TIPS FOR VISITING ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park dates its origins to 1919 and was Utah’s first. Located in the southwestern part of the state near the cities of St George and Virgin, Zion is an easy journey from Interstate 15 from both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

In this beautiful red rock area there are close to 150,000 acres protected by the National Park Service. The park attracts more than three million visitors each year, with most coming for the day. They will be in awe of the spectacular landscape.

Here are some tips that will give you an understanding of the Park.


Before starting there us an admission fee per vehicle for a seven day pass. If you are a National Park fan you can buy an Annual Pass for all parks. Admission fees go directly to the Park Service. From April through October (and seasonally the rest of the year) the park operates a shuttle service in the canyon to prevent congestion. There is ample parking at the head of the canyon at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center in Springdale.

Mt. Carmel Tunnel

On your way into Zion Canyon, or when you are leaving, make a point to drive through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The tunnel was built over a 10-year period in the 1930s. A t 1.1 miles long it was a major construction feat, and the longest tunnel of its kind in the United States at that time. It was built to open access along Utah’s southern land which includes two well-known destinations; Bryce Canyon and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Cabins at Zion Lodge

If your itinerary allows try to stay at the in-park Zion Lodge. Not only will you get an immersive experience but you will also be able to drive and park at the lodge. The Lodge was designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in 1925 and consists of the original lodge buildings and 28 adjacent cabins that were added later. Most are built as duplexes making it easier to accommodate larger groups through the adjoining doorsand each has a gas fireplace and a porch where you can start and end your day. If you are an animal lover, there is a great chance that you will encounter deer and the famous wild turkeys that inhabit the area.

Emerald Pools

This is a great way to get to know the landscape of Zion. The trailhead is located across from the Zion Lodge and each pool along the path provides a different experience. The trail climbs and gets a bit more difficult as you pass each pool, with the upper pool taking on a more moderate difficulty. Slow and steady wins the race. Water flow of the fall will depend on the season but whether it’s running at full force or simply dripping with the last drops of the season, it is a magical sight.

Angels Landing 

This is one of Zion’s classic hikes and one that should be on your hiker’s bucket list (if that is your thing). This 5.4 mile hike will take you on an elevation gain of over 1,488 feet from the canyon floor to the top, where you will be literally resting with the angels at 5,785 feet above sea level. To reach the trailhead, take the Grotto shuttle stop and head across the footbridge at the Virgin River. This hike will take you through a wide variety of landscapes making it is a feast for the senses. The first part of this climb takes you up on the outer side of the cliff. There are great views but little protection from the sun, so if you are doing this hike during warmer months bee sure to start early and wear sunscreen. At the top of your initial climb you will enter the narrow, aptly-named, Refrigerator Canyon. You will immediately notice a decrease in temperature. This part of the trail os a welcome relief, particularly during hot weather. This entire trail is a photographer’s dream, but we find that this particular area is one of the best places to capture some very beautiful and creative shots.

Next up on the list is the twenty-one steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles, named after Zion National Park’s first superintendent. Once you navigate through the “Wiggles” you will reach Scouts Landing, a perfect spot to catch a break before you tackle the most exciting part of the hike. This part of the hike is not for anyone with a fear of heights. You will be on narrow pathways with sheer drops, and will use the assistance of fixed-chains on the cliffside to hold on to. Don’t rush this portion of the trail. Not only will it be safer to take this a bit slower but you will really want to soak up this unique experience. This is a hike about the journey just as much, if not more, than the destination. Once you do reach the summit you are in for a treat, along with the very best view of Zion Canyon in all directions.

What a great place to rest a bit and enjoy a snack or the the celebratory lunch that you packed for the adventure! Even though you’ve seen the sights on the way up we guarantee that you will experience it differently on the way down. Perhaps it’s the endorphins and adrenaline still in overdrive but whatever the case this hike just may change you - forever.

Riverside Walk

Located at the far end of the canyon at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop is the Riverside Walk, this 2.2 mile round trip trek is a good one for all ages. You will be walking near or next to the Virgin River under a canopy of trees. This walk is beautiful all year round and is a different experience with each season. This is also the gateway to the another popular and famous Zion hike - The Narrows. This is one of the best hikes and the only reason that it is not on this top five list is because it takes planning, preparation and time, so it won’t be on the agenda for many travelers. But if you like adventure it should definitely be on your list, and a reason to return.

Zion National Park is a gem in the National Park system. It is a great side trip from both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Once you experience this incredible park you will most certainly return, and probably more than once.

This article was adapted from one that was first published by the Huffington Post website.