Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a national park in southwestern Utah known for its steep red sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons and dramatic river-carved scenery. The park’s core attraction is Zion Canyon, cut by the Virgin River and noted for sheer cliffs and high viewpoints.

Popular experiences include steep hikes such as Angels Landing, which gains roughly 1,400 feet on a narrow ridge with chained sections near the summit, and river hikes through The Narrows, where the trail goes through the Virgin River in a deep slot canyon. The park offers a mixture of short viewpoint trails and long backcountry routes across varied elevations.

The area was set aside to conserve its unique geology, ecosystems and cultural sites and has been managed as a national park since the early 20th century, with growing visitor numbers prompting shuttle systems and permit requirements for some popular hikes. Interpretive programs and maintained trails help manage visitor use of fragile canyon environments.

Zion National Park sits in Washington County and parts of nearby counties in southwestern Utah, with the park’s main south entrance adjacent to the town of Springdale. The canyon and trailheads are directly accessed from Springdale and the park is a multi-hour drive from major regional cities.

• Shuttle access: A shuttle system often serves the main Zion Canyon corridor during high season to manage vehicle traffic and access to popular trailheads.
• Trail permit and safety: Angels Landing requires a permit during peak seasons through a reservation system; the final approach is exposed and not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

What to See #

• Zion Canyon: The main Zion Canyon carved by the Virgin River, stretching roughly 15 miles through the park with canyon walls that rise up to about 2,000 feet above the canyon floor.
• Angels Landing: A steep, exposed trail that ascends approximately 1,400 feet on a narrow ridge and ends at a high viewpoint overlooking the canyon; route sections use chain handholds on the final approach.
• The Narrows: A river hike through a slot canyon formed by the Virgin River where hikers wade and sometimes swim; the corridor can be followed for many miles upstream with permits recommended for lengthy trips.