After a short time looking around, we headed west. We ended the day in Page, Arizona, where we spent the night.
After a good night's sleep, we continued westward and found ourselves at Zion National Park. It was our original intention to spend a day or two in the park, but it was incredibly crowded. We spent over an hour stuck in stop and go traffic, just trying to move a couple of miles. There was no parking to be had. We finally moved on, and headed for Las Vegas.
Just a few ideas when visiting Zion. We go twice a year for 7 days. We do have reservations in the campground made 6 months ahead of time. But if you don't have reservations you plan to show up before dawn at the first come campground and get into line. There is a big turnover at the campground so there is a good chance you will get a spot. Show up after breakfast or later and you probably won't. Best times of the week is Sunday-Thursday to get a spot. If you want to hike and see the views there are numerous hikes that aren't crowded. We always go for the favorite (and thus crowded) hike to Angel's landing. But at Scout's lookout we head up the West rim trail for some respite from the crowds. We take a little different attitude about the crowd; I love to see people using the park and enjoying it so it doesn't bother me. But it is nice to hike the less crowded trails too. If you want to hike the narrows go in the fall when the river is lower and floods less likely. Best hike for the narrows is to "Wall Street" about two miles. You will be in the river most of the time; wear boots to protect your toes/feet and use a sturdy hiking stick. If you are a day tripper park your car in town at the first place you find and catch the shuttle bus to the park entrance footbridge. Then the park has a shuttle that stops at all the good spots up to the narrows. There are a few places where you will need to drive or get a ride to a trailhead for the hike but you don't have to go to these to enjoy the park. Also if you want to see bighorns drive through the tunnel and keep your eyes open. Early morning is usually a good time for this. Zion is a great park for hikers and photographers.
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