HOW TO ESCAPE THE HEAT IN ZION
When it comes to recreating in the desert there are many amazing activities to experience. While we highly encourage all of our visitors to get out and experience all of the wonders of Zion National Park and the Greater Zion Area, the mid-summer heat can be a challenge.
Here are top recommendations, from Zion locals on how to have fun while staying safe from the heat of the desert summers.
WHAT DOES OVER HEATING LOOK LIKE?
On your desert adventures, it is important to be prepared. Here are some signs to watch out for with dehydration:
Extreme thirst even when drinking lots of liquids
Very little, dark, or infrequent urination
Dizziness
Confusion
Fatigue
Vomiting
“You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment.”
If you begin to experience any of these symptoms it is essential to take care of yourself to prevent severe dehydration and heat exhaustion. Here is what you can do to prevent dehydration:
Drink more water than you think.
“Consume at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day. Adults require 4 quarts of water per day and up to 8 quarts for strenuous activity at high elevations. A 25% loss of stamina occurs when an adult loses 1 to 1 ½ quart of water. To maintain higher energy levels and avoid dehydration, drink frequently. It is important to begin drinking before you actually feel thirsty. Don’t forget to treat your water!” Bureau of Land Management. (n.d.)
Replace your electrolytes.
Gatorade, salty snacks, or electrolyte replacements like Nuun (not sponsored)
Avoid activity in direct sun.
Find shaded areas or cooler places near water or at higher elevations.
Stay covered
“Wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, light-colored clothing, and sunscreen. Bring your sunglasses.” Bureau of Land Management. (n.d.)
Now that you know what to look for and how to manage overheating, below are recommendations of guided and self-guided activities you can do to stay cool when the temperatures are in the triple digits.
Top Guided locations to Stay Cool with Zion Guide Hub
HIKING THE NARROWS
The narrows is arguably the most iconic hike in Zion National Park and is listed on multiple sources as a TOP 10 hike in the country.
Along this trail, you will experience the immense, 1000 ft walls of Zion Canyon, the rippling waters of the Virgin River, and the beautifully painted sandstone cliffs of the park. This hike primarily traverses the water as the riverbed is the trail.
The waters of the Virgin River are sacred and provide all the life that exists in this canyon. This water will also keep you cool and with the canyon filtering cool air from up north where the river begins, you will forget its 100+ degrees in town, just a few miles away.
When you venture on this Zion Narrows tour we equip you with gear specifically formulated for this hike so you can walk with confidence over river stones and through the cold mountain water. These added comforts allow you to fully immerse yourself in the splendor of the Zion Canyon Narrows.
The Narrows is a full-day tour and so lunch is provided and put together by a local cafe, Deep Creek Coffee Company.
The Narrows is also easily manageable as a self-guided tour but when exploring with a guide you have the benefit of learning about the history, geology, and intricacies of Zion and this massive slot canyon you are hiking through.
Learn more about this tour and other Zion tours.
CANYONEERING
Canyoneering is a multi-sport activity where everyone works together to hike, climb, squeeze, scramble, rappel, support, laugh, cry, listen, and swim (in certain canyons).
We have access to a number of different canyons some of which have pools of water to swim in. These canyons offer some enjoyable respite from the heat.
Our guides ensure that everyone regardless of physical ability has a fun and unique experience.
Learn more about this Zion Canyoneering tour.
*All canyoneering trips are located outside of Zion National Park.
ZION NATIONAL PARK SCENIC HIKES
EMERALD POOLS
“Middle Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate, 2.2 mi (3.5 km) hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The initial ascent is quite steep, bringing you to expansive views of the main Zion Canyon below. Further along, the trail, tucked into the red sandstone of the mountain, enjoy the shade and flora of pinyon-juniper woodlands. The trail then descends to emerald-colored pools of water above the small ephemeral waterfalls of Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The pools are fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water.” National Park Service). (n.d.)
RIVERSIDE WALK
“The Riverside Walk is a relatively flat and paved 2.2 mile (3.5 km) round-trip trail in the northern end of Zion Canyon. This easy trail follows the Virgin River as the sheer sandstone walls narrow in around you. The Riverside Walk is mostly flat through the first half-mile, although paving is irregular in some sections and minor drop-offs are present. After the first 0.4 miles (0.6 km), the trail is no longer wheelchair accessible due to steeper grades.” Riverside Walk (U.S. National Park Service)
Avoiding the heat within Zion's main canyon can become challenging in high summer, but exploring with a guide gives you an advantage. Having a local who knows how to navigate impending weather, sun movement, and where to find the cool micro-climates can make all the difference.
Learn more about this Zion hiking tour.
Top Self-Guided Locations to Cool Off In The Summer
TOQUERVILLE FALLS
“Toquerville Falls is an oasis in the desert that is best found by truck, SUV, or ATV. The road is rough, but well worth the trip. The views are spectacular on the drive, and the waterfalls are great to look at and play in. The area is clean and great for families. This is not much of a hike, but by request and because of the popularity of the location, I decided to put up an official post about it. You won’t be sorry you made the trip!” Hike St George. (2020, August 8)
QUAIL CREEK STATE PARK
“The reservoir at this St George-area state park boasts some of the warmest waters in the state, plus a mild winter climate. Water sports are popular here during the long warm weather season, and boaters and fishermen enjoy the reservoir year-round. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie and other species.” Quail Creek State Park. (n.d.)
KOLOB RESIVOIR
“Where chiseled red sandstone walls intersect with the mountain peaks of the Pine Valley Mountains and Markagunt Plateau a less-traveled road bisects Zion National Park and rises to little fishing paradise: Kolob Reservoir.” Kolob reservoir. (n.d.)
Both swimming and fishing are allowed at the Kolob reservoir, although the water is quite cold. Take in the views at around 8000 feet, which resemble an alpine lake right here in our desert environment.
DIVERSION DAM
"The Virgin River is not entirely a free-flowing stream. Here the small drop in the river is not a cascade but a diversion dam, to shunt part of the flow to the town of Springdale. Since 1970 Zion National Park and Springdale have been partners in maintaining the town water supply-one of many forms of cooperation between the park and the gateway community.” Diversion Dam. (n.d.)
Located along the Paurus Trail, the diversion dam makes a great spot to cool off in the refreshing waters of the Virgin River.