Zion National Park
This is prime canyon country, with plateaus of sandstone, towers and mesas. The sandstone comes alive with colorful wildflowers in spring, and includes varied landscapes of woodlands, conifer forests and desert. The wildlife is equally varied, including mule deer, collared lizards, jackrabbits and wheeling condors.
Like Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion's rocky canyons form part of the Grand Staircase stretching from the Grand Canyon. Over the centuries, the fast-flowing Virgin River carved narrow canyons through the Navajo sandstone, revealing the rocks' colorful stratification. A particularly photogenic feature is Zion's freestanding arches and bridges of stone, formed by erosion and appearing impossibly fragile and surreal.
Zion National Park has hiking trails for every energy level, including the dramatic Narrows journey along the gorges lining the Virgin River. The Riverside Walk is a more gentle paved trail that follows the river’s course along the bottom of the narrow canyon.
Adrenaline-charged canyoneering is another popular activity, along with rock climbing, horseback riding, photography and chilling out to those views of canyons, arches, pinnacles, buttes, mesas and mountains. Prime viewpoints include Angel’s Landing and Observation Point, while the paved trail to the Lower Emerald Pools takes you past trickling waterfalls and ponds.
Practical Info
Highway 9, the Zion - Mt. Carmel Highway, runs into the park from Springdale at the park entrance. The visitors center is near the south entrance, adjacent to Springdale. There's another visitor center in the Kolob Canyons stretch of the park.
Tours & Tickets
3-Day National Parks Camping Tour: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley from Las Vegas
See popular highlights of the Southwest on a 3-day national parks tour from Las Vegas! On this fun-filled camping adventure, you'll discover the incredible ... Read more
Location:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
3-Day National Parks Tour from Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon
See the desert landscapes of the Western United States! On this three-day tour, depart from Las Vegas to see Arizona’s Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, and Utah’s ... Read more
Location:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Duration: 3 days (approx.)
7-Day National Parks Camping Tour: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon South Rim
Spend seven days and six nights on a camping tour to some of the most popular national parks in the United States! On this week-long adventure, you will see ... Read more
Location:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Duration: 7 days/6 nights
Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks Small-Group Tour from Las Vegas
Escape from Las Vegas and spend your day exploring one of the world's most spectacular landscapes, Utah's Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon Country. Travel ... Read more
Location:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Duration: 15 hours (approx.)
