going to Zion and Arches this year, any tips?

I am heading to Utah this year, Arches and Zion. Any tips?

Interested as well, Canyonlands and Arches possibly at the end of March....

Go to Tanya's site. She has a lot of useful information.

http://www.zionnationa​l-park.com/

I was in Zion this past late November (as well as Valley of Fire and Bryce). We were able to take our SUV on all the roads, park where allowed and hike in to whatever point interested us. I was told that spring through fall, you must take their shuttle bus system. It was only available as an option then, but appeared to be a bottleneck and you should plan your excursions accordingly.

Check these relatively recent threads on the same topic.

https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=18257575

https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=17959033

https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=17596816

Make sure you get to the parks early to miss the long lines. We were there in October and both were crowded.

FYI, depending on when you are going, you could be impacted by construction in Arches NP - there will be closures (I had read somewhere the park will be closed from 7 pm to 7 am - which will impact sunrise/sunset photos).

Arches and Zion are both smaller parks and can be very crowded. Arrive early. Zion you are required to ride the shuttle bus past Canyon Junction - plan accordingly - there can be long waits and crowds.

I think for day hikes and stuff you don't need a permit, but I think there are certain parts you need to apply couple months in advanced. I recommend doing your research to see which parts you are going to hit up and make sure those spots don't require permits. Best of luck!

To see the best of Zion you'll need to do some hiking, but there are a lot of options. You can get some good photos from the main roads through the park, but not like what you can get with some hikes. The question is how much time will you have there? Some of the better hikes will take most of your day, so if you're there for just a short trip you'll have to prioritize. The Angel's Landing hike will give you some great views if you are ok with heights, but if you don't like heights and steep drops I would not recommend this one. The Canyon Overlook Trails is a great option for a short hike (about 1 mile roundtrip). If you're interested, I wrote a detailed guide to Zion here https://loadedlandscap​es.com/zion-national-park/

I can't wait to get back to Zion. I'd love to go to Arches but I know I missed so much at Zion I'm going back before I go to Canyonlands or any of those other places further into Utah. Its very 'other worldly.'

I wore a pair of water shoes like these into the Narrows and I did very, very well with a couple of trekking poles. That outfitter company just outside the park makes a killing renting shoes and a wooden pole but I was obviously more sure footed than those in the rentals. Also buy yourself a wet bag before you go. Make sure your camera will fit into it with your backpack and pad appropriately with a sweater for warmth just in case something bad happens.

https://www.amazon.com …ords=jeep+shoes​+mens+j-25

I highly recommend the Angel's Landing Hike but it is strenuous so do what you can to get in shape beforehand if you aren't already. I had to walk down backwards as the knee pain was too much walking down frontwards. Oh and bring the widest angled lens you have.

Another nice hike at an out of the way place is Calf Creek Falls Lower Hiking Trail at Calf Creek Campground on UT-12. It's 6 miles round trip and with lots of sand so you calves WILL get a workout.

Calf Creek is about half way between Zion and Arches, so take 9>89>12(you'll thank me later)>24>70>191.

Oh, before I forget, the Burr Trail is not to be missed. Trust me!

https://www.amazon.com …_detailpage?ie=​UTF8&psc=1

yonni wrote in post #18359127
Another nice hike at an out of the way place is Calf Creek Falls Lower Hiking Trail at Calf Creek Campground on UT-12. It's 6 miles round trip and with lots of sand so you calves WILL get a workout.

Calf Creek is about half way between Zion and Arches, so take 9>89>12(you'll thank me later)>24>70>191.

Oh, before I forget, the Burr Trail is not to be missed. Trust me!

I will second the Calf Creek Falls hike. I just wanted to elaborate a little bit on what Yonni said - there are two Calf Creek Falls, lower and upper. Do the hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, will be worth your time. For photography purposes, I am pretty sure you want to be there in the morning. That is, I was there in the morning and it was in the sun. I think in the afternoon the sun rotates around enough put the falls into the shade.

Give this site a try, http://wyofoto.com …_Zion_Photoguid​e_PDF.html.

It might be worth the $11 to get the 48 page PDF, print and take with you or load up on a tablet or phone. I have used Tom's guide for Jackson Hole and the information is extensive. It gives you the best times of day and a lens recommendation as well as other worthwhile information.

If you are not going to camp, try and stay at the lodge in Zion. Remember the early bird gets the picture, bring snacks and water. Get on the trails and if you plan on hiking the Virgin river then bring something waterproof to put your camera in.