National Parks in Southwest Utah: A Fit Travelers Guide

July 31, 2023

As an avid hiker, traveler, and fitness enthusiast, I can confidently say that hiking at Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon should be on everyone’s bucket list. These parks offer some of the most breathtaking sights in the world and it’s a great opportunity to get out in nature and explore. I spent a week traveling to all three parks and in this post, I aim to share my experiences and recommendations to help you plan your trip if you ever find yourself in this spectacular part of the country.

Discovering Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon: Your Base in St. George

Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon are some of the most iconic national parks in the Southwest United States, each with unique geological features and landscapes. Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale, is renowned for its steep red cliffs. Bryce Canyon National Park, also in Utah but to the east of Zion, is famous for its crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. Last but not least, the Grand Canyon, situated in Arizona, is known worldwide for its vast size and layers of colorful rock that reveal millions of years of geological history. These parks are all located within a reasonable driving distance from one another, making them a perfect trio to visit on a single trip.

St. George, Utah is the perfect base for your visit to these incredible parks. Conveniently located near all three parks, it offers easy access to stunning natural wonders. Zion National Park is just 40 miles away, a scenic drive that takes approximately 50 minutes. Bryce Canyon National Park is around 80 miles away, and the drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Lastly, the mesmerizing beauty of the Grand Canyon is within reach, located about 125 miles away, with a driving time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Not only is St. George ideally situated for exploring these national parks, but it also provides a wealth of amenities. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants, comfortable accommodations, and other attractions to enhance your stay. St. George is easily one of the best places I’ve ever stayed, I absolutely loved it.

Preparing for Your Trip

When planning a visit to Southwest Utah and Arizona, it’s crucial to pack the right clothing and gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The region is known for its dry and arid climate, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense desert sun. Sturdy and comfortable footwear, such as hiking boots or trail runners, is essential for exploring rugged terrain. I recommend The North Face Vectiv trail runners for a sturdy and comfortable footwear option. Personally, I prefer trail runners over boots in this type of environment.

When you’re out hiking these parks, additional gear is necessary. A good day pack, (the LL Bean Bigelow day pack is my favorite) is essential to carry water, snacks, and other items. Consider packing a few additional layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly in these areas. I visited the Grand Canyon in October and it actually snowed out on the trail, you heard me, snow. Trust me when I say you should overpack for this trip!

The last few items I would consider are Quest Protein Bars and Core Power Elite Protein Shakes. They’re my favorite quick and easy snacks that are protein-packed. If you’re an avid weightlifter who likes to hike, these are going to help you hit your protein goals if you’re out all day on the trail.

Hiking Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is a hiker’s paradise, boasting a series of breathtaking trails that take you through its unique geological formations. The Fairyland Loop was, without a doubt, my favorite trail in the park. This 8-mile loop trail is somewhat off the beaten path, allowing a quieter, more private experience of the park. The trail offers dazzling views of the park’s iconic hoodoos and cathedral-like spires. Although it’s rated as moderate in difficulty, the trail has an elevation gain of about 1,558 feet. The elevation combined with the desert heat can make it a challenging hike, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Apart from the Fairyland Loop, Bryce Canyon offers a plethora of other trails catering to all skill levels. Here’s a brief list of a few more:

Navajo Loop Trail: A popular 1.5-mile loop trail that descends into the heart of Bryce Canyon’s amphitheater. The trail features some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, such as Thor’s Hammer and Two Bridges. It’s rated as moderate and has an elevation gain of about 550 feet.
Rim Trail: An tough 10.7-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,587 feet. It offers panoramic views of the park and is perfect for those wishing to enjoy a leisurely walk on the rim of the canyon.
Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail: This moderate 5.2-mile loop trail takes you up close and personal with Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos. It’s a steep trail with an elevation gain of about 1,528 feet.
Queens Garden Trail: This 2.1-mile trail offers a gentle hike with an elevation gain of 459 feet. It culminates at the Queen Victoria hoodoo, one of the park’s most famous rock formations.

Hiking the Grand Canyon

One of the most breathtaking experiences available in the Grand Canyon is a hike to Bright Angel Point on the North Rim. The 0.9-mile round trip is relatively easy, with only about 144 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible to most hikers. This trail leads to an awe-inspiring viewpoint featuring panoramic views of the canyon, the Colorado River, and the surrounding scenery. The vast expanse of the Grand Canyon unfolding before your eyes at Angel’s Point is a sight you’ll carry with you long after you leave the park.

