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Info request on Zion National Park

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khoss

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Hi

I was there last month, it is a brilliant valley!

We were there in late afternoon and then into sunset. The valley was a challenge to get exposure right, and my favourite photo was this one:



which is at Checkerboard Mesa near the east entrance.

There are some lovely views down the valley to be had on a walk from Zion Lodge to The Grottos going via the lower Emerald Pool (which in itself was a let down I thought), and the furthest point the bus takes you has a nice little wander to the river where you can get some nice pics too. There's some nice water from a fountain just by the bus stop too! It was lovely and toasty when we were there!

The road to the east entrance from the south entrance was in road works, and had overnight closures last month, check to see if it's still the case.

However, if I'm to be brutally honest, while Zion was nice, it was no where as spectacular as Bryce Canyon which was frankly breathtaking!



--

http://gallery.salking.co.uk
 
Not sure if it is doable in the winter time but the Angel's Landing hike is amazing. it offers some of the best views of the canyon. This canyon can be difficult though because of the direction it runs it is hard to get good sunrise/sunset light. Half the canyon may be lit but the other half is plunged into dark shadow.
 
Angels Landing is spectacular but the last half mile is pretty scary if you're not very comfortable with heights. I wouldn't do it in the snow...

This past May my wife and I hiked the entire West Rim trail (starting at the north side of the park going south back to the main valley). It's mostly downhill but I don't know if it would be doable in the winter. It snowed there at the end of May and was in the mid 30's F when we started out. It was really enjoyable and has some spectacular views.

The hike to hidden canyon has some beautiful views as well.

Also, don't miss the drive on route 9 through the park. There are many places for photo ops. Just after you pass through the tunnel you can pull off in a small parking area. There is a one mile hike to a spot that overlooks the entire valley. It should be good in the morning.

I had a tough time with the lighting at the park, especially in the valley. It's a really great place for HDR. Here are some shots from my trip if you are interested:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/billsphotos/sets/72157624153062214/

I can also recommend Flanigan's Inn ( http://www.flanigans.com/ ) just out Zion if you're looking for a place to stay. It was a bit pricey but very nice and you can't beat the location.

Enjoy your trip.

--
-Bill

http://www.billmcbridephotography.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/billsphotos/
 
Zion is beautiful in the winter. The buses shut down and you will be able to drive all the way into the park and take it in at your own pace.

December can get pretty cold. Many of the trails are shut down for ice if they have a freeze. Cones, danger flags, trail closed signs. Still the sights that are open are breathtaking and you get to enjoy them without crowds!

This was taken after the first snow, 09-Dec-2007



Zion, ICE Crampons Recommended! 18-Jan-2007



Nearby Kanarraville Canyon, 22-Feb-2009



--
CityLights
http://www.pbase.com/citylights
.
 
December will literally be "just the start of winter" at Zion, usually with snow across the tops of all the "mountains" (really the plateau tops that the Virgin River canyon runs below) that surround the main valley (remember that the majority of "public access" in Zion is the canyon valley floor). The daytime temps will likely be above freezing - mid-40s - but the nights will be moderately cold - 10's-20's - and the reduced sunlight into the canyon will leave many of the trails ICY.

Your choices of trails will be significantly reduced, but the drive through the main valley is still well worth the trip. It is even a BONUS if you get some "real weather" flowing across the plateau tops, as they are often wreathed in fogs and clouds with sun peeking through. Most any time but high noon will give you a chance for such "dramatic" shots. And noon will give you a chance to explore as deep into the "narrows" of the canyon as the road or prudence allows.
 
Additional itinerary suggestions:

As suggested in a post above, Bryce Canyon is another great visit in the SW portion of Utah. It's 120-150 miles NE of Zion, depending on which routes are open between the two (you are getting up to serious altitude - especially at Bryce over 8800ft). Bryce is best in the early morning, as it is east-facing, and has almost no real sunset opportunities.

If the weather is decent, and Bryce is too far, consider Cedar Breaks. It is very reminiscent of Bryce - at least the view from the canyon-top rim - and since it is west-facing it does present some late afternoon / sunset opportunities.

If the weather is less forgiving (or you are really based in Las Vegas), then try Valley of Fire State Park or the Calico Hills Park or Snow Canyon State Park (all of which are at much lower altitudes and much closer to LV).

And there is always the grand-daddy of them all - Grand Canyon NP. Make sure you go to the true South Rim, and not the "Grand Canyon West - Glass Horseshoe". This is a major undertaking - 300 miles east of Vegas - but very rewarding nonetheless.
 
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