Zion National Park
Explore Zion National Park: Awe-Inspiring Canyons, Iconic Trails, and Endless Adventure
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 10/24/2024
Zion was our last stop in Utah on a 16 day road trip that we took across Colorado and Utah
(click here to view that trip overview page). Each of the
Utah parks has a different ambience. Zion is a stark contrast from Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands. Zion sits at about 3,666
to 8,726 ft in elevation, however, the Virgin River flows through the canyon and even though the park is in an arid environment the canyon floor
in contrast to the other parks is much more verdant and full of trees, plants and animal life. We were pleasantly surprised by the greenery.
The Virgin River flows to the Emerald Pools creating waterfalls and hanging gardens which are accessible by hikes ranging from easy (the lower pools and middle pools) to more moderate to strenuous (the upper pool). The Emerald Pools hikes are located across from the Zion National Park Lodge which is situated in the canyon and surrounded by grass and trees.
The Zion Mount Carmel Highway and Zion Canyon Scenic drives offer stunning overlooks and views of steep cliffs and jagged peaks. Zion Mount Carmel Highway cuts from the east entrance of the park to the center of the park and you can drive your car while the Zion Canyon scenic drive is only accessible by bus due to the volume of visitors each year.
Hiking the Narrows is one of the most popular things to do in the park because you get to hike in the Virgin River through narrow canyons where there is no trail. You must get your feet wet for this hike and it’s best to have a hiking stick. You can stop when you want and turn around or attempt the entire ten mile trip. Many people rent special shoes to hike the narrows. Some options for renting equipment and "river walking shoes" are; Zion Outfitter and/or Zion Guru.
The trail starts at the Temple of the Sinawava trail which to reach this trail you hike along the river for about a mile. Many people, just do this part of the trail for it’s beauty and verdant hanging gardens and scenery and to watch all of the people heading into the Narrows at the end of the trail. Please note that The Narrows can be dangerous if there is a flash flood so check the warnings before entering.
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Click the above video poster image to view our Zion National Park video - it is one of Utah’s Big 5 national parks and it is a large park with the most visitors each year. Get the information that you need to plan your own journey, with a 3 day itinerary for visiting Zion National Park and the pro tips you need for a successful first-time visit to the park and things to do at Zion National Park. It's a beautiful park with lots to see and do next to the quaint town of Springdale. We were there in May and we think May is one of the best times to visit Utah.
Interesting Zion National Park Facts
- When was Zion National Park established? Congress established the area as a national park in 1919. A second Zion National Monument (now called the Kolob Canyons) was established by presidential proclamation in 1937. Congress added the Kolob Canyons to Zion National Park in 1956. The park currently encompasses 148,733 acres.
- What is the annual visitation to Zion National Park? Zion National Park draws over 5 million visitors annually due to its diverse topography, soaring sandstone cliffs, mystical slot canyons, cascading waterfalls, colorful hanging gardens, lonesome desert plateaus, and clear-flowing rivers.
- What is the size of Zion National Park? The park was enlarged in 1956, by the addition of adjacent land that had also been named Zion National Monument but is now called Kolob Canyons; the entire park now occupies 229 square miles (593 square km) or 146,597 acres.
- Zion’s elevation varies by 5,000 feet; Elevation ranges from 3,666 feet at Coalpits Wash to 8,726 feet at Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyon section of the park.
- Zion National Park’s geology features some of the tallest sandstone monoliths in the world.
- Zion National Park boasts canyons as deep as 500 feet and rock monoliths as tall as 450 feet.
- Checkerboard Mesa’s distinct crosshatch pattern is due to wind and weathering.
- The north face of the Great White Throne rim rises 2,350 feet from the Zion canyon floor.
- Angels Landing is one of the most daring hikes in the world.
- The Watchman trail is a climber’s paradise.
- Zion has one of the longest freestanding arches in the world; Spanning 287 feet, Kolob Arch is believed to be one of the longest arches in the world.
