Zion National Park: the complete guide
If you're planning a Western U.S. vacation, Zion National Park is almost certainly on your itinerary.
So here's everything you need to know before setting off to explore this great American national park.
Map of Zion National Park
Introduction to Zion park
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah.
It was created in 1919 and covers an area of 593 km².
The park is renowned for its magnificent canyons, red sandstone cliffs and variety of geological formations.
Zion Canyon, the park's main attraction, is a deep gorge with walls up to 600 metres high, carved by the Virgin River.
Visitors to the park can enjoy many activities, but the main one is hiking.
The park offers more than 80 km of trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day hikes.
Zion National Park is also known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Visitors can spot animals such as deer, coyotes, mountain lions and California condors.
What to do in Zion National Park
Zion Mount Carmel Highway
The Zion Mount Carmel Highway is a 25-km scenic drive through Zion National Park.
The road was built in the 1920s and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
It begins at the eastern entrance to the park, near the town of Mount Carmel Junction, and ends at the junction with Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the region's unique rock formations, including the famous Zion Tunnel, which is over a mile long.
The Zion Mount Carmel Highway is also known for its hairpin bends and narrow tunnels, making it an exciting ride for experienced drivers.
Note, however, that large RVs cannot use the tunnels.
Consult our Zion Mount Carmel Highway guide for more details on all the attractions along the way.
Also on the Zion Mount Carmel Highway is the Canyon Overlook trail, with one of the most famous viewpoints in the park.
This 1.0 mile (1.6 km) hike is easy to moderate and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The trail begins with a steep climb, but this is followed by an easy stroll through the canyons of Zion.
Halfway up, you'll reach a spectacular viewpoint over Pine Creek Valley and the surrounding mountains.
The trail ends at the Overlook, an observation platform with a breathtaking view of the canyon and surrounding cliffs.
You'll be able to see several of Zion's iconic rock formations, such as Great Arch, Sentinel and Cable Mountain.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a great way to discover the natural beauty of Zion without having to travel long distances.
I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the magnificent views in peace and quiet.
Canyon Overlook Trail
- Distance (round trip): 1.6 km
- Time (round trip): 30 minutes
- Level: Easy
- Elevation gain: 12 m
Court of the Patriarchs
CHARACTERISTICS
- Distance (round trip): 0.16 km
- Time (round trip): 5 minutes
- Level: Facile
- Elevation gain: 12 m
The Court of the Patriarchs is a quick and easy 0.16 km round-trip trail.
It's named for the three mountains rising above it, which bear the names of the biblical figures Jacob, Isaac and Abraham who make up the Court of the Patriarchs.
This hike is great for beginners and offers a spectacular view of the mountains and Zion Canyon Valley.
The trail is accessible all year round and is generally not very busy.
There are several viewpoints from which you can observe the mountains and the Virgin River as it meanders below.
You may also spot wildlife such as mule deer and California condors.
The Court of the Patriarchs hike is therefore an excellent option if you're looking for a quick, easy and scenic adventure.
Emerald Pool Trail
CHARACTERISTICS
- Distance (round trip): 4.7 km
- Time (round trip): 1.5 hrs
- Level: Easy
- Elevation gain: 185 m
Emerald Pool Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park.
The 4.7 km looped trail leads past three magnificent emerald pools.
Each pool is fed by a waterfall, creating spectacular views.
The start of the trail is easy for novice hikers, but it becomes more challenging at the second and third pools.
The trail begins at Zion Lodge and follows along the Virgin River to Lower Emerald Pool.
The first pool is easily accessible and is a great place to picnic or cool off on a hot summer's day.
The second pool is a little more difficult to get to, but well worth the effort for the stunning views of the waterfall.
The third pool requires some experience, but offers a breathtaking view of Zion Canyon.
It is important to note that Emerald Pool Trail can be very busy in the middle of the day and on weekends, so it's advisable to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
And be sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate hiking shoes.
The Narrows
CHARACTERISTICS
- Distance (round trip): Variable
- Time (round trip): Variable
- Level: Moderate
Hiking the Narrows is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Located in the upper section of the park, the hike follows the Virgin River through a deep, narrow canyon.
The walls of the gorge rise to a height of over 300 metres, creating a spectacular and impressive landscape that almost feels like something from another planet.
The trail starts at the end of the Riverside Walk, where you can either walk along the riverbed or follow the path along the banks.
As you progress through the canyon, the river gets deeper and the canyon walls get closer.
The Narrows is considered a moderately difficult hike and requires good preparation.
Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for walking in water and be prepared to cross deep sections of river.
It's important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and not to attempt this hike if there is a risk of flooding.
Despite the challenges, the hike remains an incredible experience that offers breathtaking views and a unique connection with nature.
