Towering Navajo sandstone walls carved by the Virgin River create one of the most dramatic canyons in the American West.
The most famous hike in Zion. Chain-assisted scrambling along a narrow fin with sheer 1,000-foot drops. Permit required (day-use lottery). Not suitable for anyone uncomfortable with serious exposure.
Start at the Temple of Sinawava and wade upstream into one of the world's great slot canyons. Rent neoprene socks and a walking stick in Springdale — the water is cold year-round.
A higher vantage than Angels Landing with no permit required. The view from 6,508 feet looks directly down on Angels Landing and the full sweep of Zion Canyon.
A series of three pools fed by hanging waterfalls on the canyon wall. The Upper Pool is the most dramatic — water drips off an overhanging cliff into a plunge pool below.
A short, rewarding trail above the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel with a sweeping view of the canyon. Often overlooked — usually much quieter than the valley floor hikes.
The main campground at the park entrance in Springdale. Electric hookup and tent sites. The most convenient base for the canyon shuttle system. Fills fast in spring and fall — book months ahead.
Tent-only, first-come-first-served, right next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Walk or bike to the shuttle stop. If you can snag a site, it's the best location in the park.
The classic Utah loop linking all five national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. About 800 miles total; plan at least 10 days to do it justice.
The park's own scenic road tunnels through the sandstone and emerges on the slickrock Colorado Plateau. The mile-long tunnel (built 1930) required horse-drawn vehicles to be covered to protect them from dripping water.
East of Zion, Highway 12 is one of the most scenic roads in the country, connecting Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef through the vast wilderness of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.