Zion is southern Utah’s most well known and most visited national park. It has earned that title thanks to its towering canyon walls and the beautiful Virgin River that runs through it. Although it’s only a fifth the size of Yosemite, Zion gives it a real run for its money.

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Zion could be two separate parks. Zion Canyon is the core of the park and has famous hikes like the Narrows and Angels Landing. The main lodge and visitors center are located here as well. Kolob Canyon is located northwest of Zion Canyon. Only a lengthy hiking trail connects the two canyons. A several hour drive awaits you if you want to drive from one to the other.  

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Zion Canyon can be accessed from a southern or eastern entrance. I would highly recommend entering through the east (Zion-Mt Carmel highway). If you can’t enter through the east, at least make the drive from Zion Canyon to the eastern ranger station. From the ranger station, you wind through slickrock with very unusual erosion patterns that are a feast for the eye. As you get closer to the canyon, you pass through a one-mile tunnel built in the 1920’s. It is really an engineering marvel. (Note: The tunnel cannot accommodate large trailers or RVs unless bi-directional traffic flow is halted. During certain hours, rangers are stationed on either side of the tunnel to stop traffic and allow passage of large vehicles. A fee is collected for this service.) As you exit the tunnel, you begin your descent into the canyon. There are plenty of pull-offs for a reason. The views are exceptional.

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The southern entrance is where the campgrounds, museum, and main visitor center are located. The City of Springdale is just a short walk across the bridge where you’ll find several great restaurants, small and expensive grocery store, and several gas stations.

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Not all of Zion Canyon can be traversed with a personal vehicle. To enter the heart of the canyon, you must take a free shuttle operated by the park service. There are bike racks on the buses, so be sure to bring one or rent one. Take the bus all the way to the back, then bike back. It is mostly downhill. The sounds of the rushing river and unobstructed views of the canyon walls are delightful. You will likely see some wildlife too; deer and turkey are abundant along the Virgin River.

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Zion has exceptional hiking. I already mentioned Angels Landing and the Narrows. But they deserve an explanation. Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart or those that are terrified of heights. You work your way up the face of the canyon, then climb up a narrow spine to the top of the canyon. At times, the trail is only a few feet wide with 1000 feet drops are both sides. Sometimes they give you a metal chain to clasp to. It is a very strenuous hike and, honestly, quite terrifying. But the personal satisfaction of completing it and the views are that await you are totally worth it.  I have never personally hiked the Narrows. Unfortunately, I have only visited Zion in the spring when the Virgin River runs high and swift causing closure of the trail. I would recommend visiting Zion when this trail is open. The Canyon Overlook trail is another must do.

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Zion is a top tier park for a reason and it will not disappoint. Whether you are an avid hiker or a timid sightseer, the park will keep you coming back.