Zion is one of America’s oldest National Parks. It protects over 146,000 acres of red rock desert, high-altitude forest, and vast canyons.
Millions of visitors flock to Zion Canyon each year, many with their sights set on climbing a narrow, half-mile chain system with a thousand-foot drop below the ridge or trekking sixteen miles through a narrow river with towering thousand-foot canyon walls.
This park is for all types of adventurous souls, so whether you are looking for a paved walk through a beautiful oasis or a trek through remote canyons and rushing rivers, there is something for you at Zion.
In this Complete Guide to Zion National Park, I share the top hikes, the best things to do, when to visit, where to stay, and more!
Complete Guide to Exploring Zion National Park
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Quick Facts About Zion
- Location: Utah, USA
- Established: 1909 (National Monument), 1919 (National Park)
- Size: 146,597 acres
- Annual Visitors: 4,692,417 (2022)
- Fee: $35/vehicle for 7 days or free with an annual pass.
- Visitor Centers: Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyon
Fun Facts About Zion
The park used to be called Mukuntuweap National Monument before renaming it to Zion National Park in 1919.
Kolob Arch is one of the world’s largest natural arches, second to Landscape Arch in Arches National Park.
One of the park’s most famous hikes, Angel’s Landing, is also one of America’s scariest hikes. As of 2023, 17 deaths have been recorded at this peak.
Zion Canyon is 16 miles long and up to 3000 feet deep!
The lowest point in the park is Coalpits Wash at 3,666 feet, and the highest elevation is Horse Ranch Mountain summit at 8,726 feet.
The lowest recorded temperature in Zion was -20 degrees Fahrenheit; the highest recorded temperature was 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Top Hikes in Zion National Park
Angel’s Landing / West Rim
- Distance: 4.4 miles (14.1 miles for West Rim)
- Type of Trail: Out & back (Point-to-point for West Rim)
- Elevation Gain: 1604 feet (1433 feet for West Rim)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
I’m sure you’ve seen this iconic hike photographed and boasted about on the internet. Both hikes are not for the faint of heart.
The hike begins at Grotto Trailhead (the sixth stop on the shuttle) with a leisurely stroll over a bridge and along the Virgin River.
One glance up will show you the canyon, named Refrigerator Canyon, that you will be climbing. Though there are periods of shade, you will be ascending 1000 feet in the first two miles through this canyon.
After, you will ascend a strenuous series of calf-burning switchbacks, known as “Walter’s Wiggles.” After these 21 switchbacks, you will find yourself at Scout’s Landing, which is the gateway to the chain section.
To get to the famous Angel’s Landing, you will need to climb a vertical 500-foot narrow path with 1500-foot drops on either side. You will be treated to a panoramic view of Zion Canyon at the top.
For those looking to extend the hike even further, the West Rim Trail continues beyond Angel’s Landing and up to a ridge that is actually higher than Angel’s Landing. Enjoy iconic views of Angel’s Landing from above as you make your way to Lava Point.
This hike ventures into the backcountry, so take caution.
Narrows
- Distance: 17 miles from the top down or 10 miles from the bottom-up
- Type of Trail: Point-to-point from the top down or out & back from the bottom-up
- Elevation Gain: Up to 300 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The Narrows is another iconic hike in Zion. This 17-mile trek through the Virgin River with 1000-foot canyon walls towering above will take your breath away.
I have actually written an entire blog post on this hike, so visit this link to read everything you need to know about hiking the Narrows!
Emerald Pools
- Distance: 3 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 620 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Finding water in the desert is a bit like finding treasure in an ocean. It’s rare, but when you find it, you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. Waterfalls and rivers might be sparse in the desert, but Zion has no shortage of beautiful oases. From the Virgin River to the Emerald Pools, you will find plenty of spots to cool off to beat the intense, dry desert heat.
The Emerald Pools can be viewed from three points: upper, middle, and lower. Three miles roundtrip, this hike is family-friendly and even accessible at the lower trail. Stroll past three tiers of natural pools and waterfalls, soaking in the incredible canyon views along the way.
Watchman
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Type of Trail: Lollipop
- Elevation Gain: 636 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This hike happened to be the least busy trail that we hiked in Zion. You don’t need a shuttle to access the trailhead, as it is just past the Visitor Center and shuttle line.
A windy trail leads to a little loop that circles back to the out & back portion; in other words, this is a lollipop trail. The loop is my favorite part, as it takes you to the “summit,” where you can view the town of Springdale on one side and Watchman Spire on the other.
We hiked this particular trail at sunset and made our way down the ridge in the dark, which I’d highly recommend. Don’t forget your headlamps if you do this!
Pa’Rus
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 134 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
This hike and bike trail is 3.2 miles in length and paved the entire way.
There are many river access points along the way to cool off or cook dinner off-trail. There is even a cascading waterfall at one of the access points!
Though this trail is mainly used as a biking trail, this would be perfect for wheelchairs, strollers, or anyone who is craving a leisurely stroll after a hot day in the Zion sun.
The Subway
- Distance: 9.1 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 1305 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
This 9-mile roundtrip hike is for the adventurous. It requires a permit, and superb navigational skills are highly recommended as there is no actual trail.
