Zion National Park

Overview

Zion National Park sits in the red rock canyon country of southwestern Utah. The Virgin River carved Zion Canyon's towering sandstone walls over millions of years, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. The park is famous for technical slot canyon hikes, the iconic Angels Landing summit, and the Narrows wading route through the Virgin River.

Best Things to Do

• The Narrows — Wade upstream through a slot canyon with walls hundreds of feet high and only 20 feet wide. A top-10 hike in the United States.
• Angels Landing — A 5.4-mile round-trip with steep chains assisting the final push to a narrow summit ridge. Permit required.
• Emerald Pools — Three pools connected by easy-to-moderate trails. Great for families.
• Observation Point — An 8-mile round trip to a viewpoint 2,000 feet above the canyon floor — looking down on Angels Landing.
• Canyon Overlook Trail — An easy 1-mile trail with big views. Great sunset spot.

Getting There

Fly into Las Vegas (4 hours) or St. George, UT (50 minutes). Private vehicles must park in Springdale and take the free shuttle bus into the canyon during peak season.

Planning Tips

• Shuttle system operates March through November — plan arrivals accordingly.
• Angels Landing permit required year-round via lottery at recreation.gov.
• Flash flood risk in the Narrows — check weather forecasts for the entire watershed, not just at the trailhead.