I just wrapped up a seven-day road trip and camping adventure at Zion National Park in Utah’s southwest corner—my first expedition of 2025, and long overdue (I swear I won’t let another five years slip by before I come back). March in Utah can be a wild card, but we hit the weather jackpot: sunny days flirting with the mid-70s and crisp nights settling around 50°F. Best of all, by the time we packed up, temperatures had dipped, so our timing really was spot on.
Day 1: Watchman Campground & Trail
We pitched our tent in Watchman Campground, then jumped straight onto the Watchman Trail—a 5.5-mile loop with about 500 feet of climbing. It took us roughly two and a half hours, including a picnic break at the summit where we soaked in that classic Zion Valley vista. There’s something about the early-morning light hitting those red cliffs that never gets old.
Day 2: Chasing the Heights
Angel’s Landing permits eluded us this year, so we set our sights on Scout’s Lookout via the West Rim Trail. It still packs the same panoramic punch—just without the final cable scramble. The full out-and-back clocks in around 10 miles and 1,500 feet of gain if you push all the way to Angel’s, but looping back at Scout’s felt like a smart trade-off for leg day.
Day 3: Water, Walls, and Wonder
We woke up eager for Narrows. We’d hoped to hit the Weeping Rock this trip, but it has been closed for a while due to a rockfall. More proof that nature makes the rules. Instead, we hit the Riverside Walk early and made a beeline for The Narrows entrance. Even without trekking through, standing at the slot canyon’s mouth—cool water lapping at my ankles and sheer sandstone walls rising above—was unforgettable. I’ll save the full wade for summer, but that pivot turned out to be a highlight.
A Surprise Finale
Before heading out, we hit Patriarch Observation Point for one last overlook. Then it was off to a nearby hotel to recharge—and that’s when the power went out.
Plan Your Next Adventure
If Zion’s not on your radar yet, put it there. Whether you’re chasing slickrock arches, testing your head for heights, or just craving a week unplugged under a vault of stars, this place delivers.
Why Zion Steals My Heart
Zion feels like the planet’s personal art studio, where wind and water have spent millions of years carving colossal red walls and narrow canyons. The Virgin River slices through the park’s heart, turning solid rock into a maze of dramatic cliffs and lush pockets you’d swear belong in a tropical rainforest. Trails range from stroller-friendly valley walks to heart-pounding routes like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows—there’s a trail for every kind of adventurer. And when the sun dips below the horizon, the night sky here puts on one of the best star shows you’ll ever see.