Zion National Park

About 4 - 4.5 hours from Midway.  Good paved roads to the park itself. From there, ease of access depends on the specific activities that are planned.

12 - 18, depending on activities

Camping, hiking, rappelling, canyoneering, cave exploring

$50 - $250 per person for 3 - 5 day camps, depending on the itinerary

Year round, but the best times to avoid extreme heat would be Spring and Fall. Always be aware of the potential for flash-flooding, regardless of the time of year. Do not attempt canyoneering activities when rain is in the forecast.

Wilderness and other permits are required for many of the activities in Zion National Park, which must be applied for well in advance and limit the number of people who can participate in an activity. If any activity requires rappelling, trained/certified individuals are required, as well as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and other safety gear. Familiarity and experience with specific trails and canyons is a must for any canyoneering, rock climbing, rappelling, or cave exploring expeditions.  

Camping within Zion is limited to established campgrounds unless you have a backcountry permit. These fill up quickly. Dispersed camping on BLM land is always a good bet and reservations are not required. Possible areas are Kolob Terrace Road, Kolob Reservoir, Smithsonian Butte Road, Sheep Bridge Road, and Hurricane Cliffs. More information is available at https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/WSR%20map%20-%20St.%20George.pdf

Leave early and travel to camping area (Kolob Terrace Road). Along the way stop at Kanarraville Falls and do the hike and rock slides in the canyon.

Cost:  Free

Hike Zion Narrows from bottom up to point where permit is required

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Angels Landing (Permit required): Strenuous with severe exposure the last half mile of the hike but a great confidence builder

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Hidden canyon: Less strenuous with some exposure

Cost:  Free with the exception of any required permits

Take in some of the easier to get to sights and hikes within the park, resting up for tomorrow's canyoneering trip into the Subway.

Cost:  Free

Hike the Subway (Left Fork North Creek). Very popular and permits are difficult to get, but incredible if you can get one. Requires 6-10 hours and is a 10+ mile hike. Multiple swims are required and there is a short rappel near the end, so make sure you have the appropriate gear, physical capabilities, and expertise to successfully navigate this demanding hike.  

Cost: Free except for the cost of the permit

Break camp and return home.

Pine Creek is a technical canyoneering route appropriate for older, experienced boys. Permits are a bit easier to get. There are multiple significant swims and rappels over 100 feet, so make sure you have the requisite expertise and gear. Groups of about 6 are recommended.

Cost:  Permit

Mystery Canyon is one of the best canyoneering canyons in the park but should only be attempted with experienced older boys and a leader who has done it before.

Cost:  Permit

Bloomington Caves are located south of Saint George and access is through the BLM. Contact them to obtain a key and permission. Appropriate for 14+ but make sure the group stays together as the cave can be disorienting.

Cost:  Free

Multi-day backpacking trips are also possible but will require permits. These include Zion Narrows (top down), West Rim Trail, Laverkin Creek Trail, or Trans Zion Trek. Always be aware of the potential for flash flooding in any part of the park and surrounding areas. If the forecast calls for rain, do not attempt canyoneering trips.

Cost:  Varies depending on itinerary, but generally only the cost of any permit(s), if required