OVERVIEW

Tucked away amongst the red sandstone gorges and lush valleys of Southwest Utah, is a mecca for hikers and one of the most stunning landscapes in the US…Zion National Park.

As one of the most popular US National Parks, Zion offers dozens of thrilling hiking trails, most notably Angels Landing and The Narrows. Some trails are short and accessible to everyone, while others are multi-day treks requiring canyoneering skills and cross treacherous terrain.

Zion National Park boasts a diverse and unique ecosystem, characterized by the coalescing of deserts and forests. The park is home to slot canyons, lush riverbeds, broad plateaus, and colorful rock formations. Mountain lions, deer, condors, and desert tortoises are just a few of the animals that consider Zion their home.

There is no shortage of activities and adventures to pursue while visiting the park. From scenic drives and photography to canyoneering, kayaking, horseback riding, and rock climbing, there’s something for every type of traveler in Zion National Park.

ABOUT THE PARK

Statistics and History

Zion became the 15th US National Park on November 19, 1919. It consists of 147,242 acres, ranking 36th in size amongst the 63 national parks. Zion sees about 5 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited national parks.

The land occupying what is now Zion National Park is believed to have been inhabited for at least 8,000 years. The original inhabitants were the Archaic, Puebloans (Anasazi), and Southern Paiute people.

They developed a complex society characterized by sophisticated agricultural practices, elaborate pottery, and an extensive network of trade routes. Their advanced architectural designs and petroglyphs can still be seen in the area today.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw the arrival of settlers, first Spanish explorers and subsequently Mormons. By the late 19th century Mormons had established several settlements in the valley, using its fertile land for agriculture.

In 1909 President William Howard Taft designated the area as protected land and named it Mukuntuweap National Monument. It was renamed to Zion National Monument ten years later, and became a national park the following year.

Park Layout

The three primary areas comprising Zion National Park include Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons, and eastern Zion. The largest and most popular area of the national park is Zion Canyon. It is home to the most iconic hikes and landmarks of the park, including Angels Landing and The Narrows. 

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the only road through the canyon and connects the Zion National Park Visitor’s Center (just outside of Springdale) to the Temple of Sinawava, where it abruptly ends. It runs alongside the Virgin River and is an incredibly scenic route.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Highway 9) connects the south entrance of the park near Springdale to the eastern entrance of the park in Mount Carmel Junction. This road consists of numerous hairpin turns and several viewpoints as it winds its way along the mountainside.

The highway also runs through the 1.1-mile-long architectural marvel that is Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. On the eastern side of the tunnel is Checkerboard Mesa, a unique geological rock formation characterized by smooth grooves and waves in the sandstone. 

The northwestern corner of the park is home to Kolob Canyons. The scenic 5-mile long Kolob Canyons Road follows Middle Fork and Taylor Creek on an ascent through the striated rock formations and towering red cliffs and culminates in an amazing viewpoint over the park.

Zion Shuttle Bus

Zion National Park operates a seasonal and complimentary shuttle bus service within the park. In fact, during shuttle season you’re not allowed to drive personal vehicles along the canyon’s only road, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Every year the park adjusts the shuttle schedule, but it generally runs from March through November. 

The Springfield Line buses leave Majestic View Lodge every 15 minutes, making several stops throughout Springfield. They go as far as Zion Canyon Village. The first buses start operating at 7 or 8 AM, depending on the season.

The Zion Canyon Line buses leave Zion Canyon Village every 5-10 minutes, beginning at 6 or 7 AM (depending on the season). They go to the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at Temple of Sinawa and make 9 stops along the route, including the Angels Landing Trailhead at the Grotto. 

LOGISTICS

When to Visit

Zion National Park is open and accessible throughout the entire year, but there are notable differences between the seasons that you should know about.

The spring months are an excellent time to visit Zion National Park. The temperatures are mild, hiking is comfortable, wildflowers are blooming, animals are active, and waterfalls will be flowing as they are fed from the melting snow. Unfortunately, if you want to hike the Narrows, the Virgin River flow rates will be high and the trail will likely be closed.

Summer is the busiest time of the year. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the park is often packed. You can expect long waits for the shuttle, more congested hiking trails, and less availability for lodging. The summer months are also the hottest, often seeing temperatures exceeding 100° F. In my opinion, this is the least desirable time to visit Zion National Park.

Autumn is another great time to visit the park. The summer crowds disappear and the temperatures become more tolerable. In October the trees begin their vibrant transformation into winter, adding even more color to the already beautiful landscape.

