Zion National Park is, in a lot of ways, the best of everything. You've got the mountains, you've got canyons, you've got greenery... what else do you need? Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a more peaceful retreat into nature, you'll find that Zion National Park has it all. The colors, the cliffs and the canyons will definitely enchant even the most experienced adventurer!
1035 West 400 South, Spanish Fork, Utah, United States
Some tips for visiting Zion: -The park has tons of hiking, of course, but it's also great for canyoneering, scrambling, climbing, and rappelling. -Spring and fall are the busiest times, because summer is so hot and rainy... but if you happen to experience a thunderstorm during your visit, make the most of it by taking in the waterfalls that form! -The Zion Canyon Visitor Center at the south end of the park has some really detailed exhibits about the natural and human history of the park, which is always fun. -There's a shuttle that goes around the park, so it's super easy to access various trailheads.
Head to Observation Point for the best view of the canyon in all of Zion. Round-trip, the whole thing is about 8 miles, but the views are seriously mind-blowing. Set aside at least a few hours for this one, but it's worth it.
One of the park's more interesting features is Weeping Rock, a sandstone rock that has water oozing out from its sides, creating a waterfall of sorts, with a lovely hanging garden and a little stream below. It's a quick walk here from the trailhead, which is easily accessed by the shuttle, so if you've got kids with you, this is a great hike to try.
Whether you just appreciate the unusual beauty of Checkerboard Mesa, a multi-colored slick rock mountain from the road, or you actually decide to hike it, it's pretty wild-looking. In fact, until 1938, it was known as "Rock Candy Mountain" until the Zion park superintendent gave it its more dignified current name.
1035 West 400 South, Spanish Fork, Utah, United States
Hot and rainy in the summer, cool and snowy in the winter, Zion is probably at its best in the spring and fall (seriously, Zion has some awesome fall colors)-- but, of course, the mild weather attracts crowds. If you visit Zion in the summer, hike in the morning and evenings, and head into Springfield to beat the heat during the hottest part of the day.