Bindlestiff Tours is one of the premier touring companies specialized in the National Parks of the Southwestern United States, and as such provides an inclusive and immersive hiking experience of Zion National Park as part of the “Bryce And Zion Overnight Tour.” This tour is provided as a walking tour, structured in a way so as to provide a full day at each location which can be spent in a variety of activities. Day two is an excursion into what is considered Utah’s finest National Park, Zion. For hikers of all levels, there are trails that will provide beautiful scenery and challenging hiking.
There are several hikes of note, but for the purposes of this article we will concentrate on the main hikes of Zion. Each has it’s own unique features and scenery, and in addition to those hikes discussed here, there are many others which are outside of our typical geographic area of choice that can be explored on private tours through our sister company Bindlestiff Private Tours.
Angel’s Landing: This is considered one of the most epic trails in Utah, and is the favorite among most of our guides. The path itself winds through steep switchbacks and through Refrigerator Canyon, which displays cooler temperatures than the remainder of the hike. Not to be missed is “Walter’s Wiggles,” one of the more interesting and unique geological formations in Utah. You will ascend more than 1500 feet above the valley floor as you hit the ridgeline. The trail ends at a dramatic perch with an unbelievable 360 degree view of Zion Canyon.
Emerald Pools: Across from Zion Lodge is Emerald Pools, one of the most popular and heavily trafficked trails in Zion. Considered mild in nature, there is dramatic scenery including waterfalls and the pools themselves. Popular aspects of the hike are the fact that you can duck behind veils of waterfall water, rock hop through the streams, and take time to soak in the landscape from the Mountain Of The Sun. A common misconception is that the pools will be green due to the name “Emerald.” In reality they are clear and clean.
Hidden Canyon: Hidden Canyon starts from the same trailhead as Weeping Rock as well as Observation Point, however it is quite a different experience than either. The first stage of Hidden Canyon is steep switchbacks of Observation Point, but becomes it’s own trail after 1/2 mile. The trail immediately begins to wind along cliff edges very much like Angel’s Landing. The trail continues to the mouth of Hidden Canyon, featuring an amazing arch. There are many boulders that must be scrambled over in order to continue the nearly 2 miles of additional trail through the canyon, and there are several drops on the return that may be a bit extreme for some hikers.
Observation Point: One of the most diverse trails in Zion, the first mile features steep switchbacks, followed by the unbelievably serene Echo Canyon and continuing to the summit. Observation Point itself shows some evidence of the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps whose efforts in the 1930s constructed the trail using dynamite, mules and wheelbarrows. A pathway was constructed up the walls of the canyon connecting the main valley floor and the east side. Echo Canyon features the geological elements of a water-carved trail snaking through the valley. The juniper and pinyon pines that are spread across the summit are truly breathtaking.
Next: Pa ‘Rus Trail, Riverside Walk, Sand Bench Trail and Watchman Trail.