agesilaus wrote:
Someone mentioned that Zion is crowded. Yes, it is, for good reason -- it's great. And it is easy to get away from the crowds -- hit the hiking trails! You won't be alone, but the crowds thin out as you climb up from the canyon floor.
LOL if that was only true, watch some videos of Angles Landing. It's packed with people. Some less popular trails that may work on. But they have very limited parking is a big issue, you can't drive in the canyon so you have to park at the visitors center and grab a shuttle. We could not find a parking place and that was several years before the mob arrived. I've heard of people getting to the gates at 7 AM and still finding a long line.
I saw a recent video showing the mobs but could not find it on youtube. Hidden Canyon is a good less popular hike that gives you a taste of exposure without the insane riskes of Angles Landing with a mob going up.
Kolob Point is a possibility but it is very underwhelming comapred with the Valley. My advice save the Valley trip for off season
I have to agree with Jim. The last time I hiked Angles Landing the chain sections near the top were so crowded that you waited 10 minutes or so just to get your chance to advance 20' or so. There are still many great hiking opportunities in the park, but don't try the popular ones on a nice weekend!
And, don't think that hitting the park a couple of days before the shuttles start is a good idea. Absolutely no parking at any cutoff, and bumper to bumper stop & go driving. Now I know why the shuttles exist.
