Zion Np/ Moab / Grand Canyon North Rim

[alesis]

We leave in a week for our trip, and I'm looking for suggestions of things to do. We're an active family who loves hiking and all things scenic and adventurous. Kids are 5,9 and 11.

First stop is Zion NP and we are camping 4 nights. Then to GC for 2 nights and to Moab for 5 nights.

Wondering what you suggest?

Also, is Angels Landing in Zion doable for a 5 year old? I've heard it's a tough hike but one of best hikes in the US. Obviously we'll need tons of water, but wondering your opinions.

[TooTall2]

Horseshoe Bend, Page, Az

[2gypsies1]

Awesome photos everyone. . . brings back good memories of our favorite places!

[GREGORYJ]

Great pictures Busskipper. We have done 3 one week trips to Zion and we know we
will return. Last time one hike was in showers of freezing sleet and very cool. Two days later temps were back into the 80's. That was April/May 2015.

[Busskipper]

GREGORYJ wrote:
As many have suggested, also hike the Narrows in Zion. This hike shouldn't be to hot, but then we did in April. As mentioned by Busskipper, Zion is also one of our favorite National Parks in the US for hiking.

Love these - feels like I'm there.

Zion During a snow storm;


North Rim can be pretty good too;


Lot's of reason to be in the Area;


Just had to add a few,

BOL,

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

...

[GREGORYJ]

As many have suggested, also hike the Narrows in Zion. This hike shouldn't be to hot, but then we did in April. As mentioned by Busskipper, Zion is also one of our favorite National Parks in the US for hiking.

[alesis]

Thanks for all the ideas guys! If you think of anything else, please post. We're leaving Thursday!

[crosscheck]

A couple of hikes not mentioned so far in Zion starting from the same place (Weeping Rock bus stop),is the Weeping Wall(short), Hidden Canyon(longer) and passing through Echo Canyon(water to cool off in), Observation Point(longest) which is opposite to Angels Landing. Leave early to beat the heat. Of course if you really want to make a day of it but the hike is very long, is Cable Mountain and Deer Trap Mountain.

Most people, in my observation, who hike up to the outhouse at Angels Landing, do not climb the rest of the way to the "Landing" because of exposure. You can continue however, leaving most of the people behind, and follow the west rim trail up as far as you want to go up a rock cliff similar to Walters Wiggle, the trail blasted out of the cliff from the same men who did the work in the park in the 30's.

Don't miss the Narrows even though there will be lots of others doing the same thing.

Another hike in the area 25 miles east of Kanab on #89 towards Page,is from Wire Pass, down to the Buckskin Gulch(longest slot in the world). Fairly flat hiking and spectacular canyon walls. Lots of shade. Do not hike if rains are expected.

Of course, as others have already mentioned, Moab has a huge amount of trails in the surrounding areas, but mind the heat.

Dave

[Opie431]

If you do the Narrows at Zion you should have hiking sticks or broom handles.
There are often sticks left laying at the start.
Old sturdy shoes to wear in the water, something that can get wet.

Go to the websites of all of the parks and monuments. They will have the length and if they are easy or hard.

[Busskipper]

Let me just say - I LOVE THE PICTURES - No matter how many times you go or see it, it leaves a Photo In My Mind.

IMHO to go into the Canyon Back to the end - after dark and just stare at the stars and the Milky Way - really Hard to Beat.

One of my Favorite National Parks!!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy it,

[2gypsies1]

In case you haven't looked at Zion's web site, here's a description of the hiking trails and you'll note it states that Angel's Landing is not for young children.

By the way, each national park has a great website giving lots of good information. Check them out.

https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/HikingGuide2014.pdf

[TooTall2]

Dixie National Forest is about an hour north of Zion. We camped there last for a week this month. Lakes and trails. I made a video of the campground at Duck Creek if anyone is interested.

https://youtu.be/WeRAElJeai4

I made it to Angel Landing. It's too dangerous for a 5 year old for the last 1/2 mile. As mentioned leave the 5 year old at the 2 mile mark, it's an easy but steady climbing paved trail to that point. There's a bathroom there also. I'm 68 yrs/old and completely wiped me out. I walk at sea level every other day so I was in shape but it's a tough 4 1/2 miles.

As far as trails, when you get to the visitor's center, there is a section outside the center that describes each trail as well as free literature you can get.

[GREGORYJ]

I recommend you try to go out on Angles Landing , but definitely not for the youngest in your group. Don't feel bad if you need to turn back and can't do it
as you will see many others do turn back. One part of this hike narrows to about 3 feet wide with a straight drops on both sides of 1500 feet plus and just a chain to hang on to. Don't take walking poles as you need to use your hands to hold onto chains and rocks in some places. If you can do it you will remember it and talk about it the rest of your life. Do it early in the day to beat the heat. We were there in April.

[Busskipper]

alesis wrote:

Busskipper wrote:

alesis wrote:
We leave in a week for our trip, and I'm looking for suggestions of things to do. We're an active family who loves hiking and all things scenic and adventurous. Kids are 5,9 and 11.

First stop is Zion NP and we are camping 4 nights. Then to GC for 2 nights and to Moab for 5 nights.

Wondering what you suggest?

Also, is Angels Landing in Zion doable for a 5 year old? I've heard it's a tough hike but one of best hikes in the US. Obviously we'll need tons of water, but wondering your opinions.

You will be driving through the San Juan's? to Get to Zion? If so spend a day or two at elevation and you might just wait till you can do this trip in the Fall.

IMHO it is just TOO HOT - if it gets into the lower/mid 90's maybe but now NO WAY - 5 year old on Angels Landing - Might get you for Child Abuse. Just not safe! The 9 year old needs to be well instructed and some one in front and Back at the top it is a Hike/climb, and he had better be an athlete. The 11 year old is on the edge of OK.

The only thing that they will enjoy will be the water, seriously look into the Mountains of Colorado for fun and Adventure that will be memorable.

I'm sorry to be so negative but the kids just want to have fun and 100 degree+ is not fun.

BOL,

This is the only time we have over 2 weeks each year. We've done New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas all during the same week, so we're used to it. We already did Colorado too. 🙂

Don't get me wrong it is One of the BEST hikes out there.Angles Landing Utube It is a Photo Op that is hard to Beat.

Go early in the AM and Share your Pictures when you get back!

BOL,

Edit;

I guess part of the reason I was concerned about the heat is we did it on December 21st with my boys we were all in shorts and T shirts - but they ran most of the way - and it was spectacular. It's only in the 90's now so you'll be OK 115 in Moab so Rafting and Moon Watching.

Enjoy the trip.