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Tucked away in its own private haven, up against a gorgeous backdrop of red rock, and nestled underneath a starry night sky- sits Zion Glamping Adventures. If you are searching for incredible views and serenity while visiting Zion + Southern Utah, Zion Glamping Adventures is your place! Glamping is the perfect mix of comfort and convince which make it so much easier to go camping with a baby. About Zion Glamping Adventures This Glamping Paradise is family owned and operated and full of hospitality. It is located in Hilldale, UT, and everyone in the family pitches in daily to keep it fully stocked and clean and answer any questions guests might have. Each tent has wifi, electricity, heat, and cooling, not to mention hot showers and bathrooms on the property! But the best thing about this glamping site is THE LOCATION. It has all the views of Zion's red rocks without all the crowds. Here at Zion Glamping Adventures, all are welcome. It is both kid-friendly and pet friendly! First Come, First Serve at Zion Glamping Adventures Before arrival, you will receive a text with helpful information and a warm welcome from the camp's host, ours was Steve. They have free parking on the premises, which is always a plus! One of my favorite things about this place was that we got to choose our tent when we arrived. They only allow people to book specific tents after. If you paid for a two-bed, they will give you a list of the two-bed tents available that night, and you can walk around and check each of them out and see which spot is speaking to you! The same goes for those who book a one-bed tent etc. It was fun to walk around and pick our home for the next couple of nights! A Peek Inside the Canvas at Zion Glamping Adventures Glamping= Camping with all the PROS and none of the CONS, basically luxury camping! There is one bed and two-bed tent options. The one-bed tents have a queen bed(with all the blankets, pillows, etc.), a couch, a table with chairs inside, light, and a heater/ac unit. The two beds come with two queen beds, table & chairs, heater/ac unit, and a light. Both tents also come with electrical outlets which are so nice for charging phones, camera equipment, etc., and WIFI. Each tent has a table outside with chairs and its own fire pit! HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION/SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE We chose Tent #21- It was the furthest away from the other tents, and the views were unmatched. The con- it was the furthest away from the amenities of camp, meaning the bathrooms, showers, games, etc. It also was a bit of an incline walk to get to. We definitely got our steps each day! For me, views will always beat out extra walking! We also had a nine-month-old with us, and being a new mom, I was worried about sleep time with a baby and didn't want to disturb other campers. We brought a "pack-n-play" with us, and our little guy slept great! However, I did learn later that they have a few cribs/pack-n-plays on the property! We visited in May, but it still got a little chilly at night, so it was very nice having the heater on inside the tent so I wasn't afraid of our baby getting cold during the night. The Grounds at Zion Glamping Advetures Everything felt spotless and welcoming. It had a community feeling as all of the amenities were in the center of the property. All of the guests were very friendly, and we had some great conversations with people traveling from all over. There were several guests with children, which was comforting for me to know this place was "Family Friendly." The Community sitting area has a fire Pit and picnic tables. Outdoor games are available such as tetherball, steer roping, cornhole, etc. We loved the outdoor kitchen. Each morning fresh pancakes were made and served with applesauce which I found out was the "Zion Glamping way" to eat your breakfast. They were so good, but everything always tastes better when you're camping! Hot cakes are paired with hot coffee and tea, and if you needed hot water to make a bottle like I did, that was convenient! Zion Glamping Adventures has five bathrooms with five hot showers. They were spotless and such a nice touch. It's so nice that there were five of them. I never felt like I was waiting! They are currently working on a few outdoor hot tubs a pool, and a polar plunge. When we arrived, they weren't running quite yet, but they are very close. They also have a really cool rustic sauna- I wish I would have brought my swimsuit. Next time I will be trying these out! Our Itinerary - Glamping with a baby DAY 1 We arrived at camp around 7:30 pm, just as the sun was setting. We picked our tent and got all our things hauled to our campsite. Steve (camp host) is such a genuine guy and was so sweet to us. He gave us a little tour around the camp and made sure we had all of our questions answered. We started a fire by our tent and took in the views as the last light hit the red rocks. I snuck out of the tent around 11 pm to try and get some astro shots of our tent. It was a full moon and was super bright and cloudy. I still managed to get some cool shots. DAY TWO We woke up, went down to the outdoor kitchen area, and had some delicious pancakes for breakfast cooked by Cowboy Shawn, one of the owners. Our little guy Klay loved them! We went on a hike to Water Canyon. Water Canyon is an incredible little hike filled with waterfalls, lush desert scenery, and towering sandstone cliffs. The camp host gave us directions to the trailhead, we just followed the same road the camp is on all the way to the end, and that's where the trailhead starts, maybe 5 mins away or so! It was so green, and the views were unmatched. The hike is about 1.5 miles to the end waterfall and then the same 1.5 miles back. Some parts were steeper than others, but overall, it was a great family-friendly hike. CHECK OUT OUR BLOG POST - HIKING WATER CANYON, CANNAN MOUNTAIN, SOUTHERN UTAH There were many little waterfalls all along the way, and it was right alongside the creek! I packed us some lunch that morning, and we found a nice spot in the shade to eat. We went back to camp to take a nap. Traveling with a baby has forced me to slow down a bit, and I am not complaining about it. Later we went and took a peak at the dinosaur tracks nearby, and looked at the sauna spa areas. For dinner we went to Whiptail Grill in Springdale. It is one of my favorite restaurants next to Zion. We ordered chips and queso, the Surf N Turf, and the BBQ Bacon Gouda Burger! I cannot tell you how good it all was, wow! This place never disappoints. Later that night, we returned to camp and had great conversations with people traveling from Europe, China, and other parts of the US. They couldn't believe how Zion was even more beautiful in person. It reminded me of how lucky I am that this is my home. When it was time to go to bed we went up to our tent, sat by our fire, and enjoyed the moment with our little family. Our little guy loved the fire crackling and dancing across the night sky. DAY THREE We woke up, had our pancakes( duh), and went on a UTV Tour that Zion Glamping Adventures offers. Our guide's name was Troy, and he grew up there. He took us on a tailored ride for our family, as we have a little baby. We put Klay's carseat in the UTV, and buckled him in for the ride. I couldn't believe my eyes. The entire ride was absolutely breathtaking, there were so many beautiful views of Zion and the surrounding areas. He took us to two different locations to see some petroglyphs! After our ride we made it back to camp and got everything packed up. We were sad to go but even more excited to return again! Getting There Closest Airports St. George Airport- about 1hr away Las Vegas Airport is about 2.5 hours away Salt Lake City Airport- about 5 hours away. Zion Glamping Adventures is located in Hilldale, Utah, on Water Canyon Rd. I googled the location "Zion Glamping Adventures," and it took me right to it. They also texted me the address before my arrival. Things Nearby Zion National Park-1 hr Bryce Canyon National Park-2 hrs Snow Canyon State Park-1 hr 20 mins Water Canyon Hike- 5-7 mins UTV Tour with Zion Glamping Adventures- Onsite Horseback Riding Tour with Zion Glamping Adventures -Onsite Sand Hollow Lake, Quail Lake in Hurricane Ut. -45 mins Local Food- Berry Knoll Bakery, Edge of the World, Brothers Bistro Local Coffee- Sweet Sage Coffe Shop Local Gas Station- The Border Store Local Stores- Dollar General, Bees Marketplace Our staycation at Zion Glamping Adventures was exactly what we needed. I have always loved camping but being a new mama I have been a little nervous about camping with a baby. With Zion Glamping Adventures we were able to camp but still have all the comfort and luxuries of home......but better. I loved showing our little guy what a beautiful area we live in and hopefully start fostering his sense of adventure. Click here to book a stay with Zion Glamping Adventures. Trust me. You will love it! Happy Adventuring, Matti Check out more about me and book a shoot here CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

