Rain and Mud: A Gloomy Day in Zion National Park

Trip Date: December 31, 2022 

It’s the last day of 2022. I am in Zion National Park on a solo road trip ringing in yet another new year in the beautiful state of Utah. Since 2016, I’ve celebrated the new year in Utah in multiple different ways, and exploring Zion National Park wasn’t really anything new to me either. It was, however, the first time I treated myself to a hotel (rather than camping, or sleeping in my car) and it was the first time I explored Zion National Park via park shuttle- I’ve only done a couple of hikes in the park. I’m thankful I didn’t cancel my trip, with a 30% chance of rain and a storm rolling in that holiday weekend- I knew it was going to be a wet and gloomy way to ring in the new year. I was able to knock out 3-day hikes in one rainy, muddy day and I forget just how special a rainy day in the canyon can be if you’re prepared for that type of weather.

📍Scout’s Lookout via West Rim Trail

Trail: Scout’s Lookout via West Rim Trail

Distance: 3.6 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: 1,488 ft., Moderate

Permits: This is the trail that leads to the popular Angels Landing. Permits are required to hike Angels Landing, however- permits are not required to hike to Scout’s Lookout, 0.5 miles from Angels Landing.

With rain in the forecast, I wasn’t planning on doing much hiking. After arriving at Shuttle Stop #6 The Grotto, I decided to go for it, and if it got to be too nasty, I’d simply turn around. I didn’t know what Scout’s Lookout consisted of, but there seemed to be a lot of foot traffic even for a rainy day. I couldn’t help but recognize Angels Landing above. As the fog broke along the canyon walls, I couldn’t help but be grateful that it wasn’t an extremely hot day. Although rated moderate, the climb was steady. After 21 switchbacks, and a climb through the dense fog, we arrived at Scout’s Lookout, and to my surprise the beginning of the Angels Landing climb- only 0.5 miles away. I must say, from this viewpoint the climb itself didn’t look half bad. I still didn’t attempt it. Permits are now required, and I hadn’t planned on hiking in the first place. Yet- here we are, looking down into the canyon below, dense fog, wet canyon walls, and the desire to keep hiking. So hiking we will go!

📍Lower Emerald Pools

Trail: Lower Emerald Pools

Distance: 3 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: 70 ft., Easy

After hiking a mile in thick mud, I nearly called it quits. Made the choice to turn back around, and so glad that I did. I’ve never seen waterfalls in Zion National Park, so this was a special treat. I attempted to make it down to Lower Emerald Pools, but being a holiday weekend, even though a rainy day- this trail was still pretty crowded. I’ll be back!

📍The Riverside Walk

Trail: The Riverside Walk

Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: 57 ft., Easy

The Riverside Walk is an entrance to The Narrows- which is usually closed this time of year. The Riverside Walk is 2.2 miles round-trip and is considered an easy route with easy access to a popular route- The Narrows.