Zion National Park covers nearly 150,000 acres. Most people will go the most popular area in Springdale, but there's a separate area known as Kolob Canyons which is located in a different area of the park about an hour's drive away. Kolob Canyons is a very pretty area, but less developed than Zion Canyon. Anyway, Zion has steep and sheer cliffs that leave you breathless. It also has a river and swampland, as well as emerald pools and waterfalls. It is so varied in its landscape, I really can't compare it to anything else. I hiked a whole bunch here: Angel's Landing, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Riverside Walk, Canyon Overlook, even a bit of the Narrows. I want to do a through hike of the Narrows next time - I didn't have enough time in my schedule this time unfortunately. I saw more wildlife than expected too. I think a lot of the animals are habituated to humans, and aren't frightened at all. I also love how well run the shuttle system is. The bus drivers will radio to each other if there's a long line at any stop, and they will send an empty bus there to help avoid extended waits. It's so thoughtful. I stayed in the Zion Lodge, but I'm sure that the gateway town of Springdale has a similarly efficiently run shuttle system as well. read more

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Zion National Park absolutely lives up to the hype. The scenery is incredible, with towering red rock cliffs and breathtaking views around every corner. We visited several areas of the park, including the Pa'rus Trail, and loved how accessible it was. Since we visited during warmer weather, we appreciated being able to enjoy the park without tackling strenuous hikes. The shuttle system made getting around easy. They have a great visitors center as well. One of my favorite parts was simply slowing down and taking in the beauty of the landscape. Photos don't do this place justice. Whether you're hiking, sightseeing, or just enjoying the views, Zion is a place everyone should experience at least once. read more

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Zion National Park is among the crown jewels of the National Park system, with some of the most epic natural environments you can visit in the United States. The raw and rugged beauty of the giant red rocks has inspired people for generations. There are some places that are simply breathtaking, resonating with the primal human spirit and inspiring to the soul. The sense of timelessness is what really does it. You can really see how the environment took millions of years to form, and know that it will be there for millions of years to come. Any season you visit is amazing - the sharp clarity of spring and summer, to the wonderful contrast that a fresh blanket of snow can bring in the winter. It's all just beautiful. The winding road through the park with one amazing view after another, and the tunnel through the side of the giant mountain, is simply iconic. The National Park Service has done an amazing job making the park accessible to just about anyone as well. There are easily accessible, beautiful areas for children and those that aren't as hardy or adventurous. But there are also extreme trails that go back far into the wilderness for the more thrill seeking, and average trails for your regular explorer. There's a lot to see, and you can go as deep, or as shallow, as you want. Zion National Park is definitely worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Five stars, without question. read more

Zion National Park - Hiking Near Me - Springdale, Utah

+ When you miss the Angels Landing permit, there's always Zion Narrows! And ofc the smaller hikes including the Emerald Pools. Pleasant alternative trails with some crowd. At least you'll never be stranded alone. - gawdawful crowded on weekends/holidays. - Trying to find parking during those times is a nightmare. Street parking packed way down to the Springdale shuttle street curbs. + Thankfully the buses and employees kept everything running. . Tip: Rumor has it free ice water ;) in Zion Lodge's Sentinal Building through here: 37°15'03.3"N 112°57'22.5"W just off the Emerald Pools Zion shuttle stop 5. read more

Zion National Park - Free ice water hidden somewhere in Zion NP. - Hiking Near Me - Springdale, Utah

What a beautiful place. It did not disappoint. Zion National Park is just as beautiful in person as in photographs. I visited twice earlier this week. Beautiful landscapes, great roads, plenty of pull outs, not too crowded. I am so grateful to have made this drive to see this extraordinary place. read more

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Breath taking views and beautiful scenery. Push the reset button on your mind and come here to experience Gods creation. Advise do not come during spring break. Crazy crowded. Waited 1.5 hrs just to get in shuttle. But it was still worth it. read more

