Zion National Park – My Ultimate Travel Guide with the Best Hikes & Tips
Located in the high plateaus of Utah, Zion is arguably the state’s best-known and most visited national park. And with good reason: its towering rock formations and deep, narrow canyons are incredibly impressive and seem to come from another planet.
Zion National Park boasts some of the most beautiful and spectacular hiking trails in the country, with over 250 kilometres winding through the park. It’s also an ideal destination for a road trip through the USA. In my Zion National Park guide, I’ll tell you all highlights which you absolutely can’t miss during your stay. Of course, I’ll also share useful tips on how to explore this wild and remote paradise at your own pace.
Note: Are you planning a road trip through the south-west of the USA? Be sure to check out my full guide with all the national parks in Utah!
How got the Zion National Park created?
Zion National Park owes its unique formations to its geological history: millions of years ago, a shift in the Earth’s crust pushed huge boulders upwards. Downstream streams carved their way into the rock and carried sediment and stones downstream. Slowly but steadily, this formed the vast canyon, which continues to be shaped by the force of the Virgin River.
When is the best time to visit Zion National Park?
Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures for unforgettable hikes in Zion National Park, and the natural scenery is particularly stunning. What’s more, visitor numbers are still manageable.
In summer, it’s much busier and it can get extremely hot.
Although Zion National Park is open during the winter, temperatures are very cool, especially at night.
How many days should you plan for Zion National Park?
Allow at least two days to discover all the highlights. You might even want to take an extra day to really immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and explore the areas outside Zion Canyon.
We were only there for one day (from early morning until sunset), but we hiked non-stop – a total of 25 kilometres / 15.5 miles – which is of course not the best choice for everyone.
Where to stay in Zion National Park:
YES you can sleep INSIDE the National Park and experience the evening beauty and sunrise magic of Zion when most visitors are gone! The Zion Lodge is an historic rustic lodge which just adds to the charm.
ATTENTION: The lodge is in high demand (especially between spring – autumn) so make sure to book a room way in advance (booking availability opens up 13 months in advance)
Alternative stays near Zion National Park:
1️⃣ MY FAVORITE: Under Canvas Zion – the most romantic stay in Zion: sleep in a cozy clamping tent (with a real bed!) under the starry sky, roasting marshmallows by the fire and watch the sunset & sunrise in Zion National Park!
→ Check availability
2️⃣ Red Cliffs Lodge Zion – a charming & new Lodge with stunning views and ideally located in Springdale, just a few steps away from the Zion National Park shuttle bus.
→ Check availability
3️⃣ Zion Villa True North – Traveling with friends & family? This rustic villa, near the park entrance, for up to 12 guests feels like a movie setting surrounded by the dramatic landscape! … and it’s an incredible deal if you share the rate as group!
→ Check availability
Getting there & shuttle transport – what’s the best way to get around in Zion National Park?
Arrival by car:
From Las Vegas, it takes about 2.5 hours by car.
Shuttle Service inside the National Park:
Compared to other national parks, some of which can be explored entirely by car, Zion is a hiking destination. This means that between spring and autumn, you are not allowed to use your own car in Zion Canyon due to the high number of visitors. It is advisable to park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Centre early in the morning and use the free shuttle from there to various stops in the canyon. Please note: It can be difficult to find a parking space at the Visitor Centre in the morning and at midday, so it’s worth arriving early in the morning. Alternatively, you’ll need to park your car in the town of Springdale, just outside the entrance to the national park, and take the bus into the park from there.
Shuttle Schedule:
- First bus from Visitor Center: 7 am
- Last bus from Visitor Center: 6 pm (7 pm betwenn May 17th – September 12th)
- First bus from Springdale: 8 am
Important tips for your visit to Zion National Park:
- Always take plenty of water with you on the trails. Most bus stops have water stations where you can top up your water bottle for free.
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are essential! Zion is a high-altitude desert at around 1,200-2,000 metres, and the sunshine is very intense.
- Don’t just stay in Zion Canyon, which is unfortunately what most visitors do during their stay. This is only a small part of the national park and there is so much more to discover. Additionally, the areas outside the main canyon are significantly less crowded.
- During the monsoon season (mid-July to September), there can be violent thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, leading to dangerous flash floods in the narrow canyons. During this time, be sure to check the current weather conditions before setting off on your hikes in Zion National Park!
A must-do in Zion National Park: a breathtaking drive along the Zion Mount Carmel Highway
The Zion Mount Carmel Highway runs for 10 miles / 16 kilometres from the Visitor Centre up to the mesa at the eastern entrance to Zion National Park. The 2,033 m / 6.670 ft high mesa is a table mountain and forms the upper part of the canyon. It’s hard to believe that this region was once a sand dune, some 200 million years ago.
You can drive your own car here. The drive is breathtaking in both directions, as you enjoy unique views of the distinctive rocky landscape – for us, one of the most impressive roads we have ever driven on.
