This weekend is a Fee Free weekend at Zion National Park. Park officials indicate that entrance fees to Zion National Park will be waived on Saturday and Sunday, August14 and 15, 2010. Additional fee free weekends are coming up (see below).
A couple takes in view from Angels Landing at Zion National Park
This is not just for Zion National park but for all National Parks in the United States. According to park officials, the purpose of the fee free weekend is to encourage all Americans to visit their National Parks.
It is important to note that the fee waiver applies to entrance fees only and does not include special use fees such as backcountry permits and camping. The free shuttle system will be operating to transport visitors to the points of interest and trailheads in Zion Canyon. All Zion National Park facilities will be open.
Other fee free days are scheduled for:
- September 25, 2010 (Saturday)
- November 11, 2010 (Thursday)
A few years ago it was common knowledge that some of the best mountain biking in the United States was found in the Moab, Utah region. However, in recent years there is a growing trend toward choosing the St. George and Zion National Park area for offering some of America’s best year-round mountain biking experiences. Utah is well known for its mountain biking opportunities, but most of Utah has elevations above the 4,000 foot level and this means generally snowy conditions throughout the winter months and even early spring. The St. George area, on the other hand has many mountain biking trails that are between 2,800 feet and 4,000 feet in elevation. This means that mountain biking can be enjoyed year-round in the St. George area. Even the mountain biking trails around Zion National Park are around the 4,000 foot level and still great for most winter days.
Cyclist ride near St. George, Utah
Check out our AtoZion.com web-site for details on trails, biking guides and outfitters, and more.
Trails: One of the other factors that has contributed to the growth and awareness of mountain biking in the St. George and Zion National Park area is the number of trails that have been identified, signed and developed. Mountain bike enthusiasts around the United States are now talking to each other about their favorites mountain bike destinations and St. George is often the top of the list in these conversations.
Riding the slick rock near Zion National Park and St. George, Utah
Weather Conditions: St. George is known for having at least 325 days of sunshine on an annual basis. With nearby mountains rising over 10,000 feet in elevation, the sparse clouds often pass over St. George at this higher elevation and the sun simply has a heyday in the St George area. While summer temperatures are warm, morning rides are still great, and there are also higher elevation trails where temperatures are more cool. In St. George, Fall, winter, and springtime mountain biking and cycling is absolutely spectacular.
Scenic mountain biking overlook between St. George and Zion National Park
Scenery: Yes there are a lot of places in the world to ride a mountain bike, but not many with the diversity of scenery that you find in the St. George and Zion National Park region. This area offers four Utah State Parks, a national park (Zion) and the added diversity of high mountain forests and lower desert terrain. There’s a multitude of rock formations for slick rock trails and plenty of desert biking trails that follow unique concourses around the geologic strata of this region.
Mountain bikes ready for rental
Services: Another factor that has increased the popularity of mountain biking in the St. George, Utah and Zion National Park area is the number of bike shops and biking guide services that are found in the region. Below is a list of just some of the companies that provide mountain bike and road cycling support and services.
A person rappels into a slot canyon in anticipation of the next set of pools
There are many ways to beat the summer heat but there may not be a more exotic or exciting way to do it, than to hike in a slot canyon at Zion National Park. Zion is the king of slot canyons hikes. With names like The Narrows, The Subway, Keyhole, Pine Creek, Orderville and others, you can expect dramatic scenery at every bend in the canyon.
Looking out of a narrow slot to a more open area in the canyon
Slot canyons have been primarily carved by water flowing through the soft sandstone formations of Zion. At times the gathering rain water or snow melt congregates so quickly that these narrows slits fill too quickly with water and a flash flood is the result. For this reason it is best to be aware of weather conditions.
A hiker slashes into a pool after sliding down the moss covered rocks
In summer months the hot sun does not easily penetrate the dark recesses of these slot canyons, and the flowing water stays cool as it cascades over rock ledges and across sloping formations. Water may enter some of these slot canyons via a natural spring, from a side canyon or from water seeping through the sandstone. Whatever the source, the water feeds rich hanging gardens and often creates lush pockets of foliage.
Water drips from one water pool to another in stair-stepping fashion
In early summer tadpoles are plentiful in the pools of water within these canyons. By late summer they have fully matured and the sound of frogs echo up and down the convoluted concourse. Waterfalls make playgrounds for hikers who can handle the distance and negotiate the obstacles. Some slot canyons require rappelling while others can be traversed with a little skill in down-climbing.
A person catches tadpoles in the pools of this slot canyon in Zion.
There are many canyons inside Zion National Park where you can guide yourself on an adventure. Some require permits so check with the park web-site for details. Outside of Zion National Park there are many other slot canyon opportunities where you can be led by an experienced guide.
