Hi there! When we (my wife and I) are in Vegas in early february we have one night booked at the Majestic View Lodge in Springdale (zion national park). On the way there we might visit valley of fire. Is it worth the stop? Also, in ZNP we would like to walk the Angels Landing trail (except for maybe the top part...) after our night in Springdale. Is there any action at night? Are there trails you can hike at night (around 8-9 pm) and still be safe? Other things we must do when we are there? Oh, how about Mesquite on the way back to Vegas? Thanks in advance!
As far as I know, none of the trails are lighted. I was at Zion in January several years ago and many of the trails were covered with snow and ice which made footing very difficult given the steepness of the trails in some parts. I tried to hike to the three pools and had to turn back because the paths were too slippery, and that was during the day. No way would I attempt hiking at night. I am not even sure the park would be open to visitors after dark at that time of year.
As WhiteJacket already mentioned you may have snow and ice there. So you never know which trail you can do and which not. Be very cautious if there is ice on Angel's Landing. You may be able to do the Canyon Overlook trail which is located right after the long tunnel when going East. Just a short trail with magnificent view. Google for it. Valley of Fire is worth any stop. It is great if you like red stones. But since it is only a short drive from Vegas you might "save" it for another visit in Vegas and take more time in Zion.
Thank you! I should really bring some decent hiking shoes! And a good jacket. I expected it would be a little cooler, but ice and snow on a regular basis in winter time... Still looking forward to it though, I love snow and we don't get much of it at home.
We will be very careful, thanks! My wife is easily scared of hights, or falling.. So we will take it slow! Thanks for the recommendation of Canyon Overlook trail, I will google it after I finish this reply. We will leave Vegas early, so we can stop at valley of fire. Thank you!
I've been to Valley of Fire twice, neat place. One note, the first time we went the toll booth was closed and there were instructions to leave the $10 fee in an envelope with you car info. Luckily we had the exact amount available. If you only had twenties I guess you could break it at the gift shop, which is pretty much in the middle. If you go check out the cabins, very close to the main rode. I'm still trying to figure out why they built these 'cabins for travelers'. In the desert. Would you have been in a car or on a horse? http://www.valley-of-fire.com/the-cabins/
Mesquite is a good stop for nice food at reduced prices in the casinos there. My wife and I did Zion and Bryce over two days from Vegas (no hiking) and enjoyed the trip very much. We did stop in Mesquite for breakfast and bathroom breaks.
I'll make sure to have 10 dollars, thanks!! And who knows... Looking at the pictures I would say a horse... But what tourists would travel all the way there on a horseback?
Zion. Is. Fantastic. As others have noted, it will be chilly or cold -- it's all perspective -- and it could be snowy and icy. Regardless, it will be BEAUTIFUL. Night "action" is finding one of the most star-filled skies you're ever likely to see. I'm a fan of Valley of Fire, but after Utah, you're not really gaining anything. It's not a big detour over there but if just driving through what does that get you and if pausing to kick some dirt, I just feel that time is better spent up north. I have a number of stays under my belt in Mesquite -- covering events, playing in tournaments. You're just not going to experience anything there you won't find on Boulder Strip. Again, I'd put that time into exploring in/around Zion/St. George. Have fun. You are going to love it.