Hiking and Camping in Zion

[rover]

Hey all. I'm kind of a Bogley newbie, I knew it back in the uutah days but I took a two year hiatus for a mission. Anyhow, I'm back and I'm heading south for the long weekend. My girlfriend is from Oregon and has never seen Southern Utah, I want to show her some of its goodness. We were thinking Zion, so I guess I'm asking for opinions about what trails I could take her on that would be relatively free of snow and ice and would showcase some of Zion's beauty. We're also looking for somewhere to camp(car camping, she doesn't have backpacking gear). Is winter camping available in the park? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[rover]

Have I done something to offend the great Bogley Gods? Come on guys, I know you're the experts on the subject, help out a poor noob.

[theking648]

there is quite a few people out of town and it's been a slow day.. i can't recommend any hiking but some good free camping is mosquito cove ( 37

[CarpeyBiggs]

friday night lull, holiday weekend...

mosquito cove is supposedly closed, or will be soon.

hikes will be tough this time of year, zion has been hit really hard with snow. what kind of cold weather gear can you take? tolerance for water? the narrows is always amazing, if you can find a way to stay dry.

i'm not sure what the weather is like, but i bet there is a lot of snow on the ground. angel's landing may be possible. might need crampons. tough to say.

maybe tom can pipe in, he lives in mt. carmel.

[CarpeyBiggs]

p.s. camping is available in the park. gotta pay though. not a bad spot though.

[tanya]

Hi Rover! Welcome to the Group!

Zion is gorgeous in the Winter and there is still a lot to do!

You can camp in the Zion Campgrounds located on the South side of the park.

Here is a list of the best stuff to do in the winter...

Tell us what sort of level you 2 have in mind? If you have never been to Zion before you should hit the classics - Emerald Pools is absolutely GORGOUS in the winter when the water is pouring so hard! So is Weeping Rock and even the Riverside Walk Trail.

http://www.zionnational-park.com/snow.htm

[tanya]

More specific stuff......

http://www.zionnational-park.com/hiking-zion-national-park.htm

Check out these trails in order of easiest to hardest ---

Classics
Weeping Rock
Riverside Walk
Canyon Overlook
Emerald Pools
Watchman
Zion Narrows - a true adventure this time of year. You can rent drysuits and boots in Springdale if you want to undertake it.

Off the Beaten Path - Again easiest to hardest

Two Pines Arch
Many Pools
Hidden Arch
Clear Creek
Gifford Canyon
Checkerboard Arch
Jug Handle Arch

[rover]

Thanks guys. We're heading out soon, so these suggestions will provide plenty to do. You guys saved the day.

[tanya]

:2thumbs:

[Scott P]

If it's not too late, the warmest and driest trails are usually the Petrified Forest and Sand Bench Trails. Both trails are open, sunny and at a lwo elevation and very seldom see snow. I'll mention these ones just in case some of the other choices have some snow.