Places to Visit Near Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a breathtaking destination‚ but there are many other incredible places to explore nearby. From the vibrant colors of Bryce Canyon to the towering sandstone cliffs of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument‚ there’s something for everyone just a short drive from Zion. Here are a few suggestions for unforgettable side trips⁚

Bryce Canyon National Park

Just a 90-minute drive from Zion‚ Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological wonderland of vibrant colors and hoodoos (tall‚ thin spires of rock). Bryce Canyon is known for its unique hoodoos‚ which were formed by erosion over millions of years. These hoodoos come in all shapes and sizes‚ and they create a stunning landscape that is unlike anything else in the world. Bryce Canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife‚ including mule deer‚ coyotes‚ and eagles. There are many hiking trails in the park‚ ranging from easy to challenging‚ so you can find the perfect hike for your fitness level. And if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience‚ be sure to take a mule ride into the canyon.

Highlights of Bryce Canyon National Park⁚

• Bryce Amphitheater⁚ This is the most popular area of the park‚ and it’s home to some of the most iconic hoodoos in the world.
• Sunset Point⁚ This is a great place to watch the sunset over the canyon.
• Inspiration Point⁚ This viewpoint offers stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding area.
• Rainbow Point⁚ This is the highest point in the park‚ and it offers panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding area.
• Hiking trails⁚ There are many hiking trails in the park‚ ranging from easy to challenging.
• Mule rides⁚ Mule rides are a great way to experience the canyon without having to hike.

Tips for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park⁚

• Go in the off-season⁚ The park is less crowded during the off-season‚ which runs from October to April.
• Make reservations in advance⁚ If you’re planning on staying in the park‚ be sure to make reservations in advance‚ especially if you’re visiting during the peak season.
• Bring plenty of water⁚ The park is located in a desert environment‚ so it’s important to bring plenty of water with you.
• Wear sunscreen⁚ The sun’s rays can be strong in the park‚ so be sure to wear sunscreen.
• Be prepared for the weather⁚ The weather in the park can change quickly‚ so be sure to be prepared for all types of weather.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a unique and beautiful park located just a short drive from Zion National Park. The park is home to towering sand dunes made of Navajo sandstone‚ which gives the sand a distinctive pink hue. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a great place to go hiking‚ sandboarding‚ or ATV riding. You can also camp in the park‚ and there are several RV hookups available. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Highlights of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park⁚

• Sand dunes⁚ The park is home to towering sand dunes made of Navajo sandstone‚ which gives the sand a distinctive pink hue.
• Hiking⁚ There are several hiking trails in the park‚ ranging from easy to challenging.
• Sandboarding⁚ Sandboarding is a popular activity in the park‚ and there are several sandboarding hills to choose from.
• ATV riding⁚ ATV riding is another popular activity in the park‚ and there are several ATV trails to choose from.
• Camping⁚ You can camp in the park‚ and there are several RV hookups available.

Tips for visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park⁚

• Go in the off-season⁚ The park is less crowded during the off-season‚ which runs from October to April.
• Make reservations in advance⁚ If you’re planning on camping in the park‚ be sure to make reservations in advance‚ especially if you’re visiting during the peak season.
• Bring plenty of water⁚ The park is located in a desert environment‚ so it’s important to bring plenty of water with you.
• Wear sunscreen⁚ The sun’s rays can be strong in the park‚ so be sure to wear sunscreen.
• Be prepared for the weather⁚ The weather in the park can change quickly‚ so be sure to be prepared for all types of weather.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and beautiful landscape located just east of Zion National Park. The monument is home to a variety of geological formations‚ including canyons‚ mesas‚ and buttes. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a great place to go hiking‚ backpacking‚ and camping. You can also explore the monument by car‚ and there are several scenic drives to choose from. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Highlights of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument⁚

• Geological formations⁚ The monument is home to a variety of geological formations‚ including canyons‚ mesas‚ and buttes.
• Hiking⁚ There are several hiking trails in the monument‚ ranging from easy to challenging.
• Backpacking⁚ Backpacking is a great way to explore the monument’s backcountry.
• Camping⁚ You can camp in the monument‚ and there are several developed campgrounds to choose from.
• Scenic drives⁚ There are several scenic drives in the monument‚ including the Burr Trail and the Hole-in-the-Rock Road.

Tips for visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument⁚

• Go in the off-season⁚ The monument is less crowded during the off-season‚ which runs from October to April.
• Make reservations in advance⁚ If you’re planning on camping in the monument‚ be sure to make reservations in advance‚ especially if you’re visiting during the peak season.
• Bring plenty of water⁚ The monument is located in a desert environment‚ so it’s important to bring plenty of water with you.
• Wear sunscreen⁚ The sun’s rays can be strong in the monument‚ so be sure to wear sunscreen.
• Be prepared for the weather⁚ The weather in the monument can change quickly‚ so be sure to be prepared for all types of weather.

The Wave‚ Coyote Buttes North

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located in Coyote Buttes North‚ a section of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona. The Wave is famous for its swirling colors and patterns‚ which were created by millions of years of wind and water erosion. The Wave is a popular hiking destination‚ but it is important to be aware of the following before you go⁚

• Permits are required⁚ A permit is required to hike to The Wave. Permits are issued through a lottery system‚ and only 20 permits are issued per day.
• The hike is difficult⁚ The hike to The Wave is difficult‚ and it is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. The trail is sandy and uneven‚ and there are several steep sections.
• The weather can be extreme⁚ The weather in Coyote Buttes North can be extreme‚ and it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. The temperature can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer‚ and it can snow in the winter.
• Flash floods are a danger⁚ Flash floods are a danger in Coyote Buttes North‚ especially during the summer months. If you see rain clouds approaching‚ it is important to seek shelter immediately.

Tips for visiting The Wave⁚

• Apply for a permit in advance⁚ Permits are issued through a lottery system‚ and it is important to apply for a permit well in advance.
• Be prepared for the hike⁚ The hike to The Wave is difficult‚ and it is important to be prepared for the hike. Bring plenty of water‚ food‚ and sunscreen.
• Be aware of the weather⁚ The weather in Coyote Buttes North can be extreme‚ and it is important to be prepared for all types of weather.
• Be aware of flash floods⁚ Flash floods are a danger in Coyote Buttes North‚ especially during the summer months. If you see rain clouds approaching‚ it is important to seek shelter immediately.