Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Best Wildlife Viewing Spots
Check out chapter 9 for a complete guide to the flora and fauna of both parks.
•
AngelsLandingTrail
(Zion National Park): The difficult hike on this trail provides
opportunities to see mule deer, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and lizards; it
also offers splendid views into Zion Canyon.
Warning:
The last half-mile of this
trail is along a knife-edge ridge—
deinitely
not for anyone with even a mild fear
of heights.
•
RiversideWalk
(Zion National Park): Here, near the entrance to the Narrows, deep
in a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River, you're apt to see the American dipper
bird—also called the water ouzel—as it dives into the water in search of aquatic
insects. This is also the only place in the world where you'll find the Zion snail,
although it may be hard to recognize—it's only 1⁄8th inch across.
Warning:
Be-
cause the Narrows is prone to flash flooding, check weather forecasts carefully
before setting out.
•
Weeping Rock Area
(Zion National Park): Easily accessible via a short but steep
paved trail, Weeping Rock oozes water that nurtures lush hanging gardens and
produces the perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. Watch for
peregrine falcons, American dippers, canyon wrens, and white-throated swifts.
•
RiggsSpringLoopTrail
(Bryce Canyon National Park): This little-used backcountry
trail through woodland provides an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, pos-
sibly even one of the park's elusive mountain lions.
•
Campgrounds
(both Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks): It couldn't be easier
to see wildlife. Simply sit quietly at your campsite, preferably when few people
are in the campground, and wait. You'll see Uinta chipmunks in both parks,
white-tailed antelope squirrels at Zion, and golden-mantled ground squirrels at
Bryce Canyon. There are almost always plenty of birds, and you're also apt to
see mule deer, especially in Watchman Campground at Zion National Park. See
chapters 4 and 7 for campground information.
The Best Scenic Views
•
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
(Zion National Park): The 12-mile round-trip drive
through Zion Canyon is impressive no matter how you do it—in your own
vehicle (in winter only) or on the shuttle from spring through fall. In every dir-
ection the views are awe-inspiring, as the massive stone formations reach for the
heavens. The road also provides easy access to a number of wonderful view-
points and trail heads just off the roadway.
•
AngelsLanding
(Zion National Park): The strenuous Angels Landing Trail leads
across a high narrow ridge to a spectacular and dizzying view of Zion Canyon.
