|
Shuttling around Zion National Park |
|
|
|
|
Written by Julie Chapman
|
|
Monday, 04 August 2008 |
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.
We had planned on camping in the park for two nights, but the crowds beat us to it and we were met at the park entrance with “No Vacancy” signs and given a convenient list of most of the hotels in Springdale — we found the last room in town, a nice place, and the trip was saved. Knowing that we had a bed for the night we celebrated over also finding a coveted parking spot at the visitor center, sun-screened each of the four kids, gathered water and snacks, and set out for the Up-Canyon shuttle pick-up.
We started our exploration at the Zion Museum, walking through exhibits on the geologic history and formation of the canyon, as well as the human history in the canyon. With barely a wait at the shuttle pick-up, we hopped on another shuttle and made our way further up canyon. We stopped to eat our lunch at The Grotto, a huge picnic area full of cottonwood trees that give plenty of shade. From there we took the shuttle up canyon again to the trailhead to Weeping Rock, an easy, fairly short hike — though occasionally steep — which winds its way up against the cliff face.
Weeping Rock epitomizes how life thrives in this desert. Water slowly filters down through the sandstone and seeps out along the face of the cliff, where ferns and other plants cling to the surface, in a gorgeous undercut alcove. Water drips on your head and collects to run in a small stream down to the Virgin River in the center of the canyon. For those up for more of a hike, like most trails in Zion, the trail to Weeping Rock continues past this feature and winds its way deep into the side canyon, climbing to the top of the canyon wall. With four children, two younger than 3, we passed on this option; it’s a trip for another time. Instead, we traveled through the canyon, stopping for some fun down on the rocky bank of the Virgin River.
Our final day in the canyon we took the time to do something that everyone with their own means of transportation absolutely must do when they visit the park — we drove through the famous Zion tunnel. More than one mile long, this is a narrow, two-lane tunnel blasted straight out of the red rock, interspersed with monumental window-like archways built into its side, giving quick glimpses of the stunning, surrounding scenery along with a pleasant break to the darkness of the tunnel. I wouldn’t recommend trying to hold you breathe all the way through it, but after such a unique experience and access to such a remarkable place as Zion, you may feel like you’ve already had a wish come true.
IF YOU GO:
Car/Motorcycle:
I-15 passes west of the Park and connects with UT-9 and 17 to the Park. US-89 passes east and connects with UT-9 to the Park. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is a short distance from the Park's South Entrance adjacent to Springdale. The Visitor Center at the Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible from I-15, exit 40.
RV/Coaches/Trailers/All Large Vehicles:
• Drivers of large vehicles approaching Zion National Park from the east on UT-9 need to be aware of the large vehicle size restrictions.
• Vehicles sized 7'10'' in width or 11'4'' in height, or larger, are required to have an ''escort'' (traffic control) through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Vehicles this size are too large to stay in their lane while traveling through the tunnel. Nearly all RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, and some camper shells will require an escort.
Note:It is possible to visit Zion with a large vehicle without going through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. To do this enter and exit through the south entrance of the park, near Springdale.
• Visitors requiring an escort must pay a $15 fee per vehicle in addition to the entrance fee. Pay this fee at a park entrance before proceeding to the tunnel. The fee is good for 2-trips through the tunnel for the same vehicle during a 7-day period.
Prohibited Vehicles:
• Vehicles over 13 feet 1 inch tall.
• Semi-trucks.
• Commercial vehicles.
• Vehicles carrying hazardous materials. *Vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds. *Single vehicles over 40 feet long.
• Combined vehicles over 50 feet long.
Bicycle/Pedestrian:
The park may be accessed at all entrances. Bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Bicycle/pedestrian traffic entering through the east entrance, heading westbound, must arrange their own shuttle service through the one-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Getting Around:
From April through October, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (a park road off of Highway 9) is accessible by shuttle bus only.
• The Springdale Shuttle stops at six locations in Springdale. The Zion Canyon Shuttle loop stops at eight locations in the park. The transfer between loops is made at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. You may get on and off as often as you like. Riding the shuttle is free.
• The shuttle system will begin operations April 1, 2007 and runs through October 29, 2007.
HOW TO USE A SHUTTLE
• Park in the town of Springdale and ride the town shuttle to the park. Look for the ''Shuttle Parking'' signs throughout town. If you are staying at a lodge or motel, simply leave your car there and ride the town shuttle to the park. The parking lot at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center commonly fills by mid-morning. Tune your radio to 1610 AM for additional information.
• Buses run frequently throughout the day, as often as every seven minutes. You do not need to rush to catch one. Take your time to plan your visit. Use the exhibits outdoors and the information inside at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to make the most of your time. Ranger presentations at the Zion Human History Museum are a great way to learn more about the park before you ride the shuttle up canyon. The bookstore has maps and publications that can augment your visit.
What To Bring:
For a day-trip on the shuttle, you should take:
• Water/Snacks
• Walking Shoes/Map
• Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses
• Camera/Binoculars
• Dress for the weather and bring everything you need for a day in the park.
On the bus:
• No eating or smoking on the bus
• Beverages other than waterare not allowed
• Pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses.
Shuttle information from National Park Service Web site, www.nps.gov.
|
No Comments.
Discuss this item on the forums. (0 posts) |
|
 |
| Currently |
| 39° |
| Partly Cloudy |
|
|