Widforss Trail was another favorite of mine. This moderately difficult trail stretches for 9.3 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of roughly 1100 feet. It weaves through a varied landscape of dense forest and exposed, rocky outcrops, offering glimpses of the canyon through the trees. Halfway through, you’ll reach the Widforss Plateau where the trees part, revealing a dramatic view of the canyon that stretches for miles.

Aside from Angel’s Point and the Widforss Trail, here are a few other trails hikers can explore on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon:

North Kaibab Trail: This strenuous trail is 24.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 5,574 feet. It offers views of Roaring Springs, the Redwall Bridge, and the Colorado River. It’s the only trail on the North Rim that descends to the Colorado River and as such, it’s recommended for experienced hikers on a backpacking trip.
Ken Patrick and Uncle Jim Trail: This moderate trail is 4.7 miles long and has an elevation gain of 731 feet. It offers views of the North Kaibab Trail, the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado River.
Cape Royal Trail: An easy, 1-mile trail with minimal elevation gain. It offers views of the canyon, Angel’s Window, and the Colorado River.
Cliff Springs Trail: This easy trail is 1 mile long and has a slight elevation gain. It leads to a spring emerging from a cliff face and offers views of the canyon and forest.

Hiking Zion

One of the crown jewels in Zion National Park’s rich tapestry of trails is undoubtedly Angels Landing. This trail offers an unforgettable experience that should be a part of every hiking enthusiast’s bucket list. The 4.3-mile round trip hike is not for the faint of heart, but for those that brave the challenging route, they will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Zion Canyon. The trail has an elevation gain of approximately 1,827 feet, with sections that involve steep and narrow paths. It’s important to note that the park now requires reservations for this hike, so it’s recommended to plan several months in advance. You can register for the hike via a lottery system at recreation.gov.

Besides Angels Landing, there are many other trails within Zion National Park that offer unique and awe-inspiring experiences:

The Narrows: This strenuous hike has a 2,076 foot elevation gain, but it involves wading through the Virgin River, making it a unique and exciting experience. It offers views of the towering canyon walls and the river itself.
Observation Point: An 7-mile trail that has a significant elevation gain of 2,644 feet. This hike offers panoramic views of Zion National Park and is a fantastic alternative to the crowded Angels Landing.
Emerald Pools: A moderate 3-mile trail with 620 feet elevation gain. This trail offers a unique experience of seeing Zion’s famous emerald green pools and waterfalls.
Riverside Walk: This easy 1.9-mile trail has minimal elevation gain and offers views of the Virgin River and lush vegetation.

St. George

St. George, Utah is truly a gem of a city with its ideal weather and hospitable people. The city enjoys a mild winter and sunshine-filled summer, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike. It’s a bit of a retirement community which I didn’t realize. I would definitely retire there though. If you’re familiar with High School Musical, the second movie was filmed at one of the country clubs here, Entrada at Snow Canyon. Or for anyone familiar, Lava Springs.

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of restaurants in St. George. A must-visit is the Cliffside Restaurant, perched on a hill and offering stunning views of the city. The food is simply outstanding, with a menu that caters to diverse palates. Another delightful culinary experience was the Hawaiian Pokebowl. Serving fresh, flavorful, and healthy options, this place is ideal for a light yet satisfying lunch.

Fitness enthusiasts would appreciate the Vasa Fitness in St. George. I signed up for a week pass and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The gym is very well-equipped and clean.

What stood out was the overall health-conscious atmosphere in St. George. It seemed like everyone was into fitness and leading an active lifestyle, which made it easier to stick to my fitness routine during my stay. The city’s focus on health and wellness, combined with its excellent food scene and friendly locals, make it a wonderful destination for any traveler.

These three national parks and the city of St. George offer a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to an array of interests. From the vibrant and lush vegetation of the parks to the health-conscious, active lifestyle and delectable food scene in St. George, there’s truly something for everyone.

Follow along with me, @wandering.weights, as I continue my travels and fitness journey. I would also love to hear about your adventures and fitness journey, I’m always up for a conversation!