View Full Version : Zion & Bryce Canyon - Hook me up
Hello all,
Spending spring/summer vacation in the SW.:sun
What are the best trails & campsites at Zion NP & at Bryce Canyon?
Thanks for your help,
Egads
West Rim(with side trip to Angel's Landing) Trl., Subway(need about 80 ft of climbing rope or webbing, but overall non-technical canyoneering/hiking), Virgin River Narrows in Zion NP. Under the Rim Trl. in Bryce NP.
I hiked through southern Utah and Colorado back in 1980 as part of a cross-country trip. We hiked through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef National Parks.
An absolute High Point and favorite of most everyone on the trip was Dark Canyon Primitive Area (now a Wilderness Area). Fantastic hiking, Anasazi Indian Ruins, Fantastic Swimming holes, Waterfalls, seclusion, and some very dry desert hiking. It's a very special place. HIGHLY recommend that you check it out.
Here are a couple of trip accounts I found.
http://lamountaineers.org/163.html (check out the gallery link at the bottom of this page)
http://www.vic.com/~syost/utk/dark/ (http://www.vic.com/%7Esyost/utk/dark/)
I lived in the Southwest for years--it has the best hiking on earth.
And too damned many tourists. That's why, like Ed Abbey, I keep my favorite spots to myself.
Certainly glad not everyone has your attitude - it is Federal Land, belongs to us all.
karoberts
01-07-2009, 00:58
Buckskin Gulch- the longest slot canyon in the world (non-technical). Also The Wave. http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/wave.htm They are not in Zion, but near. Try to get permits online.
Whatever you do, be very careful. Don't try technical canyoneering unless you are trained and experienced. Check weather reports before entering any slots.
If you are interested in learning canyoneering check out http://www.alpinets.com/
Thought I'd bump this since reservation lottery is coming up.
Does anyone know if mosquitos or flies will be a problem in early June?
Will I need a freestanding shelter or can I stake my tarp at the Government provided backcountry campsites?
You should check out this website http://www.zionnational-park.com. Has alot of info on the area. Generally, flies & mosquitoes aren't a problem. Have a fun trip!
frisbeefreek
02-26-2009, 01:52
I went and car camped last summer with my gf.
We stayed at Kodachrome State Park, about 10 miles from Bryce. Terrific place - Showers, quiet, few tourists. Highly recommend it.
http://picasaweb.google.com/sawyervillers/RockyMountainTripJuly2008#5234472882431326018
Zion was bloody crowded - The south campground is a dump, and as far as I can tell, there is only a single public pay shower in the entire town. We climbed to Observation Peak - Very nice.
General rule is that if you venture more than 400-yards off the trail, you will leave the vast majority of tourists behind. Exceptions are going to include the vanity hikes (like Angel's Landing).
Thanks for the pics. It looks like a great trip.