This person uses a rope to control his descent over a short waterfall
All of these types of canyons are most comfortable in summer months but local outfitters also provide gear such as wet-suits or dry-suits for staying warm in cooler times of year. As always, use caution and prepare properly for any outdoor experience.
Kolob Terrace Road begins in the small town of Virgin, Utah about 15 miles west of Zion National Park’s south entrance. This road offers access to several trailheads and overlooks, including the Left Fork of North Creek, The Subway slot canyon, West Rim Trail, Lava Point Overlook, and Kolob Reservoir. From the town of Virgin the road ascends to a plateau and runs for about 25 miles through diverse and dramatic backcountry scenery, disecting Zion National Park between Zion Canyon and its lesser-explored sister, Kolob Canyon. The name “Kolob” comes from Mormon (LDS) scripture, indicating a star near Heaven. Climbing Kolob Terrace Road to nearly 8,000 feet above sea level it’s easy to see this area comes close to Heaven, in both elevation and beauty.
A horse grazes in tall grass fields on the Kolob Terrace near Zion National Park
How to get there: Kolob Terrace Road offers instant access to wilderness and solitude; you won’t find Zion’s crowds here. Look closely for a small sign indicating Kolob at the intersection of Highway 9 in Virgin. The paved road starts out lined with fertile pastures, then climbs steeply into the red cliffs, winding in and out of the park through mountainous alpine forest, rugged canyonland, and the open expanse of the Lower Kolob Plateau. Inside the park you’ll pass the Firepit Knoll cinder cone, cross over Pine Spring Wash, and pass the West Rim trailhead, before reaching one of the park’s literal and figurative high points: Lava Point Overlook. Sitting at 7,890 feet, Lava Point Overlook is the one of the higher peaks in Zion National Park and offers a stunning panoramic view. Lava Point Road also offers access to the remote Blue Springs Reservoir and the Wildcat Trailhead, where the hike through The Subway begins (permit required).
About five miles from Lava Point Road, pristine Kolob Reservoir lies at 8,8118 feet just outside the park boundary. A few ranches and log cabins dot the landscape on the way to the well-stocked reservoir but if you’re seeking solitude, good trout fishing, and primitive camping, this is the place. The final stretch of road around the reservoir and beyond is unpaved. Most people choose to turn around and go back the way they came.
In winter the upper section of this road can be closed with snow but the lower section is still worth the drive. Check road conditions with the ranger station prior to heading out during winter months.
We’ve told you that the St. George and Zion National Park area is the world’s most active destination, and here’s more proof. St. George is now home to the Ford Ironman Triathlon, but there are many other excellent events for those of you that have a desire to test your endurance and physical ability.
Extreme Sports in the St. George Area
Cyclist Compete in Ironman Triathlon - St. George Area
Ironman St. George – May 7, 2011 (1st Saturday of May each year)
Premier endurance event in the world. 2.4 mile Swim, 112 mile Bike, 26.2 mile marathon
Information http://ironmanstgeorge.com
Part of the global Ironman Series, Ironman St. George is one of only seven full distance races in the country. Nearly 2,500 athletes from 30+ countries compete in the event. Inaugural event was held May 1, 2010. The winners were Michael Weiss from Austria, and Heather Wurtele from Canada.
Red Bull Rampage – Oct. 1-3, 2010
Freeride mountain biking contest http://www.redbullrampage.com/
Riders start on a sandstone ridge in the brutal landscape near Virgin, Utah and are free to chose whatever line they dare between an established start gate and the finish line 1,500 vertical feet below. 2010 event will mix the challenges of the natural terrain with hand-built features as well.
25 & 6 in Frog Hollow – Oct. 9, Nov. 6,7, 2010 (Annual Event)
Mountain bike endurance racing http://www.gropromotions.com
25 hour and 6 hour Solo and Team Endurance Mountain Biking Events through the rugged desert landscape
HooDoo 500 – Aug. 28-30, 2010 (Annual Event)
UltraMarathon Bicycle Race http://www.planetultra.com/Hoodoo500/index.htm
The most epic and challenging ultracycling race, the Hoodoo 500 route passes through or around three National Parks, three National Monuments and several Utah State Parks. The scenery varies from majestic cliffs and striking red rock hoodoos to aspen and pine forests and high mountain meadows. All the best of Utah’s Color Country! Solo and Team events.
Red Rock 200 – May 22, 2010 (Annual Event)
UltraMarathon Bicycle Race http://www.planetultra.com/RedRock/index.htm
In the classic style of ultra racing, the Red Rock 200 lets racers test their physical strength and endurance in one challenging, inspiring day on the beautiful roads of Southern Utah. Solo and Team events.
