Local’s Guide to Zion National Park & Beyond - Expert Tips for the Best Southwest Trip
I was born and raised in the southwest desert of Utah, just minutes from Zion National Park. After spending decades exploring the area, these are a few of my favorite places to stay, eat, hike and more!
THINGS TO DO IN ZION
Cosmic Flow - Yoga + Meditation + Sound + Nature: Experience the yoga session of a lifetime surrounded by the majestic cliffs of Zion National Park. Far above and beyond your average yoga class, this experience is about so much more than stretching your body - it’s about stretching your heart, mind and soul. Book a session under the summer stars for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
Book a Photoshoot with Zion Canyon Light Photography: Whether you’re seeking to commemorate a special occasion like an engagement or a honeymoon, create a lasting record of your family’s vacation or capture the adventures of your friend group, don’t miss the opportunity to schedule a photoshoot with a professional photographer who can skillfully capture your favorite memories for you to cherish forever.
East Canyon Drive: Avoid the shuttle that is required to visit Zion’s main canyon and drive your own car up the lesser known, yet absolutely remarkable, east canyon - boasting stunning views and a mile long tunnel through the middle of Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs. Be sure to keep your eyes out for big horn sheep! From Springdale, just put “Checkerboard Mesa” into Google Maps and it will guide you on the drive!
ROAM East Zion Slot Canyon Experience: Experience the magic of Zion's slot canyons without the crowds. Take a private UTV tour to a private slot canyon! Located in Orderville, UT.
ROAM Great Chamber/Peekaboo Tour: An adventurous ATV tour to two incredible locations, The Great Chamber and Peekaboo Slot Canyon. Located in Kanab, UT.
Take e-bikes up Zion Canyon: The best way to see Zion Canyon! Avoid the crowded shuttles and enjoy the freedom of riding an e-bike instead!
Hikes in Zion
Canyon Overlook: This trail takes you to one of Zion’s most famous overlooks. Drive up Zion’s east canyon and through the famous Mount-Carmel tunnel to reach this relatively easy and short hike with a huge reward at the end - just be prepared for crowds. Beautiful for sunrise. 1 mile. Easy.
Scout’s Lookout/Angel’s Landing: Arguably the hike that Zion is most well known for. Be sure to look into the permit process for Angel’s Landing before your trip but if you’re unable to get a permit to go all the way to the top, Scout’s Lookout does not require a permit and still takes you to an absolutely breathtaking view of the park. 3.4 miles to Scout’s Lookout. 4.8 miles to Angel’s Landing. Strenuous and exposed. Not recommended for children or those with a fear of heights.
The Narrows: One of Zion’s - and America’s - most iconic hikes. Ideal to escape the heat of the summertime, but be prepared for crowds unless you start very early in the day. Visit a local outfitter to rent proper gear that will make the experience a lot more comfortable. 5 miles to Temple of Sinawava. 9 Miles to Big Springs. Strenuous hike through water, but you can turn around whenever you like.
The Watchman: A lesser traveled hike with beautiful views right at the entrance to Zion. Great for sunset. 3 miles. Easy but exposed.
North Gates Peak: Located in the Kolob Terrace section of Zion, this easy trail is mostly surrounded by ponderosa forest until you reach the viewpoint at the end. It offers a lovely escape from the crowds of Zion Canyon and an incredibly scenic drive. 4 miles. Easy.
BIG ADVENTURES
White Pocket: Get a guide and take a trip to Mars. A full day adventure to a magical desert wonderland.
Lake Powell: Visit the awe-inspiring Lake Powell, located less than 3 hours from Zion National Park.
Grand Canyon National Park: Visit the most iconic desert landscape of all, The Grand Canyon. The North Rim is located less than 3 hours from Zion National Park!
NATIONAL PARKS
Zion National Park: Known for its dramatic red and white sandstone cliffs, Zion National Park offers a diverse array of landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can hike through narrow slot canyons, traverse the iconic Zion Narrows, and ascend challenging trails that provide sweeping vistas of the park's towering rock formations. The Virgin River winds through the heart of Zion, carving out the dramatic Zion Canyon that is the centerpiece of the park. With lush hanging gardens, diverse wildlife, and a network of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures, Zion National Park is a premier destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the American Southwest.
Bryce Canyon National Park: Located only a short drive from Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park is a stunning natural wonder known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos. These tall, spire-shaped rock structures, carved by millions of years of erosion, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Visitors to Bryce Canyon can explore a series of natural amphitheaters and canyons filled with these colorful, fantastical rock formations, which range in hue from vibrant reds and oranges to soft pinks and whites. The park offers a network of hiking trails that wind through the hoodoos, providing visitors with up-close views of the intricate geology. Bryce Canyon is also renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and minimal light pollution.
Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Utah's red rock country. Carved by the Waterpocket Fold, a dramatic wrinkle in the earth's crust, the park features towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore the park's historic orchards and pioneer homesteads, remnants of the early Mormon settlement of Fruita. Hiking trails lead adventurers past petroglyphs, natural bridges, and the iconic Cathedral Valley, where towering sandstone monoliths rise from the desert floor. Capitol Reef also offers exceptional stargazing due to its remote location and low light pollution.
Arches National Park: Arches National Park is a geological wonder located in Moab, Utah that is renowned for its remarkable concentration of natural stone arches. Carved over millions of years by the elements, the park's landscape is dotted with over 2,000 of these gravity-defying rock formations, ranging from the iconic Delicate Arch to smaller, lesser-known arches hidden among the park's labyrinth of canyons and fins. Visitors can hike to panoramic viewpoints, wander through the surreal landscapes of the Devil's Garden, and marvel at the park's diverse array of sandstone towers, pinnacles, and balanced rocks.
Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands National Park is a vast and rugged landscape in southeastern Utah carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Divided into distinct districts, the park showcases the power of erosion, with towering mesas, deep canyons, and surreal rock formations dominating the horizon. The Island in the Sky district offers panoramic vistas of the park's sprawling canyons, while the Needles district features a maze of colorful rock spires and intricate rock art left by ancient Puebloan peoples. Adventurous visitors can explore the remote Maze district or raft through the class III-IV rapids of the Colorado River in the heart of the park.
STATE PARKS
Snow Canyon State Park: Carved by ancient lava flows and erosion, Snow Canyon State Park features a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs, volcanic cones, lava tubes and petrified sand dunes…. And it gets major bonus points for being dog-friendly! Please just remember to be responsible and keep your pups safe.
Gunlock State Park: Enjoy a hot summer day fishing or paddle boarding at Gunlock Reservoir. Catch it at the right time of year and you’ll be blessed with magical desert waterfalls from snow melt in the early spring. If you do choose to visit during waterfall season, please remember to use extreme caution. This force of nature is not something to mess around with.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ZION
Open Sky Zion: Offering the ultimate in luxury glamping, Open Sky Zion blends boutique accommodations with the stunning landscapes of southern Utah. Enjoy exceptional amenities, like luxury camping complete with copper bath tubs and star gazing rooms, and a full-service restaurant featuring local farm-to-table dining. (Located in Virgin, UT.)
Cliffrose Lodge: Just steps from the entrance of Zion National Park, Cliffrose offers a breathtaking and convenient location, a serene garden and top-tier amenities including a restaurant, pool and spa. (Located in Springdale, UT.)
Lazalu: Situated in a beautiful, off the beaten path location just 35 minutes from the entrance to Zion, this charming desert retreat is the ideal stay for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Lazalu also offers services for destination weddings. (Located in Virgin, UT.)
SPAS IN ZION
Five Petals Spa: Located just outside of the entrance to Zion National Park, Five Petals Spa offers a variety of spa services to help you balance out a trip full of long hiking days. They also have a lovely boutique that features work from local artists and makers.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN ZION
Whiptail Grill: The Chili Relleno is truly a work of art. Don’t miss it. (Located in Springdale, UT.)
Black Sage: A local farm-to-table restaurant offering a delightful culinary experience. Reservation only. (Located in Virgin, UT.)
Deep Creek Coffee: A great local coffee shop just outside of Zion National Park. (Located in Springdale, UT.)
River Rock Roasting Co: A bustling local coffee shop with epic views of the Virgin River. Try the Beetza Pizza or you’ll regret it! (Located in La Verkin, UT.)
GEAR
Zion Outdoor: What's more important than being prepared? When you immerse yourself into Zion's great outdoors, make sure you're ready for whatever the elements can throw your way. You can find everything you need for your big adventure at Zion Outdoor.
OUTFITTING
Zion Outfitter: Looking to rent gear for your Narrows hike? This is the place! Zion Outfitter offers all the equipment you need to make your Narrows hike easier and more enjoyable!
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Wild Mesa: Wild Mesa offers guided mountain bike trips to any group size, from the spontaneous solo traveler to families with kids and large groups. Every trip is customized and their guides can accommodate all skill and experience levels. Use code: YOGA10 for 10% off your booking with Wild Mesa.
E-BIKES
Zion Peddler: Located feet from the entrance to Zion, this is the perfect place to rent e-bikes for a ride up Zion Canyon. Avoid the crowded shuttles and enjoy the freedom of an e-bike instead!
SHOPPING
Zion Made: A super cute new shop in Springdale, Utah featuring locally and ethically sourced goods from around Zion National Park and the USA.
Zion Prospector: Looking for a beautiful rock, gem, crystal, mineral or fossil to take home with you? Zion Prospector specializes in collecting, cutting and polishing many minerals from the beautiful state of Utah.