Any recommendations for 3 days of day hiking Zion NP in mid-April? There are probably some good threads on this already so feel free to share those. Up to 12 miles a day would be fine.

Thanks!

http://www.summitpost.org/users/tanya/34842

This member seems to have some reliable information on Zion - expect a lot of rain during the month of April !

I recommend as the top 3 (keeping in mind the 12 mile limit ):

Partial West Rim (Grotto to top of Angels Landing, then continue on to the stunning West Rim overlooks). This is great even if you turn around and go back at the top of Angels Landing.

Zion Narrows from the bottom (IF water conditions allow - check first). Go as far north as you are comfortable going and turn back. Only the first mile or so is trail, then you get wet, wade and even swim in spots.

Left Fork hike to Subway from the bottom (permit required, get this the day before you do the hike and check water condiitons). Expect to get wet, esp near end).


Other nice ones: Observation Point

These are all stunning. If you want to go off trail there are other options too.

I have to echo what Stu said. Except I'd put Subway at the top of the list. My personal favorite in Zion.

For one day, you might consider a handful of shorter hikes in Zion Canyon such as Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, and the trail to the mouth of the Narrows. Unless you're equipped for cold water, you probably don't want to get wet at that time of year there.

As already suggested, Angels Landing is good. If you have issues with crowds, make sure to go very early or very late in the day.

Something I strongly recommend: starting from the Weeping Rock shuttle stop and hiking up through Echo Canyon and from there to Observation Point. I can think of no more scenic day hike you can do on a trail in the park than that one.

If Kolob Terrace Road is open, consider hiking from the Wildcat TH to the overlook between the Northgate Peaks. East Northgate Peak is as easy as Class 2. West Northgate is a little spicier but is more aesthetic.

On the east side, consider pairing the Root Canals (specifically Many Pools Canyon) and the Tunnel Overlook into one day, or wander the unnamed canyons and slickrock domes.

A little west of Springdale is the Chinle Trail, which does not penetrate the canyons but has nice views of the peaks and where there is also a lot of petrified wood on display.

I'll be staying at the Watchman CG. Are there any options for showers anywhere without getting a hotel room?

I have spent a lot of time in Zion and my top choice would be the East Rim trail. It is one of the most amazing trails I have ever been on. The West Rim trail is also awesome and would be my second choice. The hikes around Zion Canyon are all great, but if you want a longer hike do the East or West Rim and throw in Angels Landing on the WR.

I made an attempt to run the entire length of the park last year and did the East and part of the West rim trails. Check out my trip report for some pics. The first group of pictures is from the East Rim and the second from the West.

http://scottwesemann.blogspot.com/2011/06/zion-traverse-attempt.html

Fettster wrote:I'll be staying at the Watchman CG. Are there any options for showers anywhere without getting a hotel room?

I got this off the nps.gov website:

Springdale is adjacent to Zion Canyon; pay showers, a small market, firewood, laundromats, a limited medical clinic, and restaurants are available. Springdale can be reached from the campgrounds by car, foot, bicycle, or free shuttle (April through October).

I can't figure out if this is Zion Canyon Campground in Springdale, but would be worth looking into ..

For years I availed myself of the showers at Zion Canyon Campgrounds in Sprindale. You'd pay a couple dollars at the office. Last time I visited, the office folks said that only those staying in their campground could partake of the showers. Hopefully, that policy has been rescinded. You might want to call them for current info.

If you plan on a day trip up to Bryce, that park has shower facilities.

erial wrote: Last time I visited, the office folks said that only those staying in their campground could partake of the showers. Hopefully, that policy has been rescinded. You might want to call them for current info.

Yes, might want to take this man's advise. It's been several years since I took a shower ... in Springdale ... boy, do I STINK !!!

Where can I buy gas canisters near Zion for a gas canister stove?

If you're driving from Vegas, Outdoor Outlet in St. George has cannisters and whatever else you might need. If you're driving down from Salt Lake, there's an REI right off the interstate. The outfitters in Springdale surely has cannisters and will have up to date info on water conditions in the Narrows and can rent you a dry suit if yo decide to hike up to the Narrows.

Stu Brandel wrote:Partial West Rim (Grotto to top of Angels Landing, then continue on to the stunning West Rim overlooks). This is great even if you turn around and go back at the top of Angels Landing.

Anyone been to Zion lately? Is the trail melted out to the West Rim overlooks? I'll be there in about a week.

I called the backcountry office today. Apparently snow should be a non-issue for the West Rim trail, though there is quite a bit of mud in places.

Any idea on how high the Virgin River is running at the cross over for Moonlight Buttress? We'll be fjording it in 2 weeks! =8O