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Zion is ICONIC. I was a little nervous given the shuttle system (thought it would be so chaotic it would make the morning rather blah), but they actually do a dang good job keeping the shuttles moving fast and frequently! I wanted to park at the visitor center (one of the only areas with unpaid parking; if you come later and by later the internet says 7-8 am -- good chance you have to park in neighboring Springdale and pay). I arrived around 6:20 am after a 35 min drive from Hurricane; it was still near totally dark when I arrived. There were still good number of parking spots but the lot was prob already over 1/2 full by then. I used the bathrooms (pretty decent for visitor center bathrooms; the soap is oddly watered down tho but works lol). The visitor center itself wasn't opened yet and the shuttles don't start until 7a but people were already lining up. I hopped in line around 6:40 or so, and when the park rangers let us approach the boarding platform, the line was wrapping around several times already. The good news tho - I only had to wait for the 3rd bus to come, since the buses carry so many folks. I don't think I even waited 15 mins to get on the shuttle, since several come right at the start of the shuttle service. I did ride in to the grotto first since I had the earliest angel's landing time permit. The trail was not busy by any means but did have quite a few folks already on it. When I got all the way out to Angel's landing I saw a guy propose to his (now finance) a little after sunrise. It was STUNNING (both the view, and the cuteness of the proposal!). I also went to the temple of Sinawava and did some shorter hikes. Shuttles come frequently enough you're really never waiting longer than 10-15 mins at a time. It's a very smooth system they have and definitely better than having hundreds of cars trying to all park at once! Good thing they have it :) Overall Zion isn't my fave NP of all that I've visited, but it's VERY up there. I would absolutely go back any time - hoping to do the narrows eventually (I did the river walk, but didn't want to get wet). Should be on everyone's bucket list to visit at least once imo!! read more

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Zion is a spectacular national park located in Southern UT and it not far from St. George. Zion has some spectacular canyons, mountains, sights. Check out my photos. There are several spots to see and places to hike. You can see the Watchman for example, a stunning peak. There are the narrows and the subway. Angel's landing. The Emerald Pools, and many more. Check the weather and difficulty rating before attempting some of these hikes. Part of the year, there is a tram that runs throughout the day, so cars are not permitted to drive through some spots. I was just there in Dec and the tram is not operating so you can drive through all the way to the end. There is also a 1 mile tunnel carved through the mountain that is a shortcut to Bryce National park. Definitely a great timesaver, but some scenic views leading up the tunnel, and then the windows through the mountain offer some majestic views as well. There are day fees or you can get the national park pass good for 1 year for all national parks for $80. read more

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Zion National Park - Hiking The Narrows is just absolutely incredible. From the very beginning, it's an unforgettable experience. The park is located right in town, which makes access easy, though parking can be a little difficult--but definitely doable. Most people will want to take the shuttle to the trailhead, which is the easiest option. Near the shuttle area, there's a spot where you can rent boots and walking sticks--both of which are absolutely needed. I went during the summertime, so shorts were fine, but don't be fooled: the Narrows gets very limited sun and the water is cold. The boots are necessary for grip and warmth, and the walking stick helps a lot with balance on the slippery rocks. Once you get your rental gear, you take the shuttle to the trailhead. From there, it's about a one-mile hike to the mouth of the Narrows, which is required. After that, you'll see everyone stepping into the water and heading upstream. You can hike up to 8 miles total, depending on how far you want to go. We went about 2.5 miles in, and honestly, every turn, nook, and cranny was just remarkable. We stopped constantly for photos because the scenery changes nonstop. The canyon walls, light, and water make for endless photo opportunities. We spent about five hours total--roughly 2.5 to 3 hours hiking in, about an hour coming back, and plenty of time stopping along the way. The store nearby was decent, but the real highlight is being out in the water, hiking through the canyon, and taking it all in. Overall, hiking The Narrows is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The valleys, scenery, and constant photo opportunities make it one of the most unique hikes you'll ever do. Absolutely worth every step. read more

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Wow. What a spectacular place. We were in awe of the still beauty. Plenty of stores, restaurants & places to stay near the entrance to the park, it's like its own little world. read more

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God's greatest gift, yes there are crowds but getting up early solves that issue Was here last September but only for the day now we are staying six days and love every minute. At night the sky takes a different configuration than at any other place or maybe it is so dark that you can see more shiny stuff than any other place, no light contamination here. Wildlife is the friendly kind, no hiking at night because it is really pitch dark. Would love to be able to book two weeks in the same spot but it is really hard to get one night because people come from all over the world Will add more pictures later in the week read more

Zion National Park - Hiking Near Me - Springdale, Utah

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There's a reason this is one of the most popular national parks, the views are incredible! My husband and I went early morning when crowds weren't too bad and used the bus system. He hiked angel landing and I attempted though only made it part way haha. The cafe at the Zion lodge was nice including Marvin the turkey who attempted to snatch some food from guests. Truly the whole park is gorgeous and you could be there for a week and not see it all. One thing to note is that if you are not a rv or campervan do not park in the designated parking for them. You will get a giant orange sticker on your window and need to call the park to have it removed. We saw so many people in cars using these spaces and getting the stickers. Overall bring water, follow rules, and have fun! read more

