Zion National Park

A stunning park featuring towering red and cream-colored cliffs, deep canyons, and the flowing Virgin River with iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Zion showcases some of the Southwest's most dramatic geology and offers trails for all skill levels.

Things to do

• Angels Landing — Hike the iconic 5.4-mile round-trip trail featuring a steep final ascent with chains bolted into red rock, offering panoramic views of Zion Canyon.
• The Narrows — Wade through the Virgin River on a 16-mile round-trip hike (or shorter options) where canyon walls tower 1,000 feet above the flowing water.
• Observation Point — Trek 8 miles round-trip to a clifftop vantage point with sweeping views of Zion Canyon, Angels Landing, and the surrounding red rock landscape.
• Weeping Rock — A short 0.4-mile walk to a natural alcove where water seeps from the sandstone cliff, supporting lush vegetation and creating a serene desert oasis.
• The Subway — A challenging 9-mile hike featuring rappelling and creek walking through a slot canyon with tunnel-like rock formations and waterfalls.
• Scenic Drive — The 6-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (shuttle or vehicle) winds past iconic viewpoints like Court of the Patriarchs and Temple of Sinawava.
• Emerald Pools Trail — A 1.2 to 3-mile easy-to-moderate hike passing waterfalls and reflecting pools nestled beneath towering canyon walls.

Food to try

• Utah Red Rock Burger — Local restaurants serve beef burgers topped with red rock-inspired ingredients like red pepper aioli, reflecting the region's distinctive landscape.
• Paria River Trout — Fresh locally-caught trout from nearby waterways, often prepared simply to highlight the clean, delicate flavor of Southwest freshwater fish.
• Fry Bread with Local Honey — A Navajo-influenced dish featuring fried dough topped with regional honey and sometimes pinyon nuts, reflecting Indigenous culinary traditions of the Southwest.
• Southwest Red Chile Stew — A hearty local specialty combining slow-cooked meat with native red chile peppers, cumin, and local vegetables rooted in regional cowboy and Pueblo cuisine.
• Peach Cobbler with Escalante Peaches — Desserts featuring peaches from nearby Escalante region baked with cinnamon and served warm, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Lands — Much of Zion is sacred to Ancestral Puebloan and Paiute peoples; stay on designated trails and treat rock art and archaeological sites with reverence.
• Flash Flood Season Awareness — The Narrows and slot canyons are dangerous during summer monsoons; always check weather and flash flood warnings before hiking, especially August through September.
• Early Morning Hiking — Popular trails like Angels Landing reach capacity by mid-morning; start hikes before sunrise to secure parking and enjoy solitude on the red rock.
• Leave No Trace Ethic — The Southwest hiking community strongly values minimal impact; pack out all trash, stay on trails to prevent erosion, and respect wildlife and vegetation.