Zion National Park Things to Do

Big Bend This is a large, sweeping bend in the Virgin River. In the cooler months of the year, look for adventurous rock climbers attempting to scale Zion Canyon’s big walls. In the summer, look for nesting raptors up above such as the once-endangered Peregrine Falcon and the currently endangered California Condor. You will not find services or facilities here, however you can take in stunning views of the Great White Throne, Angels Landing, Cable Mountain, and the Virgin River. You can access the Virgin River along a designated trail at this point as well. Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running, Big Bend is shuttle stop #8. Shuttles do not pick up at this spot to take visitors up-canyon. Shuttles only stop to bring visitors down-canyon towards the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

Zion Human History Museum Once the park’s main visitor center, the museum houses indoor exhibits focused on the human history of Zion. Step out to the back patio for a dramatic view of the West Temple and the Towers of the Virgin. In front of the building enjoy views of Bridge Mountain. Ranger-led programs are offered seasonally. You will find a rotating art exhibit and a Zion Forever Project bookstore selling park-related merchandise. While parking is limited, you are permitted to drive your vehicle to this point making it an ideal location for sunrise, sunset, and stargazing. Trails accessed from here: Pa'rus Trail (allows bicycles and leashed pets; access to Virgin River). The path from the Human History Museum to the Pa'rus Trail is not wheelchair accessible. Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running, the Human History Museum is shuttle stop #2.

Zion Canyon Visitor Center Start your visit here! This visitor center sits at the lower end of Zion Canyon, the main canyon in Zion National Park. Zion Canyon is a deep and narrow canyon carved by the Virgin River. It was first called Zion, meaning safety or refuge, in 1862 by Mormon settler Isaac Behunin. Obtain orientation and trip planning information, and wilderness permits here. You will find the Zion Forever Project bookstore selling park-related merchandise, outdoor exhibits, and a picnic area here as well. You can also transfer to the Springdale Shuttle Line from this point. Trails accessed from here: Watchman Trail Pa’rus Trail (allows bicycles and leashed pets; access to Virgin River) Archaeology Trail Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus is running, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is shuttle stop #1. To reach the Springdale Shuttle line, walk through the Zion Canyon Visitor Center plaza to the entrance station on the bridge. The Springdale Shuttle line picks up and drops off passengers under the shade pavilion across the bridge.

Weeping Rock This shuttle stop gets its name from an alcove at the end of the Weeping Rock Trail that continually “weeps.” Because our Navajo Sandstone layer is porous like a sponge, the alcove has continuous water seeping from its walls giving the impression that it is crying or “weeping.” Take in great views of Angels Landing, the Great White Throne, Big Bend, and Cable Mountain from here. There is no drinking water at this location, please make sure you have plenty of water already with you before hiking from this area. Trails accessed from here: Weeping Rock Trail Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running, Weeping Rock is shuttle stop #7.

The Zion Lodge is located in the heart of Zion Canyon and offers unparalleled views of the towering sandstone cliffs. The Zion Lodge provides the only lodging with a variety of accommodations and is also the only place inside Zion to eat with an onsite restaurant.

The Grotto In the early 1920s this area marked the end of the road into Zion Canyon. At that time there was a campground, named Grotto, built by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in this location. The CCC was developed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression as part of his New Deal to employ millions of young men and improve our public lands. Take in beautiful views of the Virgin River and Angels Landing. Enjoy a picnic in the shade of large cottonwood trees. Access the Virgin River using designated points found along the West Rim Trail. Trails accessed from here: The Grotto Trail Kayenta Trail Angels Landing (via West Rim Trail). You may hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, but everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus is running, the Grotto is shuttle stop #6.

Temple of Sinawava The Temple of Sinawava is a natural amphitheater carved by the Virgin River’s incredible power and persistence. Access the river using designated points along the Riverside Walk. The end of the paved Riverside Walk marks the beginning of The Narrows: Zion’s famous hike in the Virgin River. Conditions are always changing, so before you begin your hike in The Narrows make sure you are aware of the day’s weather forecast and flash flood potential. Hiking in the river is very dangerous when flash floods threaten. Practicing safety and being adequately prepared are the best ways to ensure a successful visit to Zion. Trails accessed from here: Riverside Walk The Narrows (via Riverside Walk) Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus is running, Temple of Sinawava is shuttle stop #9 at the end of the canyon.

