Zion National Park
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Zion National Park
Zion National Park is famous for its multi-colored sheer cliffs and monolithic sandstone walls which astound visitors. This Southern Utah park is the on the edge of the Colorado Plateau, where the Great Basin and Mojave Desert meet. The top layer of the park makes up the bottom layer of Bryce Canyon. The bottom layer of Zion is the top layer of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These three parks fit together to form the Grand Staircase. Along the famous "Canyon Country " Tour you will be able to observe all five stairsteps. The visual imagery of this corner of Utah is amazing. From the canyon floor to the impossibly tall cliffs and sandstone mesas, Zion is sure to please. Grand names such as Angels Landing, Great White Throne, Temple of Sinawava, Altar of Sacrifice, Court of the Patriarchs were given to landmarks long ago in an attempt to describe the areas magnificence.
Zion National Park Lodging
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Plan your trip with our "Canyon Country"
Vacation Itinerary
Traveling through Zion Park
The East side of Zion is spectacular with its massive sandstone cliffs towering high above the mahogany colored road of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Starting on the south side of the tunnel, the highway switchbacks up into slickrock country. The white beauty of the Beehives demand attention before the Great Arch steals it away. Heading through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel is an adventure in itself. This tunnel was a technological wonder of its time and made when such a feat was thought impossible. On the east side of the tunnel is the Canyon Overlook Trail. This trail meanders along pretty scenery to an impressive view of the Switchbacks and Pine Creek. Continuing along the east side of the park, hoodoos and a labyrinth of impressive monoliths edge toward the highway. There are plenty of pull-outs along the twelve-mile road and there is no lack of photo opportunities. At the east entrance of Zion, Checkerboard Mesa stands watch. This magnificent landmark impresses even the most critical visitor. The trailhead for the East Rim Trail, said to be "one of the best hikes in Utah," is found immediately past the park's east entrance.
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Waterfalls in Zion Park
Menu Falls is found between the Weeping Rock shuttle stop and the Temple of Sinawava. This hidden waterfall has been used for weddings and is a secret area that few find. From the Weeping Rock parking lot, walk along the road toward Temple of Sinawava and you will see it on the right side of the road.
Beneath Weeping Rock is a charming stream that tumbles over rocks as tadpole and their older counter parts swim and hop around. The stream is cool and refreshing on a hot summer day. Children will delight in watching the Canyon Tree Frogs and the tiny fish in the stream. Remember never to feed any of the wildlife in Zion.
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Zion National Park Vacation: Canyon Country
Private vehicles can travel Highway 9, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, through the east side of the park year-round. Oversized Vehicle Information
From April until October the only access to the Scenic Drive is via shuttle. From October until April private vehicles can travel the Scenic Drive.
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 Nature Notes
When hiking in Zion you will often hear a pleasing but high pitched trill that vibrates through the air. The trilling chorus is a lively one in the spring and early summer during the Canyon Tree Frog's mating season. These little residents of the park have a light gray color that allows them to blend in with the rocks that are along the pools of water, which are their natural habitat. The small creatures can be difficult to spot but are common in Pine Creek.
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