USA :: Zion :: Sandy Beach |
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Zion Valley Panorama from Sand Beach Trail. Twin Brothers center left, East Temple towering above Mount Carmel road (Zion East Entance) far right |
| Trip Summary | |||
November 21, 2021
Sand Beach trail was recommended to me in Visitor Center. "You might be by yourself" said the NPS Staff person. My 2021 visit was during US Thanksgiving Long Weekend, and this is super busy time in US National Parks. Promise of solitude materialized; I only met one group at far end taking the break in picnic shelter. Promised scenery was also quite impressive - very little effort for fantastic view of Zion Canyon on loop east side. Downside? Much sand in trailbed, that made footing fairly unstable at times. This is actually horse trail, and in season it would probably not be advisable to go here. However when horse traffic stops, it is an agreeable couple of hours undemanding stroll with fine views. Shorter version, as showcased in this report, starts from Court of the Patriarchs. (Zion Canyon Line Shuttle Stop #4). Longer version starts from Zion Lodge (Stop #5) and adds couple of km; it is probably not worth unless you have done everything else.
From Shuttle Stop it is worth first visiting fine Court of the Patriarchs viewpoint on east side - brief couple of minutes climb. This viewpoint is also less busy compared to usual Zion hotspots centered around Grotto/Angels Landing trailhead. Sand Beach connector starts behind bus shelter on west side. Walk the paved road leading to horse stables area. It is slightly unclear where to go here as trails branch, but continue to Virgin River and cross bridge to west side. Zion lodge trail intersects shortly from the right; turn left. Loop can be hiked either way, but CCW is better option as it leaves best scenery for return. There is some elevation gain past marked junction, then longish traverse on semi-open plateau below the Patriarchs finishing with gradual descent to apex of the loop with picnic area, commonly used by horse riding parties. Return leg is less sandy and has couple of real good viewpoints, tucked bit away from the trail Specially impressive are towering Twin Brothers and well as aerial view of Zion Canyon Road/Mount Carmel junction - see gallery.
Trip is short and can easily be combined with other day destinations; it is good option for first day visit to Zion National Park |
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Gallery |
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 Zion Shuttle Stop
Court of Patriarch Zion Canyon Line Shuttle Stop #4. Sand Beach trail connector starts behind bus shelter |
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 Zion Map
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 Court of the Patriarchs
Sandstone cliff on the south face of the Three Patriarchs seen from little rise above Shuttle Stop. Sand Beach connector below |
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 Virgin River
Pedestrian and Equestrian Bridge across Virgin River, looking back |
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 Sand Trail
Intersection with trail coming from Zion lodge. Note sand in trailbed; this is the story most of the way |
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 Zion Road
Aerial View of Zion Canyon Road with Mount Carmel junction right of center |
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Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D2 | Much shifting sand in trailbed occasionally causing unstable footing. Couple of moderately steep sections | |||
| Scenery | Court of the Patriarchs and Virgin River. Aerial view of Zion Canyon and East Rim, including Twin Brothers. Neat sheltered picnic area | ||||
| Trail/Marking | Very Good | Slightly confusing / unclear start at Court of the Patriarchs. Well defined trail with marked junctions beyond | |||
| Suggested Time | 3 hrs | Casual pace including breaks and photo-ops. Add 1-2 hrs for longer version starting from Zion lodge | |||
| Elevation | Start: 1200m Max: ~1350m Total: ~150m (estimate) | Round Trip: ~6km | |||
| Gear | Day Hikers should be sufficient. Poles helpful because of uneven footing in sandy trailbed | ||||
| Water | Virgin River at start (must be filtered). Carry 1L, more in summer heat | ||||
| Dog Friendly | No | Dogs are allowed in Zion National Park, but must stay within 50m from road, picnic area or campgrounds and are prohibited on hiking trails | |||