We have visited Zion National Park twice in the winter months and this is our favorite time to explore southwestern Utah. Although cold overnight, the region often reaches near 70° F by midday. Crowds were minimal and personal vehicles are allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. We even hiked The Narrows in late November one year and had a fantastic experience.

Where to Stay

A variety of accommodations exist near and even within Zion National Park. The most convenient place to stay is of course Zion Lodge, located along Zion Scenic Park Drive. The lodge provides convenient access to many hiking trails and has dining options and a gift shop.

Springdale is a decent sized town and is found just outside the southern entrance to the park. It’s home to a variety of hotels, campgrounds, rental properties and B&Bs. Springdale has many restaurants, shopping, and even some local outfitters providing guided tours into the park.  

A bit further away are the much larger cities of Hurricane, Kanab, and St. George. These areas have loads of accommodations, restaurants, and can serve as good bases for exploring other areas in southwest Utah. In fact, we often base ourselves in St. George when traveling to the region.

Another option would be camping. Numerous campgrounds are found throughout the area. On two different occasions we rented a Jeep Rubicon equipped with a pop-up tent on its roof for sleeping. 

We loved this option as it served as both our transportation and lodging. Much of southwest Utah falls under the Bureau of Land Management, where you’re allowed to free range camp essentially anywhere you please, with some restrictions of course.

How to Get There

St. George, Utah is the closest city from where a day trip to Zion National Park would be possible. It’s only 45 miles and less than an hour from the park. St George does have a small airport, servicing regional flights from larger cities such as Salt Lake City, Denver, and Phoenix.

However, most people who fly into the area will do so through Las Vegas. Harry Reid International Airport is massive, receiving flights from all over the world. From Las Vegas, it’s only 170 miles or a 2.5-hour drive to Zion National Park.

Salt Lake City is about 270 miles and a little over 4 hours by car from Zion National Park. It’s another large city with a major airport and may be a more convenient option for some travelers.

Southwest Utah is home to a total of five US National Parks, often referred to as “The Mighty Five”. Visiting Zion National Park as part of a large tour of these other phenomenal national parks is one of our favorite itineraries when visiting the region.

How Long to Spend Visiting

There’s really no right or wrong way to explore Zion National Park. Our first visit was part of a two week tour of The Mighty Five national parks in the region. We had two young kids with us so we only hiked the short and easy trails while spending some time at the Visitor’s Center and exploring Springdale.

Shirlee and I have since revisited Zion National Park, exploring it in far more depth and hiking some of the more challenging trails, such as Angels Landing and The Narrows. We were also able to devote a full day to the northern Kolob Canyons region.

In our opinion, 3-4 days is the optimal amount of time to devote toward exploring Zion National Park. This provides enough time to hike the marquee trails, stop at the scenic viewpoints, and complete an activity such as kayaking or rock climbing.

BEST THINGS TO DO

Angels Landing

The Angels Landing hike, in Zion National Park, is one of the most iconic and adrenaline-inducing hikes in the world. The trail is notorious for its thin, spine-like ridge that protrudes out from the mountainside to a viewpoint featuring incredible views across Zion Canyon.

Angels Landing isn’t the longest or most difficult hike, but the vertigo-inducing heights and vertical drops to the valley below will have you both mesmerized and terrified. With thorough preparation and a solid grasp of the chain next to you, this might be the highlight of your trip to Zion National Park.

Observation Point

The out-and-back trail to Observation Point is not very daunting, clocking in at only 7 miles. It’s mostly shaded and relatively flat, making it a good choice for a midday hike. 

There used to be two trails to Observation Point, but a few years ago a large rockfall destroyed the main trail that rose up from Zion Canyon. The alternative route, East Mesa Trail, is located just outside the eastern park boundary and is accessible along a road that runs through private property.

The serene trail meanders through the coniferous forests and open plateaus of east Zion National Park until it reaches Observation Point. At 6,500 feet, the viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, and even the long ridgeline of Angels Landing.

Canyon Overlook Trail

At only one mile in length and less than 200 feet of elevation gain, the Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the easiest hikes in Zion National Park. Its precarious path runs along the cliffside, ultimately ending at a viewpoint that offers dramatic views of the park’s landscape.

The trailhead is found at the eastern exit of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Arrive early as the parking lot is very small and the trail is extremely popular. An initial steep ascent up a set of stone stairs is followed by sections characterized by rocky overhangs and vertical drop offs. 

The narrow path culminates at a large sandstone plateau with panoramas of Zion Canyon, Pine Creek slot canyon, and the hairpin turns of Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

Riverside Walk

Beginning at the Temple of Sinawava, a nearly one mile long flat and paved path leads along the eastern side of the Virgin River, eventually ending when the river fills the canyon from wall to wall. True to its name, this is known as the Riverside Walk.

