Park Activities

Zion National Park offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is popular, with trails suitable for all skill levels, including the scenic Angels Landing and the Narrows. These hikes provide stunning views and bring nature closer to visitors.

Rock climbing opportunities attracted many adventurers. Additionally, the park has designated areas for camping, each providing a different experience. The National Park Service encourages visitors to check trail conditions and accessibility in advance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Bird watching and photography are also common pastimes, given the park’s diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas.

Exploring Zion Canyon

Zion Canyon offers a unique blend of accessibility and breathtaking views, making it a popular destination within Zion National Park. Visitors can enjoy the efficient Shuttle System and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, both of which provide different perspectives of the canyon’s stunning landscapes.

Shuttle System

The Shuttle System is an essential part of exploring Zion Canyon, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to experience the park’s beauty. During peak tourist seasons, motor vehicles are not allowed on the main road to help reduce congestion. Instead, the shuttle buses run from early spring into late fall, providing access to major attractions such as Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and the Temple of Sinawava.

Operating on a loop, the shuttle system allows visitors to hop on and off at different stops along the way. This flexibility provides ample opportunities for hiking, photography, and enjoying the views without the hassle of driving or finding parking. Shuttle stops are well-marked, and each bus features information about the area’s landmarks and history, making the journey informative and enjoyable.

Scenic Drives

Even with the shuttle system in place, scenic drives provide an opportunity to explore Zion Canyon at a leisurely pace. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main route and is particularly striking during the months when private vehicles are permitted. The drive offers direct views of towering rock formations and the deep canyon carved by millions of years of natural forces.

Travelers can indulge in several viewpoints along the drive, many of which are perfect for capturing the breathtaking vistas that define Zion Canyon. Points of interest include the Court of the Patriarchs and Big Bend. Offering another perspective, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway provides a different but equally stunning experience as it weaves through intricate tunnels with unexpected glimpses of the canyon below.