Great Outdoors Los Angeles invites you to join us in our tour of one of the world’s most scenic and unique environments. We have received a lot of advanced interest in this adventure. PLEASE be sure to register early to ensure you don’t miss out on this 4 day weekend. Space is limited.
Rising in Utah's high plateau country, Zion National Park encompasses some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States. Within its 229 square miles are high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons, and the Virgin River, carving its way to the desert below through a gorge so deep and narrow that sunlight rarely penetrates to the bottom. Zion also has 2,000-foot Navajo Sandstone cliffs, pine and juniper clad slopes, and seeps, springs, and waterfalls supporting lush and colorful hanging gardens. Consider bringing your bike to explore this beautiful landscape by using the extensive bike lanes along the Zion Scenic Drive within the park.
This 4 day adventure will be filled with wonderful sights, including the Emerald Pools, Virgin River Narrows, and the breathtaking hike to the world famous Angel’s Landing, offering stunning panoramic views of the park. An optional day trip is to head over to Bryce Canyon, located about 2 hours away, to view its own unique landscape, including the spectacular geological formations known as hoodoos (rock spires). There is an additional $30 per vehicle fee to enter Bryce Canyon, or a multi-agency park pass will work.
Our campground is located on the Virgin River, a short walk from our campsites.
You may arrive anytime after Thursday, May 17th, at 1:00PM. We have reserved 10 tent only sites. There is a $30 entrance fee per vehicle collected by Zion National Park upon entering the park. Your multi-agency park pass will also gain you entry into the park.
Pets: Dogs are allowed at the campground as long as on a leash. They are only allowed on a single trail within the park. We recommend leaving the doggos at home.
During our stay, the park is accessible only by using the free shuttle service. There is limited space available on the shuttle for bikes. More information is found at https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/shuttle-system.htm
The campground is equipped with drinking water and flush toilets. Showers are available a very short walk away, 24 hours a day for $5 at the Zion Outfitters. Supplies, groceries, etc. are available nearby in the town of Springdale.
Bring your ten essentials (listed on GO website at: www.greatoutdoorsla.org/essen.html), camping/cooking gear, 2 bundles of firewood, and food. Be sure to bring your camp chair, tent, solar shower, hiking boots, and sunscreen.
The weather can be unpredictable, so bring warm and cool weather clothing that can be layered. Average highs are 83F and lows are 52F, with a great chance of dry weather. Also, be sure to bring river sandals/water shoes if you plan on doing the Narrows Hike.
Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas consumption, parking costs and the entrance fee. Please make sure to complete the section on carpooling on the sign up form so we can coordinate.
To help break up the drive, and so that you can arrive in Zion early on Thursday, you may want to consider staying in Las Vegas (your trip leaders are) on Wednesday night when mid-week rates are usually very affordable. From Las Vegas, it is another 166 miles (3 hours) to Zion. (I recently booked at the Four Queens on Fremont St. The hotel doesn't charge a resort fee, and I got it for about $50 on Wednesday night. I also booked a night on Sunday at South Point for about $89. There is a convention in town that week, so the prices jumped considerably. This hotel and Arizona Charlies on Boulder Highway were the least expensive.)
Directions: From Las Vegas: Travel north on I-15 to Exit 16, State Route 9. Follow State Route 9 east for 32 miles to the south entrance of Zion National Park. Turn right after entrance station; the campground ranger station is at the end of the road.
Thursday: Arrive after 1pm
6pm—Burgers and Brews, provided by Great Outdoors
Campfire activities, board games, etc.
Friday: Itinerary is freeform. Some options include:
Carpool to Bryce Canyon for day trip. Pack a lunch. There is a $30 entry per vehicle, which should be shared amongst your carpool buddies.
Hike the Virgin River Narrows. Note: Hike is possible only if river levels permit. Water may be cold, so you might consider renting neoprene socks from an outfitter or bringing your own.
Hike to Angel’s Landing. This is a strenuous hike with an elevation gain of 1400’. You may also choose to do this hike, but not make the steep climb to the summit. Read additional information at http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/angelslanding.cfm
Explore the park on your own
6:30pm—Pot Luck! Bring your favorite dish to share.
Campfire activities, board games, etc.
Saturday: Breakfast—Provided by Great Outdoors. Enjoy scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and fresh fruit.
Freeform again. Let's do something we didn't get to yesterday!
Sunday: Explore on your own and drive safely going home.