Similar to the Narrows, you will follow the river along a slot canyon for the duration of the hike, climbing boulders, navigating obstacles, and wading through uneven water levels. You can take the trail from the bottom-up or top down.
Dissimilar to the Narrows, you could be scaling waterfalls and rappelling down cliffs, depending on the route you take.
La Verkin Creek
- Distance: 14 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 1,669 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This 14-mile hike is located at the Kolob Canyons entrance. This road is open to vehicles, but the trails are less maintained. These primitive trails require wilderness permits for any overnight backpacking.
Canyoneers flock to these remote slot canyons, enjoying the thrills of rappelling waterfalls and scaling sandstone walls.
Where to Stay in Zion
Lodging (In Park)
Zion Lodge. This is the only “in-park” lodging, which means it will fill up quickly. Book your stay in advance!
Lodging (Outside of Park)
La Quinta Inn & Suites Springdale
Camping
South Campground. Located near the south entrance.
Watchman Campground. Located near the south entrance.
Lava Point Campground. Located about an hour from Zion Canyon along Kolob Terrace Road.
Backpacking
With over 90 miles of trails and dozens of backpacking campsites, Zion is a backpacker’s paradise. Learn more about backpacking in Zion here, including how to snag your required wilderness permit.
Getting Around Zion
If you are staying in the town of Springdale, there is a shuttle that stops at 9 different spots along the road leading into the National Park. From there, you will hop on the Zion Shuttle at the pedestrian entrance. Both of these shuttles are free and don’t require a reservation, as of 2023.
Both shuttles operate at regular intervals, roughly every 15 minutes. The main Zion Canyon shuttle departs just beyond the Visitor Center and will make eight stops in the canyon. The shuttle takes roughly 50 minutes to wind through the entire canyon. Shuttles generally operate from March through November, and for the holiday season near the end of December. Be sure to check times as schedules change annually.
Bicycles and pedestrians are allowed to enter the main canyon road throughout the entire year, but vehicles are prohibited from spring through fall.
Zion Canyon Shuttle Stops: Updated 2023
- Visitors Center – South Campground, Watchman Trail, Zion Visitor Center, Pa’rus Trail
- Museum – Zion Human History Museum, Pa’rus Trail
- Canyon Junction – Pa’rus trail
- Court of the Patriarchs – Court of the Patriarchs Trail
- Zion Lodge – Zion National Park Lodge, Emerald Pools Trails, The Grotto Trail, Sand Bench Trail
- The Grotto – West Rim Trail, Grotto Picnic Area, The Grotto Trail, Angels Landing Trailhead, Kayenta Trail
- Weeping Rock – Weeping Rock Trail, East Rim Trail, Observation Point Trail, Hidden Canyon Trail
- Big Bend – Big Bend viewpoint, Virgin River Trail
- Temple of Sinawava – Temple of Sinawava, Riverside Walk, The Narrows
Springdale Shuttle Stops: Updated 2023
- Zion Canyon Village
- Cafe Soleil/Cliffrose Lodge Thai Spa
- Whiptail Grill, Flanigan’s Inn
- Desert Pearl Inn, Canyon Ranch Motel
- Bumbleberry Inn, Zion Pizza & Noodle Company
- Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Bit & Spur
- Driftwood Lodge, Quality Inn & Suites – Montclair
- Silver Bear Enterprises, Park House Cafe
- Majestic View Lodge
Here is a graphic of both of the shuttles and their stops!
Shuttle Rules
- No eating or smoking on the bus.
- Only capped bottles of water are allowed.
- Pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses.
When to Visit
Zion is open year-round, so when is a good time to visit?
Spring or fall is the best time to visit Zion National Park. You will beat the summer crowds, the shuttle buses are still running at decent intervals, and the temperature is warm enough to enjoy a multitude of hikes.
However, there are perks to visiting each season.
Summer. Ideal for hiking through the Narrows, as the weather is warm and the river is a perfect spot to cool off.
Fall. Ideal temperatures and beautiful fall scenery.
Winter. Fewer crowds and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to vehicles.
Spring. Ideal temperatures and fewer crowds.
Best Non-Hiking Activities
Hiking is my personal favorite means of exploring a National Park, but not everyone has the same preference. If you’d like to see the park but not spend all day wandering the woods in your boots, there are plenty of other activities.
Bike the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Since the canyon cannot be accessed by private motor vehicles in the spring, summer, and fall, many people choose to bike the road and stop at different checkpoints along the way, at their own leisure.
If you see a shuttle bus coming, be sure to pull over to the side and let them pass!
Horseback Ride Along the Virgin River
Soak in the beautiful sights along the Virgin River on this one-hour horseback tour. Tours are available from March through October and need to be booked well in advance.
Go Canyoneering in the Slot Canyons
There are many tour companies that will take you to safely explore the many slot canyons in the park, but you may choose to rappel solo or in your own personal group.
Canyoneers love the challenge of rappelling, climbing, route finding, swimming, and hiking through primitive wilderness to get the pleasure of witnessing amazing views that very few people get to see.
What to Explore Around Zion
If you’re visiting Zion National Park, I’d highly recommend stopping by the other four National Parks in southern Utah: Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Aside from these Mighty Five parks, here are some other beautiful spots to visit around Zion:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Lake Powell
- Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Sand Hollow State Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
