Utah's First National Park

Discover the Majestic Zion Canyon

Experience towering red cliffs, emerald pools, and world-class hiking in Utah's most iconic national park

Location

Springdale, Utah

Annual Visitors

4.6 Million (2023)

Park Size

146,597 Acres

Join Expert-Guided Zion Adventures

Challenging

Angels Landing Guided Trek

Conquer Zion's most famous hike with expert guides ensuring safety on chains and incredible photo opportunities at the summit

6-8 hours 1,488 ft elevation Small groups

$149

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Moderate

The Narrows River Adventure

Wade through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls on this iconic slot canyon experience with all gear provided

4-6 hours River hiking Gear included

$99

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Easy

Emerald Pools Family Trek

Perfect for families and beginners, explore hanging gardens and waterfalls on this scenic and accessible canyon adventure

3 hours Family friendly Nature focus

$65

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About Zion National Park

Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park

Zion National Park stands as Utah's first and most visited national park, where massive canyon walls and red cliffs ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. Located at the unique intersection of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert, this 146,597-acre wonderland offers incredible biodiversity and geological beauty.

The park's crown jewel, Zion Canyon, stretches 15 miles long and reaches depths of 2,640 feet, carved over millions of years by the Virgin River. The iconic red and tan Navajo Sandstone formations create a landscape so magnificent that early Mormon pioneers named it "Zion" – their promised land.

From the challenging ascent to Angels Landing to the serene wade through The Narrows, Zion offers adventures for every skill level. With over 289 bird species, 75 mammals, and unique plant life spanning four distinct ecosystems, every visit reveals new natural wonders in this geological masterpiece.

Explore the History

Why Experience Zion National Park?

World-Class Hiking

Challenge yourself on Angels Landing, wade through The Narrows, or enjoy family-friendly trails to hidden waterfalls and emerald pools.

Stunning Red Rock Formations

Marvel at towering Navajo Sandstone cliffs that glow brilliant red and orange, creating some of America's most photographed landscapes.

Incredible Biodiversity

Discover four distinct life zones hosting 289 bird species, desert bighorn sheep, and unique plants found nowhere else on Earth.

Photography Paradise

Capture golden hour magic on canyon walls, emerald water contrasts, and dramatic landscape vistas that define the American Southwest.

The Story of Zion

Zion's human story begins 8,000 years ago with small Native American family groups, including the Basketmaker Ancestral Puebloans around 300 CE. The Virgin Anasazi culture and Parowan Fremont groups later established permanent communities, creating the rich cultural foundation that Southern Paiute tribes would continue when they arrived around 1300.

Mormon pioneers first entered this majestic landscape in 1858, with settlements beginning in the early 1860s. These early settlers named the area "Zion," meaning sanctuary or refuge, reflecting their awe at the towering red cliffs and peaceful canyon floors that reminded them of their promised land.

President William Howard Taft recognized this natural wonder's importance in 1909, establishing Mukuntuweap National Monument. By 1919, it became Zion National Park under President Woodrow Wilson, making it Utah's first national park and beginning its legacy as one of America's most beloved natural treasures.

Today, Zion welcomes over 4.6 million visitors annually who come to experience the same awe-inspiring beauty that has captivated humans for millennia. From ancient petroglyphs to modern adventure seekers, Zion continues to be a place where people connect with nature's most powerful expressions.

Discover detailed timeline

Must-See Destinations in Zion

Angels Landing

Zion's most famous and challenging hike rewards brave adventurers with breathtaking 360-degree views from 1,488 feet above the canyon floor. The final half-mile requires chains for safety as you traverse narrow rock fins with dramatic drop-offs. This iconic trail demands physical fitness and mental courage but offers an unforgettable achievement and some of the most spectacular views in the American Southwest.

The Narrows

Experience one of the world's most unique hikes as you wade upstream through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls that narrow to just 20 feet wide. This slot canyon adventure combines hiking and river trekking through sculptured sandstone corridors where the sky appears as a ribbon of blue overhead. The constantly changing light creates magical photography opportunities as you journey deeper into this natural wonder.

Emerald Pools

Discover a hidden oasis where waterfalls cascade over hanging gardens creating crystal-clear emerald pools at their base. This accessible trail system offers three different pools – Lower, Middle, and Upper – each with unique beauty and difficulty levels. Perfect for families, these trails showcase Zion's gentler side with lush vegetation, peaceful water features, and stunning red rock backdrops without extreme physical demands.

Court of the Patriarchs

Marvel at three massive sandstone peaks named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that rise majestically from the canyon floor. These towering monoliths represent classic Zion geology and offer easily accessible viewing from a short paved trail, making them perfect for visitors with limited time or mobility. The formations are particularly stunning during golden hour when the red sandstone glows with warm light against the deep blue sky.

Planning Your Zion Adventure

Make the most of your Zion experience with these essential planning tips:

Shuttle system required - Zion Canyon Scenic Drive requires shuttle from March through October. Shuttles run every 6-10 minutes from Springdale and the Visitor Center.
Timed entry permits needed - Angels Landing requires advance permits ($6) available at recreation.gov. Book well ahead during peak season (March-November).
Best visiting times - Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather. Summer can exceed 100°F while winter may bring snow to higher elevations.
Gear recommendations - Sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, sun protection, and layers for temperature changes. Rent specialized gear for Narrows hiking.
Park entrance fees - $35 per vehicle (7 days), $30 motorcycle, $20 individual. America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers all national parks.
Lodging books fast - Reserve accommodations in Springdale early. Camping in the park requires reservations March through November.
Download the NPS app - Official National Park Service app provides maps, trail conditions, and real-time shuttle information.

Find Zion National Park

Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767

Coordinates: 37°18′N 113°00′W

Nearest Airport: Las Vegas (2.5 hours) or Salt Lake City (4.5 hours)

Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale. The park sits at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, creating its unique and diverse landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angels Landing is considered strenuous with 1,488 feet of elevation gain. The final half-mile requires chains and has serious exposure. Timed permits ($6) are required year-round and must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. Physical fitness and no fear of heights are essential.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather with moderate temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot (100°F+) but great for water activities. Winter is quieter with possible snow, and some high elevation trails may be inaccessible.

Yes, hiking The Narrows requires river-appropriate gear: quick-dry clothing, hiking boots with good grip, walking stick for stability, and dry bags for valuables. Local outfitters in Springdale rent specialized canyoneering gear including neoprene socks and walking sticks.

From March through October, private vehicles cannot access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Free shuttles run every 6-10 minutes from Springdale and the Visitor Center, stopping at nine points along the canyon road. The system operates daily from early morning until evening.

Yes! The Emerald Pools trails, Weeping Rock (0.4 miles), and Canyon Junction Bridge are perfect for families. The Riverside Walk leading to The Narrows entrance is paved and wheelchair accessible. These trails offer stunning views without extreme physical demands.

Springdale offers the closest lodging with easy shuttle access to the park. Options range from luxury resorts to budget motels. The park has two campgrounds (Watchman and South) that require reservations March-November. Book accommodations well in advance for peak season visits.

Zion hosts diverse wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, over 289 bird species (including California condors), and 19 bat species. You might spot rock squirrels, lizards, and various birds. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed animals.