Side trip -- Zion vs Valley of Fire

From Las Vegas, if we have only have one long day, is it that much better to drive the extra distance to Zion instaed of going to the closer Valley of Fire?

We want to not only see things from the car but also get out and take a short 1 or 2 hour hike.

Appreciate your feedback, especially if you have been to both parks.

Thanks.

Side trip -- Zion vs Valley of Fire

Both parks are excellent; you%26#39;ll enjoy either one, so don%26#39;t worry too much about your choice.

I like Zion a lot more than VOF, but Zion requires more time to really appreciate it. For a short trip, I%26#39;d go with VOF and avoid the extra driving.

Side trip -- Zion vs Valley of Fire

To me, there is no comparison. If you have a long day, you really should take the opportunity to get the most out of that day. Valley of Fire will only take you half a day so I would leave it for some other time. As for Zion, it is really a beautiful park. The one ';must do'; thing there is to go to the river at the end of the park, get a walking stick, and walk the river. The water is very cool and the river bottom is rocky and slippery, but it seems that the further up the river you trek, the more beautiful the scenery becomes. You%26#39;re surrounded by tall ledges on both sides of the river that seem to change colors when the sun hit them. The waterfalls in the summer were just ok. There are some deep spots in the river where people swim. Don%26#39;t know when you%26#39;re planning this, but another long day trip would be the North Rim. Yuo basically drive to all the vantage points. I loved that place and I hope to get back there soon. Just so different from the South Rim. Beautiful drive. I

I have not been to VOF but have been to Zion and it is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too. The drive is very scenic as well, so it does not seem like it is taking that long. It is just unfortunate that someone (me) has to drive thru the park, there are many beautiful vistas, but those are accompanied by many drop-offs from the roadway. Hope this helps make your decision, enjoy yourself.

How does one get to the Valley of Fire as I don%26#39;t see that on my map? Thank you.

We went to VOF this past Saturday and it took about an hour to get to the main gate of the park from the strip. Here are the directions:

Get on I 15 N and go about 37 miles. Take exit 75 and turn right at NV 169/NV 40. The entrance to the park is about 18 miles from there.

We were becoming concerned at first on this last leg, as we were the only car the entire 18 miles. But we were fine and arrived at the entrance gate to pay our $6 fee. We spent about 2 hours in the park and had to head back for a show.

Aliante Station is also out that way, so you may want to check it out. Its like a smaller version of Red Rock Casino. Very enjoyable.

Mrs.G

We visited both places on a tour in September and no question in my mind that you should not miss Zion. It is absolutely gorgeous there and my favorite place to visit. We also visited VOF and it was nice to see that also. However, having been there, if I had to chose, it would be Zion. You can take a tram ride around w/ a Park Ranger and they will explain all the formations, etc. They stop the tram along the way and you can get out and see the attractions up close.

May

Both are great sights. Zion would take you a lot longer and most times of the year you can%26#39;t drive in - you have to park your car and take a shuttle in. The shuttle drops you off at various areas and you can get off and on as often as you want.

We were there in Early March and we were able to drive in.

Although I enjoy VOF, I also would cast my vote for Zion. It is quite an amazing place and you will enjoy the day spent there.

Hitch mentions walking The Narrows, which is the path through the river at the end of the river walk. It%26#39;s quite a beautiful meander, though depending on the time of the year the water can be cool. There are merchants in Springdale (and at the park, though am not 100% sure as the season isn%26#39;t up and running yet) that can provide you with walking sticks and suitable footegar for rent. As ou arw walking up the river path, look UP----the peaks are gorgeous and you can see %26#39;hanging gardens%26#39; in canyon walls, one of the things that make Zion so unique, it has quite a bit of water in its environs (even in rocks) so is a bit lusher.

The shuttle, which takes you through the park to places of interest, usually gets goping around May or so, the NPS website for Zion (always a good place to check things out) will have more details. And you ca always do a ranger led walk or talk, those will be listed as well closer to your travel time. I took the shuttle to the start of the Narrows and then back again after I walked, with a stop at the lodge for a look around. (I was staying just outside the park gates in Springdale so didn%26#39;t have to worry about parking).

Valley of Fire is not without its merits. I%26#39;ve done lots of ';Color Country'; in AZ and UT (Bryce, Rainbow Bridge, Moab, GC, MV etc) so maybe I%26#39;m a little spoiled from that but it%26#39;s still a great introduction to the geology of the area and very nice for a drive, speciall;y if your time is limited.

One last thing about the drive to Zion (well, two). First, the drive there goes through the Virgin River Gorge, which is also quite a scenic part of the highway. And if you drive completely through Zion Park on the main road, you will likely go through the tunnel carved into the mountain. Once you get out and see where you have gone through it%26#39;s quite a feeling!

Anyway, happy travels and enjoy your visit to the southwest! A bonus---between now and June the days only get longer so you will have longer to enjoy the sights, even while driving.

My vote is for Zion one of my favorite places

acne