Zion
Kolob Canyons
"From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth" -Psalms 50:2
Zion National Park, Utah
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| Scenery |  |
Sheer red cliff canyons and bizarre rocks amid low forests |
| Uniqueness |  |
Red is all around Utah, but only Zion has walls like these |
| Wildlife |  |
Deer, mountain goats, birds and other forest dwellers |
| Diversity | |
Many unique trails and sights, bus tours, car tours, |
All ratings are on a "4-star" scale - for more on how these were assessed, view the how parks are rated page |
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The Park Zion, established in 1919 to protect the uncommon beauty of this area, is one of the National Park system's "flagships" like Yosemite and Yellowstone.
In a Word "Breathtaking"
Park Map
Click
on red circles to see photos
Map for reference only - not intended for navigation
Our Visit We spent two days at Zion as part of a family vacation in June 2003 which included trips to the North rim of the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. We stayed in Cedar City, Utah, not too far from Zion on I-15. The park has a few, disconnected accesses, so the afternoon we arrived in Utah, we travelled to the Kolob Canyon area of the park, right of I-15. The next day, we spent our time in the main section of the park and spent some time in the quaint town of Springdale, Utah, just outside the park's South entrance.
Our Weather Gorgeous. Sunny and about 90 degrees.
Overall Impression Bottom line, Zion is one of the most spectacular parks in the country with breathtaking scenery around every corner! The dramatic red rocks, green trees and blue sky create a phenomenal contrast unmatched anywhere. Whether hiking to an overlook or staring up at the towering canyon walls through the skylights in the Park bus, Zion is incredible. The park's geology is surprisingly different from east to west. On the west is the red cliffs, but the east side is dominated by strange rock formations known as "slickrock." This area, while less dramatic, is fascinating in its own unique way.
Favorite Spot Temple of Sinawava
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Minimum Time Required About 1 hour. If you're just driving through on I-15, take an hour to detour through the Kolob Canyon area. If you've got a couple of hours and are driving through on I-15, consider taking highway 9 through the main part of the park where you can see massive formations like Checkboard Mesa, the Great White Throne, and the Watchman. You'll need more time if you want to get out and hike, but you'll still be able to see much of the spectacular canyons and cliffs Zion is known for.
A Longer Visit If you've got a full day or more, you'll want to spend most of it in the main area of the park. For starters, you can make the drive through the tunnel on highway 9 and take a couple of hikes. We recommend the hike to Canyon Overlook. After you've driven through the park at least as far as Checkerboard Mesa, head back to the visitors center and take the shuttle bus up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
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This area is phenomenal with a river and lush vegetation at the bottom and sheer red cliffs on either side. The drive is closed to cars, but the busses are available at no extra charge and stop at every point of interest. You can take all the time you want hiking and then wait for the next available bus when you're finished. Unless you've got a full day to spend here, you'll have to choose which points to go to. We chose to hike the areas around Weeping Rock and Temple of Sinawava and weren't disappointed! Many people also recommend wading through The Narrows. If you have extra time (probably on your drive in or out of the area) take the detour to Kolob Canyon off I-15.
Other Nearby Attractions Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Springdale.
Suggestions We'd suggest driving through the park between the South to the East entrance, and through the tunnel, first. This will give you plenty of breathtaking views and a look at the geology on both sides. Also on the east side of the tunnel is the Canyon Overlook Trail. If you've got some time (about 1 hour), this is a worthwhile hike! You'll be rewarded at the end with a breathtaking view looking back into the spectacular area you just drove through, but from here, the cars look like ants, and you're at eye level with the top of the canyon.
Unlike many Parks which are far from civilization, the town of Springdale is right outside the South entrance, so you can take a break, tour the unique pottery and knick-knack shops, and recharge for your afternoon in Zion.
A final suggestion is to eat dinner at the Bit & Spur restaurant in Springdale. They serve delicious, nouveaux-Mexican cuisine, but whatever you do, SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! Between five of us, we tried 3 desserts, and they were all WORLD CLASS!!!
Official NPS Website Zion NP
Photos Click on thumbnails to view larger image
 3. "The Watchman," visible from just inside the South entrance |
 4. Looking south from where highway 9 and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive split |
 5. Every hike is rewarded with something unique. This outcropping is on the way to the Zion Canyon Overlook |
 6. While Zion isn't known for its wildlife, it's there. These mountain goats are grazing near Checkerboard Mesa |
 7. This is "slickrock," the trademark geology of the East side of Zion |
 8. The riverwalk area near the Temple of Sinawava |
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