Your First Time in Zion National Park

Our Local Expert Says:

Showcases the most classic Zion scenery: intricately carved slot canyon, towering sandstone walls, nature's grand presence.

Description:

The most famous hike in Zion, the Narrows are world-famous for water, stunning gorgeous cliff walls, and the feeling of hiking deep in the belly of Mother Earth. The Virgin River carved a ridiculously narrow trench through the Navajo rock formations, creating what today beckons to fit adventurers. Bring your trekking poles, water shoes, and waterproof camera for this experience. Stepping into the cool, rocky pull of the Virgin River as you make your way upstream leads you into another world, far from the gaggles of people attracted to Zion every year. The Zion Narrows is an unforgettable hike, designed for permanent capture in breath-taking pictures. If you can hack it, don't miss it.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can't visit Zion without doing this deservedly classic hike, even if you stop short of the very skinny, very high up final push.

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This is of course the not-to-be-missed hike of Zion. Angels Landing is famous for its views, its drop-offs, and its thigh-blasting climb. It's easy to find a picture spot at the top that makes it look like you're about to step back into sheer nothingness, although you'll be yards away from the edge during your photo shoot. Early mornings and late evenings are best during the blazing and crowded summer months. Remember to seriously check your fear of heights before you tackle this climb; many hikers call it a day at "Chicken-Out Point" (officially Scout Lookout) which still offers nice views without the gut-wrenching proximity of a thousand-foot fall from the aptly-named Angels Landing. Bizarre but true: you can get cell service on top. Please respect your fellow hikers and maintain outdoorsy silence by texting only!

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful and worth it

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Ah, cool and lovely, these pools make a great trek. Consisting of Lower, Middle, and Upper, the Emerald Pools can get crowded, so consider an early start. Sheer drop-offs on the trail make it iffy if you suffer from vertigo or have little children. If you want shade and ease of access, stick to the Lower Pools trail. When to see the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools at their best: after a storm. Mind slippery edges and enjoy the cool gorgeousness of this signature hike.

Our Local Expert Says:

A fairly simple hike for most people, from the very young to senior citizens. Shaded during the popular summer months.

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It's cool, it's shaded, it's short, it's flat, it's gorgeous. What's not to like? Well, it can be a bit crowded, so pick your time of travel with care. Early mornings are always best, of course, although an evening stroll might also afford more solitude. Take the time to skirt off-trail and find a nice spot to sit by the river and contemplate the beauty, as well as the splashing coolness of the water. In wintertime, the trail can be iced over and closed due to safety concerns, so check at the visitor's center before attempting the Riverside Walk in questionable weather.

Our Local Expert Says:

Simply gorgeous, and at a 1/2 mile roundtrip, so easy for most people.

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No, the rocks aren't sad, although you may have melancholy thoughts if you're there on a crowded summer day! Wrap your mind around these facts: the "weeping" water comes from a spring 100 feet above and took almost 1,000 years to get to where you can see it. Navajo sandstone is fairly porous, allowing the water to travel through over time. Best time of day to go: early morning if you crave peace and quiet. Best time of year to go: spring, when wildflowers are in riotous bloom alongside the trail. Bring a camera with a great macro zoom for your jaunt to Weeping Rock.

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Bike riders have known about the Pa'rus for years and many walkers staying in the Watchman Campground make use of the trail. You'll find a few spots shaded by cottonwoods, ash, and maples where you can slip into the Virgin River...

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best views in Zion, hands down

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A perfect name for the stunning view of Zion, Observation Point is a must-see. It's long, it's hard, it's hot, and it is so, so worth it! Zipping along the East Rim Trail and through Echo Canyon, the way to Observation Point is so full of camera-worthy angles that after a while you might almost forget how spectacular it is-because everywhere you turn, the views are stunning. Nowhere more so at the end, when all you get is the deep blue sky and and red-and-cream of the jutting cliff walls.

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing views for such a short hike -- only one mile roundtrip. Great for kids.

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It's short but a bit strenuous, and the views you're rewarded with are fantastic. Great kid hike or for those with less stamina or little time who still want to see Zion's best. Make sure to pick up a trail guide at the hike's start so you can find out all about plants, animals, and geologic features along the way. Have fun checking out the hoodoos close to the top and imagining them to be funky creatures from outer space. At the lookout end of the Canyon Overlook Trail, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep-bring binocs.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the way to see Zion during the on season. Save the trees and your sanity—take the shuttle. (You have no choice April-October anyway.)

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This spring-through-fall shuttle is free, green, and friendly to all, from babies to elderly folks to people with bikes. It is the only way to get around when in season, and it even runs to the gateway town of Springdale. The ease and importance of taking the Zion Shuttle can't be emphasized enough. Ride clean! Save the environment! And allow yourself to settle back and enjoy unparalleled views as someone else steers you through Zion National Park. Bikes, strollers, wheelchairs all welcome aboard as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

Considered one of southern Utah's most scenic drives.

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The drive along Mt. Carmel Highway costs $25 (for the entrance fee), but is priceless in terms of beautiful vistas and scenic overlooks. Don't forget your camera for this winding road, as you'll want to stop often so you can peer into canyons and admire the rock formations from multiple lookout points. Prepare your jaw for dropping.