Angels Landing
CHARACTERISTICS
- Distance (round trip): 8 km
- Time (round trip): 5 hrs
- Level: Difficult
- Elevation gain: 497 m
The Angels Landing hike is one of the star attractions in Zion National Park.
This trail is considered one of the most difficult in the park due to its steep incline and narrow sections.
The hike begins at the Grotto Trail bus stop and follows the West Rim.
You'll pass spectacular spots such as Refrigerator Canyon and Walter's Wiggles before reaching the most challenging sections of the hike.
The summit offers breathtaking views of the park, with rock formations such as the Great White Throne, the Temple of Sinawava and the Virgin River far below.
It is important to note that Angels Landing is considered a potentially dangerous trail and hikers are advised to wear sturdy hiking boots and avoid hiking in wet or windy conditions.
Also be prepared for narrow sections with steep cliffs on either side.
I highly recommend this experience for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers.
It is not recommended for beginners or anyone with a fear of heights.
Where to eat in Zion National Park
In the park
Zion Lodge Red Rock Grill ($$-$$$)
This restaurant offers unbeatable views of the region's rock formations through its huge picture windows.
The dining room is spacious and decorated with photos of local landscapes.
The menu offers typical American fare, including soups and salads, beef, pork, chicken, tacos, cheeseburgers and more.
Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dinner.
Springdale
Cafe Soleil ($-$$)
This restaurant is a local favourite.
It serves breakfast, pastries, coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, pizza and salads with a focus on natural, local and organic ingredients.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.
Open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in low season).
Oscar's Cafe ($$-$$$)
This restaurant is ideal for a hearty breakfast or lunch on the go.
The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes, meats, southwest salads, tacos, wraps and burgers, as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes, served in a casual atmosphere.
Usually open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon ($$-$$$)
The rustic walls made of wood and stone give this restaurant the feel of an old western saloon.
The Mexican-inspired menu features burritos, flautas and pimentos rellenos.
Open every day from 4 p.m. (Friday to Sunday in winter).
Spotted Dog Cafe ($$-$$$)
Located in Flanigan's Inn, this casual American bistro is a firm favourite with visitors.
The dining room is cozy and filled with artwork.
The handcrafted cuisine is prepared using fresh local produce and sustainably harvested fish.
The menus change with the seasons. The restaurant also has an award-winning wine list.
Open every day in high season, for dinner from 5 p.m. and for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
St. George
Cliffside Restaurant ($$-$$$)
This restaurant offers magnificent views of the scenic St. George Valley from its terrace perched on the cliff above the boulevard.
The menu offers contemporary American-style dining with bold flavours prepared using modern and classic cooking techniques.
Open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Painted Pony ($$$$)
Tucked away in Ancestor Square in downtown St. George, this restaurant offers fine dining for those looking for a good gourmet meal.
The wine list and desserts are also exceptional.
The attentive service and romantic atmosphere are sure to please.
Open for lunch Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and every day from 4 p.m. for an early dinner.
Hours may vary; check the website for updates.
Where to sleep in Zion National Park
Our favourite campgrounds:
Our favourite hotels:
- Pioneer Lodge
- Driftwood Lodge
- Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
- Cliffrose
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Canyons Boutique Hotel
Nearby
Peek A Boo Canyon
Located in the Escalante region, Peek A Boo Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon offering a unique hiking experience.
The canyon is renowned for its reddish rock formations, natural arches and narrow passages that create fascinating visual effects.
You can explore the canyon on foot and discover hidden nooks and crannies, natural staircases and areas of natural light that create stunning plays of light.
Don't forget your camera! 
When should you visit?
Zion National Park is open year round, but the best times to visit are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are milder.
Temperatures from June to August can exceed 38°C, so bear this in mind when planning your visit.
During the winter months, the park remains accessible, with beautiful contrasting colours.
It's a destination I'd recommend for a winter trip to the American West, but you can't be afraid of the cold!
Practical information
If you plan to visit Zion in 2023, here are the current admission prices:
- Entrance fee for a private vehicle: $35 for 7 days
- Entrance fee for a motorcycle: $30 for 7 days
- Entrance fee for a pedestrian or cyclist: $20 per person for 7 days
It is important to note that these prices are subject to change, so it's a good idea to check the current prices on the park's official website before planning your visit.
- Bring plenty of water and food for hikes.
- Wear comfortable footwear for hiking.
- Respect nature by not leaving litter and following park rules.
- Avoid peak hours by visiting the park early in the morning or at the end of the day.
- Visit the park's website before your visit for the latest alerts and closures.
And that's it! You're all set to discover one of America's most beautiful parks.
Do you have any other tips and advice? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!
LEAVE A COMMENT
Répondre à: -
delete my replyYour e-mail address will not be shared