Thanksgiving week at Zion

[Desert_Captain]

Just returned from our 10 day trip to Zion for Thanksgiving week. While I am sure there are a few places in this great country of ours that are "as" spectacular as Zion, I remain convinced there is no place that is more beautiful, dramatic, spiritual and just plain fun.... as Zion Nation al Park. If you have not been, bump it to the top of your "Got to do list".

The weather was mild but cool, temps ranged from 50 to 65 during the day and down to the mid to low 30's at night. Clear blue skies with little or no wind made for some of the most spectacular star gazing we have enjoyed in quite a while. They are calling for temps in the teens with snow by next Tuesday.

I highly recommend the Watchman CG which is inside of the park. For $18 a night ($9 with the Geezer card), you get 30 amp electric, spotless restrooms (flush toilets), they have a two lane dump station just inside the CG entrance. We got to drive the canyon in our 24' Class C on Wednesday, on Thursday they started running the free trams and closed the driving access for Thursday thru Saturday. The park filled quickly and as is always the case reservations are a must to insure you can get in. We took hundreds of pics but here is just one....

[dennis1]

We were there End of May, through Memorial day. Very spectacular views. Took the tram rides many times up and down. One day it was in the high 80s so we took in a movie at springdale(sp?). Love the IMAX they have there. Great views and great Campground. Host was really great.

[dave54]

The main canyon is spectacular, however we enjoyed the center of the Park along the Kolob Terrace Road just as much. The main canyon was wall to wall people, while the rest of the Park was mostly empty. Hiked the trails without seeing another soul. Quiet, a lot more wildlife, and interesting scenery.

[lbrjet]

The drive on Rt 9 to and from the east entrance gate is quite spectacular as well.

When we were in that area this past October we also visited the Cedar Breaks National Monument. Very 'Bryce' looking. It is the very edge of the Colorado Plateau. At over 10K elevation you can see down to Cedar City at under 6K elevation.

[KarenS144]

I have to agree. We've been to several of the big NPs over the past 3 years and while they are each unique and beautiful in their own way, Zion is something special.

[milo]

Oh my goodness, DW & checked out both Zion & Bryce back in 82'& again in 96' and what fantastic places to visit. Simply Awesome!!

[Ron3rd]

Good report and thanks for sharing. Zion's definitely our favorite place to camp. Love Watchman CG. When the weather heats up a bit, you gotta try the River Walk.

[Captain_Happy]

While I was visiting my brother & family up in Pahrump, Nv last month they took me for a day trip up to Zion. All I can say is "WOW". Now I've been to the Grand Canyon yeras ago, but as right now Zion is on my revisit list. I took alot of pictures, but they really do nothing like being there in person. I'm already planning a return visit to southern Utah next year.

[Alfred622]

We still talk about our trip out West. We did the "Giant Staircase" consisting of Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon. Each was a little deeper and a little older than the preceding one! Amazing memories!

[Golden_HVAC]

I was there from November 2-7 in 2006, and had a great time too. It was in the low 30's that year at night, and the restrooms had been shut down in case the water froze in the pipes, so I had to shower in the RV. The campground water was on at the dump station.

Driving around was nice, you can drive into the canyon that time of year, but must use the shuttle bus in other months.

Be sure to check weather.com and check the monthly average temps that time of year that you plan on visiting. It is very pretty any time of year. Much cooler than Las Vegas in April, and the drive up interstate 15 from Nevada into Utah was a lot of fun to look at.

Fred.

[dakonthemountai]

Beautiful!!! I'm so sick about the fact that in June I had to cancel a 2 week trip there due to a family emergency! It's number 1 on the list for next year though!! Thanks for sharing your trip! 🙂

Dak