My Star Vacation Rentals

07/06/2023

Many people live in areas where there is so much artificial light that they don’t see many stars in the sky above them. This means that travelers often have stargazing high on their list of things to do. If you are visiting Zion National Park, you’re in luck…in 2021, Zion became an International Dark Sky Park!

This means that the park and our partners have taken steps to minimize artificial light to preserve a high-quality night sky experience for visitors. These measures also help wildlife maintain their natural patterns, many of which are nocturnal, especially here in the high desert during the hot summer months.

Night skies in and around Zion are spectacular year-round, with thousands of stars visible to the naked eye as well as planets, full moons, meteor showers, and other celestial events. Additionally, while all the stars in the sky are part of our Milky Way galaxy, the brightest part of the famous arc is visible from late spring to late summer here in the northern hemisphere.

Follow this link to learn more about stargazing in Zion, including helpful tips to safely get the best viewing experience, and discover more about the International Dark Sky Association and Colorado Plateau Dark Skies Cooperative, www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/sunset-stargazing.htm

01/03/2023

Nice!

*Shuttle Bus Update*

Our shuttle buses are on vacation!

They will not be in operation from January 2nd, 2023 to March 10th, 2023. Private vehicles are permitted to drive on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during this time until their return in March. However, the road will be closed once parking fills, be sure to plan accordingly!

01/02/2023

Plan ahead on this one!

Heads up! If you’re planning to hike to Angels
Landing between March 1, 2023 and
May 31, 2023, apply to our Seasonal Lottery for a
permit. You can apply any time before 11:59p.m. MT on
January 20.

Learn more at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding

12/21/2022

This is one of my all-time faves!

Some tips for one of our favorites!

🔆Permits are required to hike from Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch.
🔆Dogs are allowed on the hike, but they also need a permit. Use common sense on whether to bring them with you on hot days.
🔆This is a family-friendly hike, and one kids will love.
🔆Before you head for the Wire Pass trailhead, check road conditions here. You can also call the Paria Ranger Station at (435) 644-1200 for the most up to date information.
🔆If you are joining a tour, you should know that from mid-March until early November, Arizona is one hour behind Utah. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time.
🔆 It’s much faster and more rewarding to start at the Wire Pass trailhead.
🔆Don’t count on cell phone service once you reach the trailhead. If you need maps download offline Google maps and maps from whatever trail app you use.
🔆If you’re not on a tour, be sure to let someone know your itinerary and when you expect to be back.
🔆Pit toilets are available at the Wire Pass trailhead parking lot.
🔆Leave no trace, packing out whatever you pack in.
🔆Be smart about your abilities. Turn back when the hiking gets uncomfortable. You need to be prepared for a 10-foot ladder and water or mud along the trail.
🔆You do not need to carry rope to do this part of Buckskin Gulch.
🔆Do not count on water supplies in the canyons. Carry whatever drinking water you’ll need.

11/30/2022

Yay, you can drive in for the next while!

Fall has arrived at Zion National Park! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit this fall or winter:

👉Fall personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts November 28, 2022
Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting today, November 28.
👉Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close the road.
👉Shuttle service resumes December 23, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Shuttle service will resume in Zion Canyon and Springdale starting on December 23 for 10 days.
During these 10 days, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
👉Winter personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts January 2, 2022
The last day of winter shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale is January 1, 2022.
Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting on January 2, 2022.
👉Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close the road.
👉Shuttle service resumes in spring
#

11/10/2022

Something for everyone!

Make time to explore the cliffs, caves, and canyons in this 150-year-old western town dubbed Little Hollywood. Kanab isn't far from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Ever heard of a little slice of heaven on earth called Zion National Park? Its east entrance is a mere 34 minutes from Kanab. The Gran...

05/27/2022

Memorial Day weekend is here! Are you prepared?

🎒 Pack your patience – holiday weekends are some of the busiest times in Zion. Remember that by choosing to come here, you are choosing to be part of the crowd. You aren’t IN traffic, you ARE traffic. Everyone that’s here wants to have an enjoyable experience just like you. The road through the park may close if parking is full.