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent menu choices for an in-park restaurant

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The Red Rock Grill in Zion National Park Lodge will wow you in both surroundings and menu. Look out at the park from the beautiful terrace while dining on carefully cultivated items such as Prickly Pear Trout Salad, Seafood Alfredo, Chipotle Tilapia, and Navajo Eggplant - this is a Zion experience not to be missed. For all those cocktail aficionados out there, you'll love their spirits menu, featuring Nature's Cosmo, the Springdale Mojito, a Blue Moon Margarita, and a delectable treat known as Persephone's Bane, featuring pomegranate juice and light rum.

Our Local Expert Says:

The locals' hang-out and home of Utah microbrews as well as domestic beers on tap and in bottle.

Description:

Looking for a great pizza served in a well-watered and attended Beer Garden near Zion National Park? Look no further than Zion Pizza and Noodle, a local and tourist favorite. Creative and fresh Pizzas are consistently a top choice - who can say no to a Tree Hugger (onion, olives, light cheese, mushrooms, and carrot) or a Cholesterol Hiker (Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, three cheeses). The Beer Garden is open year round and features a variety of local Utah brews.

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Fresh brews from the brewery lend an authentic air to the old fashioned "Lady in Red Saloon." They offer a full-service bar and big-screen TVs to catch the game. And the "Majestic View" through the floor-to-ceiling windows truly is stunning.

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With Utah's largest selection of microbrews and fresh fruit Margaritas, Springdale's Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon may surprise you. Since 1981, the Bit and Spur has catered to locals and tourists alike, creating delicious Mexican food made with fresh ingredients. Sink your teeth into the Pork Carnita Bit and Spur Tamale, Chipotle Chicken Salad, or the scrumptious Stuffed Jalapeno. An extensive wine list includes bottles from Chile, New Zealand, and France, with the majority of the list dedicated to California, Oregon, and Washington wineries. Beer aficionados will love the extensive list of local microbrews (Polygamy Porter included) and international standbys, and the Sangria will make anyone weak in the knees. Casual and comfortable, the Bit and Spur fills early and often.

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Zion Canyon Theatre is huge. REALLY huge. We're talking 9 times the size of a regular movie screen huge. We're talking 60 feet high by 82 feet across. We're talking a 22,000 watt sound system. THAT huge. Screenings include local fare such as Zion Canyon Treasure of the Gods as well as Hollywood feature films.

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A great mixture of live music graces the stage during Tanner Amphitheater's Twilight Series. Country, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, and other styles fill the night sky during the summer, with space for two thousand music devotees. There is not alcohol permitted on site, but there is a concession. Check out the website before planning a trip, and know that the lack of cover of the stage will mean weather delays if necessary.

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Having a great time hiking but need some purely human entertainment to shake things up? Head to the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City, just north of Zion. This festival, around since 1961, has won a Tony Award. Go! After some hiking in the Kolob Canyons district, head a little more north to Cedar City and take in this magnificent production. June through October, you can take in the Bard's best. Tip: check the website for shows, ticket prices, group discounts, and scheduling considerations.

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Just north of St. George, this most unlikely fine dining establishment is nestled into an old Wells Fargo building, artfully combining Old World charm and Wild West ambiance. European cuisine master Chef Imi Kun creates wonders for the palate. You won't be disappointed. Plates include Hungarian Tenderloin Goulash with Goat Cheese and Dill Spaetzle (dumplings), Black Angus-Filetto Gorgonzola, Chipotle Cream Smoked Salmon, and Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce. Get off the beaten path and treat yourself!

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Broadway in the desert, anyone? That's exactly what you get at this outdoor venue just outside of Zion. The Tuacahn Amphitheatre draws stellar performers, and you have the added bonus of seeing them under the open sky. After a great day hiking at Zion, head into town and catch the show or a world-renowned singer. Consider either sneaking out a tad early or lounging around in your seat well after the show ends unless you want to get stuck in the departing traffic.

Our Local Expert Says:

Simply a fabulous experience of music and outdoor beauty combined

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Come see live music in Zion's most stunning outdoor amphitheater. On the Dixie State College Campus, the amphitheater puts on live performances every Saturday night between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tickets are affordable ($10) and performances include a wide variety of musical stylings, including orchestras, folk music, blues, Celtic, African, Country Western and Modern Dance Performances.

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This little café has garnered a great deal of press for how forthright the owners are about their, ahem, alternative lifestyle, cheekily referenced in its name, The Merry Wives Café. Food is homemade and hearty, coffee is good, and the Raspberry Lemonade is perfect on a hot Utah day. Decorations on the wall include family photos from many years ago - take a look around, and keep an open mind.

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Another great guiding company focusing on Zion, you can also find them offering a WFR course-Wilderness First Responder. Although a bit pricey, their 5-day course is popular for those who don't have the time for the usually longer course. Also try their canyoneering instruction courses. The Zion Adventure guides are really laidback and fun, and their trips are the same. While they have fewer activities than some companies, their narrower focus allows them to truly be experts at what they offer.

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They'll teach you how to do it and where to do it. Then they'll send you off in the great unknown, complete with gear, knowledge, and the sort of tips only locals can give you. These people know Zion and they know their stuff, and they'll try to impart as much to you as they can. Zion Rock & Mountain Guides offer different packages for different people. They also offer great trips for the whole family and lots of fun kid-specific activities. Book in advance; they're popular and they fill up. Their guides have frighteningly extensive resumes; the real deal adventurers.