My mom, who’s 80 and overweight but somewhat in denial re: her abilities, wants me to organize a family trip to Zion & Bryce this Labor Day weekend to celebrate her granddaughter’s/my niece’s 7th birthday. (I’m not sure why I have to do this since my brother lives in Utah and I live in Indiana, but since I go to Zion “all the time” — i.e. once or twice a year — I’ve been designated.) Since 100% of my trips to Zion have been for canyoneering, and I’ve only been to Bryce once, I could use some advice on things to do in these two parks with an 80-year-old and a 7-year-old. Any suggestions?
Thanks! Sharon
mojave_ben
I was at the Northgate Peaks last week. The trail out to the point is two point something miles, smooth except for a few 20 yard sandy sections, and, after the first quarter mile or so, has frequent shade (same trailhead as the Subway). After the Subway turnoff, you go out a long promontory with Russel Gulch on the left, but you’re not looking into it from the trail. At the end it opens up on a point of volcanic rock and super views.
There is no shade right at the end. But there are trees within a few hundred yards back. It would be good to find one with a view to the east so Grannie could watch you all climb E. Northgate.
There’s a pretty clear trail to E. Northgate if you continue out the rocky promontory and watch for a use trail dropping down to the left. You can see the path on the flat below you from the point. We started down too early (this is all a matter of 10s of yards) which was fine, but it was nicer, and friendlier to the land, to stay on the use trail on the way up. The views from E. Northgate make it well worth the climb!!
I have seen flowing water in Emerald Pools in late July, have not been in September.
Another possible very short walk is the first few tenths of a mile of the trail for the Right Fork, a little lower on the Kolob terrace road. It is level dirt path until you hit the basalt cliffs, which give a nice view into the valley below. But no shade – trees all burned down in some fire.
sharon s
Right, Ben — the 7-yr old is a good little hiker but the idea is to do stuff together. Mom doesn’t have to do every step with us — Ram’s idea of her napping while we take a short hike would be fine as long as she’s in a shady, scenic spot and we’re not gone too long.
I haven’t done many of the easy tourist trails, other than the riverside walk when you exit the Narrows so I was thinking of walking in there. Canyon Overlook might be pushing it since it’s steeper, rocky and uneven. Is there anything at the Grotto besides a picnic area? Are the waterfalls at Lower Emerald Pools flowing in late summer?
I wasn’t familiar with the Northgate trail so I looked it up and found Joe’s description. Does sound like a great excuse to leave the holiday weekend crowds in the main canyon and see some different scenery in Kolob Terrace.
Thanks! Along with Bruce’s suggestions re: Bryce, this gives me somewhere to start.
Sharon
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “RAM” wrote:
Also the Northgate trail would be nice. A few 1000 feet higher, thus cooler and the 7 year old can be led up East Northgate, while grandmama naps back from the lava rocks at trails end.
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “mojave_ben” wrote:
Problem is more Mom than the 7 yr old. A 7 yr old who is used to hiking to do awesome things. You trying to find things to all do together? There’s the usual tourist hikes in Zion: up the river walk to the narrows (paved trail), Pa’rus trail (paved too I believe) down at the lower end of the canyon, maybe the lower Emerald Pools? I’m guessing Labor Day will be pretty crowded for such stuff though.
Oh, don’t forget Canyon Overlook early in the morning, if that’s within your mom’s ability.
I was in East Zion on Saturday and its quite a mess over there due to construction. There’s currently a couple of stretches of one lane road, one short, the other long, with traffic light controls (a strange site to see out there). Many of the places you might pull out for short hikes up there are blocked off due to construction. The switchback road is currently unpaved. I managed to get a fantastic hike in up many options would not have worked right now.
>
RAM
Also the Northgate trail would be nice. A few 1000 feet higher, thus cooler and the 7 year old can be led up East Northgate, while grandmama naps back from the lava rocks at trails end.
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “mojave_ben” wrote:
Problem is more Mom than the 7 yr old. A 7 yr old who is used to hiking to do awesome things. You trying to find things to all do together? There’s the usual tourist hikes in Zion: up the river walk to the narrows (paved trail), Pa’rus trail (paved too I believe) down at the lower end of the canyon, maybe the lower Emerald Pools? I’m guessing Labor Day will be pretty crowded for such stuff though.
Oh, don’t forget Canyon Overlook early in the morning, if that’s within your mom’s ability.
I was in East Zion on Saturday and its quite a mess over there due to construction. There’s currently a couple of stretches of one lane road, one short, the other long, with traffic light controls (a strange site to see out there). Many of the places you might pull out for short hikes up there are blocked off due to construction. The switchback road is currently unpaved. I managed to get a fantastic hike in up many options would not have worked right now. >
mojave_ben
Problem is more Mom than the 7 yr old. A 7 yr old who is used to hiking to do awesome things. You trying to find things to all do together? There’s the usual tourist hikes in Zion: up the river walk to the narrows (paved trail), Pa’rus trail (paved too I believe) down at the lower end of the canyon, maybe the lower Emerald Pools? I’m guessing Labor Day will be pretty crowded for such stuff though.
Oh, don’t forget Canyon Overlook early in the morning, if that’s within your mom’s ability.
I was in East Zion on Saturday and its quite a mess over there due to construction. There’s currently a couple of stretches of one lane road, one short, the other long, with traffic light controls (a strange site to see out there). Many of the places you might pull out for short hikes up there are blocked off due to construction. The switchback road is currently unpaved. I managed to get a fantastic hike in up many options would not have worked right now.
bsilliman2001
Due to the altitude involved, over 8,000′, your mother’s current home, her age and her weight, I would recommend that she only go to the main viewpoints, both along the entire length of the road and in the main amphitheater. This will give her views of the entire park without the strain of having to hike anywhere; only short walks. I definitely DO NOT RECOMMEND she attempt to climb to the middle and upper viewpoints atat Inspiration Point, as these would be strenuous for her.
The 7 year old can hike the Navajo Loop and probably the Queens Garden trail with the proper supervision on the narrow portion of the trails.
Hope this helps and email me directly should you need anything further.
bruce from bryce weabruce@gmail.com
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “sharon s” wrote:
My mom, who’s 80 and overweight but somewhat in denial re: her abilities, wants me to organize a family trip to Zion & Bryce this Labor Day weekend to celebrate her granddaughter’s/my niece’s 7th birthday. (I’m not sure why I have to do this since my brother lives in Utah and I live in Indiana, but since I go to Zion “all the time” — i.e. once or twice a year — I’ve been designated.) Since 100% of my trips to Zion have been for canyoneering, and I’ve only been to Bryce once, I could use some advice on things to do in these two parks with an 80-year-old and a 7-year-old. Any suggestions?
Thanks! > Sharon >