Zion National Park FAQ
- What is the best place to stay? There are over 80 places to stay near Zion, so "best" is really up to the viewer. Here is a link to a Google Search Page for a list of places to stay near Zion National Park. Note that you can change the results list by changing the Google Search Options and Google will then display a new list.
- When is Zion National Park open? The park is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week all year round. When the Zion Canyon Shuttle System is operating, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle.
- Can I bring my dog to Zion National Park? The only sections of Zion National Park open to pets are the campgrounds and the Pa’rus Trail. Other than those areas, pets are not allowed.
- Do I need a permit for The Narrows? Most visitors to Zion only hike three miles up The Narrows from the bottom, accessing the water route from Riverside Walk and the Temple of Sinawava, which doesn’t require a permit. The top-down, 16+-mile top-down hike from Chamberlin’s Ranch does require a permit.
- Is there a shuttle service in the park? Yes. The shuttle buses are provided with Zion National Park entrance fees, uns from spring through fall.
- What is the Zion National Park Entrance Fee? It varies based upon your vehicle (car, motorcycle, snowmobile, etc), see the National Park Service Page for current cost info.
- How do I obtain a permit to hike Angel's Landing at Zion National Park? You need a permit to hike Angels Landing. These include but are not limited to: Hikers going to Scout Lookout do not need a permit. Visitors using the park shuttle do not need a permit or reservation. Visitors entering the park do not need a reservation, but do need to pay the park fee. You need to go to the Angel's Landing Permits & Hiking Page that the National Park Service has.
- Where can I get more info about Zion National Park? The National Park Service Page for Zion has a lot of good information, and we would suggest that you go there if you have more questions.
- Is parking difficult in Zion National Park? Yes, parking can be difficult in Zion National Park, especially during the peak season (spring through fall). The main Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle from March to November, so personal vehicles are not allowed during this time, which reduces parking congestion in the canyon itself. However, parking in Springdale (the town just outside the park) can fill up quickly, and the limited parking spaces at the park's visitor center often reach capacity early in the day. A simple solution to the parking issues is to leave your vehicle at your lodging and use the Springdale shuttle that connects the town’s parking lots to the park entrance.
- What are the Mount Carmel Tunnel Restrictions? There are restrictions & fees for over-sized vehicles. For all current information you should visit the National Park Service page
- Where can I obtain information about Zion National Park Trails? The National Park Service has a page that describes hikes & their ratings. For all current information you should visit the National Park Service page
- What are the top 10 Zion National Park Hiking Trails? The "All Trails Website" has maps & info. Here is their Zion Trails page
- Can I horseback ride in Zion National Park? Yes, if you want to see Zion Canyon from a different perspective, check it out from the back of a horse! Canyon Trail Rides, the park’s concessioner, offers 1-hour and 3-hour guided horse and mule rides along the Virgin River and Sandbench Trail. National Park Service page about horseback tours in Zion.
- Can I use my National Park Service Pass in Zion: Yes, you can use a park pass to enter Zion National Park. We have the Lifetime Senior Pass and used it to enter Zion. National Park Service page where passes, fees and other info are discussed. We have been using our Lifetime Senior Pass now for 15+ years and it has been a bargain. National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass information page.
Getting to Zion National Park Map
Click above Image to view larger Google MapZion has two entrances, a south entrance and an east entrance.
The South entrance is where the Zion Visitor Center is located and is also where the town of Springdale resides which is where many people stay when visiting the area.
The east entrance (route 9) is the best way to enter if you are traveling from the Bryce Canyon area. However, there is a tunnel that has restrictions including no bikes or pedestrians and height and width restrictions.
WARNING: Any vehicle over 13ft, 1 inches or higher can not pass through the tunnel. We saw a family in a camper get turned away at the entrance due to the height restriction. It is a long way around to the south entrance and needless to say the family was not happy. refer to the National Park Services website for specific restrictions.
