Jessica & Jonathan
Things To Do
Canyon Trail Rides
Make a trip to the less populated Kolob Canyons area, in the northwest corner of the park, about a 42-mile drive from Zion's southern entrance. The altitudes reach up to 8,000 feet and offer cooler summer temperatures amid juniper and ponderosa-pine forests. For one of the best ways to experience the canyon, take a cowboy-guided horseback or mule trail ride into the canyon. Giddy up!
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Zoom, zoom. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive offers the best overview of the park and can be completed during a one-day visit. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (Utah 9) descends nearly 2,000 feet from the high mesa country at the East Entrance to the lower South Entrance. You'll go through the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel, which became the longest tunnel in the U.S. when it was bored through canyon rock in the late 1920s! Stop at Checkerboard Mesa for a view of the weathered sandstone beds. Get out of the car at the Canyon Overlook and walk the one-mile round-trip trail to view the West Temple and the Towers of the Virgin.
The Narrows
The Narrows is, you guessed it, the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This gorge, with walls a thousand feet tall and the river sometimes just twenty to thirty feet wide, is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. You can see The Narrows by hiking along the paved, wheelchair accessible Riverside Walk for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava. If you wish to see more, you will be walking in the Virgin River. Yes, you read that right - IN the river. This can involve wading upstream for just a few minutes or it can be an all day hike.
Riverside Walk
Looking for an easy excursion? The Riverside Walk is a must. Take the shuttle to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, to begin. The path is paved and mostly flat. You’ll wind along the Virgin River with opportunities to veer off the paved path and get closer to the water. The walk is 2.2 miles roundtrip and suitable for everyone. It’s not as flashy as some of the other hikes in Zion, but the walk through the trees with the mountains on either side of the river is peaceful and really lends itself to a relaxed pace as you take in your surroundings.
Canyon Overlook
Get out your camera! Canyon Overlook is a moderate one-mile round-trip hike that offers a breathtaking view of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon.
Kolob Arch
Kolob Arch is the sixth longest natural arch in the world! Take a peek freestanding wonder while in Zion. There's a Kolob Arch hike too, but it isn't for the faint of heart. The trek is a strenuous 14-mile round-trip with no drop-offs. It follows Timber Creek and La Verkin Creek and ends at Kolob Arch.
Weeping Rock
Weeping Rock is a steep .4-mile round-trip hike on a mostly paved trail. The hike ends at a rock alcove with springs and hanging wildflowers.
Bryce Canyon National Park
If you're looking for more picturesque landscapes beyond Zion, visit the nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. The trip is less than 90 minutes from Zion and you'll fill your phone with unreal photos.
Grand Canyon
Zion National Park is just 2 hours north of the Grand Canyon North Rim and is accessible year-round. If you're feeling a scenic drive and want to check another National Park off your list, go forth and adventure!