Red Rock Relay – Sept. 10,11, 2010 (Annual Event)
The world’s most scenic running adventure http://redrockrelay.com/the-redrock-experience.html
180 mile running relay through the most scenic landscapes of southern Utah. Teams of 12 and 6 embark on a journey through Utah’s legendary back country landscapes. Athletes will descend over 8,000 feet and experience running life on the road. Party vehicles filled with running gear, sleeping bags, sport drinks, stacks of energy bars, and cheering teammates will be the 24-hour Red Rock Relay.
Big Wall Climbing - Zion National Park (Year Round)
The most Big Walls in the United States
Arguably the country’s most beautiful big wall and multi-pitch free climbing destination. http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/climbing.htm
Almost the entire Zion Canyon is bordered by big walls. The Canyon has hundreds of Grade IV climbs in the 800-1500 foot tall range, several taller than 2000 feet. There are hundreds of tall rock climbs and nearly endless cragging possibilities. Zion is also known for it’s incredible slot canyons and extreme canyoneering adventures.
There’s nothing quite like outdoor adventure experiences in the St. George and Zion National Park area. Bringing the right equipment can make a day of mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping or any type of outdoor adventure, an extremely enjoyable experience. Without it, your experience around St. George or Zion may be less than you expect. Below we have created a list of a few “must have” items for being prepared to enjoy the great outdoors. Remember that even if you’re in familiar territory, challenges can still arise.
Hiking, Climbing, Biking, Rappelling, in St. George and Zion National Park
Always carry rain or cool weather gear, even in the summer, when flash rains or hail storms can change temperatures quickly. Here’s a list of a few key items to have close at hand:
Compass
First Aid Kit
Flashlight/Batteries
Insect Repellant
Map
Pocket Knife
Repair equipment (per activity)
Snacks/Food
Sunscreen / Hat
Sturdy Shoes
Toilet Paper
Water
Waterproof matches
Whistle
In addition to these items you may need repair resources for the vehicle or equipment you are using. Here’s a list of local shops that supply much of what you may need.
Springdale, Utah:
* Biking Zion (1458 Zion Park Boulevard) Bicycle rentals, equipment and repairs
* Zion Adventure Company (36 Lion Boulevard) - Equipment rentals, guides, climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
* Zion Cycles (868 Zion Park Boulevard) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Zion Rock and Mountain Guides (1458 Zion Park Boulevard) - Equipment rentals, guides, climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
Hurricane, Utah:
* Over the Edge Sports (76 E 100 S) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
St George, Utah:
* Bicycles Unlimited (90 S 100 E) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Big 5 Sporting Goods(245 Red Cliffs Drive) - Hunting, fishing, camping, outerwear, footwear.
* Desert Cyclery (1091 N Bluff Street) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Desert Rat (160 N 500 East) - Climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
* Dixie Gun and Fish (1062 E Tabernacle)- Hunting and fishing supplies
* Hurst Ace Hardware (160 N Bluff Street)- Hunting, fishing and camping supplies
* Red Rock Bicycles (100S Bluff Street) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Sportsman’s Warehouse (2957 E 850 N) - Hunting, fishing, camping, outerwear, footwear.
* Sunset Cycles (491 N Bluff) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
It’s time to venture off the beaten path for a 4×4 off-road adventure? In the St. George and Zion National Park area, the off-road options are numerous and diverse. Below are some of the variables to consider as you plan your next ATV, Jeep or 4-wheel-drive experience.
A guided jeep tour near Zion National Park
Guided or Un-guided: First thing to consider is whether you’d like a guided tour where someone else provides the vehicle, or if you’d like to find your own way on a self guided trip. For a list of guide jeep tour and ATV tour companies - click here.
If you’re planning your own excursion you may want to consult a couple of maps as you consider some of the options mentioned below. We recommend that you visit local federal or state agencies to obtain specific details on trails, trail conditions, safety and environmental guidelines. The BLM office in St. George is located at 345 E. Riverside Dr.
St. George Utah area ATV riding
Desert or high mountain: The St. George and Zion National Park area ranges in elevation from 2,000 to over 10,000 feet, so there are options for desert or forested off-road experiences. Click on these links for a St. George map or a Zion National Park map.
Jeep/4×4 or ATV/UTV: For those venturing out on back roads or scenic byways, then you’ll want to make some standard preparations. Remember your camera, plenty of water, food or snacks, a good map, and bring a spare tire and basic repair equipment for your vehicle.
