Zion is the 3rd-most-visited national park in the United States, behind only respectively Great Smoky Mountains and Grand Canyon. There are good reasons for its popularity: it’s amazingly unique and beautiful, and there’s a lot to do there for all ages and ability levels.
The following things should make up your itinerary, and if you can’t do all of them, at least include some. And then you’ll have a reason to go back!
1. Visit Kolob Canyons
Most people enter Zion via Springdale or the east side, and many do not even know about the Kolob Canyons area. The entrance is off an exit on Interstate 15, well north of where most people exit to get to Springdale. The Kolob Canyons section is scenic and much less crowded than the Zion Canyon area.
2. Go to Lava Point
Lava Point is another area that relatively few people visit or even know about. There’s a scenic overlook there, and it’s also the northern terminus of the West Rim Trail, which makes a long descent into Zion Canyon. Lava Point also has a campground and picnic area; its higher elevation makes it much cooler than Zion Canyon in the summer.
3. Hike Out From Wildcat Canyon
The scenic Kolob Terrace Road leaves the tiny town of Virgin and leads to Lava Point. Along the way, you’ll pass the trailhead for Wildcat Canyon. A few trails take off from here, with the most popular one being the Northgate Peaks trail, which ends at an overlook between those peaks and with a great view of the North Guardian Angel.
4. Climb the Guardian Angels
For many “peakbaggers” who enjoy climbing desert peaks, the two Guardian Angels, spires that are prominent from miles away, are among their most prized objectives. The North Guardian Angel is pretty easy to get to, but it’s not an easy peak to climb. The South Guardian Angel is a little easier, but it’s quite a journey to get there, and you need good route-finding skills; depending on the route, you need to be ready to swim and possibly rappel.
5. Experience the Subway
The Left Fork Trailhead is also off the Kolob Terrace Road, and it’s the exit point for the journey through the famous and spectacular Subway. Note that you need a permit for this, and they can be hard to get. You’ll also get very wet since the river is the trail; expect to do some swimming.
6. Do Some Rock Climbing at Lambs Knoll
Lambs Knoll is just outside the park off the Kolob Terrace Road. Since commercial rock climbing guides aren’t allowed to work in the park, this is where many of them take their clients for climbing and rappelling.
7. Cool off in the Virgin River
In the summer, the Virgin River is a great place to get a break from the summer heat. There are a lot of places where you can easily access it, both inside the park and in Springdale.
8. See the Emerald Pools
One of the most popular hikes in Zion Canyon is the one to Emerald Pools. There are three waterfalls with their own pools here, and the trail is easy to moderate.
9. Ascend Angels Landing
This hike has gotten so popular that you now need a permit for it. It’s strenuous, and the narrow, exposed ridge to the summit is frightening to some people, so the Park Service has installed cables and chains for people to hold onto for protection. The summit has rewarding views of Zion Canyon, especially the one directly across from the Great White Throne.
10. Hike to Observation Point
If you want to get up high above Zion Canyon but don’t want to deal with the Angels Landing crowds and red tape, try the hike to Observation Point. If you just want the views, you can make a short, easy hike from outside the park, but the best way to experience it is by starting in the canyon. After some punishing switchbacks with ever-improving views, you pass through lovely Echo Canyon before the trail starts climbing again to Observation Point. This is one of the best hikes in the park.
11. Experience the Narrows
From the Temple of Sinawava, a paved trail leads to the start of the Narrows, where the Virgin River is the trail. It’s a few miles upstream to the best parts, but the going can be slow and can include swimming, so plan to start early and spend much of the day out here. You can also hike from the top down, but that requires a permit.
12. Descend a Technical Slot Canyon
Like commercial rock climbing, commercial canyoneering isn’t allowed within Zion. If you have the gear and the experience, you can choose from several slot canyons in the park, and you do need a permit. If you don’t have the know-how, commercial services nearby can guide you safely through slot canyons outside the park.
13. Drive up to the Tunnel at Dawn
At sunrise, the walls of the western side of Zion Canyon have an intense glow. A great way to enjoy this is to drive the road up to the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel. As you get higher, the views get better, and you can get some great pictures. The park is also uncrowded and quiet at this time of day. Within a few hours, it won’t be again until after sunset.
14. Explore the East Side
There are only two maintained trails on the east side, but that means you have opportunities to explore! Slot canyons, peaks, arches, and more are waiting for you to discover them. Once you leave the car, you won’t see many other people and may even see none at all.
15. Discover Parunuweap Canyon
Parunuweap Canyon offers an experience similar to that of the Virgin River Narrows but without the crowds. Although it’s inside the park, access is from outside the park off State Route 9 between Springdale and Rockville.
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