Opinion: Zion National Park Ranger's
Where I am right now: Zion National Park, Utah
Why you should be here too: This time of year, Zion is a bit less crowded. The kids are in school, and some of the RVers don't like to take a chance that snow in the northern part of the state might keep them from getting back home. In addition, the shuttle system - a great idea, by the way, that keeps down the traffic along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the concomitant pollution, noise and chaos - is suspended Oct. 30-Mar. 31, which means you can drive to the Temple of Sinawava, gaping awestruck at the spectacular sandstone, with its red, pink, cream and beige cliffs and canyons.
Eat at these places: In nearby Springdale, The Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon (1212 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, 435-772-3498, bitandspur.com) has been my favorite place to eat in the area since I first started visiting Zion eight years ago. An old cowboy watering hole since the '50s, which is where the place got its name, the Bit & Spur now is one of the best Mexican eateries ever, with a menu that runs the gamut from traditional to creative. I've ordered the appetizer stuffed jalape
Re: Opinion: Zion National Park Ranger's
Quote:
Originally Posted by tanya
"Do I want to spend $25 per vehicle for seven days or just go ahead and spring for the $50 annual national parks pass, thereby adding a drop in the bucket to the tragically underfunded parks system and saving on the $400 million in gas it's costing us over the long haul to sit there daily and wait in line?" This should be a no-brainer. The argument that it would be a hardship for folks to pay the other $25 is hard to swallow when you watch people pull up in SUV after SUV, or rental cars from Vegas that cost $45 a day. Please.
Is this making an argument against the National Parks Pass?
Re: Opinion: Zion National Park Ranger's
Quote:
Originally Posted by DiscGolfDivers
Quote:
Originally Posted by tanya
"Do I want to spend $25 per vehicle for seven days or just go ahead and spring for the $50 annual national parks pass, thereby adding a drop in the bucket to the tragically underfunded parks system and saving on the $400 million in gas it's costing us over the long haul to sit there daily and wait in line?" This should be a no-brainer. The argument that it would be a hardship for folks to pay the other $25 is hard to swallow when you watch people pull up in SUV after SUV, or rental cars from Vegas that cost $45 a day. Please.
Is this making an argument against the National Parks Pass?
Just the opposite - instead of people hemming and hawing over spending $25 or $50, just sell them the annual pass and be done with it. Save time in the line (I hate having to wait behind all those people who can't decide, too), and this person figures that people can afford it - i.e. look at how much they're willing to pay for gas and cars and stuff, so don't tell me they're not going to be willing to pay $50 to get in.
Re: Opinion: Zion National Park Ranger's
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cirrus2000
Quote:
Originally Posted by DiscGolfDivers
Quote:
Originally Posted by tanya
"Do I want to spend $25 per vehicle for seven days or just go ahead and spring for the $50 annual national parks pass, thereby adding a drop in the bucket to the tragically underfunded parks system and saving on the $400 million in gas it's costing us over the long haul to sit there daily and wait in line?" This should be a no-brainer. The argument that it would be a hardship for folks to pay the other $25 is hard to swallow when you watch people pull up in SUV after SUV, or rental cars from Vegas that cost $45 a day. Please.
Is this making an argument against the National Parks Pass?
Just the opposite - instead of people hemming and hawing over spending $25 or $50, just sell them the annual pass and be done with it. Save time in the line (I hate having to wait behind all those people who can't decide, too), and this person figures that people can afford it - i.e. look at how much they're willing to pay for gas and cars and stuff, so don't tell me they're not going to be willing to pay $50 to get in.
The author of the News article is a bit behind the times..... the pass is now $80, but its good for all Federal Lands. The lines ---- It's part the rangers fault and part the visitors fault... if they just pay their fee instead of asking directions and asking for camping and lodging info at the gate there would not be much of a line. I think there should be one booth open for those that have to pay and the other open for those that already have some sort of pass to go through and just have to flash it. No questions asked. Those types of questions should be asked at the VC and if the gate ranger directed people there instead of answering it would solve the problem. I never notice the lines since I go in and out before or after the traffic for hiking and stuff, but I do know it's a problem.
Re: Opinion: Zion National Park Ranger's
Quote:
Originally Posted by tanya
In the park, the Zion Lodge's Red Rock Grill (Zion Lodge, 435-772-7760, zionlodge.com) is delightful, with an upscale New American menu of dishes such as pan-seared tilapia in a chipotle soy sauce and Navajo eggplant breaded and fried in a tomatillo cream sauce. They also make a mean prime rib. And, of course, the views out the window of the park are magnificent, especially at sunset.
Did you just feel the earth wobble on it's axis? That was Edward Abbey spinning in his grave.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tanya
The author of the News article is a bit behind the times..... the pass is now $80, but its good for all Federal Lands.
I just bought my first "America The Beautiful National Parks Pass" (they couldn't have given it a longer name?) on Sunday. I was surprised it was so expensive, but I figure I have plenty of trips planned this year and I'll get my use out of it. I find it lame that you still have to pay for backcountry permits.
Re: Opinion: Zion National Park Ranger's
Quote:
Originally Posted by kris247
Quote:
Originally Posted by tanya
In the park, the Zion Lodge's Red Rock Grill (Zion Lodge, 435-772-7760, zionlodge.com) is delightful, with an upscale New American menu of dishes such as pan-seared tilapia in a chipotle soy sauce and Navajo eggplant breaded and fried in a tomatillo cream sauce. They also make a mean prime rib. And, of course, the views out the window of the park are magnificent, especially at sunset.
Did you just feel the earth wobble on it's access? That was Edward Abbey spinning in his grave.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tanya
The author of the News article is a bit behind the times..... the pass is now $80, but its good for all Federal Lands.
I just bought my first "America The Beautiful National Parks Pass" (they couldn't have given it a longer name?) on Sunday. I was surprised it was so expensive, but I figure I have plenty of trips planned this year and I'll get my use out of it. I find it lame that you still have to pay for backcountry permits.
The name is annoying :five: Oh no.... here comes the permit thing. Shhhhhh... or Ice will get started. :mrgreen:
