3. Go back to Zion National Park
A few years back I took myself (my favorite travel companion) on a trip to explore Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. My 11-day trip was outstanding and I started with about 24 hours at Zion National Park. It was one of the single most beautiful places I’ve ever been. At the end of my trip, I wished I’d been able to spend more time exploring and vowed to return, so I made sure it was on the 40 by 40 list.
I was finally ready to schedule my return trip while I was planning for my 2022 travel. My first trip to Zion was in April, so I decided to switch it up to an October visit this time around. I was not disappointed. The weather was nice and warm during the day and fall crisp at night.
Additionally, there’s only one place to stay within Zion itself, so I stayed at a cute inn called the Bumbleberry in the adjoining town of Springdale. It’s absolutely the way I would go again. The rooms were great, people were so kind, I was right by a park shuttle stop and I was also within walking distance of shops, restaurants, the grocery store and an ice cream shop (don’t ask me how I know that last one).
Despite some rental car difficulties and other minor issues, I had the most wonderful time. I slept in each day and still managed to get in all the hiking and scenic routes I hoped to check off my list. My favorite trail was the Riverside Walk, an easy hike back into the canyons ending where the famous Narrows Trail starts. The trail meanders along the Virgin River and I love me a trail that sits next to a moving body of water.
I also liked the fall trip for the smaller crowds and the slowly changing fall colors. If you haven’t been to Zion, I cannot recommend it enough. I’m not usually a repeat visitor to places and I’m already wanting to go back.
This trip brings me to 19 of 40 tasks complete! I have a lot of things in the works and just a few months to go…let’s do this!