Reclaiming that personal connection with zion

When I was a kid (back in the twentieth century for those of you who can remember) Zion National Park was our personal playground. We'd drive up on a Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa Monnett and a picnic lunch to enjoy Angel's Landing, Emerald Pools and especially the scientifically weird Weeping Rock. Piled in the back of the minivan, we were free to pull over and gawk at deer, wild turkeys, and especially the overwhelming majesty of the red and white cliffs towering above us. 

As the world caught on to the incredible sights and sounds of Zion and more visitors came, the park had to restrict access to the main canyon in order to preserve the natural habitat and quiet wonder of the place. Which I understand. But riding on a shuttle up the canyon, with its closed roof, its smelly exhaust and forced proximity with other nature lovers, I missed my childhood connection with the place. 

Enter my husband and his new fascination with e-bikes. While the canyon is closed to private vehicles, bikes and e-bikes are welcome, making the quiet and personal experience with Zion National Park again a reality. Instead of viewing the canyon from behind glass, we now enjoy a 4-d experience of soaring cliffs, fresh air, sunshine, and the ability to stop anytime the beauty demands a photograph. The freedom and flexibility bikes provide in Zion Canyon is just incredible. We especially love the fact that the shuttle only stops in a few spots and we have the rest of the canyon basically to ourselves. We can stop when we want, go when we want, explore, and just soak up all the glory of Southern Utah. 

We used to put our bikes on the shuttle, ride up the canyon, and coast all the way down it. Now we skip the shuttle altogether with our e-bikes, and take Zion National Park at our own speed and level of physical strength. 

Too tired to pedal up a hill? Crank that pedal assist and all of the sudden your puny legs have you speeding like a superhero. Ready for a good workout but not sure you can make it up the canyon and back down? Push yourself to the edge of your stamina without worry--if you get tired before you're done, the bike can get you back to your car. 

We really bought the bikes for ourselves but our guests at Monnett Homestead have them reserved most days--so we'll probably be investing in more this year. For my money, e-biking is the ONLY way to experience Zion National Park, so contact us today to make sure we have a couple set aside for your visit with us!