📱 Plan like a park ranger – do your research beforehand on our website or through the NPS App to know what you want to do, what to expect when you get here, and how to make the most out of your visit.

🚌 Getting around - Shuttles are currently running from 7:00am to 9:00pm MT through the Town of Springdale. In the park:
- First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center leaves at 6:00am
- Last bus into the canyon leaves at 6:00pm
- Last bus out of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava leaves at 8:15pm. Don’t miss the last shuttle, or you’ll be walking along the road back to your car.

🥾 Angels Landing hikers – have your permit and ID with you. If you missed the Seasonal Lottery, you may still be able to apply for the Day-before Lottery. If you don’t have a permit, you can still hike up to Scout Lookout.

🌞 Stay safe – temperatures are on the rise, so make sure you don’t fall victim to heat illness! Bring plenty of water and food, wear sun protection, and listen to your body.

05/16/2022

heads up

Heads up! The shuttle schedule will change for summer starting on May 22! 🚌

Zion Canyon Shuttle -
🌞 First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 6:00am MT
🏜 Last bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 6:00pm MT
🌙 Last bus out of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava: 8:15pm MT You don’t want to miss the last bus, or you’ll have a long dark walk back along the road – in fact, try to get on an earlier bus if you can!

Springdale Town Shuttle –
🌞 First bus into town from the Majestic View: 7:00am MT
🌙 Last bus into town from Zion Canyon Village: 9:00pm MT

Remember, you can always check the shuttle schedule on the NPS App or on our website.

03/26/2022

Know before you go!

It's almost time! Remember to bring your permit to hike Angels Landing starting on Friday, April 1.

Visiting soon but don't have a permit yet? You can apply to get one starting on March 31 in our Day-before Lottery.

Learn more about our permit lotteries and the hike at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding

03/02/2022

It's all different now!

On March 15, 2022, the Bureau of Land Management will implement a new mobile-based geofence system for obtaining daily lottery permits to hike at the geologic feature known as “the Wave,” within Coyote Buttes North, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Today, the Recreation.gov webpage pushes to production. This means the page will be read-only until the “go-live” date on Mar. 15 and is when the public can use the new mobile-based geofence system to apply for permits at https://go.usa.gov/xzYSm. Until then, read & explore the BLM Coyote Buttes North webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xzgMb. Recreation.gov Bureau of Land Management - Arizona

12/03/2021

Heads up everyone

Planning a trip to Zion? On and after April 1, 2022, hikers going to Angels Landing will need a permit. The NPS will issue permits using online lotteries. The first lottery opens on January 3, 2022. Learn more: https://go.nps.gov/lta3tq

12/01/2021

We love this drive, just never do it after a rainstorm. The dirt road has a lot of clay in it and it gets very slippery.

Pack your camera, water, snacks, maps, and hiking shoes for fun adventure in Cottonwood Canyon.

05/29/2021

Big change from the past year!

In response to updated guidance on transit systems in National Parks and COVID-19, Zion National Park is discontinuing the temporary shuttle ticket system for Zion Canyon. Tickets for the shuttle will no longer be needed starting Friday, May 28, 2021. Previously purchased tickets will be prioritized at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center shuttle queue at or following the time of day indicated on the ticket.

First come, first serve shuttle ridership (as in the past) will return beginning Friday, May 28th. Shuttles will load and depart the Zion Canyon Visitor Center from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. MDT.

Shuttle bus capacities will be similar to pre-COVID. In order to meet safety requirements, each passenger must be seated or have a standing room handhold (railing, stanchion, seat bar, overhead grasp handle). The current shuttle stops will remain the same.

Masks are still required while waiting in shuttle lines and while riding the shuttle. Park visitors travelling together are encouraged to maintain separation from other groups and to follow COVID-19 sanitation practices.

Visitors are reminded to and plan ahead. Please see the park website for current alerts and information about arriving to and recreating within the park.

05/17/2021

You got to be either early in the day or late in the day......