When visiting Zion with kids, there are so many great hikes that are easy and doable for all skill levels. You may have a list a mile long of all the hikes you want to do with the kiddos on your trip to Zion. I don't blame you. There are a lot of great hikes. But what do you do when the kiddos get tired of hiking and need a break? Is the vacation over? Whether you have kiddos who love to hike or kiddos who would rather be playing video games in the hotel room, it's good to have some backup activities to break things up and keep it fun. I have put together a list of the best things to do in Zion with kids that don't include hiking.....yay! These are all things in Zion or super close to Zion that you can do with your kiddos when they need a break from hiking. 13 THINGS TO DO IN ZION WITH KIDS THAT DON'T INCLUDE HIKING 1-Zion Nature Center 2-Grafton Ghost Town & Cemetary 3-Bike the Pa'Rus trail 4-Sign up for a Ranger-led activity 5-Play on the lawn at the Zion Lodge 6-Drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel 7-Play on the playground at the Springdale Town Park 8-Visit the Springdale Library 9-Tube the Virgin River 10-Visit the Zion Human History Museum 11-Swim and play in the Virgin River 12-Complete the junior ranger handbook and get a badge 13-Walk through the shops and art gallies in Springdale 1-ZION NATURE CENTER The Nature Center in Zion is located next to the South Campground and features daily youth specific programs. Everyday at 3 pm and 4:30 starting after Memorial Day and ending Labor day weekend, kids will learn about powerful geological forces and much more. All programs are carefully developed by staff to create a fun and enjoyable learning experience for visiting youth and their families. CHECK OUT OUR BLOG POST - THE ULTIMATE QUICK GUIDE TO HIKING ZION WITH KIDS 2 - GRAFTON GHOST TOWN If you are a history buff, prepare to nerd out on this quaint little ghost town located 20 minutes outside Zion National Park. Grafton was established in 1859 by Mormon settlers who built their homes here in hopes of flourishing cotton crops & farming. Allow an hour or two to walk around and experience this old town. Although Grafton has been abandoned since the mid-1900s, it has been well preserved and cared for over many years. You can access some of the homes, but not all of them & there is no access to the school house. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION/SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE Make sure not to miss the cemetery just up the road. Reading the old headstones in the historic graveyard is a somber reminder of the difficult times residents faced in the adversity of the hot desert & limited resources at that time. 3- BIKE THE PA'RUS TRAIL The Pa'Rus trail is a relaxing, easy, 1.7-mile (one-way) biking and walking path that takes you along the Virgin River and ends at Canyon Junction (the shuttle stop that takes you into Zion Canyon). The trail starts at the Visitor Center and goes along the South Campground. It takes you over several beautiful bridges that cross the Virgin River. Our favorite thing about the Pa'Rus trail is all the places to stop and let the kids play along the river. There are lots of great bike rental shops in Springdale. The most convenient rental shop is Zion Outfitters, located right next to the walking entrance of the park in Springdale. 4 - SIGN UP FOR A RANGER-LED ACTIVITY Enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Zion National Park by participating in a ranger program. Topics include geology, plants, animals, human history, and more. All ranger-led programs are free and for all ages. Check the park's visitor center and bulletin boards for times, places, and subjects. Check out one of our favorite ranger-led programs every evening, May through October, at 8:30 pm at the Watchman Campground Amphitheater. Discover what makes Zion such a special place with topics ranging from animals, people, geology, and history. Ranger-led Patio Talks occur daily at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Plaza at 10 am and 2:30 pm. 5 - PLAY ON THE LAWN AT THE ZION LODGE Hop on the shuttle and ride into the canyon without the expectation of hiking. Get off at the Zion Lodge shuttle stop and let the kids run and play on the big lawn under the most spectacular cottonwood tree. Bring a frisbee or soccer ball with you to play with. The Zion Lodge also has a small cafe called Castle Dome Cafe, where you can get a soft-serve ice cream cone to enjoy while you sit on the lawn. The Lodge also has a great gift shop that is fun to look through. 6 - DRIVE THROUGH THE ZION-MOUNT CARMEL TUNNEL The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is a spectacular entry into Zion National Park with a 1.1-mile long tunnel along hwy 9. Construction of the 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel began in the late 1920s and was completed in 1930. The tunnel has three sets of windows to look out, so roll the windows down, go slow, and enjoy the ride. 7 - PLAY ON THE PLAYGROUND AT THE SPRINGDALE TOWN PARK The Springdale Town Park is located right in town with 360-degree views of towering Zion cliffs. The park has a great playground with swings, slides, and plenty to entertain the kiddos. There are also lots of shady trees and picnic tables. The park features a gazebo, grill, pickleball court, sand volleyball court, and tennis court. 8 - VISIT THE SPRINGDALE LIBRARY The Springdale Library is located right next to the Springdale park. This library is the perfect spot to bring the kiddos for some quiet time. The library also features some beautiful Zion artwork. 9 - TUBE THE VIRGIN RIVER The Virgin River is prime for tubing from May to July, depending on the spring runoff levels. Rent or buy a tube at Zion Outfitters in Springdale and enjoy a leisurely 2-mile float through Springdale. There are also some great spots along the Pa'Rus trail to splash and play in the water with tubes. 10 - VISIT THE ZION HUMAN HISTORY MUSEUM The Zion Human History Museum is a great little museum displaying artifacts and archival materials from the permanent collections of Zion National Park. The exhibits showcase the rich human history of Zion and illustrates the effects water has had upon both the peoples and the land. Exhibits include topics such as geology, plants, animals, survival, and community. We love the shaded viewing deck at the back of the museum for watching sunrise and sunset. Don't miss the 22 minute film, We The Keepers. It is such a beautful movie and so well done. 11 - COOL OFF IN THE VIRGIN RIVER There are so many great spots along the Virgin River to play on the shore and swim in the water. All along the South Campground, there are shady and sandy spots to throw out a blanket and chill for the afternoon on a hot day. 12 - BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER Explore. Learn. Protect. This is the motto of the Junior Ranger program. Zion offers a Junior Ranger experience for ages four and older. The self-guided activity booklets are available for free at the visitor center, the Zion Human History Museum, and the Nature Center. You can also download the booklet ahead of time. Children aged four and older can complete pages in the booklet and attend a ranger-led program to earn their Junior Ranger badge for Zion National Park. After completing the booklet, the kids will present their book to a ranger, take an oath to protect the park, and get a lovely keepsake badge. 13 - WALK THE SHOPS IN SPRINGDALE Springdale is a great walking town filled with art galleries, cute little tourist shops, and rock shops. What kid doesn't love a rock shop? Spend the afternoon walking from shop to shop. To make it a little more fun, hit up one of the many ice cream shops along the way. Keep this list handy when you are hiking Zion with kids. Use it when the kids get a little tired of hiking or when they just need a change of activity to rest their cute little hiking legs. Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

Lake Powell, the largest man-made lake in North America, is widely known as one of the premier water-based destinations in the world. The activity options at Lake Powell are endless. But, unfortunately, all the cool spots are only accessible by boat, or that is what I used to think. There are so many great spots to play in the water and cliff jump at Lake Powell if you have a boat. But what do you do and where do you go if you don't have a boat? That has always been my predicament. That is why I was so excited when I found The Chains! When you are looking for things to do without a boat The Chains is your place! The Chains is a section of Lake Powell located just past Glen Canyon Damn, on the Page side. It is the perfect location to swim, cliff jump, and explore the red rocks without a boat......yay! It is easy to get to, great with kids and is even pet friendly. How great is that! My first time visiting The Chains with my kiddos, we explored and hiked the red rocks for a bit, looking for the perfect spot to play in the water. It didn't take long to find a spot all our own to hang out for a few hours. My kiddos had such a great time jumping in the water and playing along the shore. We can't wait to go back again and make a whole day out of it. LOCATION AND PARKING INFORMATION The parking for The Chains is free and is located on the Page side of Glen Canyon Damn. The road is dirt but well kept and passable with any car. Click here for map and exact location. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION/SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE DIFFICULTY You will be hiking on red sandstone rock, and it can get very steep at times. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes or sandals like Teva's or Chaco's. Getting to the water can be tricky depending on the water level of Lake Powell. TRAIL DETAILS - THINGS TO DO AT LAKE POWELL The hike down to the water is not marked, and there isn't an exact destination. The area is quite large and requires a bit of exploring to get down to the water and find a spot all your own. Depending on the water level, it could be challenging to find the perfect location to spend the day or it could be very easy. It will take some exploring so just prepare for that. Getting down to the water can be very steep in certain areas. If you have kiddos with you, it might be good to send an adult ahead to find a good spot that will be accessible with kiddos. GOOD TO KNOW There are pit toilettes at the parking area but no water fill stations This hike is pet friendly.....yay!!! LIST OF THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU HIKING SHOES OR HIKING SANDALS - Hiking shoes or hiking sandals with good traction is a must for hiking the red rock and navigation down to the water. I reccomend Chaco's or Teva's. Click here for my favorite hiking sandals on the planet.....I'm a Teva's girl! HIKING CLOTHES/SWIM SUITE - Wear comfortable, light and breathable clothes. That desert sun gets so HOT. SUNSCREEN - Always take sunscreen with your wherever you go in the desert! HAT & SUNGLASSES - The sun is intense. Having a hat and sunglasses is a must. SNACKS, AND LOTS OF WATER - Always hike with snacks and plenty of water HIKING DAY PACK - You will want a small backpack to carry snacks, water, camera & phone. A GREAT PLACE TO STAY CLOSE TO THE CHAINS - BASECAMP 37 We actually found The Chains while we were staying at Basecamp 37! Basecamp37 is a spacious, secluded but totally connected hideaway with, safari-style tents, luxury beds and linens, hot showers, even hotter grills, and friendly folks. There is a shared house on the property plus a common area for all the guests. The 5 tents on the property face nothing but open land and huge vistas. It is located 8 miles east of Kanab in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase under the magnificent Southern Utah sky. We loved our glamping experience at Basecamp 37 and highly recommend it! CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT OUR FUN STAY AT BASECAMP 37 15 HIKES TO CHECK OUT + THINGS TO DO CLOSE TO PAGE, KANAB & THE CHAINS 1 - Hike Wire Pass Trail 2 - Hike Buckskin Gulch 3 - Hike The Toadstools 4 - Hike Whitehouse Trail 5 - Hike Coyote Buttes North 6 - Hike The Wave 7 - Hike to Moqui Caverns 8 - Hike Belly of the Dragon 9 - Paddle Board Antelope Canyon 10 - Visit Horseshoe Bend 11 - Hike The Nautilus 12 - Hike Mansard Trail 13 - Hike Water Canyon 14 - Go Canyoneering 15 - Try a guided slot canyon UTV tour As you can see, The Chains is just one of the many things to check out when visiting Lake Powell. This fun spot is the perfect place to cool off and spend an afternoon on a hot summer day. Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

The summer months in Zion tend to be the busiest and hottest months of the year. In the summer, May through September, temps can reach up to 110 degrees in the heat of the day. Springdale and the surrounding towns are bustling with tourists, no vacancy signs greet you at every hotel, and restaurants are packed to the brim. So does this mean you shouldn’t visit Zion in the summer? It most certainly does not! It just means that to visit Zion in the summer, there is a bit of extra planning involved. Zion is absolutely beautiful in the summer, and there are lots of great things to do, so read along and let me show you how it's done! :-) In this blog post you will find.... Tips for navigating the shuttle The 5 best water hikes Tips to avoid the crowds Fun summer activities in Zion The best ways to beat the heat NAVIGATING THE SHUTTLE IN THE SUMMER Mid-day shuttle lines can be hours long, especially on weekends and holidays. Trust me on this; you do not want to be standing in a long shuttle line in the heat of the day. The Zion shuttle only runs to Zion Canyon. All other areas of the park you will drive to. To get on the shuttle, you will park at the Visitor Center which typically fills up by 8 am. So make sure you get to the park before 8 am for the best parking. If you are staying in Springdale, you can ride the Springdale shuttle directly to the visitor center. Once parking fills up in the visitor center, you will need to park in Springdale and take the shuttle to the visitor center. Avoid long lines by going into the park later in the day if going earlier isn't an option. The shuttle lines tend to die out around 2-3pm. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE HOW TO HIKE ZION IN THE SUMMER Zion National Park in summer is the greenest and most beautiful time of the year. It is also scorching, with temps reaching 110ºF during July and August. My best advice for hiking Zion in the summer is to start before sunrise, take lots of water, and choose hikes that run along a stream or river. Starting your hike later in the day is also a great option. Shady trails are your friend. Check out our five favorite water hikes! TAYLOR CREEK Located in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion, this 5.5 miles round trip hike runs along a stream the whole time. There are two historic cabins along the trail that are intresting. The double arch alcove at the end is a great spot for lunch and snacks. Even if the kiddos don't make it all the way to the end it is worth it to hike along the stream for a ways and enjoy the scenery. THE NARROWS Located at the last shuttle stop in the main canyon, The Narrows starts once you step off the paved trail of Riverside Walk. Bring walking sticks for added support. If hiking with kids, take lots of snacks and plan plenty of time for the kids to play in the water. ALWAYS check the weather before you head into a narrow canyon. Flash floods are always possible. CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT HIKING THE NARROWS PA'RUS TRAIL Not normally thought of as a water hike, the Pa'Rus trail starts at the visitor center goes past the south campground and along the Virgin River. Because it runs along the river, you can take one of the many side paths down to the water to cool off in the river. It is such a great trail for a leisurely evening stroll with the kiddos. LOWER PINE CREEK FALLS This hike isn't advertised by the park, so chances of having some solitude are good if you go first thing in the morning or later in the day. The parking area for this hike is right before the bridge that takes you up to the Carmel Tunnel. The trail starts right by the parking area. You will take it all the way back until you reach a beautiful waterfall. This 1.25 mile round trip trail will take you along a stream for the whole hike. CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT HIKING LOWER PINE CREEK FALLS RIVERSIDE WALK This 2.5 mile round trip hike located in the Zion Canyon takes you right along the Virgin River. You will take the shuttle all the way through the park (45 mins) and get a wonderful scenic view of the canyon. There is a sand trail that runs parallel to the paved trail and is usually less crowded. The end of this hike is the start of The Narrows. CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT HIKING RIVERSIDE WALK WE LOVE ZION PONDEROSA RESORT - CLICK TO LEARN MORE TIPS FOR HOW TO AVOID THE CROWDS GO EARLY This is one tip that I can't stress enough. Go early to get parking at the Visitor Center and avoid long shuttle lines. I've seen parking fill up at the visitor center by 7am before. Going into the park early ensures that you will spend the first part of your day hiking without crowds. #worthit WALK THE PA'RUS TRAIL Walk the Pa'Rus Trail and follow the paths leading down to the river. Down by the river it is always quiet and peaceful and I have never had to worry about crowds. To get to the Pa'Rus Trail you can park at the Visitor Center or the Nature Center. GO LATER IN THE DAY Go into the park later in the day, up to 2-3 hours before sunset. If you are going into the Zion Canyon on the shuttle, keep track of when the last shuttle bus leaves the canyon so you don't get stuck in the park after hours. EXPLORE EAST ZION East Zion tends to be quite a bit less busy than Zion Canyon. There are pull-offs all along the drive. Pick a spot to pull off and go exploring. The best spots to pull over will start about 1/4 mile east of the Canyon Overlook parking lot. ***watch for cryptobiotic soil when exploring and stick to the slick rock to minimize your impact on the delicate enviroment. EXPORE THE KOLOB TERRACE SECTION OF ZION Drive the Kolob Terrace road. This south west section of Zion is away from the Zion Canyon and the crowds and it is beautiful. GET OFF ON THE COURT OF THE PATRIARCHS SHUTTLE STOP Explore along the river and hike Sand Bench Loop trail at Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop. This area is often overlooked by tourists and it is such a great area to avoid crowds and play along the river. Sand Bench loop is a short trail that takes you along a little stream and a horse corral. There are plenty of areas for kids to run and play in the sand. I highly recommend taking a lunch and hanging out by the river for the afternoon or evening. CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT SAND BENCH LOOP TRAIL GREAT SUMMER ACTIVITIES WHEN VISITING ZION The O.C. Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale has a great summer concert series. The amphitheater is set against the gorgeous red rocks that Utah is known for. This not only provides a terrific acoustic quality, but also a stunning aesthetic quality. Check and see if there are any summer concerts playing while you are in town. ***Currently closed due to flooding The Zion Canyon Music Festival is held the last weekend of September and features two days of music, great food, beer & wine & a free kids zone with arts, crafts and vendor booths. Check out more details here. The Nature Center in Zion next to the South Campground features daily youth specific programs. Kids will learn about powerful geological forces and much more. All programs are carefully developed by staff to create a fun and enjoyable learning experience for visiting youth and their families. The Nature Center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Virgin River is generally prime for tubing from May - July. Rent or buy a tube at Zion Outfitters in Springdale and enjoy a leisurely 2-mile float through Springdale. Then get off at the Springdale park and take the Springdale shuttle back into town. Rent an E bike from one of the many rental companies in Springdale & bike the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Let the electric motor do the work so you can spend your energy soaking in the scenery! WE LOVE EAST ZION ADVENTURES - CLICK TO LEARN MORE TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT Early mornings are always the best time of day to start hiking if you want your best shot at beating the heat. Chose water hikes. See our favorite water hikes listed above. Ice cream is always the great way to cool off, right?!? We love getting a soft serve cone at Castle Dome Cafe at the Zion Lodge and eating it while sitting on the grassy field in front of the lodge. It is about as good as it gets. Finding spots to splash and play along the Virgin River is a great way to cool off from the summer sun. A few of our favorite spots include, the many paths down to the river along the Pa'rus trail, anywhere along Riverside Walk, Canyon Junction has a fun spot to slide down the rocks and into the river, and Springdale Park. There you have it! It can be done! You can plan a trip to Zion in the summer without sitting in long lines and sweating buckets in the heat of the day. I hope these tips and recommendations help you plan a magical and fun trip to Zion in the summer. Happy Adventuring, Arika CHECK OUT THESE OTHER RELATED BLOG POSTS

Zion National Park has tons of great hiking for the whole family. Hiking with kids can be so much fun. It forces you to slow down, smell the flowers, check out allllllll the things, climb, play and most importantly have fun. When visiting Zion you need to have funnnnnn! We know that when planning to go hiking with kids it's super important to know how long the hike is, how hard the hike is, and how interactive the hike is. That is why we have put together this quick guide to help you plan your Zion adventure with kids in tow. Whether you are planing to spend a day or a week exploring Zion, this guide will help you figure out what hikes to put at the top of your list. UNDERSTANDING THE PARK There are 4 sections of Zion and all 4 sections have great hikes for kids. I will give you ideas for drive time if you are staying in Springdale. Springdale is the little town located right next to Zion. This is the most convenient place to stay when visiting the main canyon and East Zion. If you stay in a different location the driving times will be a little different. THE MAIN CANYON This section of Zion is 5 minutes from Springdale, it is only accessible via shuttle the majority of the year and is the busiest of all the areas of the park. Best Hikes with kids Riverside Walk The Narrows Emerald Pools Sand Bench Loop KOLOB CANYONS 45 minutes north/west of Springdale. Has a small visitor center/entrance station. It’s a small section of the park but packs a punch with amazing towering red rock cliffs. Best Hikes with kids Taylor Creek Timber Creek Overlook KOLOB TERRACE This area is 30-45 minutes west of Springdale and your best option for getting away from the crowds. Best Hikes with kids Northgate Peaks Trail Lambs Knoll EAST ZION Located just above the main canyon and 20 minutes from Springdale. You get a totally different look than the main canyon with lots of options for off the beaten path hiking. Best Hikes with kids Canyon Overlook Many Pools Clear Creek BONUS HIKES These are a few great hikes that are located just outside the main canyon, close the the Visitor Center and Springdale. No shuttle needed. Pa'Rus Trail The Watchman Trail Lower Pine Creek Falls HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE Trails in the Main Canyon Only accessible via shuttle the majority of the year RIVERSIDE WALK Distance - 2.5 miles round trip Difficulty - Easy with no elevation gain Fun Factor - Lots of opportunities for water play, climbing and exploring along the trail & river. This is a great hike to do first on your list and first thing in the morning. You will take the shuttle all the way through the park (45 mins) and get a wonderful scenic view of the canyon. There is a sand trail that runs parallel to the paved trail and is usually less crowded. The end of this hike is the start of The Narrows. RELATED: Hiking the Riverside Walk Trail in Zion National Park THE NARROWS Distance - 2.5 miles RT on Riverside Walk and then hike the river into The Narrows as long as you want. Turn around and come back the way you came. Difficulty - Walking over the slippery wet rocks can be hard for kids. Fun Factor - such a fun hike for kids in the summer. The Narrows starts once you step off the paved trail of Riverside Walk. Bring walking sticks for added support. Plan to go slow. Take lots of snacks and plan plenty of time for the kids to play in the water RELATED: 10 TIPS FOR HIKING THE NARROWS WITH KIDS EMERALD POOLS Distance - 1 mile round trip for the lower pool. 1.25 miles for the lower pool and 2.5 miles round trip for the upper pool. Difficulty - There is a decent amount of incline on this trail. Fun factor - The waterfalls and stream make this hike super fun for kids. One of the most popular hikes in the park. It is located right across from the Zion Lodge. I recommend doing the Kayenta trail on your way back out for different views. This will take you to The Grotto stop that is just one stop up from The Lodge. BTW you can't swim in any of the pools so no need to plan for swimming suites. SAND BENCH LOOP TRAIL Distance - 1 mile round trip Difficulty - There is deep sand which can be hard to walk through. Fun factor - You might run into horses on the trail, there is also a little stream to play in. This is a great hike to get away from the crowds! It is a short loop trail that takes you along a little stream and a horse corral. There are plenty of area for kids to run and play in the sand. I highly recommend taking a lunch and hanging out by the river for the afternoon or evening. RELATED: Hiking the Sand Bench Loop Trail in Zion National Park Trails on the East side of Zion These are all trails that you will drive to. The east side of Zion tends to be a little less crowded and also a little cooler. CANYON OVERLOOK Distance - 1.25 miles round trip Difficulty - Some elevation gain but pretty easy. The trail is rocky with deep sand in some spots. Fun factor - This hike has some cool features like a 1/2 cave, catwalk bridge, and lots of areas for climbing the sandstone rocks. The is a fun and short hike with kids and packs a major punch at the end with the most epic views. At the overlook area, you have to make sure to keep your kiddos close because there are lots of sheer drop-offs. The hike can get very busy and parking can be very hard to find so plan accordingly. RELATED: Hiking Canyon Overlook Trail - Zion National Park CLEAR CREEK Distance - You can hike as little or as much as you want. Difficulty - You will take some short and steep paths down to the dry stream bed. The sand can be deep and hard to walk in. Fun Factor - Lots of areas to run, play and explore. Clear Creek does not have an actual starting point or end point. As you drive along Route 9 on the upper east side of Zion, you will see the dry creek bed down below. There are pull-offs all along the drive. Pick a spot to pull off and go exploring. The best spots to pull over will start about 1/4 mile east of the Canyon Overlook parking lot. RELATED: Exploring Clear Creek - Zion National Park MANY POOLS Distance - You can make this hike as long or as short as you want Difficulty - You will be walking up the sandstone for the first part of the hike and down the sandstone for coming back. Fun factor - This is all about running and getting out some energy on the endless sandstone. Many Pools is not an official trail, so it is a great option for getting away from crowds. The start of this trail is .9 miles east of the smaller tunnel.Follow the wash all the way up the canyon for beautiful sandstone and interesting pothole formations. You can make this hike as long or as short as you would like. Hiking shoes with good traction are needed. There is very little shade along this trail so do not attempt in the heat of the day. WE LOVE ZION PONDEROSA RESORT - CLICK TO LEARN MORE TRAILS IN KOLOB CANYONS Kolob Canyons is smaller section of Zion that is 45 minutes from Springdale. There is a small ranger station and the short drive to the top of the canyon is stunning. Taylor Creek Distance - 5.5 miles round trip Difficulty - The trail does have some elevation gain. The path is dirt and rocky in some areas. It's not an easy trail but also not a difficult trail. Fun Factor - You are walking along a small stream the majority of the hike which makes it super fun for kids in the summer. The trail is beautiful and the double arch alcove at the end is a great spot for lunch and snacks. This hike is the longest one on the list but it is a beautiful and fun hike in the summer. There are two historic cabins along the trail that are intresting. The double arch alcove at the end is a great spot for lunch and snacks. Even if the kiddos don't make it all the way to the end it is worth it to hike along the stream for a ways and enjoy the scenery. Timber Creek Overlook Distance - 1 mile round trip Difficulty - A sandy and flat trail with a few short rocky hills Fun Factor - The hike is short and keeps the