• Archives
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

Brocc Your Body

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Entrees
    • Sides & Snacks
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
  • Health
  • Travel
  • Ebooks
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Travel / Zion Travel Guide

May 29, 2018 ·

Zion Travel Guide

Travel

Feeling so refreshed after unplugging and exploring Zion this weekend! When it comes to visiting a national park during peak season, there is a lot you need to know and be prepared for. Here’s where I suggest you stay and eat and also a couple of our favorite hikes and some pro tips!

WHERE TO STAY:
I won’t recommend anywhere else but Under Canvas Zion. It was one of the coolest experiences of my life. We paid about $200 a night and yes, for a glorified tent it seems like a lot but I promise you it was worth every penny. It truly made our trip!

The campsite consists of several canvas tents truly off the beaten path (about 20-30 minutes from the entrance to the park). Amenities included fresh towels for showering, flush toilets (shared, but I believe the upgraded tents have bathrooms inside), games and daily activities, free coffee and filtered water, free s’mores by the fire each night, and the list goes on. It’s truly a life changing experience!

IMG_7480



WHERE TO EAT:
*Disclaimer: These food reviews may be positively skewed due to excessive hunger after long hikes.
Oscar’s– Massive portions of Mexican food, but the menu really has it all (burgers, salads, pizza, you name it). We came here running off after hiking Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Grotto so we were beyond happy to see the giant plates and endless chips and salsa. They have a large 2 hour parking lot for customers only so parking isn’t an issue. I got the Chili Verde Tamales and they were phenomenal.

IMG_7639

Embers Restaurant at Under Canvas Zion– Even if you don’t stay here, you have to get breakfast or dinner here (they don’t serve lunch, but you can order a packed lunch the night before if you are staying there). I got the pulled pork tacos and I’m already craving them again. No joke top 20 things I’ve ever eaten. Again, I hiked 11 miles earlier in the day so I was VERY hungry, but I think they were actually that good. We brought our own bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner, no corkage free as they just hand you an opener! The ambiance is killer here as well, especially at sunset!

IMG_7644.JPG
Zion Pizza and Noodle Company– This place was packed and for a good reason. Huge variety of different kinds of pizza and pasta and pitchers of beer. We got the combo man and the salad special of the day. XL sides of ranch are a win in my book, even if they cost $2.

IMG_7510
River Rock Roasting Company– Coffee with a view is an understatement. I’m not a coffee snob, but you could definitely taste the quality in their coffee. I also got some type of green chili & corn quiche that was phenomenal!

IMG_7465
Other places that were recommended to me that I couldn’t make it to:
Deep Creek Coffee Company for coffee and healthy food
Zion Brewery

WHAT TO DO:

I found this website to be the most helpful when it comes to deciding which hikes you want to do. Our personal opinion was that having one day in the park was plenty. It has almost a Disneyland feel with the shuttles, the lines and the tourists. The other days were spent doing some off the beaten path hikes, walks and relaxing at the campsite.

In Zion National Park:
Hike Angel’s Landing- This is a pretty much vertical hike, but it’s not as painful as people make it out to be. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the top (we didn’t do the chain part-I’m scared of heights and would have died) and less than an hour and a half total. The best view in my opinion was after the first set of switch backs on the front side of the hill.

IMG_7536IMG_7566IMG_7575
Hike the Narrows- This hike is actually pretty difficult. I found it to be harder than Angel’s Landing, as I am pretty fit cardiovascular wise but clumsy AF. You spend a lot of time looking down avoid stepping on rocks and slipping and forget to look up and enjoy the scenery! After hiking into the Narrows for about 1 mile, you have seen everything you need and I personally don’t see how people can do the full 28 miles round trip!!! It’s a really cool experience overall, but no need to spend longer than 2-3 hours here. Renting water shoes isn’t necessary for a 2-3 mile hike, but my bruised knees and myself would recommend renting a walking stick. Just bring a change of shoes and clothes for afterwards! The trail to the Narrows, Riverside Walk, is also amazingly beautiful.