Below is a list of a few trails or back-roads for smaller or larger vehicles. With a little research you can plan your excursion to one of these areas. vv
Back-roads (larger vehicles)
Joshua Tree Road (old highway through Santa Clara past Shivwits Reservation
Smithsonian Butte - Accessible from Rockville (North) and from Apple Valley (South)
Gooseberry Mesa - Turns off of Smithsonian Butte road (mid-point)
Motoqua Road - North of Gunlock
Grass Valley - Turn right at Central toward Pine Valley and look for signs
Red Mountain - West side of highway 18 in Diamond Valley area
ATV Trail Areas (smaller vehicles)
Hurricane Sand Dunes - Sand Hollow State Park
Pine Valley - Left at the stop sign in Pine Valley and five miles to the recreation area.
Red Mountain - West side of highway 18 in Diamond Valley area
Warner Valley - Southeast of St. George
Arizona Strip - Across Utah border - southeast of St. George
About this trail: The City Creek trail starts on Turtle Road in an area above the red sandstone cliffs of St. George, Utah. City Creek Trail combines with the lower Rusty Cliffs Trail to create a 10-mile round-trip ride or walk, and you’ll experience a 300-foot elevation gain. Once a pioneer path, the Rusty Cliffs Trail is filled with native desert vegetation that grows amongst the rocks and sand. Located near a St. George City Golf Course, called Red Hills Golf Course, the Rusty Cliffs trail loops to the north around a small canyon. This hiking and mountain biking trail is relatively easy to follow and can be enjoyed year-round.
Trail Degree of difficulty: For the most part this combined trail has a technical level of intermediate and runs along some rocky ledges. Those looking for some advanced singletrack will find it on an optional side loop that runs to the northwest, on the Rusty Cliffs trail section. You may follow this loop over a low ridge before swinging back to meet up with the City Creek trail again.
Mountain Biking in St. George, Utah
How to get to the trail head: From the city of St. George you will head north on Main Street and then turn right onto Hope Street. From here take the fork on your immediate left and travel up to Skyline Drive. At the top of the cliffs you will turn left on Skyline Drive (aka Turtle Road) and within 1/2 mile you will turn right into the parking area just past the hilltop. The trailhead is across the road (west), about 150 yards south of the parking lot. Alternately, the City Creek trailhead can be reached by traveling north via Bluff Street to the Snow Canyon Parkway intersection. Turn right to follow Skyline Drive to the east and drive approximately two miles to the parking lot.
Zen Trail - Mountain Biking: The ride has much to offer and is comparable to the challenges of Gooseberry Mesa, but the Zen trail offers more of a sloping terrain. This trail is considered by many to be the most technical mountain bike ride in the St. George area. It has numerous rock obstacles or challenges and should be approached with anticipation and a little caution for the first time. This is a mountain biking trail that is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders. Bring along your a good attitude and your sense of adventure.
Mountain Biking on the Zen Trail
How to get there: The Zen trail starts at 2,700 feet (823 m), just left of the road to the northern Bearclaw Poppy trailhead, in the bottom of the valley. If you’re riding counterclockwise, you can climb either of the first two doubletracks which offer some technical riding before the two routes come together.
The highest part of the Zen trail reaches an altitude of 3,450 (1,051 m). There’ll be about 1,100 feet of climbing if you do the loop ride that returns by the lower singletrack. The loop is 6 miles in total distance.
The Zen Trail offers many different experiences. There’s the straightforward but fairly stiff one-mile climb to get to the “business area” of the ride. There are the technical challenges as you enter areas of pillow-shaped sandstone and hoodoos. The rock monoliths are so visually interesting. There are also expansive vistas. One minute you cruise along snaking desert singletrack and the next you’re route-picking over slabs of rock.
At mile 1.8, you’ll spot trails running in many directions. Stay to the left and slide straight across the small valley, and then climb the big rock to a shelf on the other side. There are interesting nooks and hideaways in the rock formations here, and that’s the reason for so many trails.
Whatever your purpose in tackling the Zen trail, you’ll find it to be one of the most interesting and challenging rides you’ve come across.
Snow Canyon State Park is a remarkable scenic and biologically diverse destination, and is located just 10 minutes north of St. George, Utah. Recently Equitrekking host Darley Newman joined local Snow Canyon horseback riding outfitter, Patty Arnett, on a ride in Utah’s Snow Canyon State Park. This magnificent state park would probably be a national park, if it weren’t in Utah, where we already have five national parks.
Many scenes from Hollywood movies were filmed among these beautiful landscapes of Snow Canyon State Park. Some of the films that were partially filmed here include The Electric Horseman, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Jeremiah Johnson.
