About Zion National Park

The most easily accessible national park in Utah to major freeways, Zion is also the state's most visited national park. Every year, 2.5 million visitors come to the park to experience its breathtaking spectacles, from towering sandstone monoliths to hanging gardens to narrow canyons. Some tourists arrive on organized Zion National Park tours, making them adhere to a set schedule and view only the sites on their tour guide's itinerary.

The "Narrows" (Watch Video)

The most popular hike in Zion National Park, and one of world's best canyon hikes, is the Zion National Park Narrows. This 16-mile river hike starts at Chamberlain's Ranch outside Zion National Park and ends in the park at the Temple of Sinawava. The coldness of the river mixed with the shade from the towering walls of this slender canyon makes the Narrows an outstanding hike for a hot summer day.

In Zion National Park Narrows, you will be delighted to find lush vegetation, red slickrock of varying hues, beautiful rock sculptures, waterfalls, and lots of cold water. Rock squirrels scurry about looking for food, and if you are lucky, you will spot a local mule deer near the water. Zion National Park is home to a myriad of fauna, including the Zion snail - unique to Zion National Park and not found anywhere else in the world, as well as canyon tree frogs who like to be both seen and heard. The GeoQuest Zion App can provide you with an abundance of information on the plants and animals within Zion National Park.

There are several hikes that end in the Zion National Park Narrows. Deep Creek is a favorite 23 mile backpacking trip with miles of river hiking and short swims. Mystery Canyon, Kolob Creek, and Imlay Canyon are all technical canyoneering routes, so get ready to climb, rappel and swim your way into Zion National Park Narrows. Orderville Gulch offers the same things as the Narrows, but darker, more narrow and some say, more beautiful.

Angels Landing (Watch Video)

Angels Landing is one of the world's great hikes - perhaps the best short adventure hike in any US national park. It provides amazing views of Zion Canyon. Physically, this hike isn't that challenging. Virtually anyone in average physical condition can make the trek. But it is mentally challenging because the final leg is very steep, with sheer drop-offs. Chains have been bolted to the cliff to provide secure handholds. People seriously afraid of heights should not attempt the final leg, but can still have a very enjoyable hike up to Scout Lookout.

Zion Canyon

Zion Canyon is the main destination for most tourists visiting Zion Park. It is located off of Utah Route 9, close to the main park entrance. Within Zion Canyon visitors will find popular attractions including The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing and Weeping Rock, as well as many photography opportunities around these areas.

Private vehicles are not allowed to drive into Zion Canyon during the tourist season. A convenient shuttle bus loops through the canyon, stopping at all popular attractions. You can board the shuttle at the park Visitor Center, campgrounds, Museum, or at the mouth of the canyon.

Zion Lodge, dining room and gift shop are located within Zion Canyon. The Grotto Picnic Area is also in Zion Canyon.

Many of the famous photos of Zion Park were taken within Zion Canyon. They include the Great White Throne, the Patriarchs, and scenes along the Virgin River.