[pokstad]

I just went to Zion last week. There was an hour long wait to get on the shuttles due to crowds. The River Walk trail to the Narrows was so congested you would bump into people. The Emerald pools was packed with people despite being a 500’ climb. It’s a very popular park during spring break.

[jobs_throwaway]

Yes, the shuttles are the disneyland portion of the park. The backcountry is just as beautiful and way, way, way less people.

[HDThoreaun]

Zion backcountry isnt in the canyon though. Its nice, but not nearly as scenic as the canyon. If you want the unique canyon experience theres no way to get it without the crowds.

> The backcountry is just as beautiful

Just not true. There are 10,000 sq miles in utah alone that are just as nice as the non canyon part of zion. The canyon is unique.

[jobs_throwaway]

You're wrong. The Subway, Orderville, and Mystery Canyon are all slot/narrow canyons and you won't find crowds remotely comparable to the shuttle stops. You can get the unique canyon experience without the crowds.

[ghaff]

I visited Zion a fair bit when I had pretty regular business travel to Vegas. Probably wouldn't go back today. The shuttle is something of a nightmare if you don't pay to stay in the park and I think my favorite hike is still closed due to rockfall.

[jobs_throwaway]

I never paid to stay in the park. Simply do the traverse.

[pokstad]

I think the winning strategy to beat crowds is to get an e-bike rental and skip the shuttle.

[ghaff]

If you bike, probably.