kids engaged. The views on this hike are stunning. This is the perfect quick hike with kids to experience the beautiful sandstone cliffs of Kolob Canyon. TRAILS ALONG KOLOB TERRACE A smaller section of Zion that is 45 minutes from Springdale. Northgate Peaks Trail Distance - 4.5 miles round trip Difficulty - This is a flat and easy trail Fun Factor - This trail is all about the hiking with some beautiful sandstone peaks and back country views of Zion and the surrounding area. The hike is along a flat ponderosa forest for 2 miles so it can be a little boring for the kiddos. The trail rewards you with beautiful and unique views of Zion peaks and back country canyons. This is the area of Zion that most people don't see. It's worth it to get off the beaten path. Lambs Knoll Distance - 1/2 mile round trip Difficulty - There is deep sand but this is a short and easy hike Fun Factor - This hike is prime for lots or running and exploring. The little slot canyon is a favorite for kids. Lambs Knoll is an area along Kolob Terrace road that is popular for rock climbing and canyoneering. With kids it is a super fun area to explore and play. The hike is short and leads you to a small and tight slot canyon. There are picnic tables so take a lunch or dinner and make it a fun afternoon adventure. BONUS TRAILS These are all trails in the lower section of Zion, but they are accessible without needing to use the Shuttle. LOWER PINE CREEK FALLS Distance - 3/4 miles round trip Difficulty - Some tricky rock scrambling, walking on ledges, climbing through tight spaces, and stream hoping. Fun factor - Such a fun hike in the summer. Hiking along the creek is fun for kids and the pool/waterfall area at the end is perfect for swimming and water play. This hike isn't advertised by the park, so chances of having some solitude are good if you go first thing in the morning or later in the day. The parking area for this hike is right before the bridge that takes you up to the Carmel Tunnel. The trail starts right by the parking area. You will take it all the way back until you reach a beautiful waterfall. RELATED: Lower Pine Creek Falls - Secret Waterfall Hike in Zion National Park THE PA'RUS TRAIL Distance - Walk as long as you want and then turn around and walk back. Difficulty - This trail is more of a stroll than a hike. It is a paved trail with no elevation gain and a few paths down to the river. Fun Factor - The kids will appreciate taking paths down to the river to play along the river. Starts at the visitor center, goes past the south campground and along the Virgin River. It is a great trail for a leisurely evening stroll with the kiddos. We love making frequent stops and playing along in the river. Also a fun trail to rent bikes and and ride. RELATED: Biking the Pa'Rus trail in Zion National Park THE WATCHMAN TRAIL Distance - 3 miles round trip Difficulty - There is a lot of uphill on this trail. Fun factor - It's all about hiking with this trail. Lots of area to run and explore at the top. This trail has very little shade, and a decent elevation gain so don't try it in the middle of the day in the summer heat. Has beautiful views of the Watchman mountain at the top. To get there, you will start at the visitor center and head towards the south campground. Walk along the east side of the Virgin River. The trail will veer away from the river and past some employee housing. The trailhead will be just past the housing. RELATED: Hiking the Watchman Trail - Zion National Park Remember, fun is the top priority when hiking Zion with kids. Happy hiking, Arika ADDITIONAL RELATED POSTS TO CHECK OUT

Visiting a national park for the first time can be very overwhelming. There is so much to know about weather, must-see spots, travel conditions, where to stay etc. Growing up 30 minutes from Zion National Park and working with clients who are often first-time visitors to Zion means I get asked a lot of questions about visiting Zion. I love helping people plan their trip to Zion, and I am always happy to help, so I have put together a list of all the questions I get asked most. Here is my list of the 16 things you should know before visiting Zion. 1 - CAN WE DRIVE TO CANYON OVERLOOK? The Zion shuttle runs from early March through November. Outside of those times (it does run again over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays), you can drive your car into Zion Canyon. CHECK OUT THE SHUTTLE SCHEDULE HERE. The Zion shuttle ONLY runs to Zion Canyon. Everywhere outside Zion Canyon is accessible via car. Canyon Overlook is located in the East Zion section of the park and is only accessible via car. The shuttle is free, and no reservation is needed. In the summer, when the park is the busiest, mornings are crowded with long lines. Afternoons are less busy and usually have no line. 2 - WHAT DO WE DO IF IT IS STORMY IN ZION? If you are visiting Zion in the summer from July through September you need to know that there is a big chance of encountering evening storms. This is monsoon season in Zion. Prevailing winds over the desert southwest shift to bring more moisture up from the Gulf of California. This leads to thunderstorms regulary rolling in during the afternoons. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE The monsoon rains can cause flash flooding, so if you are in a slot canyon like The Narrows or hiking along a stream, river, or dry streambed, there is a chance of flash flooding. Always check the weather. Things to do if it's a stormy day in Zion Take a drive up Kolob Terrace road. Head to Snow Canyon State Park 1 hour away Grab an umbrella and walk the Pa'Rus trail Go to the Zion Human history museum. Sit under the viewing deck and watch the clouds come and go around Tower Of the Virgins. Put on your raincoat and hike to Scouts Landing of Angels Landing. Take the shuttle to The Zion Lodge and Temple of Sinewava. Both have great waterfalls to watch from there. Get a coffee at Deep Creek and then walk across the road and visit the art galleries in Springdale. 3 - HOW HOT DOES IT GET IN ZION? In the summer the heat can reach up to 115 degrees. If you are visiting in the summer be prepared. Heat illness is the cause of many medical emergencies in Zion every summer. Carry and drink at least one gallon of water per person per day. Pace yourself, wear sun protection, and hike in the early or later parts of the day. Tips to beat the heat Early mornings are always the best time of day to start hiking if you want your best shot at beating the heat. Evenings are also great. Chose water hikes like The Narrows, Riverside Walk, Lower Pine Creek Falls or Taylor Creek. Ice cream is always the great way to cool off, right?!? We love getting a soft serve cone at Castle Dome Cafe at the Zion Lodge and eating it while sitting on the grassy field in front of the lodge. It is about as good as it gets. Finding spots to splash and play along the Virgin River is a great way to cool off from the summer sun. A few of our favorite spots include, the many paths down to the river along the Pa'rus trail, anywhere along Riverside Walk, Canyon Junction has a fun spot to slide down the rocks and into the river, and Springdale Park. 4 - WHAT ARE THE PARK HOURS? The park never closes. The entrance station is only open at certain times of the day but the park never closes. If you drive into the park early in the day or later in the evening and the entrance station is closed, that just means that you don't need to show your park pass or pay the entrance fee. 5 - WHERE SHOULD WE GO IN ZION? Zion National Park is made up of 229 square miles of land and is comprised of four main sections. ZION (MAIN) CANYON This is the busiest section of Zion and is only accessible via shuttle for the majority of the year (see below for details on navigating the shuttle). Zion Canyon is where you go for iconic hikes like Angels Landing and the Narrows. EAST ZION East Zion is located on the east side of the Mt. Carmel Tunnel. It is at a higher elevation, just above Zion Canyon, and temps run 5-10 degrees cooler. Great hikes include Canyon Overlook, Many Pools, and off-the-beaten-path exploring along Clear Creek. KOLOB CANYON One of Zion's best-kept secrets, Kolob Canyon is tucked into the northwest corner of Zion National Park. Soaring cliffs of red Navajo Sandstone and breathtaking views are the highlight along a stunning 5-mile scenic drive. The canyons are easily accessed from Interstate 15. Our favorite family-friendly hikes in Kolob Canyons are Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook. KOLOB TERRACE Kolob Terrace is a section of Zion that begins with a 15 minute drive west of Springdale and leads you to great Zion hikes like The Subway, Northgate Peaks trail and Lambs Knoll. It is a stunning scenic drive and perfect for rainy days. 6 - WHAT'S THIS ABOUT A TOXIN IN THE VIRGIN RIVER? In July 2020 a puppy died 20 minutes after coming into contact with a toxic algae bloom in the Virgin River. Since that happened, the park has been monitoring toxin levels in the park’s streams and rivers. As of November 4, 2022 toxin-producing cyanobacteria have been detected in the North Fork of the Virgin River. The North Fork of the Virgin River runs through Zion Canyon and is at a Warning Advisory level. During warning advisories, the park recommends that recreators avoid swimming or submerging their head in the river because toxins can enter the body by swallowing water or through the nose, eyes, or open wounds. Drinking water from the Virgin River is not advised. Toxins cannot be filtered out by standard hiking filtration methods. Dogs must be kept on a leash. If pets get into the river, remove them from the water immediately, rinse off their fur thoroughly, and monitor for symptoms of toxin poisoning. A dog can die in as little as 15 minutes from anatoxin-a poisoning. INFO FROM A LOCAL Since July 2020 there have been thousands of people hiking The Narrows and swimming in the Virgin River. I have hiked The Narrows and swam in the Virgin River. I have not gotten sick or heard of anyone getting sick. 7 - HOW DO WE WORK AROUND THE CROWDS IN THE SUMMER Visiting Zion during the busiest times of the year means you may experience extended wait times at the entrance station, wait times to get on the shuttle, and heavy traffic getting around the park. Tips to avoid the crowds Go early to get parking at the Visitor Center and avoid long shuttle lines. Walk the Pa'Rus Trail and follow the paths leading down to the river. Go into the park later in the day, up to 2-3 hours before sunset but don't miss the last shuttle out. Hike along Clear Creek in East Zion. Drive the Kolob Terrace road. Get off at the Court Of the Patriarchs stop and explore along the river and hike Sand Bench Loop trail. 