Exploring Zion National Park
- Written by
- On Friday, July 8, 2022
Park: Zion National Park
Location: Utah
Year Established: 1919
Acres: 146,597 acres
Annual Visitors: 4.49 million
Entrance Fee: $20-$35
Located in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is known for its massive red, pink, and white cliffs, stunning hikes, and beautiful emerald pools. A mix of red rock desert and high altitude forest, Zion is the epitome of the American Southwest. Named after the city of Jerusalem from the Old Testament, Zion National Park is considered by some to be heaven on earth.
One of the most lush places in Utah, Zion is home to over 800 native plant species. The national park centers around Zion Canyon which runs for 15 miles and includes some spots as deep as 3,000 feet during the spring and rainy months. Most tourists enter the park through Springdale from Highway 9 where you will find an array of hotels, eateries, shops, and even art galleries.
Things to do in Zion National Park
Hiking in Zion
For beginners, Canyon Overlook Trail is a great option. The one mile hike takes approximately one hour to complete and the trail offers an amazing sweeping view of the entire national park. Located off Highway 9 just east of Mount Carmel Tunnel, it’s short and fun and overlooks the magnificence that is Zion Canyon.
The Narrows (aptly named) is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon and also a popular hike because it’s home to some of the most stunning and unique views within the park. Deep in the gorge you can wade upstream with thousand foot walls surrounding you as you make your way along the Virgin River that is up to twenty or thirty feet wide.
You can trek upstream all day or for just a small portion - it’s up to you! The Narrows can also be viewed along the paved, wheelchair accessible Riverside Walk trail if you’re unable to get down in the canyon.
The most death-defyingly popular hike within Zion National Park is Angels Landing. Not for the faint of heart (or anyone afraid of heights!), Angels Landing is a strenuous hike that currently requires a permit. The 5.4 mile hike takes about four hours to complete and takes you along the West Rim Trail with extremely narrow paths along tall and thin rock formations. The thin rock formations jutting out of the main cannot create a narrow spine and an amazing final view 1,500 feet above the canyon floor.
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Camping in Zion
South Campground is the most popular place to camp within Zion National Park because it's conveniently located near the main entrance just outside Springdale but within the park so you don’t have to wait in line every day to get in. The campsites are large, shaded, and have flush toilets.
Watchman Campground is located close by and open all year round, whereas South Campground is only open from March to November. Watchman accommodates tent camping, as well as RV with 95 sites including electrical hookups. More adventures to enjoy within the park include rock climbing, 4x4 tours, helicopter tours, tubing down the river and more!
When to visit Zion National Park
Spring and Fall
A great time to visit Zion National Park is in the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and sightseeing is ideal to catch the beautiful wildflowers and lush green landscape. Some trails may be closed in the spring due to the Virgin River flooding, but nearly everything is open in the fall.
Summer
While the temperatures are much hotter in the summer, it is the absolute best time to hike The Narrows because the water is warm and lower than in the springtime when it often floods. In fact, summer is the most popular season for tourists in Zion so if you choose to make your visit during summer, give yourself extra time to maneuver crowds and accommodate busy shuttle schedules.
Winter
Visiting Zion National Park in the winter is a great idea if you want to avoid the crowds. While some trails may be closed and The Narrow will likely be too cold to traverse, you can spend your time taking in the sights and catching stunning sunrises and sunsets from Canyon Overlook Trail or Watchman Overlook Trail.
With stunning views and uniquely beautiful landscapes, you’re sure to enjoy your visit to Zion National Park no matter when you visit!
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