Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 28, 2008 at 1:32 AM
I've been reviewing maps and commentaries to plan my time in Zion Canyon this weekend. Maybe those who have been there more recently that I (pre shuttle system days) can lend some advice.
1. I'm anticipating shooting the Towers of the Virgin at sunrise. Laurent Martres recommends shooting from near the visitor center/museum. The watchman overlook also looks like a possible location. Can anyone comment on whether the watchman overlook is worth the hike for a sunrise shot?
2. I'm hoping to get a permit for the Subway. Any insider info on when the line forms, where it forms, etc? Looks like the visitor center opens at 8am, so maybe I can shoot sunrise and still get in line.
I'm hoping to have 2.5 to 3 days in Zion and maybe 1 day in Bryce. As usual, there is too much to see and do, but I plan to make the most of it! Thanks for any tips or advice, it all comes in handy at some point.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on October 28, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Kalin,
The new visitor center is right by a few of the campgrounds and the Springdale entrance. The backcountry booth is on the Springdale side of the new visitor center. The museum is further into the park. At the museum, you walk around the back on the right side and there is a patio with a great view on the Towers of the Virgin. You can walk to the bridge where the Watchman is usually shot from the Visitor's Center and there is a trail that follows the Virgin River from the campgrounds to the bridge. You could also take the bus up to the first stop after the bridge and walk back down a very short distance.
The line for the backcountry office probably opens at 8AM, but when we were in Zion there were people there all day. I'm not really sure what the best advice would be on that. It sounds like its much easier to get permits now.
I'd recommend that you just spend your time in Zion. Its a great time of year there and in my opinion, its a much richer location than Bryce.
Posted by Roger Rouch on October 28, 2008 at 9:51 AM
I was there last winter (no shuttle service then). Mel is right about the Watchman. There are a few short hikes from the main raod that give a pretty nice composition with the Virgin River. I wasn't too impressed with the Towers of the Virgin. I think I'd suggest trying a sunrise shot only if there will be some morning cloud cover. It's a neat view, but pretty static on a clear day. I also liked the area around Checkerboard Mesa for some more imaginative shots and would think this is a sunrise area you might want to scout the day before.
I'd also agree with Mel on Bryce. It's worth a visit if you've never been there, but Zion is far more interesting.
(EDIT comment) I've got a few Zion and Bryce photos from my trip on my NPN portfolio if you're interested. The Watchman photo was just a short hike fromt the road and was a sunset shot).
Posted by Jack Garrett on October 28, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Alan Briot shot this image from near a bridge along the virgin river:
The leaves were gone but it still is a nice image. I've not been there in fall so I can't give any better information. Tony L. has images from Zion on his site too:
Posted by Ken Wyatt on October 28, 2008 at 12:30 PM
While I don't have much to add beyond what Mel and Roger have said, I thought you might be interested to see a view of Zion from a 35-thousand foot high 'tripod".
Ken
Posted by Kurt Rinne on October 28, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Kalin,
I'm visiting Zion this wknd as well; I made an online reservation last week. Looks like plenty of openings but I wanted to be on the safe side. I made my reservation for Sat
Posted by Stan Rose on October 28, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Hi Kalin--check your email!
Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 28, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Thanks guys! I appreciate the info. I thought you had to reserve the permits way out or they'd be all gone. I confirmed with a ranger today that I could still make a reservation for this weekend - Cool!
Kurt, I made my reservation for Sunday, just to have some time to adjust if something goes wrong. I listed my group size as three. If you're interested in going back into the subway on Sunday give me a call (cell 719-338-0217).
I here what you're saying about Bryce. I've been there more often than Zion. I'll have to see what develops. My thought was drive there late Sunday to be in place for sunrise Monday and to reduce some of the drive time Monday.
Discussion
8 replies1. I'm anticipating shooting the Towers of the Virgin at sunrise. Laurent Martres recommends shooting from near the visitor center/museum. The watchman overlook also looks like a possible location. Can anyone comment on whether the watchman overlook is worth the hike for a sunrise shot?
2. I'm hoping to get a permit for the Subway. Any insider info on when the line forms, where it forms, etc? Looks like the visitor center opens at 8am, so maybe I can shoot sunrise and still get in line.
I'm hoping to have 2.5 to 3 days in Zion and maybe 1 day in Bryce. As usual, there is too much to see and do, but I plan to make the most of it! Thanks for any tips or advice, it all comes in handy at some point.
The new visitor center is right by a few of the campgrounds and the Springdale entrance. The backcountry booth is on the Springdale side of the new visitor center. The museum is further into the park. At the museum, you walk around the back on the right side and there is a patio with a great view on the Towers of the Virgin. You can walk to the bridge where the Watchman is usually shot from the Visitor's Center and there is a trail that follows the Virgin River from the campgrounds to the bridge. You could also take the bus up to the first stop after the bridge and walk back down a very short distance.
The line for the backcountry office probably opens at 8AM, but when we were in Zion there were people there all day. I'm not really sure what the best advice would be on that. It sounds like its much easier to get permits now.
I'd recommend that you just spend your time in Zion. Its a great time of year there and in my opinion, its a much richer location than Bryce.
I'd also agree with Mel on Bryce. It's worth a visit if you've never been there, but Zion is far more interesting.
(EDIT comment) I've got a few Zion and Bryce photos from my trip on my NPN portfolio if you're interested. The Watchman photo was just a short hike fromt the road and was a sunset shot).
http://www.beautiful-landscape.com/New%20Site.data/New%20work%20large/Zion-from-Bridge-5X7.jpg
The leaves were gone but it still is a nice image. I've not been there in fall so I can't give any better information. Tony L. has images from Zion on his site too:
http://www.naturesfinestimages.com/utah
You can reserve your permit for the Subway online, and then pick it up the day of/before your hike.
Check out https://zionpermits.nps.gov/backcountry.cfm?TripTypeID=3
Ken
I'm visiting Zion this wknd as well; I made an online reservation last week. Looks like plenty of openings but I wanted to be on the safe side. I made my reservation for Sat
Kurt, I made my reservation for Sunday, just to have some time to adjust if something goes wrong. I listed my group size as three. If you're interested in going back into the subway on Sunday give me a call (cell 719-338-0217).
I here what you're saying about Bryce. I've been there more often than Zion. I'll have to see what develops. My thought was drive there late Sunday to be in place for sunrise Monday and to reduce some of the drive time Monday.
Thanks again!