Outside Zion National Park:
Lava Point– A 25 minute drive from Under Canvas, this lookout point is really spectacular. You can see all of Zion National Park from here (to the right of the photo) and although it’s a quick 200 foot “hike” from your car, your friends will all wonder about what kind of trek it took you to get up there 😉

We drove around this area and hiked some random trails that were beautiful and so peaceful (aka no people and way less crowds than the actual park).

IMG_7482.JPG

My friend also went horseback riding at Jacob’s Ranch and highly recommended doing that as well! Unfortunately we didn’t have time to do this.

If you are looking for a long less crowded hike, Observation Point is an 8 mile round trip hike with wonderful views that looks over the park and Angel’s Landing.

We also hiked to the Emerald Pools and found it to be very underwhelming, although I’m sure it depends on the time of year for this one!

TIPS:
GET TO THE PARK RIGHT WHEN THE SHUTTLES START! Otherwise you will wait an hour + just to get in, excluding looking for parking and taking the shuttle to the trail head of your choice.

Wear layers! The trail heads and shuttles start in a canyon, so the mornings get very cold. Once the sun makes its way into the canyon and you get your body moving, it heats up real quick so make sure you have layers you can take off to cool you down.

Invest in some hiking boots and a backpack. I was very grateful for my boots during this trip, especially hiking through the soft sandy areas. I got mine from Amazon, they are so cute and under $60! Click here to buy them. Just make sure to get double layer socks for them like these so you don’t get blisters!!! This will ruin your trip. I have this backpack and it’s amazing as well!!

Bring plenty and food and snacks with you on your hikes, as the shuttles get full later in the afternoon so you will most likely be out of luck from breakfast at 6 am to lunch at 2 pm after your hikes! Zion Lodge inside the park has food, but it didn’t look very appetizing! The beer was good though 😉

Hydrate and don’t over exert yourself!! I pack these hydration tablets on every trip I go on to avoid dehydration. They don’t have nearly as much sugar as Gatorade and coconut water. They are great for hangovers and long flights too!

Also, Utah has weird alcohol laws so load up on some beer and wine before you drive in to be safe!

IMG_7637.JPG

HAVE FUN!! xoxo

  •  
  •  
  • 1
  •  
  •  

Sign up for my email list to receive a FREE copy of Brocc's 2 Week Reset!

You'll also receive access to exclusive recipes, giveaways and more!

« Berry Cheesecake Bites
Moroccan Chicken Kebabs with Cauliflower Israeli Cous Cous »

Welcome

Hi, I'm Carissa Stanton aka @broccyourbody. I run my food blog full time out of Los Angeles, CA.

My goal is to be your one stop shop for all the healthy recipes you’ll need from healthified Taco Bell menu items to brownie batter protein bites. Can't wait for you to explore and find your new favorite recipe!

