Zion National Park Visitor Attractions

East Zion Tunnel
Open throughout the year, the East Zion Tunnel connects Zion's two distinct landscapes, the towering peaks of Zion Canyon and the rounded mesas to the east. An escort system accommodates RVs and large trucks, causing potential delays in the popular summer months.

Cathedral Mountain
A popular Zion National Park attraction, Cathedral Mountain towers over Zion with an elevation of 6,920 feet. Because access is limited, Cathedral Mountain is best viewed from Angels Landing, Observation Point, and several Zion shuttle stops.

Zion Canyon
Featuring many of Zion National Park's highlights, Zion Canyon is the centerpiece of the park and can be viewed from the canyon's inside, as well as the rim. Featuring brilliant colors, overhanging caves, towering peaks, and canyons, Zion Canyon offers extensive hiking,sight-seeing, rock-climbing, and canyoneering opportunities.

The Grotto
A short, shaded hike leads to Zion's popular Grotto Picnic Area, an area used by visitors, families, and park ranger-led programs. The Grotto also connects to several other trails heads such as Emerald Pools.

Court of the Patriarchs
One of the most recognizable of Zion's highlights, the Court of the Patriarchs bear the biblical names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Viewpoints of these three photogenic peaks are easily accessible via the Zion shuttle or Sand Bench Trail.

Weeping Rock
Featuring water flowing over overhanging rocks, ferns, and flowers, Weeping Rock is one of the more popular of the Zion National Park attractions. This impressive hanging garden is accessible off the main road, with a walk less than a half-mile round trip.

Checkerboard Mesa
While traveling to or from Zion's east entrance, the unique geological formation known as Checkerboard Mesa can not be missed. Visitors can view the mesa's spectacular north side via pull-outs, from the car, or a short day hike.

Great White Throne
Known by many as the symbol of Zion, the impressive Great White Throne is popular with climbers and can be viewed from the Zion Canyon scenic drive, as well as atop of Angels landing hike.

Temple of Sinawava
The Temple of Sinawava is a massive amphitheater with walls reaching up to 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Accessed by the Riverside Walk, visitors experience flower-lined trail that features hanging gardens, and waterfalls, ending at the picturesque temple.

The Watchman
An imposing sandstone spire, the Watchman towers over the south entrance of Zion National Park. Only a three-mile round trip, The Watchman Trail leads to the Watchman Overlook, featuring a panoramic view of the southern valley, the three Patriarchs, and other Zion National Park highlights.

The Sentinel
One of Zion's most famous rock formations, The Sentinel towers over Zion Canyon and can be viewed from the Court of the Patriarchs or while driving along Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.

Lava Point
Accessible by road, Lava Point marks the beginning of the West Rim Trail, as well as offers a vantage point for all visitors. An ancient lava formation, Lava Point stands at 7,890 feet and offers unparalleled views of the vast park and canyons.

Zion Park Info
As Utah's first park, Zion National Park features activities, geological wonders, and a variety of lodging and camping options. Visit this category for more information that will help you a plan a truly outstanding vacation to Zion.

Zion's Hiking Trails

Angels Landing
Known for it's breathtaking vistas of surrounding peaks, such as the Great White Throne, Zion Canyon, and the Virgin River Valley, Angels Landing is perhaps Zion's most popular hike and a Zion Park highlight. Although only 5 miles round trip, it is a strenuous hike with exposure at the top.

Emerald Pools
Easily accessible, the Emerald Pool hike features three pools, cascading waterfalls, hanging gardens, and spectacular scenery on Mt. Majestic and Cathedral Mountain. It's accessibility and relatively low elevation gain make this hike a great choice for the whole family.

The Watchman
A great introductory hike to the Zion area, the three mile round trip Watchman Trail takes one to the Watchman Overlook. Here hikers take in views of the Tower of the Virgin, the Three Patriarchs, the Sentinel, and Springdale. The Watchman itself, is an imposing sandstone spire, best viewed at sunrise or sunset.

Observation Point
As an exposed, rocky outcropping, Observation Point looks over the entire length of Zion National Park and Angels Landing. The hike up to Observation Point is a strenuous 4-miles (one way), which passes Weeping Rock, the Hidden Canyon spur, and other worthy viewpoints.

Pa'rus Trail
Offering full accessibility to hikers, bikers, families with strollers, those with special needs, and even pets, the Pa'rus Trail follows the Virgin River. A 3.5 mile round trip, visitors can view canyon walls, rock formations, and the river environment from the canyon floor.

The Subway
One of the most popular backcountry trips in Zion, the Subway is a six to eight hour canyoneering route through a multi-colored slot canyon fllled with wondrous waterfalls, chiseled pools, and rock formations. This technical route requires rappels and down-climbing, as well as a permit obtained from a lottery.

Zion Narrows
A strenuous 16 mile hike, mostly in the Virgin river, the Zion Narrows hike is also one of the Zions' most famous and most popular hikes. A 12-hour tour of beautiful red and orange sandstone canyon walls and hanging gardens, the Narrows can be completed in a long day or a truly unique overnight camping trip.

Kolob Arch
Spanning 287.4 feet, Kolob Arch is the world's second longest arch. Located in the northwestern corner of Zion National Park, hikers can access Kolob Arch via a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip, and will enjoy spectacular desert scenery along the way.

Hidden Canyon
Explore Hidden Canyon via a steep, but short (2.2 miles round trip) and well-maintained trail. Winding deep into the ravine between the White Throne and Weeping Rock Mountains, Hidden Canyon highlights include beautiful sandstone cliffs, flora covered canyon walls, a freestanding arch, and pools full of Canyon Tree frogs.