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Take advantage of mild temperatures & spectacular scenery with a trip to Zion By
Reuben Wadsworth
Zion Canyon is just as majestic in winter -- and a lot more pleasant, if you don't like the heat -- as evidenced by this view from the crest of the Emerald Pools Trail. / Photo by Reuben Wadsworth. Word on Zion National Park travels fast. Last May the National Park Service was forced to install a mandatory shuttle service for visitors traveling through the park's popular Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in order to reduce the traffic during the peak summer months. If visitors want to venture into the canyon in their automobiles, they must go in the winter, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will be touring in relative solitude. The canyon is busy in the winter, too. Presidents Day weekend was no exception. Parking areas at Zion Canyon trailheads filled nearly to capacity over the three-day break with visitors wanting to take advantage of the park's mild temperatures and spectacular scenery. The park treated hikers to views of its stone monoliths, including the Great White Throne, the Temple of Sinawava and Court of the Patriarchs, in a setting summer patrons don't see ù the snow dusted variety. The atmosphere was prime for photography and added certain charm not felt if hiked wearing a T-shirt and shorts while sweating profusely because of the scorching southern Utah sun.
Though the weather was mild, portions of each trail in the canyon were covered in ice and hikers were forced to carefully waddle through to avoid a fall. Hikers could avoid ice and snow on if they made the trip through the 1.1-mile Zion Tunnel and traversed the Canyon Overlook Trail, which because of its longer exposure to the sun was relatively snow-free. While the park is not as crowded in winter, it is only for the leisurely visitor during the colder months. Serious hikers must go the park in the summer to take in the its popular longer trails. The Subway, accessed from the park's Kolob Terrace Road, is a favorite trail of more experienced hikers. Permits for the hike are hard to come by, as only 50 people are allowed in the canyon per day. Hikers interested in making the journey through the Subway must reserve a spot more than a month in advance. Obtaining a permit for the Narrows hike is a little easier. The policy in affect currently requires potential Narrows hikers to pick up a permit at the visitor center the day before they plan on making the 16-mile trip. Visitors wishing to visit a Utah national park and avoid crowds may want to try Canyonlands. It is the least-civilized and least-visited national park in Utah. A visit to Canyonlands' Maze District or Horseshoe Canyon will offer visitors the solitude they might be looking for when they visit a national park.
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