February 7, 2017

Spring Highlights | Zion National Park & Springdale

We realize it is still the middle of winter in many places but cheer up as spring is right around the corner! Springtime in Springdale and Zion National Park is always a great time to visit but it can be a little more unpredictable weather-wise. It’s always a good idea to follow up on the weather about 2 weeks prior to arrival to make sure you have the right wardrobe packed and to preplan some of your activities.

We have put together some great ideas, insight, and some of our favorite things about spring here at the Cliffrose. We hope this gives you some great ideas and if you find yourself yearning for even more information let us know. Top 5 Spring Hikes Spring is an exceptional time of year to experience some of Zion National Park’s main canyon and desert lowland area trails. Below are some of our favorite picks from Joe’s Guide to Zion National Park by Joe Braun Photography.

Watchman Trail

The Watchman Trail is a short trail (3-miles round trip) that starts by the Visitor Center and leads to a viewpoint on top of the first layer of cliffs roughly 300 feet above. This trail doesn’t actually take you to the top of the Watchman Mountain, but from the viewpoint, you can get a good view of the peak to the south, as well as a good bird’s eye view of the whole Visitor Center complex below. During the afternoon heat of summer, this hike could be torture, so the early morning is the best time for this one, especially when this side of the main canyon is still in the shade.

For detailed information on the Watchman Trail click here for Joe’s Guide to Zion

Emerald Pools

Located in the heart of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and accessed via the Zion National Park Shuttle this is a wonderful hiking option for all ability levels. Below is a brief overview from Joe Braun and additionally we have provided links to more in-depth information on Joe’s website. Emerald Pools is a Zion classic: an oasis in the middle of the desert. The hike is a collection of short trails that meander past a small, lushly-vegetated stream that rolls down from the cliffs and forms several interesting “pools.” If you have only two hours to spend on a leisurely non-strenuous hike with the entire family, I would probably pick this one. As this hike is not very difficult and it is located just across from the Zion Lodge, this trail gets crowded in the summer months, so be prepared to share the views with many other people. The trail is family-friendly, but keep a close eye on your children; do not let them play or run by the cliff ledges.

For detailed information about the Emerald Pools Trail click here for Joe’s Guide to Zion

Canyon Overlook

The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the few official trails in the upper East Canyon; it is a nice short-but-sweet hike on a maintained trail that ends at a great viewpoint looking into the main canyon. Along the way, you get some great views down into the Pine Creek slot canyon below, as well as a little break in a cool shaded alcove with lush ferns growing out of the walls. If this is your first trip to Zion, this one is a must-do hike!. This hike is a short one with a length of less than half a mile and requiring roughly an hour of hiking time. To get to the trailhead, you need a vehicle to drive up Route 9 to the area right by the upper east entrance to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

For detailed information about the Canyon Overlook Trail click here for Joe’s Guide to Zion

Angels Landing

Angels Landing is one of the defacto classic hikes in Zion and one of the most stunning viewpoints you will ever experience, but it’s not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights. Starting at the Grotto Trailhead, the hike to Angels Landing follows the longer West Rim Trail backpacking route up and out of the west side of the main canyon. Angels Landing is a unique fin-like mountain formation that juts out to the center of the main canyon. The trail follows the narrow spine to the final viewpoint roughly 1500 feet above the canyon floor. This hike will take between 3-6 hours; your legs will burn, your knees may shake, and the view will take your breath away!

For detailed information about Angels Landing click here for Joe’s Guide to Zion National Park

Coal Pits Wash

Named for the dark volcanic boulders that cover the hills to the west, Coalpits Wash is the major drainage in the southern desert section of Zion National Park. As you drive Route 9 from LaVerkin to Springdale, you may pass right over the drainage and not give it a second thought. From the road, Coalpits Wash may appear to be barren and uninteresting drainage, but if you’re looking for a long day hike or a mild backpacking adventure, you can hike up Coalpits Wash for roughly nine miles of sublime and lonely scenery to surround yourself with the great Zion formations.

Top 4 Dining Choices

Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Located just a 5-minute walk along the Virgin River from the Cliffrose and open daily for lunch and dinner. Weekends often feature live music on the outside patio for an even better evening option.

Bit and Spur Restaurant & Saloon

Located about 1 mile from the Cliffrose and accessible via the free Zion Canyon Shuttle March through October.

Café Soleil

Located adjacent to the Cliffrose this is a local favorite for great Coffee and Espresso, Fresh Pastries, and delicious lunch choices. Open daily for breakfast and lunch.

9 East

Located about a ½ mile down the street you can easily walk here or also use the free shuttle as well. A new addition last season to Springdale this has quickly become a great choice if you’re looking for a gourmet Italian option in an inviting modern setting you won’t be disappointed.

Featured Art Gallery

LaFave Gallery

A must visit on your next trip to Springdale and Zion National Park is the LaFave Gallery. This wonderful Springdale gallery features an array of artwork from local world photographers, painters, sculptors, potters, and jewelers.
From the moment you pull up to the architecturally impressive building adorned with native sandstone emblematic of the historical buildings in Zion National Park to one of the most beautiful wind sculpture collections, you will ever see the experience begins. Once you step inside you instantly realize this is not just another art gallery but rather an epic collection of the areas most talented artists work. Located in the heart of Springdale and conveniently located adjacent to the Bit-n-Spur restaurant and shuttle stop and open year-round.

Spring Events

  • St Patty’s Day Celebration – March 18th, 2017
  • Zion Half Marathon – April 1st, 2017
  • Easter Holiday – April 16th, 2017
  • Earth Day – April 22nd, 2017
  • National Park Week – April 15th – 23rd, 2017
  • Iron Man St George 70.3 – May 6th, 2017
  • Mothers’ Day – May 14th, 2017
  • Memorial Day – May 29th, 2017

Spring Weather

  • March – Daytime temps in the mid-’60s to mid 70’s and low 40’s overnight.
  • April – Daytime temps in the low 70’s to low 80’s and upper 40s overnight.
  • May – Daytime temps in the low 80’s to low 90’s and low 50’s overnight.
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