Hurricane UT

Just east of St. George Utah is the town of Hurricane. We stayed there for a week and used it as central access point to several places. We parked the RV at Zion View RV Park (https://zionviewrv.com/) and used this location as our base. We decided on here as it is only 25 minutes to the main gate of Zion National Park and has numerous other activities and restaurants to choose from.

Zion

Our first trip to the park was not to the main valley. We took the Kolob Terrace Valley Road which is about 15 miles before the park entrance on the left. This road takes you up to the West end of the park where not too many people frequent. We traveled this road to the top and could see into the park and all its glorious landscapes. We were stopped by a road closure due to snow, so we decided to check out some of the trailheads in the area.

We pulled into the “Left Fork Trailhead” and read the signs. We did not realize it, but this was trail to the “Subway”. The sign stated “9.5 miles roundtrip and strenuous”. We decided to check it out and see what type of shape we were in. We hiked for about 1.5 miles in beautiful backcountry and then came out to a picturesque valley. We were so in awe of the scenery that we decided to stop and eat lunch. As we were sitting there, we saw some hikers coming towards us down in the valley below. We watched as they climbed the switchbacks to where we were having lunch and they were pretty winded.

These were four young gentlemen and they stopped to tell us about the hike. They showed us GoPro videos they had done of the hike and commented “this is one of the most scenic hikes I have ever done”. They stated that to get to the subway they had left at 6:00am. It was now 1:00PM and they were almost back. After they left, we decided we were not ready for a hike like this and did not have the necessary permit either. So, we took pictures and planned to return someday and complete the trip.

We drove back down the road and stopped at several spots and just checked it all out. I highly suggest a trip to this area if you get a chance and want to stay away from the crowds.

ZION VALLEY

The main valley is accessed via shuttle bus from the town of Springdale or the Zion Parking lot. I was very impressed how they move people into and out of the park with this system but parking at the Zion lot fills up quickly.

We decided to bike into the park on our Lectric bikes and are glad we did. We went about noon and found a spot in the parking lot. Unpacked the folding Lectric bikes, loaded up with snacks and off we went. They have a trail system which goes from the parking lot to the main drive through the Zion Valley. I must say this turned out to be the highlight of the trip. It is a whole different experience being able to stop anywhere you want and check things out. The only thing you have to be aware of is when the shuttle buses go to pass you, it is required you fully stop on the side of the road or they will stop. It was really no big deal, and they were all very friendly about passing you.

We stopped at pretty much every spot you want to go to and also saw some amazing waterfalls due to the snowmelt. We were able to shoot great videos and take lots of pictures where we wanted to. When we did stop at the shuttle bus locations, we simply locked up the bikes and did the hikes. I was planning on doing the “Angels Landing Hike” the following day but after seeing the trail from multiple angles and watching the people who were returning from the hike cross the road, I decided maybe not this time. I think I will try it when I can do about 10,000 steps on the stairmaster before trying that one.

We did the narrows hike to the end where it was closed due to the volume of water coming down the canyon. We were able to capture some great afternoon canyon shots with the sun lighting the side of the valley. I highly suggest staying until the late afternoon for a couple of reasons, one is that you get to see natures color show in the canyon and two, most people head out after 4:30. You literally have run of the place. We saw bus after empty bus coming and going and we just cruised the road on the Lectic Bikes.

If you do not have Bikes or Ebikes, you can rent them right in town before the park entrance. They have almost anything you could need in town so don’t sweat it if you forgot something.

We loaded up and headed back to Hurricane. Our son told us we needed to have dinner at “River Rock Roasting Company” (https://riverrockroasters.com/), he said they have great pizza so we stopped after our day in Zion. You order and then go get a seat on the patio overlooking the Virgin River gorge. A word to the wise, their salads are huge! One is enough for two people, and the 12 pizza is enough for two people also. We ordered a salad and pizza each and took home a complete salad and full pizza. Great place and they make amazing coffee from what I am told but after spending a day in the park it was beer and drinks for us.

ZION NORTH

If you take the 15 freeway north for about 30 miles, you will see an exit for ZION. There is a small visitors center there where you check in and get maps. The road up into this side of Zion is only about five miles long and it was closed just past the two mile point due to snow. We parked at the Double Arches trailhead and headed out. This is a hike of about 4 miles round trip. You will cross the river about 80 times during this hike up into the canyons. There are some old homestead cabins on the way and the trail is clearly marked.

When you get all the way up into the canyon the wind starts blowing. We met a guy coming down and he told us “I am from Minnesota, and I can tell you its cold up there”. So, we put on our jackets and trudged on. The double arches are something to see. They still had ice on them when we were there and it made the experience quite unique. I have never seen Zion like this. We took lots of pictures and back down we went. Again, very few people do this hike because it is considered outside the park but is actually inside the official park. We loved the peace and quiet and being surrounded with such majestic sights.

GOLF

If you like to golf, Hurricane and St. George is it. We took a down day and played a round at “Sky Mountain Golf Course” (http://www.skymountaingolf.com/). The views were fantastic, and the course was in great shape. April is prime golf season in Hurricane so make your tee time in advance. We enjoyed a round with another local couple and learned quite a bit about the local area. It was great to be in the middle of all this scenery and being able to play a round.

After a week in Hurricane seeing all the sites and numerous trips into the park, its time to pack up and head for Kanab UT!