ELLIE + RYAN
Things To Do
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 built 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.
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
Canyon Overlook is a moderate one-mile round-trip hike that offers a breathtaking view of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon.