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Show Outdoor & Travel May 2002 Zion National Park- always something new Page 16 Whether you're a first time sightseer sight-seer or a regular visitor, Zion National Park always has some thing to offer. Although the red sandstone and grey granite of the cliffs and canyon 0feK?fV '71. ' Ml r y '( ft .1 .-? f; W j The reward at the top of Angel's Landing In Zion National Park makes the climb worth it. (V.' At j i ' a TJumUldfaorry Inn Cean Quiet Affordable Home of the famous Bumbleberry Pie 1 mile to park entrance On-site dining Private balconies and patios with views Pool Jaccuzl Uve theater www.bumbleberry.com Reservations: 1-800-828-1534 t 97 BumoieDerry Lane, springqaie, utan 64767 walls appear the same throughout a person's lifetime of visiting( they do change, but barring a major event, the changes aren't easily noticed), there are always new sites to see and new moments to experience. While many of the 2.5 million annual visitors to Zion are of those "driving through" variety (those who are staying for less than one day), those who elect to spend some serious vacation time in and around the Canyon will never be board. Zion National Park is worth several sev-eral days of discovery and adventure. adven-ture. A drive through gives you only a small taste of the wonders of the Park. It is a place that should be thoroughly explored. Some of the many ways to enjoy the park are: Park interpretive programs, pro-grams, Park Junior Ranger Programs, day and over night hikes, tubing the Virgin River; camping, Park visitor Center; horseback riding, biking and climb-ingcanyoneering. climb-ingcanyoneering. The Park interpretive programs and Junior Ranger program consists con-sists of talks, guided walks and evening programs at Zion Lodge (interpretive programs) and special programs for children ages 6-12 at he Zion Nature Center (Junior Ranger program). Both provided ways for Park visitors to learn more about the Park, its plant and animal ani-mal life and its geography. The interpretive program series is free and each day has different lectures and walks available. Junior Ranger has a set of programs that is run twice daily and cost $2 per child. Hiking, horseback riding and biking are all good ways to see the wonders on Zion. The park has numerous hiking trails that range from easy walks that can be completed com-pleted in under fi hour to long, rugged hikes that require more than a day to finish. Before hiking any of the trails, Park visitors should be mentally and physically prepared and have the proper equip-' ment. But the most important thing is for potential hikers to have the current trail information and know what their personal limitations limi-tations are. Permits are required for the Narrows and other back country hikes. While the majority of Zion trails are not open to bikers, the 3.5 mile Pa'rus trail j Tuacahn Packages Heated Outdoor Pool Deluxe Continental Breakfast f Zi, i miBl Golf Packages Close to Biking Trails, Restaurants & Shopping 1165 Bluff St. St. George, Utah 84770 1-800-231-4488 435-628-4481 e-mail: qualityinninfowest.com ODcO stiyfle ivesfteni hospitialiitiy Towering red cliffs, lush green meadows and the powerful pow-erful and eternal Colorado River, are some of the spectacular spec-tacular views from wherever you are at the newly opened Red Cliffs Lodge. Whether you are sitting on your own private patio watching the sun come up over the Colorado River, or enjoying a meal on the terrace of the vaulted dining room, the natural beauty that has made Moab famous sur- at rounds arid enfolds you every point. It's the perfect spot from which to base your Moab, Arches or Canyonland adventure. The activities desk concierge can coordinate coordi-nate your excursions and make it easy for you to have the best time possible on your vacation. You can horse back ride, run the river, bike the world famous slick rock, Continued on page 20 is paved and does allow bicycles. Also, there are many places to ride in the region surrounding the Park. The Gooseberry Mesa trail, which starts three miles from Utah 59 was listed as the absolutely best ride in Utah by Outside Magazine. For horseback riding enthusiasts, there are several different trail rides available form one-hour to half-day excursions. The specialized experiences of tubing on the Virgin River (from the South Campground amphitheater) and climbing and canyoneering are also available. Equipment rentals and instructions are available for those interested. The two Zion campgrounds, just inside the south entrance to the park, are available on a first come first served basis. Campers should plan to arrive as early as possible in the day to secure a site. All visitors to the Park should plan a stop at the Visitor's Center with its orientation orien-tation film, museum, bookstore and on-duty rangers. Food and lodging are no problem in and around Zion. If you still don't want to camp, you can still stay inside the Park at Zion Lodge. Its 121 rooms fill up fast, so if you want a reservation, call early. The lodge also sports a large gift shop along with a dining room and a snack bar. There are 12 hotelmotellodges in Springdale, Rockville and Virgin. They range in size from 11 rooms at eh El Rio Lodge to 120 units at he Zion Park Inn Resort and Conference Center. A variety of amenities are offered. Many of the lodgings have restaurants attached and other offer continental breakfasts. break-fasts. Th other option for staying in the Zion Canyon areas are the 11 Bed and Breakfast Inns. Again, variety is the key, as some of the B&Bs offer European-style lodging and others -are strictly American. But no matter how you choose to experience Zion, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to do so, and keep your eyes open for all the wonders won-ders of the canyon. From towering cliffs and soaring peaks to the most delicate flower and smallest animal, ani-mal, there is never a shortage of things to see in this marvelous National park. Zion Canyon isn't the only reason to stay in the Springdale- Rockville-Virgin Rockville-Virgin area. Of all the national park gateway communities irf the Grand Circle region, the area is best suited as a place to stage a two-day to two-week two-week vacation- one that will be as memorable and meaningful an experience as you will ever have. Besides the variety of lodg-inirs lodg-inirs fVioro nro muriad nf Hin- ing and entertainment opportunities oppor-tunities a the mouth of the canyon. For dining, visitors have choice of everything from elegant ele-gant restaurants to cozy cafes to delis where you can pick up a sandwich to go. Several week's stay will not exhaust the possibilities for dining variety. The Zion Canyon area also nas a nunnpr oi wonaenui gift shops, boutiques, galleries, gal-leries, rock shops and other place to bro . . ce and purchase item- uniqu- ' i the district. f I POAD LA |