Virgin River Learn In July of 2020, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Water Quality (DWQ) and the National Park Service (NPS) detected toxic cyanobacteria algal blooms in multiple areas of the North Fork of the Virgin River. Cyanobacteria are a natural part of aquatic environments, but can be harmful to water quality and aquatic life if they produce toxins. The colonies of cyanobacteria found in the Virgin River produce the cyanotoxin called anatoxin-a, which can be harmful to humans and dogs. Exposure can occur through ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, and eye contact with toxin-contaminated water. Zion National Park continues to monitor monthly for the presence of harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin's. Learn more about the current warning and health watch advisories in effect. Look Colonies of cyanobacteria in the North Fork of the Virgin River, North Creek, and La Verkin Creek can be yellow, tan, green, brown, or black in color. These colonies can be hard to see because some blooms grow on or near the bottom of water bodies in the benthic zone. You cannot tell if a water body has a harmful bloom by looking at it. If a current warning or health watch advisory is in effect: Do not swim or put your head under the water anywhere in Zion National Park. Children are especially vulnerable to cyanotoxins, so be mindful of where they go if you are near a body of water like the Virgin River. Keep dogs on a leash in and out of the water. Dogs are vulnerable to cyanotoxin exposure because they may bite or accidentally eat/drink material from potentially toxic algal mats. Do not drink any water from streams or rivers in Zion National Park. There is no known recreational water filtration method that is effective at removing cyanotoxins. Contact the Utah Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 with concerns about cyanotoxin poisoning and call 911 in the event of a medical emergency. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, skin rash, salivation, drowsiness, tingling, burning, numbness, pain, incoherent speech, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. Connect Algae, cyanobacteria, and their toxins can harm ecosystems including people, animals, and local environments. There are many factors that influence the growth of harmful algae and cyanobacteria in water, such as nutrient levels, temperature, low flow during a drought, and conditions like pH or turbidity, as well as the rise of deep ocean water. Are any of these factors influenced by humans?

The Master Sculptor Learn The power of wind, water, and gravity have shaped Zion Canyon over time. Erosion and weathering also play a role forming natural arches in the park. A natural arch is formed when deep cracks penetrate into a layer of sandstone. Erosion wears away the exposed rock layers and surface cracks expand, isolating narrow sandstone walls, called "fins". Water, frost, and the release of tensions in the rock cause crumbling and flaking of the porous sandstone, eventually cutting through some of these fins. The resulting holes become enlarged to arch proportions by rockfalls and weathering. Architecturally, arches are the most stable load bearing structure, but through weathering, eventually all arches collapse, leaving only buttresses that will inevitably give way to the unyielding forces of erosion. Look Among the arches in Zion, one of the most visible is the Crawford Arch. It can be seen from the Pa’rus Trail on Bridge Mountain, a thousand feet above the canyon floor. Bridge Mountain is located on the east side of the canyon and is one of the tallest peaks along the trail. Once you locate the peak, follow the left edge down to where it intersects with the other peak. From the intersection follow the small line of trees to the right. Can you spot the Crawford Arch? Connect Have you wondered why Utah and the Colorado Plateau have so many natural arches? Sandstone throughout the region meets the favorable conditions for large natural arches to form. The rock is strong enough to support the weight of the arch but soft enough to be easily eroded by wind, water, and gravity.

Footprints in Time Learn The Museum Collections and Archives at Zion National Park include archival documents, artifacts, photos, and ethnographic objects that help us understand how humans survived and adapted in the Zion area. Natural history specimens such as Zion’s herbarium, are also part of the collection's and help us understand the plants and animals which call the canyon landscape home. Zion’s herbarium provides snapshots of the park’s vegetation at different points in time. There are over 3,100 plant specimens dried and pressed plants that represent over 95% of the confirmed plant taxa in the park. The preserved plants represent the variety of plant life in Zion National Park and reveal how the park’s first naturalists explored and documented living things. The earliest specimens in the herbarium were collected in the 1920s, additions and updates to this resource continue today. Collecting is prohibited in the park, but herbarium specimens are processed by park staff or researchers with permits. The herbarium collection is a useful tool in monitoring human impacts and ecological shifts within this protected area. As time passes, the collection becomes an increasingly valuable resource that will undoubtedly be useful in the future management and protection of Zion’s abundant biological diversity. Look Along the Pa’rus trail you may notice areas roped off and signage to stay on the trail and give plants a chance. Vegetation and living soil along the Pa’rus trail like desert grasses and cacti play an important role in soil stabilization and erosion control. Connect What impact do humans have on the environment today? You can have a positive impact on the environment here at Zion National Park by staying on designated trails, packing out what you pack in, leaving what you find, and respecting wildlife.

