Looking for recommendations for camping and backpacking in Zion National Park?

Question

I've driven through the park before, but never spent more than a night before continuing on. In looking at the website, I'm surprised at how much there is to do, and would like to hear comments from people who have spent time in the park. What were your favorite places? What was the "must see" for you?

Answer 1

1. Hike/wade at least 2 miles up towards the Virgin River Narrows.  Do it early or late in the day when few peple are there so you can get some nice photos.  Bring waders and wading boots or rent canyoneering boots and waders.  Use a wading staff or hiking poles for stability and safety and speed (your back will thank you).  It'll be a 2-6 mile round trip depending on how far you choose to go, but your speed will be far below normal because much of the trip you'll be in the river, so budget several hours and time your trip in so you'll know how long it may take you to get back out.  You can also traverse The Narrows as part of a 15-16 mile backpack down through Orderville Canyon (check for current conditions such as deadfall blocks you might need to get over).

2. Definitely do the 4+ mile hike up Left Fork North Creek to The Subway (requires permit, 9 mile round trip).  Bring a camera and tripod and LOTS of water (I killed a 70oz. Camelback).  It essentially takes all day if you spend a bit of time there taking pictures.

3. Photos at dawn - Go behind the old visitor center (now a museum), shoot towards the West. Then after the sun comes down the mountains a bit, move up canyon a shuttle stop or two and shoot the reflection in the Virgin River of the golden early morning sunlight descending the surrounding mountains.

4. Angels Rest is a good hike, if you don't mind the exposed heights on the last 1/2 mile approach.

5. If you're really adventurous go on a guided canyoneering trip.  I believe the common one that goes down a spectacular slot canyon with up to 100 foot rappels is Pine Creek.  Check out the entrance to that slot above the tunnel.  You can see the slot that the creek drops into; it's only a couple of feet wide!

The Watchman Campground near Springdale is fine.  If it's full there's reportedly an inexpensive, obscure and primitive BLM campground where the highway crosses the river between mile markers 25 and 26.  I saw the spot but couldn't see any campground as I drove by, so it would be best to get better directions from the BLM before trying to find it.

Outstanding side trips in the area include Antelope Canyon Navajo tribal Park and The Wave in the BLM's North Coyote Buttes area (3 mile hike in, requires luck to get a permit via lottery drawing on 9am the day before your hike) near Page, Arizona.