Zion National Park

With incredible red and pink sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons and wonderful hiking, Zion National Park will blow you away. Zion means “the Heavenly city”, and this national park definitely lives up to its name. Best explored on foot or bike, a trip to Zion is one of those places you must visit if you are in Utah.

Zion National Park is stunning, and even if you only drive through, it’s truly spectacular. The park is best experienced in spring and autumn, when the weather is usually perfect, but it’s also the most popular time for visitors. Sadly, Zion is also a victim of its own success, becoming busier each year.

Getting around Zion can be tricky. From early-spring through to autumn, the pretty Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to cars, and you must take a shuttle. This is not a bad thing, as this allows you the benefit of fully appreciating the incredible views. The other main road in Zion, the Mount Carmel Highway, is open to traffic year-round, and has some incredible views right from the motorway.

No matter where you go in Zion, expect to be amazed. The landscape, the views, the sheer towering sandstone cliffs will mesmerize you. At dawn and dusk, the reds and pinks of the cliffs become more pronounced and beautiful. No matter how hard you try, it’s impossible to accurately capture how beautiful Zion is at these times.

Staying in Zion can be challenging, as it’s so popular that hotels nearby can book out well in advance. Consider staying nearby in Springdale or a bit farther away, in the fun St. George. You can even camp at one of three campgrounds in the park.

Hurry up, it’s time to start planning your trip of a lifetime in Zion National Park!