Zion National Park - Little Bit City,

Last year on our west coast road trip we ended up detouring into Zion National Park. The weather was so warm and with our plans to visit Zion, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in one day, we didn’t get to explore the way we had hoped. This year we purposefully routed our midwest states road trip back through Utah so could hit “The Big 5.” With a full day to explore Zion, the kids got their Junior Ranger Badges and we were able to do a couple of hikes despite the crowds and heat.

We were a little nervous being that it was July 4th, but all in all, the crowds weren’t as bad as we anticipated and we were able to hop on and off the shuttle and explore all day. My biggest tip for you if you’re visiting Zion is to use the shuttle service to get around. They come every 5-7 minutes so you’re never stuck waiting between stops.

I’ve found when visiting National Parks is that people tend to start at the first trail and work to the last and so we do the opposite. We took the shuttle all the way to stop 9, The Narrows. The ride took about 40 minutes. Due to the amount of snow and rain Utah had last winter, the Narrows had more water flowing this year and we were only able to hike about 2 miles in before the water was waist deep.

Every step of this hike is gorgeous! When you’re hiking in, you’re knee-deep and going against the current so be sure to pack water shoes and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

After hiking The Narrows, we took the shuttle to hike the Weeping Rock Trail. This hike is short and sweet and you’re rewarded with standing under gorgeous rocks as the water rains down in front of you. You can even get a little wet if you’re in the mood. It was a great way to cool off.