8 - CAN WE DRIVE THROUGH THE ZION-MOUNT CARMEL TUNNEL? WHAT ARE THE HOURS? Vehicles sized 11'4" in height or 7'10" in width, or larger, are required to have an escort, or traffic control, through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. A $15 dollar tunnel permit fee is charged, and the tunnel is open to large vehicles on a regular schedule when rangers are present to manage traffic. Those hours are: November 6 to March 31: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 1 to September 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular cars can drive through the tunnel any time day or night. 9 - CAN WE PET THE CUTE SQUIRRELS? Keep at least 50 feet away from small wildlife like squirrels, birds, and reptiles. As animals become used to humans and dependent on them as a food source, they become a nuisance and aggressive. If you are watching an animal and it notices you or changes its behavior, you are too close. Human food is hard for animals to digest, and feeding them has led to several fatalities. Animals stay happier and healthier without human food. 10 - WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP TAKE CARE OF ZION? We all need to do our part to take care of Zion. Being a good steward of that park means you are doing your part to be courteous to other visitors, protect the wildlife, and respecting the precious ecosystem in Zion. The park has put together this list, and I hope you will all read it and follow it. Plan ahead and prepare by reading and following the information in the park newspaper. Keep personal food away from all wildlife, and never approach or touch a wild animal. Protect the canyon walls, rocks, and trees from graffiti and vandalism. Preserve the park scenery by not collecting wildflowers, rocks, or plants. Never enter a narrow canyon when there is a potential for flash flooding. Be ready to pack out my human waste, toilet paper, and diapers from trails and river corridors. Stay on established trails to protect vegetation and fragile cryptobiotic soils. Leave rocks as you find them, and do not stack rock cairns or build river dams. Protect the natural sounds of the canyon by talking softly and using headphones for music. Recycle and dispose of trash and food appropriately. Park in designated areas and avoid blocking traffic. Share these stewardship principals with others. 11 - HOW DO WE AVOID A FLASH FLOOD? Flash floods can happen even if there are blue skies overhead. Your safety is your responsibility. While the park service can give you information on weather, flash flood potential, and risks, it is ultimatly up to you to make the best choice for yourself. Keep a close eye on the weather and do not go into slot canyons or hang out near rivers or streams before, after, or during a rainstorm. 12 - CAN WE BRING OUR DOG HIKING IN ZION? There is only one trail in Zion where dogs are permitted and that's the Pa'Rus trail. National Parks aren't usually the best place to bring pets. If you can't leave Fido at home make sur to follow these guidelines for dog owners visiting Zion Bag your pet's poop Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from all areas in the park including campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, pet-friendly trails, and other developed areas. Always wear a leash Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Respect wildlife Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. Know where you can go The only trail that allows pets is the Pa’rus Trail, which begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Pets are not permitted - on any other trails, wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings in Zion. Additionally, properly restrained pets are welcome along public roads and parking areas, in the developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge. 13 - CAN WE HIKE ANGELS LANDING WITHOUT A PERMIT? The first portion of Angels Landing, up to Scouts Lookout, can be hiked without a permit. After Scouts Lookout is when the chain section of the hike starts, and this is the section that requires a permit. To get a permit you can apply quarterly or from 12am - 3pm the day before. Visit the National Park website for more info CLICK HERE 14 - WHERE DO WE FIND OUT ABOUT ROAD CLOSURES OR HIKE CLOSURES? The Zion National Park website is your friend. They keep everything up to date so check it for rock falls, hikes closures and roads closures. CLICK HERE FOR LINK 15 - WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE NARROWS? Summer is generally the best time the hike The Narrows. The water is a nice temperature and it is an excellent respite from the desert heat. Summer is also when it is most crowded so make sure to get on the first shuttle out in the morning. July through August, The Narrows will often close due to flash flooding from the monsoon storms. Spring runoff often causes The Narrows to close much or April and May. The Narrows closures occur when the river is running above 150CFS. Some years if the mountains of Southern Utah don't get much snow The Narrows may not close at all. Winter can be a great time to hike The Narrows to avoid crowds, but you will have to have all the right gear to stay warm and prevent frostbite. ***Cliffrose Lodge in Springdale 16 - WHERE SHOULD WE STAY WHEN VISITING ZION? If you plan to spend most of your time hiking Zion Canyon and East Zion, Springdale will be the most convenient place to stay. Springdale is a touristy town with touristy prices, but it also has charm and a ton of great restaurants and lodging options. Other good options close to the park include Hurricane, Virgin, La Verkin, Orderville, Kanab, or St George. I hope you find this list of 16 things you need to know when visiting Zion, helpful when you are planning your trip. I love where I live so much and I want everyone to have a fabulous time when visiting my favorite place in the world. Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

The Nautilus is a short hike to a unique hidden gem in the desert outside Kanab, Ut. This swirly rock formation has been named "The Nautilus" because when you hike down into the white rock formation, it spirals around, giving you the feeling you are exploring a large mollusk seashell. Just sit on your bum and slide down. My kiddos thought this was the coolest thing ever! I thought the light inside the mollusk-like formation was absolutely stunning, and the ripples of yellow stripes running through the white rock were so cool. Because this is a short hike located right off highway 89 between Kanab and Lake Powell, it is the perfect stop on any Southern Utah road trip. DIRECTIONS TO GET TO THE NAUTILUS TRAILHEAD The Nautilus is located 45 minutes east of Kanab or 35 minutes west of Page, AZ & Lake Powell. You will take the White House Road turn along highway 89. It comes up quickly. Have your navigation app going so that you know when to make the turn. Follow White House Road to a wash just before White House Campground. The road is dirt and a little bumpy but nothing that a regular 4-door vehicle can't handle. At the second wash along the road, you will stop and park at a little pull-out just before the wash. Click Here for the exact location. TRAIL DISTANCE The trail to The Nautilus is less than a one-mile round trip. It is on flat sandy ground and easy to navigate. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION - CLICK TO LEARN MORE BEST TIME TO VISIT This trail is excellent for year-round use. It might be a little hot in the middle of the summer, June-August, but since it is such a short hike, you will be fine. Just bring lots of water and wear sunscreen. We did this hike the beginning of October in the morning. It was the perfect time to go! The best light for photography is mid-morning or mid to late afternoon. If you want good photos don't go on a cloudy day, the light will be flat and dull. This area can get flash flooding during a rain storm, but I don't consider it high risk. Since you aren't hiking along a tight slot canyon, there are plenty of places to get to higher ground in case water does fill up the wash. Just beware that the road will get a little slick and muddy in the rain. TRAIL DETAILS The trail starts at the wash and goes east. If you are looking towards the campground, you will go to your left. You will walk for a short distance and then come to a fence going across the wash. Walk around the fence and keep going. My kiddos had fun running and climbing up the slick rock along the sides of the wash. ***The White Dome - Hike up and over to the right and the formation is inside. You will see a large white dome-like mound coming up out of the sand to the right. The Nautilus is inside that white dome. Hike up to the right and then down into The Nautilus. This is the part where you get to slide down on your bum....haha! It's about a 10-12 foot slide. Once at the bottom, you can check out how the light plays on the walls. My kiddos turned around and climbed right back up and slid down again. I walked around and explored the light and the shapes of the white and grey sandstone walls. I was in awe of the yellow wavy stipes running along the walls.....so beautiful. We played and took photos for about 20 minutes and then hiked back the way we came. PRO TIP Type in The Nautilus on your navigation app and check it while you hike. That way, you will know exactly where the rock formation is, and there is no way you will accidentally pass it. Please be careful visiting this delicate rock formation. Do not write on or carve into the walls. Do not break or damage the rock. