I’m heading out to Park City and I want to stop at Zion National Park on the way. I’m also probably swinging by Bryce while I’m at it. I’ve got a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle. Any recommendations on what to see while I’m out there?
Was there once a popular off road track along the rim of Zion Canyon that has been closed recently? I seem to recall something about that. Anyone remember it?
How much time do you have?
Couple, 3 days or more if I feel like paying for storage of my stuff for another month.
The view from Angel’s Landing is spectacular. Plenty of slot canyons to explore too. You’ll need a permit for the technical canyons, those can go fast. Also, you won’t be able to take your vehicle into the park itself unless you’re staying at the lodge or you get a climbing permit. The buses are quite regular so it’s not really a problem for getting around the park.
In Zion, you’ll be looking up. In Bryce you’ll be looking down. Mostly. Plenty of hiking in either place.
Google Bogley and check out their message boards and trip reports, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ideas. Zion/Bryce are two of my favorite places. Have fun!
Play Fallout: New Vegas: Honest Hearts. 
…and quote the Bible.
At Bryce, be sure to bring binoculars or telescope. The night skies are incredible. Both parks are super for hiking!
I’m interested in this, too! I’ll be in Zion week after next.
Depending on how much snow and ice are left, the trails from the canyon floor might be closed. Way, way too dangerous if there is even an iota of frozen water lying around anywhere. It’s also not the right season for the Narrows. About all you can do right now if there’s still snow/ice is go into the canyon and gawk at the big walls. But by all means, don’t skip the Kolob Region. It’s just a short drive off I-15 on the way to Cedar City. The Subway is also probably hikeable right now. There is absolutely no “rim of the canyon” ORV route. Not only would it be impossible to construct one, it would be a suicide drive if it were. Don’t neglect to drive out to the east side of the Park and see Checkerboard Mesa and the completely different terrain there.
You might be thinking of the White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park.
The Angels Landing trail in Zion was too scary for me to attempt. I can’t imagine crossing that last saddle, but then I have a problem with heights.
I did Zion in May a few years ago, and I loved it.
The Narrows (or Wall Street) were great, hiking up the river in a slot canyon. Check the outfitter in town and see if it is negotiable at this time of the year. They will rent appropriate gear to keep warm in the cold water.
I hiked up Angel’s Landing, but refused to do the last part at the top where you have to hang onto chains to get out there. My sister and her husband had the same attitude. Even without that last part, it is a cool hike with good views from the near top. A guy that I used to work with told me that he wanted to do that hike when he was out there, but someone had fallen off so it was closed. Note: falling off of Angel’s Landing means that you fall about 1500 feet to your death. The tour guide audio on the bus through the park said that it happens one or two times a year.
I loved Angels Landing (though I don’t have a fear of heights, just a healthy respect for them). The view from Scout’s Lookout (the whimp’s ending) is good too.
I pooped my tighty-whiteys at the base of that last razor-edged incline before the summit and hightailed it back to the West Rim Trail. There were actually concession employees when I worked there who would take mushrooms and do full moon night ascents. Amazingly enough, they always made it back alive.
There’s a place called Emerald Pool that is an easy hike, right at the base of a sheer cliff. You can swim there.
We hiked there last year, but the trail to the upper pool was closed.
Angel’s Landing is definitely the pre-emminent non-narrows hike (I’ll be doing it on my birthday in May), but you can get the same “holy crap watch the drop off!” thrill if you hike up to Hidden Canyon on the Observation Point/Echo Canyon Trail.
If you head up to the Kolob Canyon unit, the Taylor Creek trail out to the Double Arch is pretty neat (and a lot less crowded than the main canyon!).
As far as a back country/back road track; are you thinking of the Smithsonian Butte Byway? If so, it seems to be open.
ps: remember that you have to take a shuttle bus into the main canyon-no private cars allowed unless you’re staying at the lodge.
Oops, almost forgot–Oscar’s Cafe has the best burgers in Springdale.
One can also spend a day walking around the valley floor, staring upward with mouth agape. Zion is incredibly beautiful.
Thanks for all the great info!
Maybe that’s it!
It’s going to be butt cold so I doubt I’m hiking up any slot canyons in water. That said, I’ll bring a wetsuit just in case I get some bizarre notion to do something crazy.
That Angel’s Landing sounds like a great hike. I’ve got little fear of heights as I’ve hiked to the top of Half Dome 3 times and done the world’s highest bungie jump (206m).
Just for the record … you aren’t limited to shuttle buses year round. My wife and I were there 11/6/12 and could drive.
It is likely still closed. Call the park for road conditions.