Along the trail we witnessed the grandeur of Zion Canyon and saw its sandstone walls towering high above us. In November when we visited, the cottonwood and willow trees were still finishing their transformation into winter, which added some additional color to the landscape.

As the paved trail reaches its end, the canyon walls begin to close in and the Virgin River then becomes the trail. This is where the Zion Narrows begin.

Weeping Rock

The short 0.4-mile trail to Weeping Rock is an adventure suitable for nearly every type of visitor. The path quickly ascends 100 feet to an overhanging rock formation that continuously tickles water amongst its hanging gardens of ferns and mosses.

Although the trail is very short and well maintained, it’s also extremely steep. Watch your footing as the stones and trail can get quite slippery if wet from the nearby mist or during recent rainfall.

Emerald Pools

The trail to Emerald Pools is relatively short and easy, thus making it one of the more popular hikes in Zion National Park. The trail gets its name from the three pools that it connects, which each get their unique emerald color from the mineral deposits circulating within them.

Two different trails lead to Emerald Pools. The main, paved trail departs from Zion Lodge while the alternative route is the Kayenta Trail that begins at the Grotto. Lower Emerald Pool is reached along either of these two trails. The flat, out-and-back trails are only 1.2 miles long each and are very easy. You’ll be led behind the waterfall that cascades over the cliff into Lower Emerald Pool below.

Middle Emerald Pools is 0.4 miles further and is a more rugged trail that requires some rock scrambling. The pool is perched on a ledge but the real highlight is the stunning vista of Zion Canyon from the pool. The trail to Upper Emerald Pool steepens considerably as it ascends along the rocky mountainside. You’ll be rewarded by a more serene pool being fed from a narrow waterfall tumbling from the cliffs above.

The Zion Narrows

The trail follows the Virgin River as it sculpts its way through one of the world’s most beautiful slot canyons. For the entire duration of the hike you’ll be surrounded by sheer rock walls while wading through currents, scrambling over boulders, and exploring the canyon’s hidden alcoves.

There are a few different variations of the hike, but regardless of the route you’re sure to have an exhilarating adventure. However, you will need to have some basic knowledge of canyon hiking in Zion National Park to ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey. 

The scenery throughout the hike is amazing as gardens hang from the canyon walls, waterfalls cascade down the cliffside, and the shadows create an amazing lightshow . Hiking through the Zion Narrows can only be described as a once in a lifetime experience.

Timber Creek Overlook Trail

The short and scenic Timber Creek Overlook Trail is found in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. It’s a one mile out-and-back trail that travels through juniper and pinyon forests, open meadows, and along the cliffs.

The trail offers spectacular panoramas of the northern landscapes of Zion National Park. On days with good visibility, you’ll be able to see Timber Creek, Kolob Canyons, Pine Valley Mountains, and even parts of Arizona.

Taylor Creek Trail

Another impressive hike in the Kolob Canyons region is the Taylor Creek Trail. The path follows and occasionally crosses over Taylor Creek as it weaves through the lush vegetation of the canyon floor.

The trail culminates at Double Arch Alcove, a colossal sandstone amphitheater carved into the cliffside. The trail is only five miles long and doesn’t contain much elevation gain. Combining this hike with the Timber Creek Overlook Trail makes for the perfect day in Kolob Canyons.

Watchman Trail

The 3.3-mile Watchman Trail is conveniently located and provides panoramic views of Springdale, Zion Canyon, and some of the park’s recognizable rock formations such as Watchman, Towers of the Virgin, and West Temple.

The trail is 3.3 miles long with 370 feet of elevation gain, making it one of the easier hikes in Zion National Park. After an initial ascent through desert and juniper trees, you’ll reach a plateau that serves as a great spot to watch the sunset over Watchman Peak and the surrounding areas.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

As one of the most popular and accessible US national parks, Zion offers breathtaking scenery and some of the most iconic hiking trails in the country. 

We’ve been able to visit Zion three times due to its convenient location only a few hours from Las Vegas. And there’s an abundance of hotels, rental properties, and campsites near the park to suit the needs of every type of traveler. 

We found that the best way to explore the park was hiking its numerous trails. Although The Narrows and Angels Landing receive most of the recognition, we found trails of all lengths and difficulty that are also worthy of exploration.

Whether you’re planning a quick road trip through the “Mighty Five” or looking for some epic, multi day hiking through stunning scenery, make sure to put Zion National Park at the top of your list.