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Zion National Park, Utah (View Photos):
In a region where phenomenal scenery is the norm, Zion National Park stands out as an unsurpassed gem that leaves you gaping in awe. For first-time visitors, the steep, dramatic walls of Navajo sandstone that comprise the main canyon can be overpowering. It is a bit difficult to adjust your senses to the epic scale of the park's canyons and monumental cliffs. The carved landforms, lush vegetation, and glistening streams and rivers create an earthly paradise.
The main attraction is Zion Canyon which has been carved out by the Virgin River over the space of a million years. Sheer cliffs of red sandstone capped by white and tan colored rock rise 2,000 to 3,000 ft from the valley floor. Visitation along the canyon floor is made possible by a 7-mile paved road that follows the North Fork Virgin River. In additon to the outstanding geology, the canyon features hanging gardens and pristine river scenery.
The Virgin River has spawned a fantastic riparian ecosystem where deciduous trees like Fremont cottonwood, ash, willow, and boxelder thrive. In other moist and stream-laden areas of the park, you can spot bigtooth maples. All these trees create a magnificent spectrum of fall foliage in late October and early November.
The highly recommended Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway splits off from the Zion Canyon road and switchbacks up the high eastern plateaus, entering a long man-made tunnel along the way. After emerging from the tunnel, you come face to face with a much different world than Zion Canyon.
Up here, the rock is deeply etched and layered. Huge cross-bedded sandstone cliffs and petrified sand dunes suggest an otherworldly moonscape. The forces of nature have shaped this land into large swirling masses of red and white sandstone. Coniferous trees grow out of the massive dunes in a speckled, spaced-out pattern, creating a striking contrast with the colored rock.
Recommended Day Hikes:
Observation Point
Round Trip Length: 8.0 miles
Trailhead location: Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Those who make the strenuous 8 mile round trip hike are rewarded with tremendous views of Zion Canyon
from atop a cliff
Angels Landing
Round Trip Length: 5.0 miles
Trailhead location: The Grotto Shuttle Stop
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Dazzling views of Zion Canyon; this hike straddles the edge of a narrow cliff face and
is not for people with a fear of heights
Sand Bench Trail
Round Trip Length: 3.6 miles
Trailhead location: Zion Lodge
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: Lush riparian scenery along the Virgin River; compelling views of various cliff formations
including The Watchman and the Court of the Patriarchs
Hidden Canyon
Round Trip Length: 2.0 miles
Trailhead location: Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Magnificent views of Zion Canyon's cliff formations; trail ends at a narrow canyon featuring a natural
arch, lush ferns and bigtooth maples
Pa'rus Trail
Round Trip Length: 3.5 miles
Trailhead location: Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Easy, pleasant walk along the banks of the Virgin River; outstanding in fall when the cottonwoods change color
Canyon Overlook
Round Trip Length: 1 mile
Trailhead location: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Tremendous views of Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon
Recommended Points of Interest:
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway; Kolob Canyons Road; Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible by shuttle bus only
from April to October; open to private vehicles rest of the time); Checkerboard Mesa; Weeping Rock; Virgin
River narrows (requires a permit and advance planning); Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools
Helpful travel tips and observations
Be sure to set aside some time to explore the Kolob Canyons which can be reached by taking Interstate 15 and
exiting at the Kolob Canyons road. This 5-mile paved drive takes you to trailheads and scenic overlooks. From
April through October, the road leading into Zion Canyon can be travelled via shuttle bus only. The shuttle
system drastically reduces pollution and congestion caused by passenger vehicles
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Cliffs of Zion Canyon accentuated by autumn color, Sand Bench Trail, (October 2006)
A picturesque autumn afternoon, Weeping Rock Trail, (October 2006)
Fall colors and the sheer sandstone walls of Zion Canyon, Sand Bench Trail, (October 2006)
Cottonwoods and cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, Sand Bench Trail, (October 2006)
Virgin River and Cottonwoods, Pa'rus Trail, (October 2006)
Spectacular fall colors viewed from the Weeping Rock Trail, (October 2006)
Zion Canyon vista, Sand Bench Trail, (October 2006)
The Court of the Patriarchs from the Sand Bench Trail, (October 2006)
