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Tag Archives: Zion National Park
Travel Journal: On the Bright Side
Greetings from Zion! I am back after a few months of (F)unemployment and have many adventures to reflect on. I found people to let me sleep on their floors all over the country, had opportunities to play in the mountains, snow, oceans, and cities, and did my best to learn something every step of the way. Starting the spring season at Zion Adventure Company, I am optimistic. Anticipating my return to Utah, I had some great discussions about what had guided my travels, and what ultimately was bringing me back to Zion. It is hope. I don’t know if it is inherent in the landscape, the people, or in myself, but there is something that pulls me towards the chance to discover a better version of myself. The opportunity to test myself against a new challenge is all the impetus I need. My quest to learn to surf this winter is a perfect example of this. I have a vision of myself riding waves with fluid easy movement, and with only a vague notion of what surfing was about, I stepped on a plane and allowed my hope to carry me into the unknown. Being a guide and instructor, it would … Continue reading
Posted in Reflections
Tagged calvin laatsch, costa rica, surfing, Zion, Zion National Park
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Will Zion Be Open in Case of A Government Shutdown?
As time counts down for Washington lawmakers to pass a budget, we’ve tried to compile some information on a possible federal government shutdown and what to do if you plan to travel to Zion this weekend or next week. The Zion area is a patchwork of federal and state lands; a shutdown would restrict access to hikers and tourists in some, but not all, federally-managed areas. Please note: Agencies do not announce their FULL plans until after the shutdown occurs (midnight Friday), but this information has been passed along and mentioned as the best information so far. Would Zion National Park be closed? Yes, Zion National Park would be the resource most affected by the shutdown. Visitors would be allowed about 48 hours to leave the Park. During a shutdown, the Park shuttle system, bathrooms, campgrounds, Visitor Center and parking lots are closed. The scenic drive would be gated, but Highway 9 would be open to through traffic. No parking would be allowed along the highway during a closure. Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park would also be closed in a shutdown. Are there other recreation options in the Zion Area? The good news is, there are … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged closed, federal shutdown, national park closure, shutdown, trips, Zion National Park
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Anna’s Top Picks for Dinner in Springdale
In opening, I’d like to applaud the awesomeness of the Springdale food scene. Springdale has so many great places to eat; I could easily spend all my extra money on food instead of gear. The below restaurants are a few of my favorite time-tested, Anna-approved dinner locales, an expanded version of what I tell folks in the shop who are looking for an evening bite. Hopefully, you are staying in Springdale for more than one night and you’ll get to sample more than one of these fabulous establishments. CAFE OSCARS 948 Zion Park Boulevard 435.772.3232 Oscar’s cannot be beaten on service. They have the nicest employees I have encountered; they treat you like friends and family would in your own home. There is nothing better than a big hug from Tim, some casual conversation with Ludo, or talking big walls with Zach. This place is full of personalities… oh, and should I mention the food? Oscar’s has delicious burgers, tacos, salads, and mmm-mmm good desserts, piled high with whip cream or other goodness. The Whoop Ass Burger always strikes my fancy, as well as the decadent carrot cake. BIT & SPUR RESTAURANT and SALOON 1212 Zion Park Boulevard 435.772.3498 The … Continue reading
Posted in Springdale
Tagged Bit and Spur, dining in Springdale, dining in St. George, dining in Zion, eating in Springdale, eating out in Springdale, eating out in Zion, Oscar's Cafe, Pizza and Noodle, Pizza Noodle, restaurant choice, restaurants in Zion National Park, Springdale restaurants, Springdale Utah, Whiptail Grill, Zion National Park
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Zion Road Construction Update
Work on the East Zion and Switchback roads has been progressing. They have started paving up the Switchbacks, and have been removing the surface in a few places in East Zion. Just recently, they have started working on the retaining wall at Tunnel West (ie, near the west entrance of the Tunnel), so that section is on single-lane control. The IMPACT of this is that there are now THREE one-way sections on the road, and traversing the road (even when open) is slower than it has been. It takes approximately 60 minutes from Canyon Junction to the East Entrance, or about 30 minutes longer than normal. Keyhole and Pine Creek canyons remain open, though parking may be challenging. Tom
Posted in ZAC Events
Tagged driving, Mt. Carmel highway, Road Conditions, road work, State Route 9, Zion National Park
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More Zion Wildflowers from Tom Jones
Back from another shooting spree, Tom’s posted up a number of wildflowers for measurement and identification on his Latest Rave site. If you enjoy serious flower study, you can easily spend 30 minutes here sauntering with Tom, pondering sub-species, stamen lengths, and the wealth of flowers brought on by the big monsoon year. There are a number of flowers Tom needs help identifying; if you can help, drop him a line!
