The Lazy Traveller's Guide to Zion National Park
Welcome to Zion National Park, a breathtaking wonderland of towering red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and verdant forests located in southwestern Utah. Known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and challenging hikes, Zion is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. But fear not, lazy travelers, for there is a way to experience the beauty of Zion without breaking a sweat. Here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying Zion National Park the lazy way.
Where is Zion National Park and What is it Known For?
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, near the town of Springdale. What is the most famous site in Zion National Park? Well there is no one thing, but rather its grandeur. It is renowned for its stunning red and white sandstone cliffs, deep narrow canyons, and diverse wildlife. Zion National Park is famous for its challenging and sometimes terrifying hikes, such as Angel's Landing and The Narrows. Angel's Landing is a strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike with dizzying drop-offs and narrow ridges, while The Narrows involves wading through a river in a deep and narrow canyon. These hikes are not for the faint of heart and require a good level of physical fitness and a head for heights. If that does not describe you, fear not! Just follow…
The Lazy Way to Enjoy Zion National Park
1. Book a Hotel with a View and a Pool
The first step to enjoying Zion the lazy way is to book a hotel with a view and preferably a pool to relax in while you enjoy that view. We chose Springhill by Marriott, which offers stunning views of the surrounding red cliffs and a refreshing pool to cool off in.
2. Canyon Overlook Hike
One of the easiest and most rewarding hikes in Zion is the Canyon Overlook Trail. This 1-mile round-trip hike offers incredible views of Zion Canyon and requires minimal effort.
Distance: 1 mile round-trip
Time Needed: Approximately 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 163 feet
3. Horseback Riding Tour
For a way to explore the trails and see the views without walking, opt for a horseback riding tour. We chose the 1-hour tour, which was the perfect length to enjoy the scenery without getting tired. Plus, it’s a fun way to feel like a real cowboy or cowgirl in an old western movie!
4. Drive to Arizona and Visit Antelope Canyon
While it may sound far, driving to Arizona is still a relatively lazy option and offers some incredible sights along the way. The drive takes about 2.5 hours each way and is well worth it for a visit to Antelope Canyon.
Antelope Canyon: Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking slot canyon located near the town of Page, Arizona. The canyon is famous for its mesmerizing narrow passages and swirling rock formations, created by water erosion and flash flooding over millions of years. You’ve likely seen photos of this Martian-seeming landscape displayed on your Google or Apple devices before. Your tour will drive you down dirt roads in an open air truck to the actual canyon, and then you only need to do a short walk through the canyon itself. Despite being overrun with tourists, you can still carve out a private little corner to take a photo, and when in doubt, just look up!
Horseshoe Bend: Another must-see sight in Arizona is Horseshoe Bend, located near the town of Page and Antelope Canyon. This striking viewpoint offers a dramatic panoramic view of the Colorado River as it curves around a massive red rock formation. The viewpoint requires no reservations or pre-planning, and was honestly the most striking sight we saw on this entire trip.
5. Dinner and Drinks at Zion Canyon Brew Pub
After a day of lazy sightseeing, head back to Springdale and treat yourself to dinner and a flight of beer at Zion Canyon Brew Pub. Congratulate yourself on how much you saw for how little effort and toast to the beauty of Zion National Park!
Final Thoughts on Zion National Park
So what is the best way to see Zion National Park? We would say it’s the way in which you feel most comfortable. Can you do some death defying hikes here? Yes, but you do not have to hike to see Zion National Park. So how many days do you need at Zion National Park? While 2 days is probably enough to make it through this Zion itinerary, why rush your relaxation? Most visitors to this park visit between April and September, so there are many good months to visit Zion. We visited in May and there was still a chill in the air, so we needed to layer up.
So there you have it, the lazy traveler's guide to enjoying Zion National Park. With stunning views, easy hikes, horseback riding, and a scenic drive to Arizona, you can experience the beauty of Zion without breaking a sweat. Happy travels!
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