If you are lucky enough to explore Zion National Park, then you are lucky indeed!
Located in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is an awe-inspiring nature preserve (and Utah’s first national park!). Zion’s massive cream, pink, and red sandstone cliffs will steal your breath away. With miles of narrow slot canyons and a unique array of plants and animals, we promise Zion will enchant you.
Here are Yvonne’s tips for getting the most out of your visit.
Arriving at the park:
Use the free Zion Canyon Shuttle to travel into Zion Canyon. Each full shuttle reduces traffic by 28 cars. According to NPS @ Zion National Park, shuttles reduce vehicle miles traveled per day by over 50,000 and reduce CO2 emissions by over 12 tons per day.
Where to Stay:
- Reserve a room six months in advance at the Historic Zion Lodge settled in Zion Canyon.
- If you prefer to camp, there are three campgrounds: Watchman, The Lava Point, and South. Many of the first-come, first-served sites should be claimed first thing in the morning during the summer months. Senior/Access pass holders get 50% off the camping fee, which does not include the America the Beautiful Pass.
- Campground restrooms have no showers or electrical outlets. Comfort stations provide flush toilets, drinkable water, and trash containers.
- Be aware: Zion gets extremely hot during summer, with little to no shade. There are very few riverside campsites along the Virgin River.
What to See:
- The Temple of Sinawava – a natural amphitheater that is the park’s hallmark. It is an easy 2-mile paved Riverside trail walk that follows the Virgin River upstream, leading to the Narrows.
- The Grotto – a shaded picnic area among cottonwood trees. It’s a great place to relax, read, or journal.
- Weeping Rock – Dripping springs create beautiful hanging gardens and mini waterfalls. It’s a steep but short hike with stunning views of Angels Landing and Big Bend.
- Zion-Mt Carmel Highway Tunnel – Built in the 1920s, this 12-mile scenic drive with spectacular views of the canyon below and the Great Arch connects Zion Canyon to the east side of the park.
- Canyon Overlook Trail – This one-mile trail has beautiful views of Zion Canyon. It begins at a higher elevation and is short. Be aware that the parking area is very limited.
- Checkerboard Mesa – On the east side of the park. The mesa has no running water and bathrooms are scarce.
- Angels Landing – 5,700 feet above Zion Canyon, this is the most iconic and notorious rock formation in the United States.
- Court of the Patriarchs – You will find beautiful views of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Peaks, which were named after biblical figures by Frederick Fisher in 1916.
- Zion Narrows – Take a day hike on the gorgeous riverwalk with stunning sheer multi-colored rock layers and sandstone cliffs. You will also find natural springs, hanging gardens with ferns, moss, and Columbine. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.
- Be aware: The Narrows is subject to flash flooding. Check the weather before hiking here, as storms can cause rising water levels.
- Hiking in the Narrows may involve walking, wading, or swimming in some areas. Be sure to bring a hiking stick and wear water shoes with an excellent grip. I recommend Keen water shoes; their rubber bottoms grip slippery rocks effectively. Permits are required for overnight camping.
Enjoy your experience and share your photos with us on Instagram @one_planet_life.
Yvonne’s Zion National Park Photo Gallery
Zion Park
The Watchman
Zion Park
Court of the Patriarchs
Zion Park
Weeping Rock
Zion Park
The Sentinel
Zion Park
Riverside Walk Trail
Zion Park
The Narrows – The narrowest section of Zion Canyon
Zion Park
Checkerboard Mesa
Zion Park
Virgin River
Check out Yvonne’s Insider Tips for exploring these other national parks:
Written by Yvonne Dwyer
Master Naturalist and OPL Content Contributor
“It is truly an honor for me to be a contributor to One Planet Life. By sharing my experiences and lifetime of learning, I hope to inspire conservation, sustainability, stewardship, and awareness of enjoying the natural wonders of the world for the wellbeing of people and the planet.”