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE principals. Pack out what you pack in! Help us protect this place for generations to come! WE LOVE EAST ZION ADVENTURES GUIDE COMANY - CLICK TO LEARN MORE GOOD TO KNOW There is no restroom at the immediate trailhead but some at the White House Trailhead and campground, about 0.3 miles down the dirt road. The closest drinking water is available at the Paria Contact Station at the start of White House Road. There is no fee or permit required for this hike. LIST OF THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU HIKING SHOES OR HIKING SANDALS - Hiking shoes or hiking sandals are a great option for this hike but honestly you could do it in flip flops. Click here for my favorite hiking sandals on the planet.....I'm a Teva's girl! HIKING CLOTHES - Wear comfortable, light and breathable clothes if visiting in the summer. If visiting in the winter, bring a warm coat and wear layers. Chances are it will warm up mid-day. SUNSCREEN - Always take sunscreen with your wherever you go in the desert! HAT & SUNGLASSES - The sun is intense. Having a hat and sunglasses is a must. SNACKS, AND LOTS OF WATER - Always hike with snacks and plenty of water HIKING DAY PACK - You will want a small backpack to carry snacks, water, camera & phone. BEST PLACES STAY AND HIKE IN AND AROUND KANAB I recommend staying a few days in Kanab to explore the whole area around The Nautilus. There is so much to see and do. Kanab is located 35 minutes from Zion National park, 1 hour 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon, and 1 hour 45 minutes from the north entrance of the Grand Canyon. WHERE TO STAY IN KANAB - BASECAMP 37 We actually found The Nautilus while we were staying at Basecamp 37. The owner Amy told us to go check it out! Basecamp37 is a spacious, secluded but totally connected hideaway with, safari-style tents, luxury beds and linens, hot showers, even hotter grills, and friendly folks. There is a shared house on the property plus a common area for all the guests. The 5 tents on the property face nothing but open land and huge vistas. It is located 8 miles east of Kanab in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase under the magnificent Southern Utah sky. We loved our glamping experience at Basecamp 37 and highly recommend it! 15 HIKES TO CHECK OUT + THINGS TO DO CLOSE TO KANAB & THE NAUTILUS 1 - Hike Wire Pass Trail 2 - Hike Buckskin Gulch 3 - Hike The Toadstools 4 - Hike Whitehouse Trail 5 - Hike Coyote Buttes North 6 - Hike The Wave 7 - Hike to Moqui Caverns 8 - Hike Belly of the Dragon 9 - Paddle Board Antelope Canyon 10 - Visit Horseshoe Bend 11 - Swim at Lake Powell 12 - Hike Mansard Trail 13 - Hike Water Canyon 14 - Go Canyoneering 15 - Try a guided slot canyon UTV tour As you can see, The Nautilus is just one of the many things to check out when visiting Southern Utah. This short hike to a unique hidden gem is a must on any road trip through the Southern Utah desert. Happy Adventureing, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

Taylor Creek is a beautiful scenic hike located in the Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park. With a small stream running along the trail, Taylor Creek is one of my favorite water hikes in Zion in the summer, but really it is a beautiful hike any time of the year. Soaring peaks of Navajo sandstone line the trail and lush vegetation make for a cool and shaded summer hike. Taylor Creek features two historic cabins and a double arch alcove at the end. This is a great morning or afternoon hike. Take a sack lunch with you and eat under the alcove at the end. Don't let the 5 miles round trip discourage you if you have kiddos. This hike is a great one to take slow and play as you hike. If you don't make it to the end, it is still 100% worth it. LOCATION The Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park is located at Exit 40 on I15. Taylor Creek is a 20-minute drive from Cedar City, a 20-minute drive from Hurricane, and a 50-minute drive from Springdale. Taylor Creek is the first hike you will come to along the 5-mile-long scenic drive in Kolob Canyons. CLICK HERE FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE DIFFICULTY The trail starts with a short and steep descent down to the canyon floor. It is easy to navigate with stairs and a well-maintained path, but hiking back out will get your heart pumping. After reaching the bottom, you will hike along a stream for the majority of the hike with minimal elevation gain. There are plenty of ups, downs, and overs, but a well-worn path makes it easy to navigate without too much trouble. LENGTH Taylor Creek is a five mile round trip - out and back hike. The average hike time is 3-4 hours. BEST TIME TO HIKE TAYLOR CREEK Taylor Creek is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, from November through February, the trail can be icy and snowy. The Kolob Canyons road also often closes in the winter. TRAIL DETAILS The trail starts with a short and steep hike down to Taylor Creek. At the bottom of the canyon, the trail levels out and runs along the small stream all the way to the end. The trail crosses the stream numerous times, and even though there is minimal elevation gain, you will be navigating over boulders and downed trees throughout the hike. Water shoes or waterproof hiking boots are necessary if you want to avoid getting your feet wet. About 1 mile in, you will hit the first of two historic homestead cabins along the trail. Built-in the early 1930s, the first historical cabin is the Larson Cabin, and about another half mile up is the Fife Cabin. It's fun to walk around the cabins, peeking into the windows and imagining what life was like for the settlers who built these remote cabins. You'll know you have reached the end of the trail when you hit the Double Arch Alcove. The alcove is massive and cavelike, with a large wall of seeping water and lush green ferns. Don't let the term double arch fool you; it's not a true open arch but the closed arches in the sandstone soaring high above are super cool. After spending some time enjoying this beautiful and secluded section of Zion, give yourself a pat on the back, turn around and head back the way you came. Always be respectful of the land. Leave no trace and pack in + out anything you bring with you. Leave nothing behind. GOOD TO KNOW All guests are required to stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to show your Park Pass or pay the Zion National Park entrance fee. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead but no water. You can fill your water bottle at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. This trail is sometimes referred to as Middle Fork of Taylor Creek. You can take two other longer hikes with this trail, but along the creek is the most popular and easy way to do it. LIST OF THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU HIKING SHOES OR HIKING SANDALS - Wear water shoes like Teva's or Chaco's when hiking Taylor Creek in the summer. Keen also has great water shoes for kids. Click here for my favorite hiking sandals on the planet.....I'm a Teva's girl! HIKING CLOTHES - Wear comfortable, light and breathable clothes if visiting in the summer. If visiting in the spring/fall, bring a light jacket. Chances are it will warm up mid-day. SUNSCREEN - Always take sunscreen with your wherever you go in the desert! HAT & SUNGLASSES - The sun is intense. Having a hat and sunglasses is a must. SNACKS, AND LOTS OF WATER - Always hike with snacks and plenty of water HIKING DAY PACK - You will want a small backpack to carry snacks, water, camera & phone. BEST PLACES STAY WHEN VISITING KOLOB CANYONS I recommend staying a few days in the Hurricane Valley to explore all the different sections of Zion. There is so much to see and do. The Hurricane Valley is located 30 minutes from the west entrance of Zion National park, 2 hours from Bryce Canyon, 2 hours from the north entrance of the Grand Canyon, and 30 minutes from Kolob Canyons. READ MORE ABOUT VISITING THE HURRICANE VALLEY HERE 15 HIKES + THINGS TO DO CLOSE TO TAYLOR CREEK/KOLOB CANYONS 1 - Visit Cedar Breaks 2 - Hike Timber Creek Overlook Trail 3 - Hike Kanarra Falls 4 - Hike Spring Creek Trail 5 - Visit Sheeps Bridge Park 6 - Hike Lambs Knoll 7 - Visit Grafton Ghost Town 8 - Hike Red Reef Trail 9 - Visit Snow Canyon State Park 10 - Hike Watchman Trail 11 - E-bike The Canyon 12 - Hike Lower Pine Creek Falls 13 - Hike Ashdown Gorge 14 - Go to the Shakespearean Festival 15 - Canoe Navajo Lake Hiking Taylor Creek is an amazing way to experience all the beauty that the Kolob Canyons section of Zion has to offer. This stunning 5-mile round trip hike is perfect as a day trip or water hike in the summer for families so get out and enjoy!. Happy Adventuring, Arika Check out more about me and book a shoot here CLICK HERE FOR RELATED BLOG POSTS

