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Mount Zion National Park Any info would be helpful and a few ?'s

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by teroot10, Jul 12, 2014.

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  1. teroot10

    teroot10 Tourist

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    We are planning on driving out there one day of our trip in September.

    How long does it take from the strip ? Is it worth going and spending a while ?

    Is it a loop that you drive like Red Rock or do you get on some shuttle ?

    Good place to eat around there suggestions.

    Thanks Teroot
     
  2. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    About 2.5 hours each way, all equal. Access in the main canyon is via park shuttle with multiple stops; you get on/off as you please. Yet another great part of our National Park System.

    Painted Pony in St. George is a great eatery.
     
  3. aashleyjc

    aashleyjc Low-Roller

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    My husband and I just went to Zion in June from Vegas. It is approximately two to three hours drive time from the strip. There is construction in the Virgin River gorge, so the 15 goes down to one lane in places. Be prepared for that.

    September will still be hot, but hopefully the tourist traffic will drop off a little. It was insanely busy, midweek, when we were there. The scenic drive is closed to the public during the summer months, so you will need to find parking in the visitor center lot or in Springdale, and take the free park shuttle. The shuttle is actually pleasant, but it is not air conditioned. The shuttle stops at various points in the park and runs continuously, so you can get off and on to explore at your leisure.

    We had a nice time, but it can make a long day.
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2014
  4. Ty

    Ty ?

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    We're thinking about checking this out during our next Vegas visit.
    How much walking is involved? We can walk just fine, but not into hiking.
    How long should we plan on being in the park?
     
  5. flyguyfl

    flyguyfl MIA

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    Going to Mount Zion may be a bit of a trek.
    Mount Zion is a hill in Jerusalem just outside the walls of the Old City. Mount Zion has been historically associated with the Temple Mount. :rolleyes2:

    Zion National Park is just 3 hours drive, mostly interstate,. I suggest a stop in a casino before you cross the state line for a good cheap meal. The park has shuttles as others have said and there are some hiking trails. Their site has much good info on things to do.

    http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

    We went early in the morning before the shuttle started which allowed us to drive the route and saw climbers waking up from their hanging tents up shear cliff faces. You tend to look up more than anything else in Zion.

    It makes a long day but fun. Do take a camera.
     
  6. aashleyjc

    aashleyjc Low-Roller

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    There is as much or as little walking as you like. There is a museum just past the visitor and many short, non-strenuous trails.

    Check out the link posted by flyguyfl, lots of useful information there.
     
  7. bardolator

    bardolator Lifelong Low Roller

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    As a committed contrarian, I always suggest a weekend overnight to Zion if it fits into your plans. Zion is busier during the week, Vegas is MUCH busier and MUCH more expensive on weekends. Seems like a no-brainer. Overnight lets you enjoy the park much more, and the town is very pleasant with good food and good accommodations.
     
  8. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    Agreed.
     
  9. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    Agreed.
     
  10. flyguyfl

    flyguyfl MIA

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    You can also add in Bryce for a weekend trip. We spent two nights away from Vegas and saw them both.
     
  11. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    I'm not seeing anything contrarian in this. I see logic. Zion is one of this nation's really cool natural treasures. Problem is, for September, accomms are pretty scarce now; I looked last week for the last half of the month. I'm not saying Springdale is totally booked, but the park accomms are of course long gone. Anyway, as to your point -- Vegas addicts will go back to Vegas again and again and it will still be Vegas again and again and again, but how often will they have a chance to experience Zion (and Bryce, as another logically suggested)?
     
  12. NeonAndBeach

    NeonAndBeach Tourist

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    Use Highway 91 to bypass the Virgin River Gorge construction:
    http://goo.gl/maps/cOK1U

    It only adds 9 miles to the trip, and only locals know to use it!
     
  13. bardolator

    bardolator Lifelong Low Roller

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    The contrarian way is usually also the logical way. If you will permit an analogy, I do not see the contrarian as paddling upstream, against the flow. I see him as going with the flow while staying out of the strong midstream current. As a kayaker in some rather large bodies of water, I find this approach safer and more rewarding.

    I haven't tried to book in September. We visited in October. The town was busy but not full. Weather was perfect. I had no idea that a place in the West could offer a palette of fall colors somewhat similar to ours. As for highways, I forget the numbers but there are some beautiful drives along lesser-used highways in and around Zion and between Zion and Bryce. However, if you tack Bryce onto a trip, be advised that Bryce is MUCH colder, and food and accommodations near Bryce are much less satisfactory IMO.
     
  14. john meriman

    john meriman merri by name merry by nature

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    wife and i done a bus day trip zion in sept 2012-we hiked up to observation point-very steep and long zig zag walks-spectacular views and scenery- it took about 2 1/2 hrs to get to the top [we are 60+} the drive through the joshua tree forests was another bonus- all in all a fantastic day out.:wink2::beer::wave:
     
  15. gigabyte056

    gigabyte056 Tourist

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    We were there , stayed one night at Bryce canyon and another at Zion, , we had 8 nights to spend and no way could my bank roll and degeneracy trait afford 2 more nights around Vegas .
    Stayed the weekend over there saving a lot on Vegas hotel costs and general mayhem, you would do well to take your time to enjoy the parks system.
    Rushing thorough Zion park would allow you the view but you won't be able to go on a couple of routes if you want to get back to Vegas the same day.
     
  16. Flowers

    Flowers VIP Whale

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    That's what I am doing -- two nights (first in Zion and second in Bryce) -- in four weeks.
     
  17. rickray

    rickray Tourist

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    The Zion/ Bryce Canyon area is spectacular. Another wonderful spot in that area is between Zion and Bryce. It is the Red Canyon and Dixie Forest . Short hiking trails and up close scenery.
    It is also less crowded than the former. Have been there when we are the only car in sight. We will be spending three days at the end of August enjoying one of Americas beautiful places.
     
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