Parking fills at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center every day and is very hard to find between 9am and 3pm. If you are arriving between those times, here are a few things to think about:

- There is very limited overflow parking available at roadside pullouts, the Museum, and near the South Campground. You will need to walk from these parking areas back to the visitor center.
- There is plenty of parking available in Springdale, some of which is an easy walk away from the visitor center. If you park farther away in town, you may want to use the free Springdale Shuttle to reach the visitor center.
- If you are traveling to other parts of the park to explore, expect limited parking availability and plan to arrive early to ensure you can park your car. Remember, you cannot drive yourself on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive but there are other roads you can drive.
- Please park legally and responsibly by parking only in areas designated for cars (paved or gravel parking areas).

Shuttle tickets are required to use the park shuttle. Read more on our website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-tickets.htm

05/15/2021

YaHoo!

Marking the official opening for the 2021 season, the gate at the entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open Saturday, May 15th at 6:30 a.m. 🙌🙌🙌

05/13/2021

Shuttle tickets will now be $2 each.

Earlier this year, the public was asked to comment on a proposed fee increase for shuttle tickets. Based on your feedback, this $1 fee increase has been approved. Starting this Friday, May 14th, shuttle tickets will cost $2 per ticket.

This increase in price will help cover staffing and operational costs related to the temporary ticket system that has been introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tickets are non-transferrable and are only available online at recreation.gov.

05/10/2021

There are more than 9, but this is a good start!

With so many things to do in Kanab, Utah, you'll want to spend a week or more in the area exploring all of the geological wonders.

05/07/2021

Yep, we are in full season here!

If you are planning a trip to Zion this summer, make sure you have a transportation plan. The main Zion Canyon is currently only accessible via the park shuttle system, which requires a ticket to ride. That means if you want to hike any of the trails along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you will need a shuttle ticket or an alternative plan. Private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at this time.

Tickets for the shuttle are only available online through recreation.gov and are non-transferrable. An ID check is required to verify that the person who purchased the ticket is present. The entire group must be together in order to board the shuttle. To learn more about how to use the shuttle system, visit: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm

05/06/2021

Kanab has so much heart, we love it!

It's National Travel and Tourism Week. We are celebrating the qualities that make Kanab and Kane County so special. It's amazing how the great outdoors, a side of undeniable charm, and a community surrounded by unspoiled landscapes can really reset someone.....

04/16/2021

I downloaded this several weeks ago and it is pretty cool. They will continue to add to it but great stuff there already.

The new NPS App is here! Download the app to get started on your next national park adventure. The NPS App connects visitors to all 420+ national parks from one single app, to help visitors learn about trails, visitor centers, campgrounds, directions, fees and passes, weather alerts, passport stamp locations and more.

The NPS App gives its users up-to-date information about every national park from one, easy-to-use app. Plan your adventure from your phone, download maps and tours ahead of time, and find things to do and places to visit on your adventure. While you’re in the park, use the self-guided tours to learn about the park, create and share a virtual postcard, and stay informed about any alerts or closures.

No internet access? No problem! You can download content for offline use. It’s especially handy if you’re exploring areas in parks with limited cell service or if you are concerned about data limits.

The app is fully accessible and aims to be a guide for all visitors to national parks. In addition to meeting accessibility requirements, the app also provides information about physically accessible places and points of interest within parks. Additionally, the app provides audio descriptions for sight-impaired visitors, for many places within parks.

To download the app, search “National Park Service” in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, or go to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm



Image description: An orange poster for the new NPS mobile App, showing the NPS Arrowhead icon in the top left corner.

04/14/2021

The perfect caption -

I'll be right here. If you need to get ahold of me: don't.
📷:

04/01/2021

Ok, pay attention to this one folks!

Construction is scheduled to begin on the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) and will continue for 50 consecutive days.

The weekly construction schedule is as follows:
Work begins on Sunday at 7:00PM MDT and continues through the week until 5:00AM MDT Friday morning. No construction is scheduled to occur over the weekends from Friday 5:00 AM MDT to Sunday 10:00 PM MDT.

During the weekly construction schedule, tunnel hours for oversized vehicle operations will end at 7:00 PM MDT. One-way traffic control will be provided from 7:00 PM MDT to 10:00 PM MDT. A full closure to ALL vehicle traffic will be implemented in the tunnels Sunday through Friday from 10:00PM MDT to 5:00AM MDT. To accommodate anticipated seasonal increases in visitor traffic, oversized vehicle operation hours will change to end at 8:00PM MDT beginning April 23, 2021.

