Zion Balloon Trip anyone??

While i was in Zion i met a professional balloonist who told me he was interested in taking some photographers up for flights through the canyon (he does tours for other folks, but they are less specialized) I don't know if i can make it back there in the next few weeks, but if anyone is still in Zion and is interested, send me a PM and I'll see if i can arrange something (and maybe talk myself into heading back there!) It sounds like a pretty unique opportunity--the flights are about 2 hours and launch from outside the park, and you would get unique angles on things like West Temple etc. Price would depend on how many people in the balloon, email me for more details.

They are actually going to allow balloon flights within Zion Canyon?? Not sure I like that idea. Kinda like turning a sacred cathedral into carnival fun house.

I admit I probably would not really love to see balloonists hovering over my head hiking either, but Id much prefer a balloon to a helicopter or by-plane, and both of those have numerous commercial companies offering tours over Zion, as well as Grand Canyon etc. It's nothing new. (do a web search on helicopter tours-Zion) And Id much prefer 10 people floating through the air in one balloon than 10 cars whizzing by in the canyon, I just back from there and not only were the parking lots overflowing, there were cars lines up parked down the canyon road (shuttle just ended). Not to mention all the trash (toilet paper, bottles, warppers etc) that I saw everywhere I hiked. A balloon seems pretty tame in comparison. A lot more ecologically friendly despite the CO2. Id rather see people angry about the morons who trash the place, they're the real enemy and no one seems to give a damn based on all the rubbish I saw while i was there--hardly a 'sacred cathedral'. But I value your opinion, will not pursue this any further since no one seems interested. Thanks-Stan

You raise some good points, Stan. I've seen the helicopter/plane flights over Grand Canyon (never seen them in Zion) and it turned my stomach. No, its not new but IMHO its still not right. I go to National Parks to revel in the scenery and the natural world. Nothing destroys that as quickly, violently, and totally as a plane or helicopter flying in. A balloon may be quieter (although the burners are quite loud) but they are very large and usually brightly colored and that just takes away from the natural beauty the park was created for in the first place. Hardly the natural state the park service is tasked with preserving. The flights over the Grand Canyon are actually outside the park or above the altitude prescribed by law (though there are those who violate these laws nearly every day) but they are still within the canyon and so close to the park boundary that it doesn't make any difference. Many of the helicopter rides are over Native American land but still within the canyon (to the river no less). No doubt its a thrilling ride and a unique way to see the canyon but its so obtrusive to those who see solitude in these special places.

Perhaps one balloon or one special occasion would be OK but once one pilot gets permission, how can you stop the other 700 who want to fly there? I would rather not set a precedent. There are other places to fly balloons: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Red Rocks Balloon Festival, and countless others all over the country. Leave Zion be. Protect its natural state.

I agree with your statements about the parking, trash, and disrespectful people. I bet if I went to their church and carved my name on a pew and threw my water bottles in the aisle these very same people would be incensed. Yet they do that in my church (Zion and all other National Parks) without a second thought. Its a shame that so many people go through life asleep or with tunnel vision and can't see the bigger picture and the harm they do. I wish it was otherwise and that the park service was adequately funded to patrol and keep people in line but wishing isn't going to get anything done.

Thanks for your thoughtful response, Stan! I do appreciate it!

Good morning Stan, I would be very very interested in doing this! If you're still trying to set this up that is.

Robert

I tend to agree with Phil so i will not be pursuing this further. I think ballooins are the last thing to worry about in the parks, but I strongly agree that one may lead to more and setting precedence is not a good thing. Robert--ill email you the info and you can contact the owner if you'd like.