Getting around Zion National Park
Zion has a large number of visitors each year and we found it to be the most crowded of the parks that we visited. To help with the crowds there are two free shuttle buses; One that runs through the town of Springdale and drops you at the park entrance and one that drives along the Zion Canyon Scenic drive and stops at various viewpoints and hiking trails along the drive.
The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stops on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttles leave every few minutes and go either north or south. You can exit the shuttle at any open stop.
Check the map to see what to expect in the park. You may get on and off at any open shuttle stop. Most visitors start shuttle trips at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, but if you are staying at the Zion Lodge, you can board the shuttle there. You cannot board a shuttle to go up canyon (north) at Canyon Junction.
During busy times you are required to use the shuttle for the scenic drive as no cars are allowed along the route. The visitor center parking lot fills up rather quickly In the morning and the lines for the shuttle bus get fairly long.
If you don’t get there early to get parking you can take the Springdale shuttle to the entrance. This bus is free and travels along route 9 through the town of Springdale. We found a convenient stop right outside of our hotel.
Check the National Park Service Page for current restrictions & prohibitions.
Where to stay in Springdale, Utah
The top accommodations in Springdale offer a range of experiences, from luxury retreats to cozy lodges. Here are five highly-rated options:
- Flanigan’s Inn: Known for its relaxing atmosphere and on-site amenities, Flanigan’s Inn includes spacious rooms and suites, a pool, a spa, and the well-regarded Spotted Dog restaurant.
- Driftwood Lodge: Just two miles from Zion’s entrance, this hotel is set in a peaceful location with beautiful mountain views. It offers a seasonal pool, hot tub, and access to the Virgin River.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott: This mid-range hotel provides spacious rooms with stunning views, a pool, hot tub, and plenty of family-friendly amenities like a games area.
- Holiday Inn Express Springdale: A top choice for families, this hotel offers rooms that can sleep up to six people, as well as a pool, hot tub, and daily complimentary breakfast.
- Cable Mountain Lodge: Located right next to Zion Canyon, this lodge provides quick access to the park and nearby restaurants. It features an outdoor pool, spa services, and spectacular views.
As of 10/24/2024 Google says there are over 95 accommodations in Springdale, UT. If you would prefer to do your own research here is a link to a Google Search Results list of "accommodations in Springdale, UT".
Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park
We selected a Hilton property because of it's proximity to the Park Visitor's Center and additionally because there was bus service between the hotel and the park. The Springdale Shuttle Bus stop was several blocks from the hotel.
OK we are enthusiasts of the Hilton Hotel chain, but this is a nice property and with restaurants just across the street and bus service to the park, this was a good place to be. With limited parking available in the park, there was no reason for us to hassle over parking when the bus service was right outside our hotel.
Where to eat in Springdale, UT
Springdale, Utah, offers a surprising variety of dining options for its size, especially given its proximity to Zion National Park. The town has 30+ restaurants, ranging from casual cafés to upscale dining. If you would prefer to do your own research, here is a Google Search Results list of "restaurants in Springdale, UT" - sorted by the "most highly rated by guests".
Here are the top 5 restaurants in Springdale, UT;
- Oscar's Cafe A vibrant spot offering Tex-Mex dishes such as burritos, tacos, and burgers. It’s known for its outdoor patio with stunning views of Zion.
- King's Landing Bistro A fine dining experience offering creative dishes made with local ingredients, perfect for a special night out.
- Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon Popular cantina for contemporary Mexican & Southwestern fare plus a robust selection of craft beers. We had dinner here and the food was excellent!
- The Park House Known for delicious breakfast options like eggs benedict, and light lunch fare.
- The Spotted Dog Light-filled space for seasonal American meats, salads & pasta dishes along with a wine cellar.
