Zion

One of the busiest parks in the country — shuttle lines are long by 9 AM, so go early or in the evening. Winter is much quieter.

Summer highs often reach 100°F+. Monsoon season (July–September) brings flash floods that can close The Narrows, so check the flood forecast. Winter can be icy on canyon trails.

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 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.