Zion Top Ten

1. Observation Point.

Angels Landing happened to be closed during our visit due to a storm that wiped out a portion of the trail, but Observation Point did not disappoint. A strenuous four hour hike with spectacular views of the canyon once you’re at the top. Make sure to bring lots of water, snacks and start your trip early (to avoid crowds and the heat!).

2. Under Canvas.

Hands down one of the best places to stay if you’re looking to spend the majority of your time outdoors and experience the park. Spacious canvas tents are scattered throughout the red rock canyon with all the amenities already set up for you! Water misters in the tent which were a godsend, comfy beds, showers and flushing toilets, a restaurant with delicious food, coffee and ice 24/7. Honestly, we all said there’s no way we would’ve stayed anywhere else!

3. The Narrows.

Tip #1: START EARLY. The Narrows was such a fun hike through the river and we were so glad we started it before 8am as when we hiked back it was packed with people. It goes on for miles, but we hiked into the Narrows for about 3 hours and then made our way back. Be sure to have appropriate footwear and waterproof your electronics (Taylor’s phone took a dip into the river!). We all brought our own variety of shoes (keens w/neoprene socks, some wore neoprene scuba boots, or water shoes) it worked for us but we did see a lot of people with the rented shoes. A walking stick is helpful, but not necessary.

4. Relaxing in the Virgin River with a Post-hike Beer.

Head over to the Happy Camper market just outside of the park and grab a six pack, then wander over along the Virgin River and find a spot to post up. We spent a good amount of time soaking in the sun and giving our feet some much needed rest!

5. Scrambling Hidden Canyon.

We were told Hidden Canyon was the next best hike to do some rock climbing since Angel’s Landing was closed and it did not disappoint! The path is somewhat hard to follow after the maintained trail ends, but you can find your way following old footprints in the dirt. The advertised arch was not too impressive, but we were sure to get a photo anyways!

6. Sunrise Coffee.

Much to our surprise, our favorite part of the day was waking early (5-5:30 am) to enjoy coffee and the sun rising over the canyon at Under Canvas. It was an unbeatable view and the most peaceful way to start our days!

7. Breakfast @ Deep Creek Coffee.

The only coffee shop in Springdale open at 6am (which happened to be our breakfast time to beat the crowds to the hikes) and they had delicious food and coffee! Would highly recommend the breakfast sandwiches or burritos.

8. Canyon Overlook.

An easy hike, with a scenic drive to the start of the trail. There is minimal parking when you get there, but be patient and someone will pull out shortly. The hike in total took us less than an hour, but we enjoyed hiking on the rocks, high up in the canyon, to a very scenic view of the lower canyon. Do not miss this one!

9. Under Canvas Activities.

We already said how amazing the facilities and grounds of Under Canvas are, but we also loved all of the thing to do there! One evening they had live acoustic music, they had a fire and s’mores every night, games to play and even free yoga classes. We loved every minute of our stay there!

10. Gear: Water, Snacks, Sunscreen, Hiking Shoes

We can not emphasize this enough after being in the desert in July. We each carried 2-4L of water with us at all times and had a bag full of protein bars, trail mixes, etc. All very necessary during those warm, long hikes! Be sure to keep in mind it is HOT and the snacks melt. We had a lot of melted chocolate and peanut butter. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, hat and a good pair of shoes as well!

Happy Hiking!

Taylor & Steph