Welcome to Zion National Park, one of the most spectacular destinations in Utah! In this blog post, we’ll take you through the best viewpoints, hikes, and essential tips you need to know before your visit. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for breathtaking views, Zion National Park has something for everyone.
Introduction to Zion National Park
Located in the southwest corner of Utah, near the borders of Nevada and Arizona, Zion National Park is not the largest national park in the U.S., but it is certainly one of the most popular. The main attraction is Zion Canyon, but don’t miss exploring the lesser-known sections such as East Zion and Kolob Canyons.
Top Activities in Zion National Park
1. Watchman Trail Hike
The Watchman Trail offers stunning views of Springdale and the southern end of Zion National Park. This relatively easy hike starts at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center near the south entrance of the park. The trail follows the Virgin River before winding up Watchman Mountain, covering a total of 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers) with an elevation gain of 630 feet (192 meters). Since this trail isn’t located in Zion Canyon, you don’t need to take a shuttle to the trailhead. Parking is available at the visitor center, but it fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the day.
At the top of the Watchman hike, you’ll reach a cool loop trail. Be sure to go to the very end of the point for an amazing view down the valley.
READ ALSO:Â Top 11 Places to Visit in Seychelles for a Perfect Getaway
READ ALSO:Â How to Create Perfect Personalized Travel Itineraries
2. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway runs through the park from the south entrance to the east, offering spectacular valley views as it climbs up the mountainside. The road passes through a narrow tunnel, which is not wide enough for RVs. If you’re driving an RV, you’ll need to pay a fee to hold back traffic so you can pass through on your own. After exiting the tunnel, the landscape changes to rolling mountains in shades of orange and cream, dotted with pine trees. There are many viewpoints along this road where you can stop and take in the unique views.
3. Canyon Overlook at Sunset
The Canyon Overlook hike in East Zion is a must-do. This one-mile (1.6 kilometer) rocky trail leads to one of the best viewpoints overlooking Zion Canyon. It’s a great hike to do at the end of the day. Arriving at the Overlook half an hour before sunset, you’ll find the crowds have dwindled, and the sky begins to turn bright pink. The trailhead is just past the exit of the Mount Carmel tunnel. If you can’t find a parking spot at the trailhead, there is an overflow parking lot and several pullouts further down the road.
4. East Zion Hikes
For a more remote experience and closer look at the rocky landscape of eastern Zion, we recommend hiking one of the many trails beyond the Canyon Overlook. The AllTrails app is a great resource for finding short day hikes. We explored the Many Pools Trail, a 2.2 mile (3.7 kilometer) out-and-back route with an elevation gain of 545 feet (166 meters). This trail follows a wash and has many small pools along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as we encountered several animals on this hike.
5. Observation Point Hike
For another breathtaking view of Zion Canyon, hike to Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail. This trail is located just outside of Zion National Park, near the East entrance, and covers a round-trip distance of 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) with minimal elevation change. Alternatively, you can access Observation Point via Stave Springs, which is a more challenging hike. The panoramic view from the top is simply out of this world.
6. Zion Canyon Shuttle
Zion Canyon, the most dramatic and popular section of the park, has a single road that runs along the entire canyon floor. For most of the year, this road is only accessible via shuttle bus. The scenic drive takes you to famous sites like the Narrows at the end of the road. You can hop on and off the shuttle at various scenic sites and hiking trails along the way.
7. Emerald Pools Hike
The Emerald Pools hike is one of the most popular trails in Zion Canyon. The most common way to access it is via the Zion Lodge. The trail starts off easy, passing a waterfall and the Lower Emerald Pools, then gains some elevation to reach the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools. You can also access this trail via the Kayenta Trail and Grotto Trail, both of which start from The Grotto shuttle stop.
8. Angels Landing Hike
The most thrilling hike in Zion Canyon is the Angels Landing Trail. Starting from The Grotto shuttle stop, you first follow the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout. From here, you scale Angels Landing, a narrow ridge high above the valley floor, assisted by chains along the way. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. The trail is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) long with an elevation gain of 1,630 feet (497 meters).
Essential Travel Tips for Zion National Park
- Entrances: Zion National Park has four entrances. The main entrance is through Springdale, where you access Zion Canyon. You can also enter via the east on the Zion-Mount Carmel Road. Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road are two separate sections that do not connect to the canyon. The best places to stay are in Springdale or the campground inside the park. Hurricane is a cheaper alternative and only a 30-minute drive from the south entrance.
- Shuttle Service: The shuttle service operates most of the year and departs every 5 to 10 minutes from the Visitor Center. No permit or reservation is needed to ride the shuttle, but there might be a line. Check the park’s website for more details about operating hours.
- Park Conditions: Always check the park’s current conditions before starting your day. There are often rock falls or flash flood warnings that might close certain trails. For example, The Narrows Trail was closed due to high water when we visited. Additionally, check for any required permits or reservations, as these can change yearly.
Planning your Zion National Park trip can be overwhelming, but our interactive travel planner can help keep things organized. Use the discount code provided in the description of our video for a special offer. We’ve also included links to important resources, such as an interactive map of all the places we mentioned.
Conclusion
Zion National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure. Whether you’re hiking the trails, driving the scenic highways, or simply soaking in the views, you’ll find something unforgettable at every turn. Use our guide to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this incredible park. Happy exploring!
