Greater Zion: The Side of Zion That Most People Miss

Unbeknownst to numerous tourists, Zion National Park is part of a much larger group of neighborhoods that makes up the 2,400 square miles often referred to as the Greater Zion area. Springdale, the town closest to the national forest, is just one of many areas worth a check out if you’re headed to Southern Utah.

There’s so much to discover in Greater Zion– from the national forest’s concealed corners to nearby towns such as St. George and beyond, to nearby state parks, hidden artist communities, and beautiful golf courses– that a trip to the location can quickly fill a week.

The Distinctive Areas of Greater Zion

During my stay in the Greater Zion location, I invested a few nights in Springdale and had the ability to experience a magnificent day in the national forest. But it truly was checking out the surrounding neighborhoods that left me wishing to return.

The region is best known by passionate IRONMAN professional athletes and mountain bicycle riders for its remarkable trails, competitions, and training environment. But there’s plenty to appeal less severe outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers as well.

The town of St. George is 37 miles from the park’s entryway, and is a concept center for exploring Greater Zion. The joke here is that everything is “20 minutes” away, and throughout my exploration of the area, that proved basically true (although the drive to the nationwide park takes simply under an hour).

St. George is home to the region’s most practical airport, which offers nonstop flights from Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, and other cities. Shops, an old-time theater, and mom-and-pop dining establishments dot the streets of St. George’s downtown location. You’ll likewise find the 2nd outpost of the region’s first microbrewery, Zion Brewery, which is set in an old firehouse with a patio location ideal for basking in the sun.

It’s not a surprise that artists and galleries have actually discovered inspiration here, and there are a lot of locations to explore regional art. Make time for a check out to the local artist community of Kayenta, where you’ll discover dozens of galleries, a day spa, a labyrinth garden, and a garden coffee shop. The location is likewise house to a red-rock amphitheater, Tuacahn, which hosts family-friendly musicals and bands, including popular Disney productions.

National and State Parks

When you’re at Zion National Park, you’ll likely come across lines of travelers waiting to board the park’s shuttle along the primary canyon roadway, and you’ll be lucky to get a parking area. As the fourth-most-visited national forest in the country, Zion sees more than its fair share of travelers. However there’s a lot more to see: I suggest also exploring the Kolob Canyons and Kolob Balcony areas (note that some authorizations are needed for Wilderness-designated land). Take a look at the Wood Creek Overlook Trail and the North Fork or South Fork of Taylor Creek routes in the canyon area. In the Kolob plateaus, you’ll discover less tourists at Hop Valley Trail, Grapevine Trail, and Northgate Peaks Trail.

In addition, don’t mark down the area’s 4 state parks: Snow Canyon (which truly could be a nationwide park), Quail Creek (home to a massive reservoir for boating), Gunlock (if you get fortunate, you’ll experience uncommon waterfall features –– they just take place about when every 10 years), and Sand Hollow (among the best spots for ATVing).

Getting Outside the National Park

When you’re all set to leave St. George, most attractions are simply, you thought it, a 20-minute drive away. Whether it’s playing a round at one of the location’s 13 golf courses, tasting a Mountain Berry pie from Veyo Pies (believe me on this one, and send me an e-mail if you go), mountain cycling on Gooseberry Mesa, treking through other-worldly Snow Canyon State Park, or canyoneering relatively uncharted BLM land (struck up Apotheosis Adventures for a special experience), there’s plenty to do in the location beyond the limits of the national park.

Where to Remain In Greater Zion

The newly opened The Advenire, an Autograph Collection Hotel, has impeccably decorated spaces, a roof hot tub and lounge, as well as a wonderful on-site dining establishment and bar, Wood. Ash. Rye. It’s centrally situated right in downtown St. George.