A southwest nature preserve distinguished by stunningly steep red cliffs. With Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cutting through its main section, this beautiful park leads to lush forest trails right along the Virgin River.
Zion is made up of absolute heaven formed on a crimson red rock - 15 miles long and nearing 3,000 feet of depth in some areas, this is a park of true beauty hard to find anywhere else.
Be Prepared for the Adventure
Keeping in mind ideal times to hike and adventure in Zion and choosing the best places to go can truly help you make the most out of your once in a lifetime experience.
For instance, the crowds may seem fierce - however Zion National Park should be experienced when the sun is shining and the weather is nice and warm to get to experience the hikes to their fullest potential.
This doesn’t mean there is no way to get around those crowds, if you’re willing to kick yourself early in the morning - we’re talking no later than 7 AM - to miss the hustle and bustle of the packs of visitors and oncoming crowds.
This also makes for cool and calm trekking so you can truly take in the views on your sightseeing as well as maximizing the chance of seeing the incredible wildlife in Zion National Park.
Keep in mind certain trails and areas may be closed depending on the time of the year. Whether being under maintenance or poor weather conditions, all of these things affect what may be available.
Certain trails like The Narrows hike and Mount Carmel tunnel usually close in the winter due to the icy season and snowmelt. Make sure you can get access to an updated trail map when you get there or even beforehand if possible.
The Haven of All Utah Parks
Zion National Park is truly a masterfully, heaven designated land for unreal hiking adventures and scenic experiences that will take your breath away.
With over 113 trails varying in challenge, beauty, and style suited to absolutely every type of person’s preferred experience one could hope for - Zion National Park isn’t Southern Utah’s treasure for no reason.
Here are just 5 of the many incredible trails Zion National Park has to offer:
Angel’s Landing
Simply the most iconic trail in all of Zion National Park. Starting in a chillier “Refrigerator canyon” moving to Walter’s Wiggles which is made up of 21 tighter and steeper bends and switchbacks until you eventually make it to Angel’s Landing.
While there are chains bolted to rocks to aid any navigating hiker - this trail is truly for the most risk-taking travellers looking for a thrill.
However, you’re only rewarded with an absolute 360 degree view of a lifetime of the canyon below.
Emerald Pools
Who doesn’t love to take a gorgeous hike that calls for a less challenging but more scenic time like Emerald Pools.
With beautiful trails looping around sparkling pools and show stopping waterfalls found at the Lower Emerald Pools - you’re in for some truly stunning sights.
Pa’rus Trail
An incredible trail - not just for some of the most beautiful views of all the towering features the park has to offer - but the fact that the trail is mostly flat makes it very accessible for wheelchairs, families, biking, and even pets on leashes to avoid those tricky and steep falls.
The Narrows
One of the most famous hikes in Zion National Park with two roads of variety in how you choose to hike it.
One way is bottom up from Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava, or from top down which is incredibly challenging, exciting, and above all rewarding. It may even lead to an overnight trip if you’re not prepared to take off early in the day for this long trek.
Hiking through the Virgin River makes this trail more than worth the long road with spectacular canyon walls surrounding you.
Observation Point
While one of the more challenging and rewarding hikes in Zion National Park - with 2,000 feet of elevation, this sandstone paved trek will simply leave you with incredible and panoramic views of the canyon below spanning your entire hike.
When finished, you will reach the top looking down 700 feet of the famous and breathtaking Angel’s Landing.
Posted by David Ellis on
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