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Zion National Park, Utah

Zion is Utah's oldest National Park and is one of the most breathtaking sights in the state. Towering sandstone cliff faces rise out of the deep canyons and stand tall against the horizon. Standing on the top of one of these huge structures or braving the narrow canyon passes will surely leave you with an unforgettable memory from the truly one of a kind park.

The weather here varies from day to day and with the extreme change in elevation. Be prepared for all conditions as storms and frigid temperatures move in quickly.

Zion does not have many roads leading in and out so traffic was once a big problem for the park; however, the park has recently started to use a free shuttle the runs through different destinations in the park and can be boarded at the visitor center. Using this shuttle eases congestion and minimizes the effect so many visitors will have on the delicate ecosystem.

Zion’s hiking trails are suited for hikers of all ages and all levels of experience. In the summer, temperatures rise above a blistering 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures hover around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is common during the winter months, and as a result, trails can be icy or muddy. The park’s upper northwest region, Kolob Canyons, is inaccessible during the winter due to unplowed roads, but the main areas of the park, Zion Canyon and the East Rim, are open during the winter.

Lodges and restaurants are conveniently located in the town of Springdale on Zion Park Boulevard, the road that leads to the park’s south entrance. Lodges and restaurants are open year-round, and restaurants range from ice-cream shops to breakfast cafés to sit-down diners, and many have good vegetarian options.

Hiking trails

Easy: The flat, paved Pa’Rus trail is the easiest trail in the park and the only one that allows dogs and bicycles. This trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Virgin River and is located at the park’s south entrance.

The short, very popular Lower Emerald Pool trail is another paved, but not flat, trail that leads hikers up a mild hill and ends at the lower Emerald Pool and a waterfall. This trail is often snow-covered and icy in winter, and YakTrax or crampons are recommended for hikers whose shoes do not have excellent traction.

Also paved, the Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River until it dead ends at the mouth of the Narrows trail, a moderate hiking trail. In the winter, falling ice is a hazard; hikers walking to the end of this short trail should be aware of hazardous spots.

The Weeping Rock is a short, steep, paved trail that ends with dramatic views of Weeping Rock, a sandstone arch that seeps spring water year-round. Summer rains bring cascading waterfalls to Weeping Rock; in winter, the hike is not recommended for hikers without YakTrax or crampons, as the steep trail gets icy.

Moderate: The Watchman trail starts along the banks of the Virgin River at the park’s south entrance and leads hikers up the canyon, snakes through a series of short switchbacks, and up a slope to a lookout. The end of the trail provides spectacular views of Zion Canyon’s grassy valley and the Watchman, a cliffside rock formation in which many hikers can see a face looking down at them.

The Sand Bench trail follows the Virgin River and loops around through foothills, providing great views of the river, an ancient landslide, and the Three Patriarchs. This subtle hike features flat, sandy sections as well as moderate sections. For horse lovers or those with tired feet, horseback tours are offered daily March through October.

The Middle and Upper Emerald Pools can be accessed through moderate trails connected to the Lower Emerald Pool trail. The Upper Pools feature a dazzling 300-foot waterfall.

Hike the short, dramatic Canyon Overlook trail for stunning views of Zion Canyon. The trail ends at a postcard-perfect lookout over a grassy valley, and provides excellent views of Zion rock formations such as the Altar of Sacrifice, the Streaked Wall, and the West Temple.

The Narrows begin where the Riverside Walk ends: in the Virgin River. After hiking the Riverside Walk, plunge into the river and begin the hike with the river acting as your trail. This hike is for serious hikers with endurance and proper equipment such as waterproof pants and shoes, as most of the hike requires walking through the river, sometimes in thigh-high water, and is therefore not a suitable winter hike. The Narrows describes the section of Zion Canyon where the river flows through sandstone canyons that narrow as the hike goes on. At the culmination of the hike, known as Wall Street, the canyon walls are up to 1,500 feet high and the space between them a mere 22 feet wide. For prepared hikers, this is one of the most dramatic and unforgettable hikes in Zion.

Strenuous: Angel’s Landing is a narrow, steep trail that sees over 1,500 feet of elevation gain and ends with breathtaking 360-degree views of Zion Canyon. Angel’s Landing is one of the top trails in the park, but is only suited for experienced hikers who are not afraid of heights.

The short Hidden Canyon trail begins with half a mile of pavement, then turns into dirt and winds around cliff edges, ending at the gateway of Hidden Canyon. Like Angel’s Landing, this trail is not for those who are afraid of heights.

Observation Point takes hikers up steep switchbacks through Echo Canyon to a lookout at the East Rim. This trail is often snow-covered and icy in winter.