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Zion National Park, located in the southwest corner of Utah, gets its name from the Hebrew word “refuge.” It used to be a quiet sanctuary, but now it’s become one of the most popular parks in the country, attracting over 4 million visitors annually. People have discovered this hidden gem and can’t seem to get enough of the stunning Zion Canyon, with its apricot-colored hues. They enjoy exploring the canyon by wading through the Virgin River or hiking up Angels Landing, where every bend in the river or turn on the trail reveals an even more breathtaking view. At night, the sky is adorned with a beautiful blanket of stars, offering a peaceful end to an adventurous day. When it’s time to leave this refuge and return to reality, the drive back to Las Vegas takes around 166 miles, while the journey from Salt Lake City covers approximately 308 miles. These drives provide just the right amount of time to reflect on the natural beauty witnessed during the visit.
Zion National Park is most enjoyable to visit from April to November. During this time, the park operates free shuttles for visitors, and the weather is pleasant. However, from December to February, it’s considered the park’s low season. While there will be fewer people, certain attractions like the Narrows and Angels Landing may be too cold to fully appreciate. The park remains open 24/7 throughout the year. Keep in mind that due to its popularity, Zion tends to have crowds regardless of the season.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting Zion National Park. Choose your favorite!
In 1916, when Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher visited Zion Canyon, he supposedly came up with the name for a famous rock formation. The story goes that he made a joke about how only an angel could land on the high perch of the rock. …
The Canyon Junction Bridge is located at the intersection of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Zion Canyon Scenic Road. It spans across the Virgin River, creating a picturesque scene that is often captured by photographers. This iconic image …
The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park is a popular and moderately long trail spanning about a mile. It provides breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, including the impressive Towers of the Virgin and a stunning slot canyon below. Despite its …
This sandstone formation, known as Checkerboard Mesa, is located between the east entrance of the park and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. It has a unique appearance with cracks and fissures forming a grid pattern, like a checkerboard. The sandstone …
In Zion Canyon, there is a rock formation with three striated peaks called Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These peaks were named by Dr. Frederick Vining Fischer, a Methodist minister who visited the area in 1916 and named various features in Zion after …
The Emerald Pools in Zion National Park offer a delightful contrast to its majestic rock formations. Although the park is renowned for its towering peaks, this particular area provides a chance to witness gushing waterfalls. Situated amidst the …
Escape the crowds of Zion Canyon by exploring the picturesque Kolob Canyons to the northwest. Situated around 40 miles north of Zion Canyon, the Kolob Canyons offer stunning box canyons with towering cliff walls reaching up to 2,000 feet. Driving …
Atop Mount Baldy, at an elevation of 6,521 feet, hikers who conquer the Observation Point trail will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Zion Canyon. This trail offers a bird’s-eye perspective and allows you to admire most of Zion’s major …
Pa’rus Trail The Pa’rus Trail is a delightful and easy 3.5-mile hike in Zion National Park. It’s like a wide concrete sidewalk that connects the Zion Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. This trail is perfect for exploring different places in the park, …
Looking for a less strenuous way to enjoy the beauty of the Virgin River in Zion National Park? Consider taking a stroll along the Riverside Walk. This scenic trail, located at the last stop on the Zion Canyon shuttle (the Temple of Sinawava), …
The Temple of Sinawava is a breathtaking natural amphitheater found at the beginning of Zion Canyon. It offers visitors a captivating view with its towering canyon walls and lush vegetation. This place serves as the starting point for two popular …
The Narrows, located in Zion Canyon, is a favorite hiking destination within the park. This section of the canyon features magnificent orange-red walls that soar 1,000 feet above. To begin the adventure, hikers can enjoy the gentle and …
For adventure seekers who have conquered the thrilling Angels Landing and the extensive trek of The Narrows, their next exciting endeavor could be The Subway. This remarkable slot canyon, also called the Left Fork of North Creek, resembles subway …
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Watchman Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike that offers an incredible vista of natural wonders. While it doesn’t take you to the peak of Watchman Spire, this trail provides mesmerizing views of the majestic …
Zion National Park, located in the desert, isn’t completely dry. Despite the arid surroundings, there are places in the park where water seeps out of the cracks and crevices in the Navajo sandstone, creating an interesting phenomenon known as …
Zion National Park has a road called Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is one of the main roads in the park. This road gives visitors access to various famous landmarks such as Zion Lodge, Angel’s Landing, the Court of the Patriarchs, and Weeping …
The Zion Human History Museum is located in one of the historic Mission 66 buildings, which were built to modernize national park facilities. This museum showcases a variety of artifacts found in the park, with exhibits that highlight the human …
In the early 1900s, park promoters had a brilliant idea. They wanted to make it easier for people to visit Zion National Park, as well as other nearby parks like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. So they came up with a plan: build a road that would …