April 20
There were plenty of people visiting Zion today, even with this being April. Snow melt from the upper plateau sections of the park is sending plenty of water to the Virgin River. The famous Narrows Hike was closed since the water flow was 750 cfm. Yesterday it was 957 cfm. It will be some time before it gets below 100 cfm, about the condition when folks can safely get into the water and hike upstream. But Weeping Rock was in full glory, a torrential waterfall, compared to its summer activity level. The sun had no clouds to hide behind. There were plenty of deer along the valley road. California Condors were sailing on lofty winds (made it within 20 yards of a pair on top of Angels Landing). The VC parking lot was full, but spots could be found. So, April does have some advantages over July and August. But if you come in those summer months, be prepared for masses of other visitors. The free shuttle system does a great job in mitigating the hordes of tourists. It has nine stops from the VC to the end of the line at the Temple of Sinawaya. This is where the Narrows Hike begins, if you are hiking upstream. The more adventurous are welcome to hike downstream. But that is usually a 2-day trek and requires a permit. See the park’s website if you are interested.
Many years ago folks would just drive their cars on the valley road. But as visitation exponentially increased, shuttle buses were employed. In December, January, and February the Park Service may halt the shuttle system, letting people drive on the road. The shuttles are just a few minutes apart, so you do not wait long if you happen to see one pulling away while you are running for it. The historic Zion Lodge is in the middle of the valley, such that if you run out of food or beverage, you can stop at its cafe, or full-service restaurant.
It was great to see many Condors in the sky. Angels Landing appears to be a favorite stopping point. Being in the middle of the valley, and at over 1,400 feet above the ground, one can do the math. As we were watching them fly around Angels Landing, we could make out the red id tag on the wing of each bird. The NPS keeps detailed tabs on the group, as they continue to reintroduce the species to the western USA.
I had the pleasure of meeting many people on the hike up to, and down from, Angels Landing, and none were more enthusiastic or inquisitive than a group that called themselves Hurricanes. One of the girls asked me a question which I have never considered; what is the most overrated park? I am still thinking about an answer.
Please note that the Angels Landing hike is not for everyone. Nearly 20 people have fallen to their deaths since 2010. Zion is considered one of the most dangerous parks in the National Park System due to its terrain, environment, etc. Recently a woman drowned in the Virgin River while hiking the Narrows section. We must all respect Nature.
A new feature, at least for me, was seeing dozens upon dozens of e-bikes on the valley road. They were all over the place. I will have to try one sometime.
The town of Springdale is just outside the entrance to the southern section of Zion, on state route 9. For most of the three miles which is considered in the town, parking is usually available on both sides of the roadway. BUT, it is all pay-to-park. This gives the town a good revenue stream, especially in the summer when the VC parking lot cannot handle the gobs of vehicles. The town does have a shuttle bus which goes from the western end to the VC, but be ready to pay for the parking.