Mount Carmel Highway
The construction of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway took approximately three years, from 1927 to 1930. This impressive project involved complex engineering to carve the road through Zion National Park’s rugged landscape, including the excavation of the 1.1-mile tunnel through the Navajo sandstone cliffs. The tunnel was particularly challenging due to the hard rock and the need to create openings along the tunnel walls to provide ventilation and stunning views of the canyon.
The roadway offers a stunning drive through the park’s unique landscapes and was an engineering marvel for its time, featuring the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a 1.1-mile tunnel that was carved through the sandstone cliffs. The tunnel, with its six large windows, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon as drivers pass through.
The highway offers dramatic views of towering sandstone formations, including checkerboard mesas, sheer cliffs, and steep canyons. One of the highlights of the drive is the series of hairpin switchbacks descending into the canyon, providing panoramic vistas along the way.
In addition to the scenic beauty, the road also serves as a vital link between Zion National Park and other major attractions, such as Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Visitors frequently use this highway to access the eastern part of Zion, which is less crowded but equally stunning, with opportunities for hiking and photography.
Mount Carmel Tunnel
The tunnel is 1.1 miles long and was constructed in 1927, and completed in 1930 by the Nevada Construction Co. Prohibited vehicles include those over 13 feet 1 inch tall, semi-trucks, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds, single vehicles over 40 feet long, or combined vehicles over 50 feet long. Bicycles and pedestrians are also banned from the tunnel, which has no artificial lighting.
Zion National Park Bus Center
We decided to explore the Virgin River trails that start immediately next to the Visitor Center's parking lot. The Watchman Trail splits into two parts just before the south campground where the Watchman Trail continues heading east on the eastern side of the Virgin River and the Pa'Rus continues north alongside the south campground.
Zion National Park Visitor Center
For our first full day's adventure, we left our car parked at our motel, took the shuttle bus to the park entrance and walked in. The visitor center was our first stop, because everything starts from there. The bus stop was very busy, so our first exploration was to take a quick walk through the Visitor's Center and then we headed over towards the Virgin River and the trail that parallels the river next to the south campground.
After we got back from our river exploration, we decided to head back to the motel and take advantage of the hotel laundry and the swimming pool.
Zion National Park Emerald Pools
Click above Image to view larger Google MapThe Emerald Pools Trailhead is across the river from the Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5). From the shuttle stop, you will follow the sidewalk across the Lodge Lawn to the crosswalk. Cross the Zion Canyon Road and continue across the bridge. Follow the trail on the right to begin hiking Lower Emerald Pool Trail. This is not a difficult trail at all, and the shade is frequent - the payoff is the falls that are to be found at the end of the trail.
As you can see on the map image, there are three trails associated with the Emerald Pools (after you cross the bridge):
- Lower Emerald Pools - less than ½ mile from the river, an easy family stroll.
- Middle Emerald Pools - if you continue on beyond the alcove you will climb some steps to bring you on top of the cliff that you walk under in the lower pools trail.
- Upper Emerald Pools - The final stretch is a hot and sandy quarter mile, but it is well worth the effort to get to the final pool at the base of the 300-foot cliffs above.
Zion National Park Temple of Sinawava to the Narrows
Our second day goal was to take the park shuttle bus to the top of Zion Canyon scenic drive - the entire route is "bus only". The shuttle bus stops at a number of places, each providing different hiking trails. Our first hike was the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The shuttle bus stops at the Zion Lodge, and the trail head is just across the street from the lodge.
The hike from the Temple of Sinawava to The Narrows in Zion National Park is a breathtaking journey through one of the park’s most iconic landscapes. The Temple of Sinawava serves as the final shuttle stop along the scenic Zion Canyon, where the Riverside Walk begins. This paved, 1-mile trail is relatively easy, offering views of the Virgin River and lush vegetation, as well as occasional wildlife sightings like mule deer and various bird species.