The most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park for all levels of difficulty
Emerald Pool Trail
The Emerald Pools are like a little oasis in Zion National Park. They are formed by waterfalls cascading down the steep rock faces. There are three emerald-green pools in total (Lower Pool, Middle Pool and Upper Pool), which can be explored on the Emerald Pool Trail. This Zion National Park hiking trail also offers you stunning views of the canyon.
I particularly liked the Lower Pool. The water dripped over a rock ledge under which we were walking – it’s like a dream world. The Middle Pool and Upper Pool aren’t must-sees but are also very beautiful.
Key information:
- Circular route: 1.6 km / 2.2 miles
- Level: moderate
- Shuttle stop: Zion Lodge
Weeping Rock
This very short trail leads to hanging gardens. They thrive in the mist and humid climate right next to the waterfalls and are particularly beautiful to look at. It feels as though you’re looking out from a balcony, with a magnificent panoramic view over the canyon.
Key details:
- Round trip: 600 m / 0.4 miles
- Level: Easy
- Shuttle stop: Weeping Rock
Riverside Walk
This easy, straight path runs alongside the North Fork Virgin River. The walk ends at the narrowing canyon through which the river continues to flow. Find out how to continue from there in the next trail tip.
Key details:
- Round trip: 3.5 km / 2.2 miles
- Level: Easy
- Shuttle stop: Temple of Sinawava
The Narrows
If you want to continue your hike at the end of the Riverwalk, a unique experience awaits you, as the path now leads into the canyon, which is just 6 metres / 19 ft wide. The rock faces on either side, rising up to 600 metres / 2000 ft high, appear even more awe-inspiring. What makes it special: you’ll be walking in the riverbed of the North Fork Virgin River. As this hike in Zion National Park is VERY popular, many people take the first shuttle early in the morning. I would therefore recommend going at midday or in the afternoon. At midday, the sun shines into the canyon, and it’s less busy in the afternoon.
Please note: You are guaranteed to get soaking wet, in some places up to your hips. The water is ice cold even in summer, so don’t underestimate the temperature. The rocks are also slippery and make the riverbed uneven. You absolutely must wear sturdy hiking boots (ideally waterproof) and use walking poles. You can also hire this equipment in Springdale, just outside the national park.
Key information:
- Round trip: maximum 15.1 km / 9.4 miles (but you can simply walk as far into the canyon as you like and then turn back)
- Level: Strenuous
- Shuttle stop: Temple of Sinawava
Angels Landing
In the heart of Zion’s main canyon, one of the world’s most extreme hiking trails leads up to Angels Landing – a rock formation rising around 450 metres / 1,500 ft from the canyon floor. The path was carved into the rock in 1926. It is, of course, also one of the most popular hiking trails in Zion National Park.
Warning: Some sections are merely a narrow ridge over the precipice, with only chains to hold on to. You should therefore not be afraid of heights. Wear sturdy footwear and sun protection.
An official permit is absolutely essential! 50% of tickets are sold two months in advance and the other 50% one day in advance (until 3.00 pm local time). The selection is random. You must choose a time slot in advance – morning, midday or afternoon. I would recommend the afternoon, as it is less crowded and your chances of getting a ticket are better.
Key details:
- Round trip: 8.5 km / 5.4 miles
- Level: Strenuous
- Shuttle stop: The Grotto
View from Observation Point of the narrow Angels Landing footpath
Observation Point
As soon as I reached the top, I knew straight away: I’d found my FAVOURITE viewpoint in Zion. This breathtaking view is well worth the effort! We were there in the afternoon and had the place almost to ourselves. Don’t miss out on this panoramic view of the entire canyon under any circumstances.
There are two ways to reach Observation Point:
- Hike up from the canyon – beautiful, but very strenuous (and often closed due to the risk of falling rocks)
- Leave the national park via the East Entrance on the Mesa (the edge of the canyon) and drive to Zion Ponderosa Ranch. The national park begins again there. There is a car park at the end of the unpaved road. To reach it, however, you’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Alternatively, you can park at the ranch and walk to the start of the trail.
Key information:
- Round trip: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Level: moderate
- Shuttle stop: For option 1: Weeping Rock; for option 2: no shuttle, but a drive
Canyon Overlook
One of the best hikes in all of Zion National Park is the Canyon Overlook. It overlooks the canyon from an elevated vantage point facing west, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset bathe the rocks in orange light. But even during the day, the view is breathtaking.
Although the trail is very short, you should still allow enough time and be prepared for a bit of climbing.
Key information:
- Round trip: 1,6 km / 1 mile
- Level: moderate
- Shuttle stop: None. Canyon Overlook is accessible by car via the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The trail begins right after the tunnel, and you can park along the roadside.
Must Do Activities in Zion National Park:
… the horseback riding tour is my personal favorite!
Hiking in Zion National Park – my summary
For me, Zion National Park is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural wonders on Earth. Although we were unfortunately only here for a single day, I thoroughly enjoyed it, surrounded by wild nature with gigantic rock formations and breathtaking views – an absolute paradise, and not just for hiking enthusiasts.
I hope my Zion National Park guide, packed with all the essential tips and the best hikes, helps you plan your own personalised tour and makes your stay an unforgettable experience.
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