Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. Zion offers an unforgettable mix of scenic drives, world-class hiking, and awe-inspiring landscapes that leave every visitor in awe. From the iconic Angel’s Landing hike, vibrate red cliffs of Kolab Canyton, and the winding beauty of The Narrows, Zion is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure or a peaceful retreat into nature, Zion’s diverse landscapes have something for everyone.
Here is a sneak peak panoramic view from the top of Angel’s landing.
In this post, I’ll dive into the our adventures at Zion and suggest tips to make the most of your visit to this incredible park.
Planning your visit to Zion National Park
We decided to stay in Virgin, Utah, which was about a 15 mile or 20 minute drive to the entrance of Zion National Park. Another popular location to stay is Springdale, Utah, which is only about 1-2 miles from the entrance both are great options. Staying Springdale comes with a price for convenience. If you want to avoid the long lines to get a park pass, get their early or purchase a pass before going to the park.
To go to many of the popular attractions (eg. Angel’s Landing and the Narrows) within the park, you will need to park at the visitor center and ride the shuttle.
Angel’s Landing
To Hike Angel’s landing you will need a hiking permit. We got extremely lucky and were able to obtain a permit through the day-before lottery system. I had no intentions of hiking Angel’s landing as I watched a few videos before hand and I wasn’t super interested. However after we got the permit and the adrenaline kicked in, decided this a once in a lifetime chance, so I went for it.
Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail Overview
- Distance 3.6 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 1100ft+
- Estimated Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Angels Landing Trail (Scout Lookout + remaining trail to Angel’s landing)
- Distance 4.3 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 1800ft+
- Estimated Time: 3 to 5 hours
My photo adventures start at The Grotto, which you hike on the west rim trail, get to Scout Lookout, then onto angels landing.
Here is a photo of the trail early on, as you can see its well marked.
Enjoying the scenery on the way up the trail.
This landscape is very unique and something I haven’t seen before.
This photo is as we were hiking toward Angels landing, near Scouts Lookout. As you can tell you its beautiful views from here.
The layers and colors of the rock just amaze me, had to stop and take a photo and take in the view.
I didn’t think to take photos along the way, I was mostly focused on the hike. Once I finally made it to the top of Angel’s Landing, I just sat down and soaked in the breathtaking view. As I was taking it all in, I met another hiker, and we chatted for a bit. Then, he casually pulled a cold beer out of his backpack and cracked it open—talk about a surreal moment!
The next several photos are all from on top of Angel’s landing from different vantage points.
As I was hiking back down, I found this guy trying to cool off as it very hot (100F) that day.
As we made our way back down the trail and returned to The Grotto, we paused for a moment to look back at the towering peak of Angel’s Landing. Standing there, we couldn’t help but reflect on what an incredible and unforgettable hike it had been.
That wraps up our hiking on the first day.
One of the most unique experiences in Zion National Park is driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, an engineering marvel that carves through the towering sandstone cliffs of the park. Built in 1930, this 1.1-mile tunnel was designed to provide easier access to Zion from the east, offering visitors a dramatic and unforgettable entrance into the park’s stunning landscapes.
This photo of The Great Arch is from the switchbacks as you approach the Carmel Tunnel
The Narrows
One of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park is The Narrows, a breathtaking journey through the narrow slot canyons of the Virgin River. Unlike traditional trails, this adventure takes you directly through the river, where towering sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above, creating a truly surreal experience.
Narrows Trail Overview
- Distance 0 to 8.9 miles (out and back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 0 to 700ft+
- Estimated Time: Varies on distance
Depending on the season, renting canyoneering boots is highly recommended—at the very least, they’re a must-have for navigating the river. Don’t make the mistake of wearing old sneakers or sandals, as they won’t provide the grip and support needed for the rocky, slippery terrain. We went to Zion Outfitter and rented our gear, they were very easy to work with.
We didn’t take many photos due to hiking in the river and we had our phones in our waterproof backpacks.
As you can see, the water does get deep in some sections and the only way to navigate is through the water. The hike doesn’t have much elevation gain, but walking on the river boulders trying to keep your balance and against the river current is the most difficult part.
Kolob Canyons
Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Zion National Park, Kolob Canyons offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to the park’s main canyon while still delivering stunning red rock scenery, towering cliffs, and incredible hiking opportunities. We opted for the scenic drive into the Canyon in the evening and the sun really brought out the naturals colors of the canyons.
Visiting Kolob Canyons in the evening was a completely different experience, with hardly anyone in the park compared to the busy trails at Angels Landing and The Narrows.
The views were just amazing here considering this was from the lookout area.
Last word: Zion is an Adventure
Wrapping this up, Zion National Park is truly a one of a kind destination. Whether you’re hiking the heights of Angels Landing, wading through The Narrows, or exploring the quieter beauty of Kolob Canyons, Zion delivers adventure, solitude, and unforgettable scenery at every turn.
If you haven’t visited Zion National Park yet, add it to your bucket list. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after the trip is over.