Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The
ZionCanyonFieldInstitute,
operated by the nonprofit Zion Natural His-
tory Association, Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767 (
&
800/635-3959,
435/
772-3265, or 435/772-3264 for the Field Institute;
www.zionpar.org
)
, offers a variety
of single and multiday outdoor workshops and classes, covering subjects in the sci-
ences, arts, and humanities. Programs take place year-round in Zion National Park
and nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument. (See chapter 8, “Nearby Things to
See & Do.”) Recent program titles have included Bird Watching, Hanging Gardens
of Zion, Wasps & Ants, Bat Biology & Conservation, Zion by Moonlight, Fall Fo-
liage Photo Workshop, Zion Narrows, Watercolor Journaling, and Winter Photo-
graphy. Although all the Field Institute's programs are very rewarding, we espe-
cially recommend the
photo workshops
★★, which are led by institute director
Michael Plyler, an excellent photographer and teacher. Fees for most of the 1-day
programs range from $35 to $300. Most have a minimum age of 15 or 16. Mem-
bers of the
ZionNaturalHistoryAssociation
receive a 20% discount on most Zion
Canyon Field Institute programs.
Guided Tours
Guided
horsebackrides
in the park are available from
CanyonTrailRides;
and
guided biking, hiking, and rock climbing trips, both within and outside the park,
are offered by
ZionAdventureCompany
and
ZionRock&MountainGuides.
See
chapter 3, “Hikes & Other Outdoor Pursuits in Zion National Park.”
Although we highly recommend the local companies mentioned above, those
who prefer major national companies will find that several
nationaltouroperators
offer guided trips as well; see “Package & Adventure Tours” in chapter 10, “Plan-
ning Your Trip to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks.”
Especially for Kids
One of the nicest things about Zion National Park is the wide variety of hiking
trails that it offers—there is usually a path suited to every family member's interest
and ability level. Among trails that children find especially enjoyable are the
Weep-
ingRockTrail,
because it leads to a fascinating rock that oozes water; and the vari-
ous
EmeraldPoolstrails,
which take you to a series of attractive little pools, where
you just might see—or at least hear—some frogs. The only problem at the Emerald
