Though we didn't actually see the slot, it was still a nice detour. (arrived there just after lunch and it was HOT) Beautiful views! Would probably make for some great hiking on an early morning too.
We stayed at a new, wacky place in La Verkin to save money, as staying closer to Zion is much more expensive. Only took us about 20 minutes to drive to the park each morning, so not a big deal. But I do HIGHLY recommend being in the park and ready for the shuttle no later than 7. ***Excellent restaurant in La Verkin: the Stage Coach Grille. We stayed 2 nights there and had 2 days in Zion. Do a longer, intense hike in the morning, then something shorter later as it does get hot.
AMAZING. Must-do in my book. Watch YouTube videos for more info on this hike specifically. We did Angels Landing first on day one, then Weeping Rock. On day two we started with all of the Emerald Pools/Falls, then some of the riverside between the visitor's center and museum, then the Narrows. If you make the days full, HYDRATE, and stay in the shade/wear a hat, you can do this.
Great view to the East, cute, very small town. *Not queen beds in our room, but 3/4 sized. Still worked. Nice little grocery/ice cream store. Ate a mile west of town-STUNNING PLACE. Pricey, but well worth it if you're a foodie. They do lodging too, but offer vegan and other cleaner cuisine: Stone Hearth Grille
Started the morning of day 3 there, out on the trail by 7am. Again, entered the park before they were open, so technically, didn't have to pay entry fee as no one mans the gate that early. Did a 2.9 mile hike route recommended by a park ranger: park at and start down from Sunset point. Follow that to Queen's Garden trail, and take that back up to Sunrise point as it's an easier way to ascend. *we were supposed to do the Wallstreet section, but it was closed off. After that, we didn't start all the way down the road that is in the middle of the park, but did go to several overlook/vantage points for photos. When leaving, did the short Mossy Cave hike. Had to drive down to Page, AZ for day 4 after that (2.75hr drive).
DO NOT STAY HERE. Only place that takes pets, we did not know. Awful customer service, food and filth on the floors...went next door to the Holiday Inn Express, which was lovely.
Super fast and easy to find just a couple miles south of Page. I like that we went to this early to beat the heat and some crowds, but then the shadow does fall down on the water. So, perhaps early morning isn't best, but maybe late afternoon or so...look into that more. But it was amazing. 1000ft. drop-off right at your feet. Peaceful. Makes you want to do a boat tour of the river...
MUST-SEE. We used Chief Tsosie's tour group, and they were TERRIFIC. Excellent, knowledgeable Navajo guides. Knew exactly how and where to get you the best photos. Kind, down-to-earth. We did the Upper Antelope tour at 10:30 for the lighting, but it was very busy and crowded. The Cathedral Canyon tour at 2:30 was very quiet, personal, intimate, and equally grand.
Our last night, after driving from Page, AZ, to Kanab, UT, for dinner. From Kanab we took the southwesterly route through AZ which was a lovely drive, to get to St. George for our last night. (good lodging)
