2020 has been tragic with so many lives lost and turned upside down by Covid 19. The travel industry is just one many businesses basically shut down by the virus.
How to travel safely during this time? A road trip seemed to offer the best way to manage the risks. Living in California, the Pacific Coast has stunning beaches and a dramatic coastline perfect for driving, but wildfires were affecting air quality. We looked to the east and Utah. Zion National Park turned out to be the perfect getaway. We were able to arrange a Home Exchange in St. George, Utah, about an hour’s drive away.
It was about a seven-hour drive from Encinitas to St. George and the scenery was mind-numbingly dreary. Sadly, it did not get picturesque until we left Las Vegas. Once beyond Sin City, we entered into the Red Hills and Canyons, our introduction to Utah’s scenic majesty. Arriving in the early evening, we settled in our residential Home Exchange.
Zion for Beginners: Lessons Learned
Early the next morning, we were off to Zion. Slight hiccups.
Lesson #1
Always check online for restrictions due to Covid or restrictions period. At the Visitor Center, we discovered that because of Covid, the visitors to the park were reduced. The shuttle tickets to The Narrows and Angels Landing (the two main draws to Zion) were sold out. There were a small number of tickets available, but we would have to call a phone number the next day at 9:00 AM to obtain tickets for the following day. Luckily, our day was not wasted. We could park at the entrance and take the Pa’Rus trail on the outskirts of the park.
Lesson #2
The entrance parking is often full. You can park in Springdale at designated stops for the free shuttle which we did. The Pa’rus trail, lovely as was, merely whetted our appetite for the stunning, majestic views we knew awaited us inside the park. The paved flat trail follows the Virgin River and is around two hours roundtrip. The leisurely trail was punctuated with mule deer camoufluaging in the brush. Golden wildflowers decorated the path.
Lesson #3
The 9:00 AM call to Recreation.gov for next day $1 tickets sell out in a matter of seconds. Our next ploy was to contact Zion Guru which has private shuttles for $40 a person. All tickets sold out until Sunday the day we were leaving. We eagerly scooped up the last two tickets. In the meantime, we got to know St. George and its environs.
What helpful lessons for first-time visitors to Zion! Lessons #2 and #3 will apply post-Covid.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for this blog and it’s wonderful insight and advice about Zion. The timing couldn’t have been better. You see my wife and I have planned a trip in May to Zion well as Bryce Canyon, Arches and other parks in our motorhome. So when Sheri asks why I am not in class, I’ll say it was your fault for making Zion so enticing. (Actually I am hoping to still make the classes if I can get internet.)
Craig,
Thank you for visiting. I wish we were in person in class, so I could thank you for your fun comments! I hope to see Zion’s magnificent backdrop on your little black square in May. You’ll love it!