Zion National Park is located in the southeast area of Utah and is home to major attractions such as Angels Landing and the Narrows. Most known for its bright red rocks and deep canyons, millions of visitors flock to this area each year to experience the beauty that this national park provides. Tourists visit all throughout the year as the park is open every day, but peak season tends to be the summer months from June-August. With over 232 square miles there is simply so much to see.
Driving into Zion National Park.
TIPS FOR THE PARK
Check out the National Park Service (NPS) website for all park permits, fees, and reservations prior to arrival.
Start your day at the visitor center and familiarize yourself with the National Park Service Park Map.
The parking lot fills up quickly, you'll want to get there early to find a good spot.
You'll need to park your vehicle, then take the shuttle system around the park. Come prepared with a day pack filled with all your essentials.
Plan your day in advance so you're using the Zion Canyon Shuttle System effectively.
Drive in or out through the east entrance to experience the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway & Tunnel.
Be prepared for the heat, stay hydrated, and pack accordingly.
Leave no trace!
WHERE TO STAY
If you want to stay right at the base of Zion, check out Springdale, UT. There's a small town with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and hotels for visitors to enjoy. Many hotels have a shuttle that will take you directly to the park. In total, it's about a 5min drive from Springdale to Zion.
If you're doing Zion and another city/park you may consider other areas. If you want to stay between Las Vegas and Zion National Park there's a popular town called St. George that's a great place to stay. If you want to stay between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park there is the town of Kanab, UT which provides a great hub for day trips to both.
If you're interested in staying inside of the park there are options for both camping and lodging at the Zion Lodge. Visitors can make reservations online up to 13 months in advance. Since this is the only in park lodging option it fills up quickly, so plan accordingly. There's a restaurant on the grounds and it's close to many major attraction and trails.
Walk across the street from the Zion Lodge to reach the base of the Emerald Pool trails.
WHAT TO DO
Hike - Explore the various hiking trails throughout the park. Many are accessible for all abilities, while others provide a more challenging approach. The park is divided into 5 trail areas: Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyon, Koblob Terrace, East Rim and Southwest Desert Area.
Bike - Bike around the paved roadways and Pa'rus Trail to get an up close view of the part.
Camp - Reserve a campsite through the National Park Service and spend a night in Zion.
Climb - Check out the NPS website for requirements or work with a third party company.
SITES TO SEE
Length: 25 miles
Difficulty: Easy, winding roads
Built in the 1920s, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is a top attraction within the national park. Visitors entering from the east entrance can take the Zion-Mount Carmel highway and stop along various scenic outlooks. There are many hiking paths located along the way, too. Be on the lookout for wildlife as early in the morning visitors may see big horn sheep up high in the mountain side or deer roaming below. Driving through this highway and tunnel really sets the stage for what's to come.
Driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway you'll see great views.
Be on the lookout as you drive in, if you're lucky some mountain goats!
When you reach the tunnel you'll drive right into the mountainside. It's quite dark with only a few windows. There are some height restrctions - check it out in advance!
Length: 1.2 mile
Difficulty: Easy, low impact
The Grotto Trail is an easy, low impact hike that's accessible for visitors of varying abilities. It's a paved, wide trail with a low incline that leads to Grotto Falls. You can start at the Zion Lodge and take a path to the Grotto or you can get off at the next shuttle stop and start the trailhead from there.
A safe, easy walk to Grotto Falls.
Length: 1.0 mile
Difficulty: Easy, moderate impact
Weeping Rock Trail has been recently reopened (Nov'22) after a few years of being closed due to a major rock fall. This trail is short, but steep and requires visitors to climb up stairs until they reach the top. From there, Weeping Rock provides a scenic viewpoint that overlooks Zion Valley. It's a great, quick hike for really nice views of the park.
The views from Weeping rock cannot be beat!
Length: 3.3 mile
Difficulty: Moderate, high impact
Watchman's Trail is a hike located close to the visitor center that gives visitors a quick challenge before entering into the parks main attractions. It's a relatively steep hike with steep drop offs along the way. The trail is mostly paved, but it is narrow, so be advised when bringing children or those who may be unsteady. During our time on the trail, we found hiking poles to be advantageous when working up the trail. As you near the top of the you'll have a nice overlook of the park and Springdale areas.
The views from Watchman's Trail provided a great overlook into the canyon!
Length: 3.2 mile
Difficulty: Moderate, low impact
There are three Emerald Pool Trails: Upper, Middle, and Lower. Hikers will reach a point where the Upper and Lower Emerald pools are to the right, while the Middle Emerald Pool is to the left. During my hike, we headed right to the Upper and Lower. The trail is wide and paved and takes hikers to a misty waterfalls that flow into a natural pool. This trail is open year round and is can get crowded with visitors.
The Emerald Pools provide a misty cool-off spot with the water flowing from overhead down into the pool.
Length: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Difficult, high impact
The Scout Lookout trail starts at the Grotto Trail and from there you will start on a strenuous high up to Angels Landing. This trail has steep drop offs and can be very dangerous, be advised bringing children and those who may be unsteady on this hike. When you reach Scouts Lookout, you will be rewarded with amazing views of Zion Canyon. For those wishing for more challenge, you can advance on to Angels Landing.
Length: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Difficult, high impact
Angels Landing is one of the most popular trails within Zion National Park. This hike is geared to those thrill seekers looking for a challenge. With large drop offs and a relatively narrow pathway, visitors should not be afraid of heights and children are generally not recommended to take on this hike. There is a chain handrail in the center of the trail for stability. If you are interested in hiking Angels Landing a permit is required and can be found here.
A view from Angels Landing. Photo Credit: Life Utah Elevated, Jay Dash
Length: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult, high impact
The Narrows are a hike like no other. Visitors will walk through the Virgin River through the slot canyon as far up as those feel comfortable, then hike back to the start. Most visitors tend to hike the visitors between the summer and early fall when the water levels drop. Those hiking the Narrows should be advised that flash floods can occur and should watch the National Park Service guidelines and safety warnings. Gear is necessary as you'll be wading through water can be rented nearby.
As you enter the Narrows the rock formations will change to be a slot canyon. The Virgin River runs through the park and into the Narrows, you'll need to be prepared with water gear!
Observation Point
Length: 8 miles
Difficulty: Difficult, high impact
Observation Point is one of the best places to see some of the best views of Zion Canyon. Hikers can take either Weeping Rock trailhead or East Mesa Trailhead to reach the scenic viewpoint. It is a steep, long hike so be prepared with the appropriate equipment and water/snacks.
A popular spot for some of the best views of Zion. Photo Credit: Joe Braun
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