broccyourbody

Carissa Stanton
Sunday dinner 🍋 . Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti Sunday dinner 🍋
.
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti 
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
4 tbsp butter
Freshly cracked black pepper
Kosher salt
Red chili flakes
Parsley to serve
Instructions:
Cook your pasta according to the package- do not strain it! Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the grated cheese, lemon zest, and slowly add in pasta water to create a thick creamy paste. Set aside.
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add about 1 tsp of black pepper and butter. Once the butter is melted, add about 1/3 cup pasta water to the pan.
Using tongs, add the pasta straight from the water it was cooked in to the pan. Add in the cheese sauce from earlier and combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Add more pasta water if the pasta looks dry.
Remove from heat and add the lemon juice. Stir to combine and season to taste. Serve with fresh parsley and more cheese! 
#broccyourbody #easyrecipes #lemonpasta
Summer of love 🫶🏻 Summer of love 🫶🏻
Hi @mcdonalds it’s me again…. . Crispy Chicken Hi @mcdonalds it’s me again….
.
Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breasts cut into strips 
1 large egg
1/2 cup almond flour
3 tbsp coconut or tapioca flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika 
1/2 tsp salt & pepper
3-5 tbsp avocado oil 
Flour tortillas, I used @sietefoods almond flour tortillas
Romaine lettuce
Shredded Mexican cheese
Ranch dressing 
Instructions:
In a small, shallow bowl whisk the egg until combined. On a large plate or bowl, combine flours and spices. Dip the chicken strips in the egg mixture then the flour mixture.
In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add in the breaded chicken, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden and cooked through. Place on a paper towel lined plate.
Heat up your tortillas and assemble the snack wrap by adding cheese, lettuce, a chicken tender and drizzling with ranch! Makes 3-4 servings.
#broccyourbody #easyrecipes #healthyrecipes
Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie 🍓 & a very fun GI Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie 🍓 & a very fun GIVEAWAY with @oat.haus! If you haven’t tried the @broccyourbody x @oat.haus Strawberry Shortcake Granola Butter OR if you’re in need of a restock, tag a friend below to be entered to win a Strawberry Shortcake Bundle. It comes with a jar of GB, a Baggu reusable bag and an air freshener 🍓 We will pick 3 winners and announce on Friday! xx
.
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
5 frozen strawberries 
1/4 cup Greek yogurt 
1 date 
1 tbsp Strawberry Shortcake Granola Butter
2 scoops vanilla collagen or protein 
1/2 cup almond milk 
Whipped cream to top 
Instructions:
Blend together all ingredients until smooth. Top with whipped cream and enjoy! Makes 1 smoothie.
#broccyourbody #easyrecipes
A very special weekend in NYC 🤍 A very special weekend in NYC 🤍
Sharing a remake of my favorite Farmer’s Market Sharing a remake of my favorite Farmer’s Market snack- Lemon Basil Hummus. I use this to dip veggies and crackers or I love tossing my grilled veggies in it as like a dressing. Regardless of how you use it, it’s the perfect 10 minute recipe for summer that I promise you will LOVE 🍋🌿
.
Lemon Basil Hummus
Ingredients:
Juice from 1 lemon
1/4 cup tahini, I used @seedandmill 
1 15 oz can chickpeas or white beans 
1 small clove garlic
1/3 cup basil leaves 
2 tbsp olive oil, I used @temeculaoliveoilcompany 
3 tbsp cold water
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp cumin
Olive oil, sumac and sesame seeds to top

Instructions:
Blend together all ingredients. Season to taste. Top with sumac, sesame seeds and a drizzle of olive oil.
How I style my hair with the new @dysonhair air wr How I style my hair with the new @dysonhair air wrap! Personally, I’m obsessed. I’m a DryBar addict and this have saved me soo much money on blowouts. Idk if it’s for every hair type, but they offer a money back guarantee for like 30 days so give it a whirl??
*Not sponsored but I was gifted this. Would 100% purchase again though!!
#broccyourbody #airwrap #dysonairwrap
Little Farmer’s Market haul for a short week bef Little Farmer’s Market haul for a short week before I head to NYC for a long weekend ☺️ Obsessed with my sink- brand is @blancoamerica1 from @pirch and it makes my life 700x easier 🫶🏻
#broccyourbody #sundayvibes #farmersmarket #healthyinspo
The Drake Spritz 🍑 Don’t forget to tag me and The Drake Spritz 🍑 Don’t forget to tag me and @champagnepapi in your remakes 😏
.
Ingredients:
Pinot Grigio (I use Sauv Blanc bc I like it better tbh)
Perrier or sparking water 
A muddled ripe peach (a shots worth for each cocktail)
A twist of lemon peel 
Ice 
Instructions:
Fill a wine glass with ice. Fill it about 3/4 of the way with wine, then top with sparkling water. Add the shot of muddled peach and garnish with a twist of lemon! 
#broccyourbody #easyrecipes #cocktailrecipes
Follow
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Copyright © 2023 · @broccyourbody · Credits

Never miss a recipe!

Sign up for my email list to receive a FREE copy of Brocc’s 2 Week Reset!

You’ll also receive access to exclusive recipes, giveaways and more!