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It's Zion! The only negative is it's popularity with the traffic. I love the wildlife. The rangers are super friendly and need our support as I wouldn't want an over-run or trash-ridden park. It has maintenance and improvements that is forward looking to the happy years ahead. Have a relaxing drive, as there is much to admire, wildlife &humans to watch out for and general road hazards. If you want to drive fast, take alternative routes, for everybody's sake. read more

Zion National Park - Watch out! - Hiking Near Me - Springdale, Utah

Do Not go in late April! There were lines for everything to show your National Park Pass, to park your car, to go to the restroom, to get on the bus, to get to your stop... this all took two+ hours. Then to go to the Emerald pools the hike was unbearable... so many people, we felt like we were at Disney World. People on your heels, at one point I had to keep pulling over so someone would not walk up my heels. I hate to complain because we so enjoyed Red Rock and Valley of Fire that last few days... If you do go get up early! Or go in November or March to avoid the crowds. read more

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Oh my. The hype is fully deserved. This place is one of the most magical places in the United States. Literally. Heed the advice and plan your trip, arrive early, wear proper footwear and attire, bring plenty of water. Respect the park and your fellow explorers. Check out the gift shop. And plan to spend at least 6 hours at the park. Less than that and you'll be regretful you don't plan better. Keep a keen eye for the abundant flora and fauna that is literally at every turn. All that said, shhhhh! Let's keep this place a secret. lol. read more

Zion National Park - A beautiful November day. - Hiking Near Me - Springdale, Utah

We were driving from Vegas to Page so we only have a couple of hours to spend here. We did the Watchman trail, which was just perfect. Make sure you do the loop once getting to the top. Completely worth the extra 15 mins, well, ours took an hour with a lot of photo taken... read more

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Ah- mazing park and nature at its best! About a 2 1/2 hour drive from Vegas, not bad. But do keep in mind the time change, we forgot about that, and would def do an earlier start next time around. Entrance was free as we have a National Park Pass- free with military ID. Immediately headed to the visitor center for maps, info, restrooms, and souvies. Visitor center was open till 5pm. Being short on time and sunlight, we had to limit our hiking trails and make the most of the day. So, we drove through the awesome long tunnel and parked near the Canyon Overlook trail. Parking was limited. Trail was about an hour- moderate, some steep areas, and some handrails. Once you reach the end, there are gorgeous views of the canyon- amazing rock formations carved out thousands of years ago. Many awesome view pics were taken here. As we made our descent down to the beginning of the trail, we came across wild mountain goats grazing on the side of the road. They were literally on the road crossing back and forth... pls be careful driving through out the park. Next, drove back the winding narrow road, through the tunnel, and then headed to the moderate Emerald Pools Trail- not too far from the Zion Lodge and restrooms. This trail will take you to the lower, middle, and upper level pools. Definitely know this trail is moderate with a steep climb. Definitely a workout! But all good : D . A good climb hike between each pool. Note at the time of our visit in early December, the falls between each pool was not a heavy flow. When we finally reached the upper pool, water was limited. The water was so clear and crisp though. Underwhelmed with the amount of water, but def a great workout hike. Beautiful scenery and photo ops. We made it down just before sundown. We couldn't get over how people and families were still hiking UP at sundown without hiking lamps! Definitely would love to come at another time to do a deeper exploration and possibly the Narrows with warmer weather. Need to plan for a few more days stay next time! read more

My first time and it's amazing! We drove around, stop and took pictures. Definitely coming back for a hike or camping. read more

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Amazing views! Can drive thru the entire park and stop along the main road to take pictures. Has restaurants and shops on one end. Great gift shop. Parking is first come first serve. Bus takes you to the heads of most trails read more

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I have been many times around all seasons and each season has something different to offer hot summer is a must trail in the cold water every other trail is perfect year round read more

Beautiful park with some paved traile that anyone can use - one is wheelchair friendly for .6 miles. Come early before the first shuttle runs so you can park at the visitor center and miss some or The crowds. We visited in second week or September and by 12:30 it was standing room only on the shuttle. Some shuttles didn't even stop because they were totally full. It is so worth the trip! read more