hiking
views
nature trips
walking
birding
wild flowers
wildlife
kid friendly
trail running
river
forest
no dogs
camping
waterfall
backpacking
dogs on leash
Zion National Park in Utah is a popular destination in the Southwestern United states with beautiful views. It was the first national park in Utah and the best way to experience it is hiking among the high cliffs and through the narrow canyons. It is home to some very unique hikes, such as the Narrows where you walk for miles up a river with sheer canyon walls on either side of you, or hike the Angels Landing Trail with 21 switchbacks to the top for a great lookout. This geologically unique area has colorful sandstone canyons, high plateaus, and rock towers. Natural arches and exposed formations of the Colorado Plateau make up a large wilderness of diverse ecosystems. Route 9, which traverses the park from east to west, is open year-round to private vehicles. Be prepared for hazardous driving conditions during and immediately following storms. Icy spots remain through the winter.
Very short hike (or really a walk) up a paved surface to a very pretty area at the top. Plants are labeled along the trail and the water dripping off the rocks at the top makes for some pretty pics. Not really a hike, but definitely worth seeing.
Just a short walk up a concrete pathway above the shuttle bus stop to a better viewing spot for the Court of the Patriarchs.
Went in the afternoon, so not so crowded. Wide, flat hard surface trail 90% of the time. Several nice pic spots along the way.
Worth it
Wonderful alternative route to Observation Point, but a couple of points that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere! 1) The sign at the trailhead says it is 3.3 miles (6.6 RT)...my Fitbit and phone clocked it at 9.5 miles round trip. Much longer than posted! 2) BRING BUG SPRAY. Swarms of flies literally everywhere and they will follow you down the length of the trail - it would have been much more pleasant without them and 3) The first mile or so on the return trip is entirely uphill - not too difficult but something I wasn't expecting.