Snow Canyon State Park is known for its stunning views with easy accessibility and is one of my favorite, not so hidden gems in Southern Utah. Snow Canyon has 33 trailheads and can be a quiet park even during Southern Utah’s peak season. SAVE THIS PIN FOR FUTURE PLANNING ⬆️ Not only that, but Snow Canyon has the most stunning backdrop to host your Southern Utah wedding or elopement! With Pinterest-worthy views, earthy vibes, and an inexpensive permit, you can create the desert wedding or elopement of your dreams at Snow Canyon State Park! Did I mention I got married in Snow Canyon in September of 2022?!? I learned so much when planning my wedding in September, so I am here to walk you through all the details and things to consider when choosing Snow Canyon State Park as the destination for your celebration.....lets go! TABLE OF CONTENTS Things to consider when choosing Snow Canyon for your wedding or elopement destination The Best time to get married or elope at Snow Canyon State Park Blackout dates for weddings at Snow Canyon State Park How to get a permit to get married at Snow Canyon State Park Details for planning an intimate elopement at Snow Canyon State Park Best location for elopement photos in Snow Canyon State Park Alexander & Kennedy - Getting married in Snow Canyon; My Story Why hire Zion Adventure Photog to capture your Snow Canyon Wedding or Elopement THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING SNOW CANYON FOR YOUR WEDDING DESTINATION Before you say yes to Snow Canyon State Park, here are some things to consider right off of the Utah State Government site - Group size may not exceed 50 people and 10 vehicles. Weddings exceeding 50 people are not permitted. Groups of 25 or fewer people can choose from one of the following locations: a) Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook* b) Petrified Dunes* c) Lower Galoot d) SandDunes* * These locations are still open to the general public and cannot be reserved for exclusive use. Groups larger than 26 (and not exceeding 50 people) can only use (and reserve) Lower Galoot. On Saturdays and Sundays from March-May and October-November, Lower Galoot can only be reserved between the hours of 8 am and 11am OR 4 pm and 9 pm. No more than one wedding permit will be issued for any given date (i.e. once a date has been booked by a wedding party, regardless of time and location, it cannot be booked by another group). Park hours are 6a.m. to 10p.m. daily. Day use is not permitted outside these hours. Hiking is on designated trails only. Your ceremony, wedding party photos, or other wedding activities cannot take place off-trail. The following are not allowed: No Drones No Amplified music No Generators No open flames or flammable items No signs, balloons, or other temporary markers No Rice, birdseed, confetti or other wedding toss items No release of doves, butterflies, or any other type of wildlife Dogs must be leashed and under control. Scoop, bag, and bin all dog waste. If you are hosting an intimate ceremony with 50 people or less, this truly is a great place to say, “I Do.” THE BEST TIME TO GET MARRIED/ELOPE AT SNOW CANYON STATE PARK Southern Utah is gorgeous year round, but it is good to keep in mind the summer months (May-September) and our 100+ degree temps when choosing a wedding date. Spring and Fall (March, April, October & November) are absolutely perfect times for weather, but the park does tend to be a bit more crowded! If you want the park to yourself plan a winter wedding or elopement. Winter temps (December-February) in Southern Utah are mild and tend to stay around 50 degrees in the daytime. BLACKOUT DATES FOR WEDDINGS AT SNOW CANYON The park has strict blackout dates to follow when choosing a day for booking. Due to heavy visitation; high visitor demand and limited parking; or special events, wedding permits will not be issued for the following 2023 dates: January 14 – 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend) February 17 – 20 (President’s Day holiday weekend) March 11 – 19 (Washington County Spring Break) April 1 – 10 (Davis County Spring Break; Easter holiday weekend) o May 4 – 6 (Ironman 70.3 North American Championship) May 27 – 29 (Memorial Day holiday weekend) October 7 – 11 (St. George Marathon; Huntsman World Sr. Games; Columbus Day holiday) o October 12 – 16 (UEA / Fall Break) November 18 (Snow Canyon Half Marathon) November 23 - 27 (Thanksgiving holiday weekend) Now with all of that in mind, you can make the decision if Snow Canyon is still a good fit for you! For us, it was! HOW TO GET A PERMIT TO GET MARRIED IN SNOW CANYON Your first order of business will be to get a permit for your wedding date. Permits are only given for the current calendar year. You must have a permit prior to three weeks of your chosen wedding date. There is a $150 filing fee that is due upon booking your date. For the Lower Galoot trailhead, the cost is an additional $100 for up to three hours and then $30 for every hour after that. You can call or email the park (snowcanyon@utah.gov) for your special use permit. Your photographer and videographer (reach out to book us to capture your day!) will need to do the same to get their photo and video permit. Each person that drives into the park for your ceremony will also need to pay the $10-$15 entrance fee. There are so many stunning views all throughout the canyon! Here are some examples of the endless possibilities that can take place within the park. REACH OUT AND LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SNOW CANYON WEDDING/ELOPEMENT DETAILS FOR PLANNING AN INTIMATE ELOPEMENT IN SNOW CANYON STATE PARK Snow Canyon State Park is the perfect place for an intimate elopement! Combine travel, outdoor adventure, and the celebration of your love by eloping in this red rock desert paradise. Exchange private vows in a slot canyon with just the two of you and a few of your closest family and friends, then head to get killer shots that truly show off those immense red rock desert views. Hire us to help you plan the perfect elopement. THE BEST LOCATIONS FOR ELOPEMENT PHOTOS Jenny's Canyon A short, sandy walk to a quaint yet magnificent slot canyon. This trail is only a .5 mile round trip walk and is lightly trafficked throughout the day. You can run your fingertips along the soft red walls of the canyon, and it offers a cool refuge from the hot desert in the summer. Petrified Dunes The dunes are essentially massive hills of Navajo sandstone that cascade around you with epic red rock views in all directions. A short and easy walk leads you to the massive views. Snow Canyon Overlook This location features a desert setting with the stunning red rock of Snow Canyon State Park in the background. This is a drive up to location making is super easy and accessible. Off the beaten path There are so many beautiful places in Snow Canyon to get away from people and immerse yourself in nature. Capture stunning red rock and desert vibes with a local photographer who knows the area well........THAT'S ME!!! CLICK HERE TO BOOK ME FOR YOUR SNOW CANYON ELOPEMENT! Alexander + Kennedy - GETTING MARRIED AT SNOW CANYON STATE PARK; MY STORY We opted to host our family in a full-blown wedding weekend celebration to show our friends and family from around the country our favorite places to explore and adventure in our area! We had everyone stay at the INN Santa Clara, a local INN about 12 minutes from the park. After visiting with the owners of the INN, we fell in love with the idea of hosting our family there for our wedding weekend! Each room was impeccable and themed to represent different things unique to the area. INN Santa Clara was a place that our family could return to after hiking in Zion, racing at the sand dunes in Sand Hollow or shopping at the local boutiques in downtown St. George. There are several awesome VRBO’s that can host large groups. Red Mountain Resort, right by the entrance, can host large groups and is an all-inclusive resort. We held our ceremony at the Lower Galoot Trailhead in Snow Canyon so we could invite 50 people. We rented benches, got an arch off of Amazon and we added floral arrangements that we worked on together to create the look! After our ceremony, we had all of our friends and family head back to our reception. This gave us some time to take some photos of just the two of us. There are so many ways to incorporate the park into your day. For us, the park was the scene of our first date together, so it meant a lot to us to get married within the grounds. For our reception, we transformed the INN's grassy “parking” area into a space for dinner, dancing, and toasts! Everything was perfect, and it was a night to remember. WHY HIRE ZION ADVENTURE PHOTOG TO CAPTURE YOUR WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT AT SNOW CANYON STATE PARK At Zion Adventure Photog we are a team of local photographers who love the outdoors, but even more than that, we love adventuring with our clients and showing them our amazing home. With all our local knowledge and seven years of experience capturing elopements in Southern Utah, we are skilled in making sure every detail of your day goes down without a hitch. We help you figure out the perfect locations, timing, and all the details of your day to make it everything you want and more. However you choose to celebrate your union will be perfect! The key is to stay true to it being the perfect representation and celebration for the two of you. Happy Adventuring, Kennedy Check out more about Kennedy and book a shoot here CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS