The Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park

Renowned for its striking red rock canyons, towering sandstone cliffs, and unique geological formations, Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country.  In fact, in 2022, Zion was the third most visited national park with over four million visitors.  Whether hiking through narrow canyons or taking in the panoramic views from towering peaks, visitors are treated to an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and geological wonders.  In this travel guide, you will find all of the best things to do and see in Zion National Park.  You will additionally find a sample travel itinerary to help plan your adventure.  

Zion National Park

When to Go

The best time of year to visit depends on your interests.  During the summer, the park is fully open and accessible.  It’s the busiest season with nearly half a million visitors each month.  Summer also brings the hottest temperatures (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and monsoons.  Fall brings the same amazing scenery but with fewer crowds and cooler weather.  It is a beautiful and peaceful time of year to visit.  Spring is also a pleasant time to visit.  Depending on the amount of winter snow, some higher elevated areas may be inaccessible without proper winter gear.  With the melting snow, the water level rises resulting in occasional closures of The Narrows.  Winters in the park are cold and often wet.  Temperatures range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to below-freezing at night.  Roads are plowed, but certain trails may be closed due to falling ice. 

Where to Stay

Inside the Park

Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging.  The Zion Lodge is open year-round with motel rooms, cabins, and suites available.  You can find more information and make reservations here. There are three campgrounds inside the park. Watchman Campground is located near the visitor center and is open year-round.  You can make reservations (up to six months in advance) and find more information here.  Nearby South Campground is open from early March through the end of October. It is important to note that at the time of this writing, South Campground is partially closed due to a long-term rehabilitation project. However, you can make reservations for the open campsites (up to two weeks in advance) and find more information here

Lava Point Campground is about an hour from Zion Canyon on Kolob Terrace Road.  It is open from May through September.  You can make reservations (up to two weeks in advance) and find more information here.  

Outside the Park

Springdale is the closest town to the main entrance of the park (approximately one mile) and has many accommodation options to choose from including Cable Mountain Lodge, Best Western Plus, Bumbleberry Inn, and Driftwood Lodge.  For camping, the only closest option near the main entrance is Zion Campground and RV Resort

What to See and Do

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

This six-mile scenic drive is a breathtaking route through the main canyon featuring stunning views of towering, sandstone cliffs.  From March through November, the road shuts down to public vehicular traffic and can only be accessed via a free shuttle system.  The shuttle provides access to various trailheads, including the popular Angels Landing and Emerald Pools.  Notable landmarks along the drive include the Court of the Patriarchs, the Sentinel, and the Great White Throne.  You can find more information about the Zion shuttle system and see a detailed list of the shuttle stops here.

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Zion Canyon Visitor Center is an excellent place to begin your Zion adventure.  Here, you can learn about the park’s geology, flora, and fauna.  You can obtain permits for backpacking, canyoneering, and other wilderness trips.  You can also find a bookstore with maps, books, souvenirs, and gifts. Additionally, park rangers are on-site to answer questions and give tips on what to see and do in the park.

Court of the Patriarchs

The Court of the Patriarchs is a striking geological feature named after three towering sandstone peaks: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  When the Zion Canyon shuttle is running, the Court of the Patriarchs viewpoint is located at shuttle stop #4.  From the shuttle stop, reach the viewpoint via a short paved trail

Weeping Rock

A paved walkway climbs ¼ mile to this natural rock alcove where water seeps out of the sandstone cliffs, creating a “weeping” effect.  The water originates from Echo Canyon and takes thousands of years to travel through the rock layers before emerging at Weeping Rock.  The alcove is home to a hanging garden of ferns and mosses, thriving on the moisture provided by the seeping water.  This creates a lush and green environment in contrast to the surrounding desert landscape.  The viewpoint for Weeping Rock is located at shuttle stop #7.  Note that at the time of this writing, the viewpoint and shuttle stop are closed due to rockfall.  Check the park website for updates.  

Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnels

One of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnels

This 25-mile scenic highway offers stunning views of the park’s diverse landscapes, including switchbacks, slickrock formations, and two narrow tunnels.  The route stretches from the main park entrance to Mount Carmel Junction. There are plenty of pull-outs along the way to stop and admire the beauty. The 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is a highlight of the highway. The tunnel is carved through solid rock, providing direct access to travel between Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks. At the time of its completion in 1930, it was the longest man-made tunnel in the world. A shorter tunnel is located about 2.5 miles east of the longer tunnel. In addition to the tunnels, along the route, you will find Canyon Overlook Trailhead, Many Pools Trailhead, Checkboard Mesa, and East Rim Trailhead.

Checkboard Mesa

This iconic and unique rock formation is located near the Mount Carmel Tunnel.  The descriptive name stems from the distinctive waffle-like patterns on this huge white mound of sandstone that resembles a checkerboard.  It’s well worth a stop to take in the sights.  The pullout for Checkboard Mesa is located just one mile west of Zion’s east entrance.  

Kolob Canyon Road

Located in the northwest corner of the park, this 5-mile scenic drive provides stunning views of red rock canyons and formations.  Some notable landmarks along the drive include Timber Creek Overlook and Kolob Viewpoint.  The road also provides access to several trailheads.  Kolob Canyon Road is approximately 50 minutes from the main park entrance. Although it is far from the main Zion Canyon area, it is a peaceful and beautiful area to visit, especially if you want a break from the crowds. The road often closes during the winter months.  Check the National Park website for road conditions before your trip.

Biking

Biking is an excellent way to experience Zion National Park.  It is allowed on all park roadways and the Pa’rus Trail.  All other park trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel are off-limits to bikes.  The Pa’rus Trail is a 1.75-mile multi-use paved path with lots of turns and bridges.  It is important to be aware of all the cycling rules at Zion before setting out.  Bring your own bike or rent from Zion Outfitters, Zion Peddler, or Zion Cycles.   

Stargazing

Zion at Night

Zion is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent destination for stargazing. It’s even designated as an International Dark Sky Park. Easily accessible night sky viewing areas include the Pa’Rus Trail, the patio of the Human History Museum, Checkerboard Mesa Pullout, Lava Point Overlook, Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, Left Fork Trailhead, and Timber Creek Parking Lot. Although you can see the Milky Way anywhere in Zion, the darkest skies are on the east side of the park along Kolob Terrace Road.

Hiking

Hiking in Zion is a remarkable experience, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to various skill levels and preferences.  Before embarking on any hike in the park, check trail conditions and weather forecasts and obtain the necessary permits if required.  Here are some of the most popular trails in the park.  

The Narrows

The Narrows

This hike is one of the most unique and popular experiences in the park.  Unlike traditional trails, The Narrows is a trek through the Virgin River sometimes requiring wading or swimming through sections of the river.  The river is surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs that can rise to 2,000 feet.  A famous section of The Narrows, Wall Street, is characterized by its towering, narrow walls that sometimes converge to just 20 feet wide.  It is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon.  Most people hike The Narrows in the summer and early fall when the water is warmer and the water level is lower.

Routes

The bottom-up hike starts from the Temple of Sinawava and ends at Big Spring for approximately a 10-mile trek.  Many people only complete a portion of this trail.  This route is the more popular route and can take approximately one to eight hours depending on how far you trek.  The top-down hike leads from Chamberlain Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava.  Visitors must arrange transportation to Chamberlain Rach as there is no shuttle service and it is approximately an hour and 20 minutes from the main park entrance. A permit is required for this hike.  The top-down route is 16 miles and can take approximately 14-16 hours.  Overnight backpacking is only permitted in designated campsites. 

Safety Considerations

Before setting out on a hike through The Narrows, it is important to check the weather forecasts, trail conditions, and flash flood potential ratings.  Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, are a very real danger and can be life-threatening.  It is also important to be prepared with the appropriate clothing and equipment.  Hiking through the Virgin River is like walking on slippery bowling bowls.  Additionally, the temperature of the water is often colder than the outside air temperature.  Zion Outfitters and Zion Guru rent gear to help hikers navigate the wet terrain safely and comfortably.  You can find some helpful safety tips for hiking The Narrows here.  

Angels Landing via West Rim Trail

Angels Landing

This iconic and challenging trail takes you to the summit of Angels Landing, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon.  The trail involves steep switchbacks and a narrow ridge with chains for support.  The hike is strenuous and is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.  If you are considering hiking Angels Landing for the first time, consider watching YouTube content about the hike.  It is really helpful to visually see what the chain section looks like before deciding if the trail is for you. The hike is 5.4 miles with 1,488 feet of elevation gain.  Due to its popularity, a permit is required to hike Angels Landing.  The trailhead for Angels Landing is located at shuttle stop #6.  You can find more information about the hike here.  

Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail

For those wanting to avoid the adrenaline-inducing trek that is the chain section of Angels Landing but still take in the views of Zion Canyon, then this trail may be for you.  This strenuous trail climbs a series of 21 switchbacks called Walter’s Wiggles to Scout Lookout.  The views from Scout Lookout are spectacular, making this hike one of the best in the park.  It is here that you will also find the junction for Angels Landing and West Rim Trail.  Note that a permit is not required to hike to Scout Lookout.  However, to continue past this point to either Angels Landing or the West Rim Trail, a permit is required.  Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is 3.6 miles with 1,115 feet in elevation gain.  You can find more information here.  

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

Zion Canyon Overlook

The highlight of this trail is Canyon Overlook, which provides breathtaking views of Zion Canyon.  Parking for the trailhead is just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.  There is no shuttle service here and the small parking area fills up quickly.  It is best to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.  Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is one mile in length with 187 feet of elevation gain.  It is classified as moderately difficult.  You can find more information here.  

Emerald Pools Trail

The highlight of this trail is the multiple waterfalls that cascade (or drip, depending on the season) into glistening pools.  There are three pools altogether.  It’s easy to reach the lower pool, a little bit more difficult to reach the middle pool, and moderately difficult to reach the upper pool.  To see all three pools, the hike is 3 miles with 620 feet of elevation gain.  You can find more information here.  

Pa’rus Trail

The Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River and provides excellent views of the Watchman, the Sentinel, the East and West Temples, and the Towers of the Virgin.  It’s accessible for wheelchairs, pets on leashes, and bicycles.  You can access this easy trail from the Zion Human History Museum (shuttle stop #2).  Pa’rus Trail is 3.2 miles with 134 feet of elevation gain. 

Riverside Walk

This peaceful and easy trail follows the Virgin River and leads to The Narrows.  It is one of the park’s most visited trails so be prepared for crowds.  The trailhead is at the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at the Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9).  The Riverside Walk is 1.9 miles with 193 feet of elevation gain.  You can find more information about the hike here

Watchman Trail

This fun trail starts with an easy walk before turning into a rocky trail with a steady incline.  The trail leads to a viewpoint showcasing lower Zion Canyon and the city of Springdale.  It is an excellent spot to watch the sunset.  The trailhead is near the Zion National Park Visitor Center.  Watchman Trail is 3.1 miles with 636 feet of elevation gain.  It is classified as a moderately difficulty trail.  You can find more information about the trail here

Zion National Park Travel Itinerary

Are you ready to start planning your Zion National Park adventure?  Start by downloading our sample travel itinerary.  Easily make changes to the itinerary to make it fit your schedule and interests.