#5 Zion

#5 ZionLocation: Springdale, UT
NPS Website: http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm


Major Attractions:
The Narrows
Panorama Point
Angels Landing
Emerald Pools
Watchman

Number of Attractions: 13
The Narrows, Panorama Point, Weeping Rock, Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, Court of the Patriarchs, Watchman, Virgin River & Pa'rus Trail, Kolob Reservoir, Kolob Canyons, Kolob Arch, Lava Point, Zion Tunnel

Accessibility:
Approximately 80% of the attractions listed above are accessible by paved road, dirt road, short trail, or tram. The tram circulates between the first 8 attractions listed above, the campground, the Visitor's Center, and Springdale. The Narrows is subject to flooding from the Virgin River and special no-slip shoes are required.

Maintenance of Roads/Trails:
Main roads, overlooks, and trails are very well maintained despite catastrophic wash-out events in the past. Hwy 9 can be congested throughout the day waiting to enter the South Entrance to the park. Trails to Weeping Rock and Panorama Point are very well maintained. Accessibility to the Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons section of the park is by car or backpacking only, so allow for at least 3 hr travel time from Springdale. Summer is the best time to visit, but the park also sees 3,000+ visitors a day in the Summer.
(http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/UTNPZION:13)

Amenities:
There are 3 campgrounds that are accessible by road. Bring plenty of water and food rations if staying in Lava Point camp on Kolob Terrace. The Zion Lodge, South camp, and Watchman campgrounds are all accessible to supplies in Springdale by tram.

Conclusion:
There is no other valley in the United States that is more colorful than Zion Canyon. Red, orange, and white rock faces surround the valley. Light blue green waters of the Virgin River rush through the valley. A wide variety of plants such as cottonwoods, black mold, and cacti are spread throughout the landscape. Wildlife, including deer, make a very photogenic experience in Zion. The ease of travel using the tram really makes everything accessible in a short amount of time, but you'll want to stay permanently. Zion is as good as it gets in Utah.