After the Riverside Walk ends, The Narrows trail begins, transforming into a riverbed hike that requires hikers to wade through the Virgin River. As you venture deeper, the canyon walls narrow dramatically, reaching up to 1,000 feet high while the riverbed becomes only 20–30 feet wide in places. The Narrows hike continues for several miles, though many hikers turn around at popular points like Wall Street, where the canyon’s iconic tall, narrow walls create awe-inspiring views.
NOTE: Each Shuttle Bus Stop is numbered, pay attention to where you got on or got off, so that you can navigate properly.
After our hike to the Lower Emerald Pool, we jumped back onto the free Zion Canyon shuttle and went to the top of the Canyon - the Temple of Sinawava. We then hiked up the Riverside Walk trail and then continued hiking to the first river crossing to see some of the best "narrows" sections of the North Fork of the Virgin River.
We hiked up to the Narrows Entrance and stopped to get some pics, the trail continues onwards for 10 more miles (round trip) or 6 miles to the Wall Street section, but we stopped at this point.
Image Credit: The second image above is the property of Don Graham via Wikimedia Commons using the CC BY-SA 2.0 license. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.
Nope, we did not go the rest of the way to see all of the Narrows as we did not have river shoes, nor enough water to keep us hydrated. So we reluctantly had to hike back and catch the shuttle back to the Visitor Center so we could head back to the motel and take care of our growing pile of dirty clothes!
You can see in this picture the people behind us starting to cross the Virgin River to begin their hike to the Narrows. The canyon is a bit narrow, hence the name.
NOTE: You can see in image # 4 that many people were wearing similar "river walking shoes" all in the color red. This was because everyone was renting those shoes from the same place in Springdale!
Quick History Lesson: Geologist Grove Karl Gilbert was the first recorded caucasian man to travel the Zion Narrows, in 1872 as part of a government survey expedition led by Major John Wesley Powell (note; yes, the same person who explored the Colorado River down to the Grand Canyon). Gilbert made the trip on horseback, and it is believed he was the first to use the term "the Narrows."
Zion National Park Angel's Landing
By now, you have no doubt noticed that there are no pictures or narrative on this page about the famous Angel's Landing hike. That is because we did not go there - for several reasons. First reason is that starting April 1, 2022 a hiking permit is now required by the National Park Service (NPS). These permits are available only via an online lottery. And we did not acquire the permits.
The second reason is that the Angel's Landing trail is a 4.3-mile out-and-back strenous trail that is slippery & dangerous when wet. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,827 feet and is considered a highly challenging route. With me requiring a cane to walk, we just did not think that I would able to manage such a hike. I'd love to come back here someday and do this trail, but I have to get my hip issues corrected before that could take place.
If you would like to learn more about the Angel's Landing Trail, take a look at the "All Trails Website" article about it. There you will find maps and other information pertinent to hiking that trail.
More Info for Angel's Landing
Image Credits:
- Image # 1 is the property of Ronnie Macdonald using a CC BY 2.0 license via Wikimedia Commons
- All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC, unless otherwise noted.
Some Useful Links for Zion National Park
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Zion National Park Website
- Zion article on the 'Visit Utah' Website
- Zion National Park Service page.
- Bit & Spur Restaurant in Springdale, Utah (we recommend this restaurant!)
- Google Search Results list for "restaurants in Springdale, Utah"
- Hiking in Zion National Park on the "Zion National Park" site
- The 5 Best Hikes in Zion on the "Visit Utah" site
- Hiking Angel's Landing on the "Visit Utah" site
- Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Springdale, Utah"
- Amazon Search Results list for "Zion National Park"
- Youtube Search Results list for "Zion National Park"
- Zion National Park Small group activities on the "Get Your Guide" site
- Visit our Youtube Channel
- Our Image Gallery for Zion National Park
- Wikipedia Article for Zion National Park
- Google Image Gallery for Zion National Park
- Google Reviews for Zion National Park
Trip Itinerary
Click above map to view a larger Google Map As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!
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