Work Abroad Students Provide Crucial Summer Help
Every summer, thousands of students from all over the world work in United States National Parks under the federally-sponsored “Work & Travel” program, giving them a chance to work and live in a beautiful place, save some money, practice English, and become familiar with American culture and business. Each year, a few hundred of these students, charmed by photographs of red cliffs and slot canyons on the internet, choose to spend their summer in Zion National Park. The students work in various positions at the Zion Lodge, serving up food at the Cafe, maintaining the rooms and cabins of the Lodge, or keeping the grounds clean and functional. At Zion Lodge this summer, you can be helped by future engineers, lawyers, doctors, and businessmen: students from Vietnam, China, Thailand, Philippines, Russia, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Kosovo. For many of them, it’s their first trip abroad, the first time working a formal job, or even the first time being away from their families. After a few months of work, many of them decide to spend a few more weeks traveling across United States, visiting places they have only seen in Hollywood movies. They go back to their country with a great experience, … Continue reading
Big Water Canyoneering in Kolob Creek
Kolob Creek is one of Zion’s most prized descents, a remote canyon falling off the high plateau near Lava Point. Unlike most of Zion’s technical canyons, Kolob Creek flows year-round, fed by the dammed waters behind Kolob Reservoir. This has a nice side and a nasty one. Nice side: the beauty, music, and magic of a flowing canyon is simply wonderful. Nasty side: it is easy to get in over your head (figuratively and literally) in a flowing canyon, as the hydraulic power of flowing water can be tremendous, deadly, and difficult to predict. Due to its high elevation, the descent season for Kolob Creek is relatively small. 5 cfs is the general MAXIMUM recommend CFS for a Kolob descent; finding a time when the flow volume is under this benchmark can be trying. Though snow melt varies tremendously year-to-year, the water volume is usually too high for a safe Kolob descent until at least June. This year, the flow is still dangerous at the beginning of August, an example of how variable snow melt can be. In addition, during dry years, the water district executes regular reservoir releases into Kolob Creek, typically a week at a time. So even … Continue reading
Posted in Canyoneering, Trip Reports, Zion National Park
Tagged cfs, Class C, flowing canyons, Kolob Creek, water safety, Zion National Park
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Recent Accidents & Incidents in Zion
Every day, the National Park Service issues a Morning Report, a daily report of accidents, incidents, operational notes, upcoming trainings, and hiring opportunities across the National Park system. The Morning Report not only provides a more objective, concise report of accidents/incidents (though perhaps less detailed) than we often find in the news, but it can provide great opportunities to learn from others mistakes and remember the degree of risk we must manage in the outdoors. Below are a couple of articles detailing recent serious accidents in Zion’s backcountry. Our continued thanks goes to Zion’s Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel for their efforts they take to prepare and respond to those who need help when their adventures go awry. Zion National Park (UT) Boy Scout Dies During Backpacking Trip On July 21st, twelve members of a Las Vegas-based Boy Scout troop were completing the second day of a planned four day backpacking trip in the park. Corey Buxton, 17, was having difficulty and lagged behind as the group hiked south along the Hop Valley Trail. Around noon, a leader who was hiking a short distance in front of Buxton turned around and did not see him. He hiked five minutes back … Continue reading
Posted in Accidents, Zion National Park
Tagged accident report, NPS Morning Report, Rescue, SAR, search and rescue, Zion National Park
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Surviving the Summer Heat on Your Mountain Bike
So you find yourself at a summer conference in Las Vegas, and you figure you’ll sneak up to Zion afterward to ride the famous mountain bike trails at Gooseberry Mesa. There’s one big snag, though: daytime highs are predicted to hit 105º. You assure yourself it’s just a “dry” heat, as you have been dreaming of riding God’s Skate Park, Rattle Snake Rim, and Hidden Canyon for years and you are not about to let this chance pass by. Some might call you crazy, but we know you’re simply motivated. Before you hit the trail, however, take a gander at these tips and lessons I have learned over six summers in the dry heat of Southern Utah. I guarantee some forethought about heat and hydration will lead to more fun on the slickrock and the freedom to enjoy many more days on the trail. DRY HEAT. What does that really mean? To me, “dry heat” means the temperature in the shade is significantly cooler than the temperature in the sun. This can be really helpful, especially if I need to cool down, since simply finding a tree or rock outcropping can really help me cool down and rest. But WHY … Continue reading