Diversion Dam Learn On March 30, 2009, the upper section of the Virgin River and its tributaries were designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers. But what makes rivers “wild and scenic”? The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was approved by Congress in October, 1968. Its purpose: to maintain the integrity of rivers and tributaries, and their surrounding environments. Every Wild and Scenic River is classified into one of three categories: Wild Rivers: Rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments (like dams and channels) and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. Scenic Rivers: Rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads. Recreational Rivers: Rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past. Utah has 81,899 miles (131,804 kilometers) of river, but Zion National Park is one of the only places in the state that has a Wild and Scenic River. Look How do you think this section of the Virgin River would be classified? Look at the shoreline and surrounding area for signs of development. This section of river is classified as a recreational river area because it is readily accessible by road and there has been development along the shoreline. There are 12.6 miles (20.3 kilometers) of recreational river area in Zion National Park. Connect What else does it take to become a wild, scenic, or recreational river? Not every river in the United States receives these designations, or the national protection that comes with them. Think about what values make the Virgin River remarkable. Is it important culturally, recreationally, or scenically? What about for ecological processes, wildlife, and geology? As you walk along the river, think about what the river means to you.

Creation From Destruction Learn The Virgin River is the primary agent of erosion that continues to carve and shape Zion. The North Fork of the Virgin River begins north of Zion at Cascade Falls, where it drains out of Navajo Lake at 9,000 feet above sea level. It empties into Lake Mead at about 1000 feet above sea level, where it joins the Colorado River. Though the Virgin River is relatively small, it is incredibly steep. The river drops roughly 7,800 feet in the 160 miles it travels. In the park, the river drops an average of 71 feet every mile. In comparison, the Mississippi River drops about one inch every mile. This steepness, caused by the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, has given the Virgin River the ability to cut through sandstone and carve canyons. Look When you look at the river is the water clear? Or is the water brown and murky? Rainstorms and snowmelt produce murky waters in the river as evidence of the sediment carried away. Once rain and snowmelt has stopped, the river can return to its calm and clear state in 24-48 hours. Connect Flash flooding is a natural hazard of the desert southwest but not in other parts of the world. What natural hazard is common in your area? How do you learn about and prepare for it? Your safety is your responsibility at Zion National Park. Learning about the environmental hazards of a new area are important for having a fun and safe visit.

Changing Landscapes Learn Rock layers of Zion Canyon are arranged in a way that allows water to travel through them. The desert sand dunes that formed the Navajo Sandstone layer contain wind-blown sand particles that have space in-between them. The ancient floodplain that formed the Kayenta layer is a mudstone that has tightly packed together particles. Water that is absorbed at the highest points of the canyon can travel through the Navajo Sandstone, but is not able to travel through the tightly packed mudstone particles of the Kayenta layer. Where these two rock layers meet, water is forced to travel sideways until it comes out of the rock face in the form of seeps and springs. Look Do you see any evidence of seeps and springs at the boundary of the Navajo Sandstone and Kayenta layer? Cottonwood trees and other water-loving plants are a good indication of a nearby water source. Connect Zion National Park is located along the edge of a region known as the Colorado Plateau. Here, the rock layers have been uplifted, tilted, and eroded, forming a feature called the Grand Staircase, a series of colorful cliffs stretching between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Each rock layer of the Grand Staircase holds stories of ancient environments and inhabitants very different from those found here today. What stories will you uncover?

A Living Canyon Learn Zion's diverse topography leads to a diversity of habitats and species. Along the Virgin River, the riparian area is home to plants and animals that require an abundant supply of water. Fremont cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) require a constant source of water and thrive along the Virgin River. When Fremont cottonwoods have access to reliable water, they can grow between 10–20 feet per year. These trees can also be helpful for streambank protection and are able to withstand low levels of flooding. The riparian area is also the perfect habitat for the American beaver. You may not immediately think of the American beaver when in the Southwest, but the Virgin River provides a welcome habitat for this river specialist. Sightings are rare, but evidence of the beaver's activity can be seen on many of the park's Fremont cottonwood trees. They do most of their tree-chewing during the night when the cover of darkness helps them to avoid predators. Look Have you seen any evidence of wildlife along the trail? The tall shrubs and plants along the trail like Utah Juniper and Rabbitbrush provide food and shelter for a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Along the trail keep an eye out for wildlife like mule deer, road runner, and western scrub jays. Connect Zion Canyon would be inhospitable for plants and wildlife without water. How would our experience as visitors change if there were no water present in Zion Canyon?

The Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area preserves the natural, historical, and cultural heritage legacies and contributions of Mormon settlement in the West. The heritage area accomplishes this through community-led efforts to connect with the past by telling the Mormon pioneer story.

Lava Point Overlook Lava Point is typically accessible May through September, as weather allows. Situated at 7890ft (2.4km) above sea level, it is off the Kolob Terrace Road, 25mi (40km) north of the town of Virgin. It takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to drive to the area from the South Entrance of Zion Canyon.

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center Kolob Canyons is about an hour from Zion Canyon Zion National Park covers nearly 150,000 acres. Kolob Canyons is located in a different area of the park than some of the best known areas like the Narrows and Angels Landing. If you want to visit those trails, head south to Zion Canyon. Welcome to Kolob Canyons The Kolob Canyons district of Zion National Park is located at Exit 40 on Interstate 15, 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City. A five-mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road allows visitors to view the crimson canyons and gain access to various trails and scenic viewpoints. Here in the northwest corner of the park, narrow parallel box canyons are cut into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, forming majestic peaks and 2,000 foot cliff walls. Whether you come to view the panoramic landscape from the scenic drive, hike into one of the majestic canyons, or begin a multi-day adventure into the Zion Wilderness, the Kolob Canyons of Zion has something special for everyone to experience. Please be aware that the Kolob Canyons Road may be closed during winter months due to snow or ice. Pedestrians are prohibited from walking the road during snow plow operations. Current Conditions. Kolob Canyons Visitor Center: Hours of Operation All guests are required to stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to show an Interagency Park Pass or pay the Zion National Park entrance fee. There is no shuttle bus in Kolob Canyons.

Court of the Patriarchs Enjoy spectacular views of the three patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The three peaks were named in 1916 by a Methodist Minister, Dr. Frederick Vining Fischer, and two local boys from Southern Utah. They were so inspired and struck by the stunning scenery of Zion Canyon they gave religious names to many of the peaks they observed. The three peaks are best seen from an overlook on the east side of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The trail to the overlook is very short but steep. Also at this location you can enjoy excellent views of The Sentinel and Mount Moroni. Trails accessed from here: Sand Bench Trail may be accessed from Court of the Patriarchs, though this is not the official trailhead. The official trailhead begins at the Zion Lodge. A short, but steep, walk to the Court of the Patriarchs overlook. Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running, Court of the Patriarchs is shuttle stop #4.

Canyon Junction The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive meet here. On July 3, 1930, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway was officially dedicated and opened to the public. The completion of the highway made the once imagined "Grand Circle Tour" of Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks a reality. From here, enjoy views of the Virgin River and Zion Canyon. Trails accessed from here: Pa’rus Trail (allows bicycles and leashed pets; access to Virgin River) Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running, Canyon Junction is shuttle stop #3. Shuttles do not stop here when travelling up-canyon (towards the Temple of Sinawava). Shuttles only stop here travelling towards down-canyon (towards the Zion Canyon Visitor Center). Seasonal Closures In seasons when the shuttle bus is running, the gate at Canyon Junction is closed to private vehicles. This means that private vehicles may not access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season. When shuttles are not in service, private vehicles may drive up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. We monitor parking in the canyon, and may close the road when parking fills.

The moderate, 2.0 mi (3.2 km) Kayenta Trail follows the Virgin River before ascending to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool Trails. Provides panoramic views of Zion Canyon along the way. Long drop-offs are present along this trail. You can either return on the same trail, or make a loop using one of the Emerald Pools trails.  Water and restrooms are available at The Grotto.

Short but steep! From the parking area, you'll cross the bridge and head to the left onto a paved trail to Weeping Rock. Along the way, look for small trailside exhibits and watch for minor drop-offs. The trail ends at a set of steps leading you to a rock alcove with dripping springs.

Follows a ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains.

The La Verkin Creek Trail to the Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin Creek. After seven miles a spur trail leads hikers to a viewpoint where they can see the Kolob Arch.

