find access to it along Highway 12.

With three pools, each progressively further up a side canyon from the Virgin River in Zion National Park, and each progressively more difficult to get to, the Emerald Pools hike is an option with something for everyone. We gathered our four kids, hopped off the Zion National Park free shuttle at Zion Lodge and hit the trailhead across the street from the lodge.

For anyone who has been to Zion National Park with its spectacular cliffs, the Virgin River cutting out the canyon, and the novelty of the tunnel, it isn’t surprising to hear that this is also one of the most visited national parks in the National Park System. For anyone planning to visit Zion (and I recommend it for anyone, of any age and any activity level) it is important to understand that along with that distinction, Zion National Park gets busy and the campgrounds get full, so go prepared and aware, but still go.

I have always loved Bryce Canyon. There’s something about turning a corner on a windy forest road and suddenly finding yourself peering down into the most amazing patterns of colorful and unique geological formations. As a teenager, I had hiked, driven, cross-country-skied, and ridden a horse through the canyon.

Hiking at Bryce is a great two- to three-day trip for families with children. The Bryce Canyon geology commands immediate attention with its striking and unique hoodoo formations. And, in one day, you can easily complete one or two main hikes and still have time to swim, visit the rodeo, and shop at Ruby’s Inn. Wildflowers are easy to identify, and it’s likely you’ll run across a deer or prairie dog.