Featuring breathtaking views, challenging hikes, sculpted sandstone canyons, and some of nature’s most impressive creations, Zion National Park in southwest Utah is a destination any traveler would want on their bucket list.
In 1909, Zion was designated as Mukuntuweap (Zion) National Monument before officially becoming Zion National Park a decade later.
Our Grand Design RV team spent two days at Zion National Park for a video and photo shoot with the Imagine XLS. Along the way, they captured this video review of some of the top places to visit in the park.
Watch the video below!
Millions of years ago, this region was once flat and close to sea level but over time the Virgin River began eroding rock layers & washing the rock downstream. The results are a canyon nearly 3,000 feet deep!
Zion Canyon is the cornerstone of the 148,000-acre national park. It is now very accessible as a road follows the path of the Virgin River. Shuttles run along that road throughout the day.
Zion is a very busy and popular destination. There are three campgrounds on site including Watchman Campground, South Campground and Lava Point Campground. Watchman & South campgrounds take reservations from March through October. Lava Point May through September as weather allows. It is first-come, first-serve and has six primitive campsites.
Parking lots for cars are limited. If you are camping outside of the park, there is a free shuttle in the town of Springdale that can take you to the Zion entrance.
Zion uses a shuttle system to help visitors move about the Park. When the shuttle is in use, private vehicles are not permitted on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is the main road that runs through the park. The shuttle system is very easy and accommodating. Shuttles arrive at each stop often. In fact, we can’t recall waiting more than just a few minutes at a time for a shuttle at any point during our visit in mid-March.
Hiking, biking, rock climbing and canyoneering are among the most popular activities at Zion National Park.
The Narrows: This is one of the most iconic features of Zion National Park. It is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, hence the name ‘The Narrows.’ To get there, take the shuttle to the Temple of the Sinawava and then follow the Riverside Walk for a half hour hike on foot. Riverside Walk is an easy trail that has its own great views. Once you reach the Narrows, that is where the real adventure begins because the path goes away and if you want to continue, you must do so THROUGH the Virgin River! That’s right. You will have to walk in the river. Proper shoes and attire are certainly necessary in this area. From start to finish, the Narrows hike can be an 8-hour round trip.
It is important to plan ahead if you are interested in hiking the Narrows. The Narrows because the area is susceptible to unpredictable flash floods which can be life-threatening. Lastly, a permit is required to hike certain sections of the Narrows. If you are thinking about hiking the Narrows, learn more about how to be safe and prepare (LINK TO: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/thenarrows.htm)
Angels Landing: We were able to see from below why Angels Landing Trail is one of the most popular in all of Zion but unfortunately, we did not have the time to hike it! The 4-hour hike is considered one of the most of the strenuous in the park but provides incredible views. At it’s peak, Angels Landing sits 1,500 feet above the canyon floor.
It is not for young children or anyone fearful of heights, as the last section is a narrow ridge to the summit. If you want to get an idea of the hike, or can't make it to Zion any time soon, check out this virtual tour of Angels Landing (LINK: https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/photosmultimedia/angels-landing-ehike.htm)
Weeping Rock: Weeping Rock boasts a clever name as springs flow out of the rock making it appear as if the rock is ‘weeping.’ You can see Weeping Rock from the road but if you choose to hike the trail to get a closer look it will take you about a half hour.
Emerald Pools: This was one of our favorite stops during our visit because of the closeup view of the waterfall at Lower Emerald Pool. We even saw a rainbow in the basin. The pools received their name from the hue-like color of the water produced by the algae. The walk to Lower Emerald Pool is a relatively quick one. Unfortunately, Upper Emerald Pool was closed during our visit.
Great White Throne: If you like to take pictures, this one can be a challenge for you. It’s known for it’s changing light and shadows that can cause fits for anyone taking photos, including the professionals.
Other popular spots you can visit that we didn't get to: The Court of the Patriarchs, the Grotto, Watchman Trail and Observation Point.
Considering the length of many of the trails and hikes, you can spend days at Zion National Park exploring and still not get to everything.
Grand Design RV is proud to partner with the National Park Foundation. Learn more about the National Park Foundation by clicking here.