Kolob Canyons hike. Follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. Group size limit on Wilderness trails is 12 people.

The Watchman trail is out-and-back. From the relatively flat beginning section of trail by the river, this unpaved trail climbs to a magnificent viewpoint of the Watchman, Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, and the Town of Springdale. The terrain is sandy, rocky, and uneven, with several moderate drop-offs.

The strenuous West Rim Trail ascends ~1,000 ft (305 m) to Scout Lookout, high above the canyon floor. Hikers cross the Virgin River and then ascend a series of steep switchbacks along the canyon wall. The trail flattens out as it enters Refrigerator Canyon, offering relief from the heat and elevation gain of the previous segment, but resumes the climb shortly afterward at Walter’s Wiggles: a series of 21 switchbacks that leads hikers to Scout Lookout.

The Sand Bench Trail travels atop the remains of an ancient rockfall. This trail leads hikers along the Virgin River and then ascends a landslide that dammed the Virgin River 8,000 years ago and created a lake that extended to Angels Landing. This trail is a commercial horse trail from March to October, and it receives little shade in the hot, summer sun. Winter travel is possible, but watch for patches of ice.

The Riverside Walk is a relatively flat and paved trail in the northern end of Zion Canyon. This easy trail follows the Virgin River as the sheer sandstone walls narrow in around you. The Riverside Walk is mostly flat through the first half-mile, although paving is irregular in some sections and minor drop-offs are present.

Middle Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The initial ascent is quite steep, bringing you to expansive views of main Zion Canyon below. Further along the trail, tucked into the red sandstone of the mountain, enjoy the shade and flora of pinyon-juniper woodlands. The trail then descends to emerald-colored pools of water above the small ephemeral waterfalls of Lower Emerald Pool Trail.

Upper Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate, 1 mile (1.6 km) trail that can be accessed via the Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, or Middle Emerald Pools Trail. Climb up stone steps to a sandy path that leads through pinyon-juniper woodlands to the base of towering canyon walls which boast majestic, seasonal waterfalls. The trail ends at the sandy shore of Upper Emerald Pool. No swimming.

Lower Emerald Pool trail is a rough, paved trail that leads through pinyon-juniper woodland to the Lower Emerald Pool and ephemeral waterfalls.The pools are fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail. Avoid cliff edges. Swimming is not permitted. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.

The trail connects the Zion Lodge to the Grotto and is near the road most of the way. This trail is a great place to view wildlife. Restrooms are available at both the Lodge and the Grotto. When the shuttle is not in operation and the parking is full at the Grotto, this trail is a lovely alternate way to reach the Grotto.

Pa’rus is Paiute for “bubbling water.” The Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River and has some of the best views of the Watchman. The paved trail connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Canyon Junction. It is accessible for wheelchairs, pets on leashes, and bicycles. Trailside exhibits cover a variety of subjects, including plant and animal life along the river, geology, and human history.

Long drop-offs, mostly fenced. Rocky and uneven trail ends at a viewpoint for Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. To enter or exit the parking area just east of the tunnel, you must turn right. Parking is extremely limited, be prepared to try multiple times. Pit toilets are available in the parking area.

Zion is a great place to connect with the night sky, whether you are an avid astrophotographer or this will be your first view of the Milky Way. As an International Dark Sky Park, Zion protects our incredible dark skies for present and future generations by not degrading the night with artificial light. This means that after sunset, the park is very dark. Be prepared!

On and after April 1, 2022 hikers continuing to Angels Landing from Scout Lookout are required to have a permit, obtained on recreation.gov.

The Narrows is a strenuous hike that follows the Virgin River through a narrow slot canyon. After 1 mile (0.6 km) on the easy, paved Riverside Walk, head down a set of stairs and into the river. The rest of your hike will take place in the Virgin River, where the flow rate can change day by day and the streambed is rocky with unstable footing. Flash flooding and hypothermia are constant dangers.

Join a park ranger to learn about what makes Zion National Park such a special place! We have a variety of ranger-led activities throughout the year, and you can check the schedule on our Events Calendar. Topics range from geology and wildlife to art and human history, and everything inbetween. All ranger-led programs are free.

Zion National Park's 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs are world renowned for their big wall climbs and adventurous nature. Most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers due to difficulty and the soft nature of the rock. While areas outside of the park offer abundant sport climbing and top roping possibilities, this is rare in the park, with bolted routes often having sparse protection.