Zion National Park
UNADULTERATED, INTIMIDATING, MAGNIFICENT
“You know what this looks like?!” I shouted in excitement from the backseat of our SUV, “Splash Mountain!”. We were driving from the northern end of Zion National Park to the visitor center on the south end, and from there, to any of the dozen trailheads the park had to offer. I was elated at the realization that I had finally placed this familiar looking territory in my mind. But while the classic Disney World ride, Splash Mountain, is constructed of plexiglas and plastic, the mountains flying by outside of my window were very, very real.
Having grown up in Upstate NY, I was used to hills, forests, and the state park system, but this was the first time I had ventured west into a national park. I spent three days completely in awe, surrounded by landscapes I had only seen in movies, Ansel Adams photography, and of course, at Splash Mountain.
UNADULTERATED:
Despite the fact that I was driving down a newly constructed road towards a beautiful visitor center, I got the overwhelming impression that Zion is still largely undisturbed. The entire landscape looked completely pristine, as if even the rudest among the visitors didn’t dare litter. It only takes a five minute walk up any given trail before the air grows quiet, and the spectacular landscape settles around you. From the instant my eyes connected with an orangey/red cliff face, I developed a profound respect for the United States national park system. Places like Zion don’t just deserve to be preserved, they demand it. Interrupting such immaculate beauty would be spiritually criminal.
INTIMIDATING:
Zion canyon was settled by Mormons in the 1850s – they were the ones that chose the name “Zion” for the associate with Jerusalem. Honestly, the affiliation makes sense. I am not a religious person in the slightest, but even I could sense the presence of something divine. I was reminded of the first time I saw a proper gothic cathedral – I had heard the term “god-fearing” before, primarily in history books, but I never understood why someone would be afraid of God. But the first time I stood beside monstrous stone columns underneath dark, ominous buttresses, I was imbued with the fear of omnipotent power. Zion Canyon instills similar emotions. The rocks are tall, rugged and unmoving. The cliff faces are steep and threatening – this place is epic in it’s danger, beauty, and stillness. Whether you are standing in the basin of the canyon or atop the Angel’s Landing, you can’t help but feel small.
MAGNIFICENT:
It is difficult to describe the emotions that a place such as Zion inspires. The drama of the mountains, intimacy of the Narrows, clear open sky and crisp clean air combine to make a tapestry so grandiose that it borders on overwhelming. Everywhere you look is something impressive, towering and lavish in its natural beauty. I have always been a proponent of words, but occasionally I have to step back and admit that in the case of something as incredible as Zion Canyon, a three word description feels simultaneously grossly indulgent and laughably inadequate.
THE 3 THINGS YOU WILL NEED WHILE YOU’RE THERE:
Zion National Park doesn’t just offer its visitors incredible views - it has more than a few hiking trails for adventurers to try. Both the Narrows and Angel’s Landing (two of the park’s most famous and most challenging hikes), will be much easier to tackle with the aid of a walking stick. These poles are adjustable and easy to transport, making them a great choice for anyone looking to climb some mountains in Zion.
At some point during your trip, you are going to want to take some pictures. Seeing as most of the surfaces along the hiking trails are uneven, it will be advantageous for photo-minded travelers to bring along this little all-terrain tripod. With this little guy, you can set your phone on almost any surface, set a timer, and wind up with a level picture!
Bringing a day pack with extra water, some snacks, and maybe a first aid kit is just good hiking practice. This lightweight little pack collapses down into itself, making it easy to fit into your full-sized luggage. When you are ready to hit the trails just expand this little guy and tuck away the things you will need.