Additional construction on the North Fork Virgin River Bridge and East Portal Bridge will occur during normal business hours so visitors should anticipate minor delays. One lane of vehicle travel will be provided throughout the construction period on the bridges.

To learn more about the project and how this could impact your trip, visit https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/bridge-and-tunnel-construction-starting-april-2021-at-zion-national-park.htm

Image description: Road leading to the entrance to the dark Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel with a black and white sign on the right that reads, "Turn lights on and remove sunglasses. No stopping"

02/12/2021

I love this!.... and Cars...... and the Kanab Film festival!

Did you know was the inspiration behind the backdrop of Radiator Springs in ’s smash-hit movie, Cars? We’re not surprised-- nicknamed , this quirky little desert town has a rich history of filmmaking and just about every road leads to a National Park. Talk about VIEWS 🎥🤩 At the , you’ll be immersed in this natural oasis from start to finish- we’re even showing a film inside a CAVE. Plus, if you’ve ever dreamt of meeting Mater and Doc, Kanab is the getaway you’ve been waiting for 🏜️

Tickets at Kanabfilm.com

02/12/2021

Weekend shuttle service in Zion Canyon starts tomorrow! Tickets are required, and can be purchased online at recreation.gov.

Shuttle tickets are available online for one-hour blocks starting at 8am and are required for each day you wish to ride the shuttle. Learn more about ticketing options at: https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/shuttle-service-operations-updates-for-zion-national-park.htm

Face masks must be worn on the shuttle buses and in queue lines.

Shuttles will run on the following weekends: February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and March 6, and 7, 2021. Shuttles will not be operating in the town of Springdale during weekend service. Daily shuttle service in both the park and Springdale begins on March 13th and continues through November.

When the shuttle is in service private vehicles are not allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

NPS Photo: White shuttle bus drives up road, red sandstone cliffs with scattered small trees rise above the road.

02/11/2021

In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s commend, appreciate and acknowledge the important contributions of all female scientists! Women have revolutionized the field of science with their skills, knowledge and successes.

We recognize women and girls in science today because they have led by example through discovery. They have helped lay the foundation for innovation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). They are role models to other women and girls considering careers in the science field, as well as to those who are already scientists. Furthermore, they inspire us to persevere in fields largely dominated by men because women and girls are just as adept.

Here at Zion National Park, we would like to recognize our for the work they do. Janice Stroud-Settles, a wildlife biologist, provided a synopsis of her role. “I’m responsible for managing all of Zion’s wildlife resources including sensitive or endangered species and their habitats. To accomplish this, I lead a team of field biologists who help collect and analyze data on specific wildlife species. These data help guide park management decisions and increase our knowledge and conservation of the species."

Another female scientist, Robyn Henderek, gave her summary – “As Zion National Park's Physical Scientist, I study the geology of the park, including geologic hazards and paleontological resources, hydrology of the rivers and springs, air quality, and night sky resources. With the information and insight I collect or gather from other scientists, I advise park management in making decisions to best conserve the natural resources within the park.”

Laura Schrage, a biologist who manages the vegetation program here, had this to say: “The program purpose is to preserve, protect, and restore the natural abundance diversity, and distribution of native plant populations at Zion. To that end, I get to spend a lot of time outside, digging in the dirt. I help direct efforts to control non-native, invasive plants and to restore disturbed parkland using native plantings and seedings.” We are lucky to have a team of female scientists who are dedicated to preserving our park through their work.

Here’s to celebrating all the female scientists! Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

NPS Photo: A female ranger examines a bighorn sheep.

02/04/2021

10 of the reasons I recommend Book Direct every chance you get. Wanna know more about Book Direct - https://mystarvr.com/the-book-direct-movement-and-other-vacation-planning-tips/
Check out my full article 😃

02/01/2021

Come Discover Kanab!
Great video guys!

01/26/2021

Our 2020 Ups and Downs, A personal reflection and open heart letter to our guests -
https://mystarvr.com/feast-or-famine/

01/26/2021

Double tap if you want to visit White Pocket!