Zion National Park - 1-Day Highlights

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Devil Canyon Overlook is the must see location in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The hightlight of the overlook are no doubt the stunning views of this narrow, colorful, winding canyon with walls over 1,000 feet tall. In addition to the impressive canyon views a variety of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Pryor Mountain Wild Mustangs, Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons are also frequently seen around the overlook.

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.

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.