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by Jeff Voth
If there is a bigger playground in North America than the state of Utah, I haven’t found it. Disney World, Six Flags Parks and Paramount Canada’s Wonderland come to mind as all having large acreage and a spectacular selection of fun things to do. But they pale in comparison to the amusement value offered in Utah. With five national parks located in one state, it truly is nature’s entertainment capital of North America.
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My Utah adventure began in St. George, a growing city on the far southwest corner of the state. Located on Interstate 15, Las Vegas, Nevada is a convenient two hour drive south. This close proximity is one of the main reasons why St. George is bursting at the seams with new homes, fast food chain restaurants and first-class spas and resorts.
Traveling east from the city, we passed through Hurricane on our way to Springdale at the entrance to Zion National Park. Our first overnight was spent at Pioneer Lodge, a newly renovated western style two story motel. With the historic Pioneer Restaurant on site and an Internet café, it offers all the conveniences of home and a welcoming atmosphere to match.
Zion National Park is Utah’s oldest national park. Designated in 1919, it features glorious red canyon walls and soaring rock monoliths. The six mile stretch of asphalt reveals breathtaking scenery that leaves you feeling as if your head should be mounted on a swivel.
Shaped over time as the Virgin River tumbled and churned a winding conduit through southern Utah, the park is a favorite setting for rock climbers, mountain bikers and hikers. The most popular hike in the park is “The Narrows.” A 16-mile trail from beginning to end, it passes under 2,000 ft high walls and narrows in several places to only 30 ft.
Millions of visitors pass through Zion’s gates each year making it Utah’s busiest park. Shuttles move visitors from place to place as parking is limited and private vehicles are not permitted in the park from April through October. (CONTINUE...)
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