My hubby and I recently took a little empty nester getaway to Zion National Park, and it was exactly the kind of quick adventure we needed. Zion has always been one of our favorite places in southern Utah, and this trip brought back so many wonderful memories from when our daughters were younger and we would bring them here for family hikes.
This time it was just the two of us enjoying the warm sunshine, breathtaking red rock scenery, and a few fun adventures along the way.
Where We Stayed Near Zion National Park
For this trip we stayed in the tiny town of Virgin, Utah, just outside Zion National Park at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park. Gotta love Marriott Bonvoy Rewards points!
It was the perfect location because it is only a short drive to the park entrance and close to the charming town of Springdale.
The hotel has a really nice outdoor pool area with beautiful desert views. Unfortunately, the pool wasn’t heated during our stay so it was a little too cold for swimming. We did enjoy the hot tub, though, which felt wonderful after a day of exploring.
While my hubby had a few business lunches scheduled in nearby St. George, I spent some quiet time soaking up the warm sun by the pool. I was literally the only one out there enjoying the sunshine!
Exploring Rockville and Springdale
Later that afternoon we took a drive through Rockville, Utah and Springdale, Utah.
Springdale is such a fun little town with:
- great restaurants
- unique boutiques
- art galleries
- and some very interesting shops
One thing that really stood out were the stores selling large silver wind sculptures. These spinning metal sculptures are so unique and beautiful, especially against the backdrop of Zion’s red rock cliffs.
It’s a great place to wander, browse, and enjoy the scenery.
Dinner at One of the Best Restaurants in Springdale
For dinner that evening we found a restaurant tucked into a beautiful grove of apple trees called Wild Thyme Cafe.
Even though the outdoor seating looked charming, we ended up eating inside and the food was absolutely amazing.
I ordered the pistachio encrusted chicken with poblano sauce, served with asparagus and the most delicious crunchy sage smashed potatoes.
My hubby ordered something called the Tropical Piggy Bowl, which had Jamaican jerk flavors and coconut rice. It was equally fabulous.
If you are visiting Zion, I highly recommend stopping here for dinner. You can see their menu here:
https://wildthymespringdale.com/lunch-dinner-menu/
Biking Through Zion National Park
The next day, after my hubby finished an early lunch meeting, we headed into Zion National Park for our big adventure.
We decided to rent electric bikes to explore the park, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
We rented our bikes from Zion Guru, and they were fantastic to work with. They can help set you up with biking gear, hiking equipment, and guided adventures if you want them
Inside Zion Canyon, private cars are not allowed most of the year. Only the park’s electric buses and bikes are permitted on the scenic drive.
That makes riding bikes through the park an incredible experience.
Riding Through Zion’s Majestic Red Rocks
As we rode through the canyon, we were surrounded by towering red rock cliffs on every side. It is truly breathtaking.
With no cars on the road, it felt like we were simply gliding through the canyon at about 20 miles per hour.
At times it almost felt like flying.
The views are spectacular no matter which direction you look.
Hiking the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools
At one point we stopped, locked up our bikes, and went for a hike to the Lower Emerald Pools.
There wasn’t a lot of water flowing this time of year, but we did see a few small waterfalls.
Then we continued hiking a little higher to the Middle Emerald Pools, where the views looking out over the canyon are absolutely stunning.
When we lived closer to Zion years ago, we used to bring our daughters here often for these hikes, so it was really fun to revisit these trails and remember those family adventures.
A Break at Zion Lodge
After our hike we stopped for a quick rest at Zion Lodge before hopping back on our bikes.
From there we rode all the way to the end of the canyon road where the famous Narrows trailhead begins.
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most iconic hikes. It takes you through a narrow slot canyon where you hike directly through the Virgin River.
Sometimes the water can be waist deep, and it can be dangerous depending on weather conditions and flash flood warnings. Since we weren’t prepared for that kind of hike this time, we decided to save it for another visit.
My Favorite Hiking Outfit for Zion
For this trip I wore my favorite travel and hiking pants, which are incredibly comfortable and perfect for climbing over rocks or exploring trails.
You can see them here! Super comfortable, lightweight and the vest I have found.
I also wore my favorite Keen hiking sneakers, which are sturdy and great for walking through rocky or wet areas. They are especially comfortable for women over 50 who want supportive shoes for hiking and travel. This is actually a photo of my hubby’s Keen sneakers. He loves his as much as I love mine.
You can find them here! So comfortable and we feel very secure with our footing. Lots of room in the toes too.
Why Zion National Park Is Always Worth the Trip
If you ever have the opportunity to visit southern Utah, I highly recommend making time to explore Zion National Park.
There is truly so much to see and do:
- incredible hiking trails
- scenic drives
- biking through the canyon
- beautiful viewpoints
- and charming nearby towns
No matter how many times we visit, we are always amazed by the beauty of Zion’s towering red rocks.
This little empty nester getaway to Zion National Park reminded us just how special this place is.
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