Zion National Park is a true natural wonder.

The breathtaking red-rock cliffs and the deep emerald pools of the Virgin River invite visitors to explore this stunning national park.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING ZION NATIONAL PARK

THE LOCATION OF ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion is located in the southwest corner of Utah, near the town of Springdale.

This national park is just off Interstate Highway 15 and near the city of St. George. The elevation at Zion ranges from 3,688 feet to 8,700 feet above sea level, depending on where you are on Main Canyon Road, which also goes by Springdale and Rockville Plateau.

THINGS TO DO AT ZION NATIONAL PARK

• Hiking
• Camping
• Cycling
• Rafting
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Rock climbing
• Horseback riding
• Hiking in the Virgin River Narrows

THINGS TO DO AT ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park offers many things to do; it's hard to know where to start. Hiking is a popular activity for those looking for something a little more traditional. Zion offers world-class rock climbing and abseiling adventures if you're looking for a great time. For those who crave adrenaline, Zion has plenty of opportunities for sky diving, kayaking, or snorkeling through the emerald pools of the Virgin River.

The park also provides ample opportunities for exploring on your bike, with nearly 26 miles of paved roads and approximately 5-6 miles of unpaved roads. With such beautiful scenery along the way, biking is one of the best ways to explore Zion National Park. And if you're interested in seeing what life was like before modern conveniences (like cars), Zion offers horseback riding tours that let you experience this slice of history first-hand. Or, if you prefer leisurely pursuits, consider taking a stroll through any one of the ten scenic drive routes that take you through awe-inspiring landscapes and showcase beauty at every turn.

Zion National Park has limited camping opportunities within its boundaries; camping is available at Watchman Campground, which sits nestled against the canyon wall near Lava Point Trailhead in Springdale or Palmyra Cove Campground on the west side of Zion Canyon near the Temple of Sinawava Trailhead. Reservations are required year-round for both campgrounds.

LODGING AND DINING AT ZION NATIONAL PARK

If you are looking for a hotel or motel stay, the town of Springdale offers plenty of options. Lodging ranges from rustic cabins to luxurious hotels, and there is something to suit every traveler's needs. The restaurants in town offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments.

HOW TO GET TO ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park is located just off Interstate-15 on the Arizona border. You can access Zion from the west by traveling on Highway 89 or from the east via Highway 9.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Getting around Zion National Park is simple with a map and a car.
Zion National Park is an accessible destination for car-driving visitors. Your best bet for navigating the park's stunning red-rock cliffs and streams of the Virgin River is to follow the main loop road through the park, which takes about an hour to complete one way.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is an excellent place to start your journey as it contains many of the most popular sites in Zion's narrow Canyon. The scenic drive is a 17-mile route that begins at the park's east entrance, near Springdale, UT, and winds its way up through "The Narrows" section of Zion Canyon before ending at the West Rim Trailhead.

The East Entrance Road offers access to some of the more remote areas in Zion National Park, like Kolob Canyons Road (closed in winter) and Heaps Canyon.

There are also five hiking routes within Zion National Park:

• Narrows Trail - From April 1 to October 31: Open from sunrise to sunset with limited capacity/crowding on weekends and holidays; Closed November 1 through March 31 for raptor nesting season.
  
  
• West Rim Trail - From April 1 to October 31: Open from sunrise to sunset with limited capacity/crowding on weekends and holidays; Closed November 1 through March 31 for raptor nesting season.
  
  
• The Subway - Open year-round except during winter snowstorms or when there is high

HIKING TRAILS

One of the many things to do at Zion National Park is like. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails, from easy access to rugged terrain. If you are visiting in the winter and have limited mobility, plenty of trails provide accessible routes without any steep inclines. These include the Lava Point Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail.

If you are visiting Zion in the summer months, be aware that some of the more challenging trails can become very hot during this time. Be sure to drink lots of water and carry sunscreen with you on these hikes!

HORSEBACK RIDING TRAILS

Visitors of all abilities can enjoy horseback riding in Zion National Park. The park offers various trails to accommodate riders with different levels of experience and expertise. There are three main trailheads for horseback riding, each with trails that range from one to seven miles in length.

If you want to explore the backcountry on horseback, you must ride with a guide. A permit is not required if you're planning on riding within the park's developed areas, although a permit is needed if you plan on camping overnight at any of the developed campgrounds. Riding without a permit outside the developed area could result in fines up to $5,000 or up to six months imprisonment.

OFF-ROADING TRAILS

For those looking for an off-road adventure, Zion National Park offers a variety of trails. With over 200 miles of trails, visitors can explore the park on foot, bike, or four-wheeler. Visitors exploring the park on foot can take in the stunning views while avoiding traffic and parking hassles. Those who want to enjoy the scenery but don't want to do it on foot can bike or hike along some of Zion's most popular trails. The park also hosts many off-road vehicle adventures for those who prefer four-wheeling over hiking. Regardless of how you explore Zion National Park, you will be rewarded with beauty at every turn!

ROCK CLIMBING AT VIRGINIA RIVER NARROWS

One of the most popular destinations at Zion National Park is the Virgin River Narrows, a canyon that includes some of the park's most winding, scenic, and challenging trails. This area is a favorite among expert rock climbers; this area features sandstone walls as high as 130 feet and hiking trails up to 10 miles long. If you visit Zion in the springtime, you may spot some impressive waterfalls along the way. Hikers should be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

If you're looking for an easy day hike with the whole family, try Angels Landing. It offers stunning views of Zion Canyon and is rated only moderately difficult; it is a 1.25-mile round trip with a 500-foot elevation gain. One of the best spots to see Zion's natural beauty is atop Observation Point, which sits on the eastern edge of town and boasts panoramic views of spectacular sites like Checkerboard Mesa and The Great White Throne.

If you're planning a trip to Zion National Park this year don't forget to check out our Zion National Park stickers, mugs and t-shirts.