The Ultimate Southwest Vacation includes Zion National Park, Utah!
Stay in Mount Carmel Junction, the heart of the parks, and
visit the treasures of the Southwest.
Zion Park 12 miles
Grand Staircase 9 miles
Sand Dunes 11 miles
Dixie Forest 22 miles
Cedar Breaks 45 miles
Red Canyon 47 miles
Coyote Butte 57 miles
Bryce Canyon 60 miles
North Rim 85 miles
Toroweap 90 miles
Plan your Zion National Park Vacation with our Utah Maps and
Information
In these pages you will find insiders information on Zion National
Park lodging, adventures and hikes. This detailed guide includes road maps, park
maps, pictures, trail beta, backpacking, history, fees, geology, flora, fauna,
campgrounds, things for kids to do and even information on Zion's hidden treasures.
Making summer memories in the Utah National Parks and National
Monuments.
Directions to Zion National Park From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver.
Exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east
entrance. From Arizona: Travel 89A through Fredonia, Arizona
and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to the east
park entrance. From Las Vegas: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and
travel through Hurricane. Make a right on U-9 at the second traffic light in
LaVerkin. Continue on U-9 to the south entrance of the park. U-9 through Zion
National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
The water at the end of the Weeping Rock Trail makes this short
hike a favorite and the most popular trail in Zion National Park.
Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information
by Zion Park search and rescue veteran team member Bo
Beck and www.zionnational-park.com author Tanya Milligan.
To post trip reports, offer corrections, updates, or for more
information please visit the Zion
National Park Forum
Suggested
Gear: A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend to hike the trails in Zion National
Park. Many quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury. Experienced
Zion hikers and canyoneers like the La Sportiva Exum Ridge. This shoe is great
for hiking, bouldering and canyoneering.
Weeping Rock
This trail is a half-mile round-trip with a moderately steep climb. The path is enticing, but well traveled due to its popularity and short length. Weeping Rock is the shortest trail in the park. At the top of the trail be prepared for slippery moss and water dripping down on the steps that lead to the large alcove at the top of the trailhead. Golden Columbines are common near the steps.
Weeping Rock at a Glance
Photo Album: Weeping
Rock Pictures
Trail Map: Weeping Rock Trail Map
Map: Zion
National Park Map Day Hike: Yes Distance: .5 mile Average Hiking Time: 1 hour round trip
Difficulty: Easy and short trail, but it is steep. Permits: Not required
. Trail Conditions: This is a well maintained trail, but the pavement
is broken in places making it tough for strollers and wheelchairs. The steep trail would also make it difficult to push a stroller or wheelchair. This is a cooler hike even in the hottest
parts of the day. Water seeps down from above the Weeping Rock alcove
onto the the metal steps and it does get slippery in that area. Be prepared to
get a little wet. Trailhead: Weeping Rock parking lot. Trailend: Same as trailhead. Trail Access: From late March to early November, park at
the Zion Canyon Visitors Center or Canyon Junction and ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
Get off at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. The rest of the year drive
into the canyon and park at the Weeping Rock parking lot. Off the Beaten Path: No, this is one of the two most traveled
trails the park. Stay on the trail as tempting as it is to wander to the
water. Straying from the trail
damages the delicate desert environment. Never get at the edge of a cliff. Classic Zion Hike: Yes Best Season: March to October. This trail is usually closed
in the winter during icy conditions. Elevation gain: 98' Restrooms: Vault toilet at the trailhead.
Where does the "weeping" come from? Continuous water "weeps" out of the alcove, keeping lush
hanging gardens moisture. The weeping is from above where Echo Canyon,
a slot canyon is located. Sections of Echo Canyon can be seen along the Observation Point and East Rim trails. There are other seepage areas resulting from the "spring
line" between the two rock strata, kayenta and Navajo sandstone, but Weeping
Rock is an impressive one. An impermeable shale makes up the floor of the slot
canyon that prevents water from absorbing into the ground and forces it to find
a place it can penetrate, such as at Weeping Rock. This is not a quick process.
The water has been in the rocks for a very long time.
View from Weeping Rock The view from the alcove is unique and pleasing and showcases Observation
Point. This is a great trail for families and is perhaps the most popular trail
in Zion National Park. A nice extra on this hike is the trailside exhibits, offering
the names of flora found along the trail. The Weeping Rock alcove can
be seen from above when hiking the Hidden Canyon or Observation Point trails.
Best Trail features: This trail is delightful the entire
distance. The Great
White Throne towers above the shuttle
stop area and Cable
Mountain is the huge monolith seen from the trailhead. The alcove at the
end of the trail is fun and kids enjoy getting wet while adults delight in the
lush hanging gardens. Golden
columbine is a treat at the top of the trail as well as the impressive views from
the alcove.
When all the dangerous cliffs are fenced off, all the trees that
might fall on people are cut down,all of the insects that bite are poisoned ...
and all of the grizzlies are dead because they are occasionally dangerous, the
wilderness will not be made safe. Rather, the safety will have destroyed the
wilderness.
