“All this is the music of waters,” wrote John Wesley Powell in 1895 — a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of Zion National Park. Home to one of North America’s largest flying birds, the California Condor, Zion is a breathtaking destination that draws visitors from across the globe. Its very name, meaning “promised land,” hints at its deep significance. Beneath towering red and white sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River winds its way through the park, breathing life into the canyon in countless ways. Zion pulses with movement — a river of life, ever-present and ever-changing. A vibrant ribbon of green traces the river’s course, providing shelter for an incredible diversity of plants and animals. From there, the river continues its journey through the Mojave Desert, eventually joining the Colorado River in Lake Mead, before pressing on toward the Pacific.
No mention of Zion National Park would be complete without recognizing the Colorado Plateau — a vast, elevated region at the heart of the Four Corners area of the American Southwest. Spanning more than 130,000 square miles and rising over 10,000 feet above sea level, the Plateau stretches across western Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, southern and eastern Utah, and northern Arizona. Its rugged landscape is a tapestry of high desert, scattered forests, and breathtaking rock formations. The Colorado Plateau also boasts the highest concentration of U.S. National Parks, including icons like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Black Canyon, Mesa Verde, and the Petrified Forest, along with countless Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management treasures. If you’re dreaming of an epic road trip packed with natural wonders, this is your gold rush.
Hiking in Zion
Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering something for everyone, from casual wanderers to hardcore adventurers. Sure, Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are the big headliners — and absolute musts for many — but I’m here to take you off the beaten path. If you’re looking to dodge the crowds, find some hidden gems, or you’re a return visitor ready for your next adventure, these less-traveled trails are where the real magic happens.
East Rim to Stave’s Spring
Length: 11.8 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: East Rim Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy
Notes: A fantastic, low-traffic hike tucked away in the East Rim area. The trail is steady with minimal elevation gain, making it a great choice for racking up some miles without a brutal climb. Along the way, you’ll wander through stretches of forest and sandy terrain, all while soaking in beautiful views of the East Rim. A perfect escape from the crowds.
Scout’s Lookout via West Rim Trail:
Length: 3.8 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #6 “The Grotto”
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Notes: This hike is a real grind if you’re not in good shape — think steep cliffs and some gnarly switchbacks that’ll test your legs (and your nerves). It’s not for the faint of heart. The trail finishes at Scout’s Lookout, where the legendary Angel’s Landing climb begins (permit required if you’re heading up!). Bonus: somehow, there are even restrooms waiting for you at the top — a sight almost as surprising as the views.
Upper Emerald Pool Trail via Kayenta Trail
Length: 3.0 miles
Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #6 “The Grotto”
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Notes: This trail is an absolute gem! You’ll get jaw-dropping views without the grind of a tough hike. My family and I tackled it, and it instantly became one of our all-time favorites — it’s a must-do if you want to experience Zion’s beauty with a little less effort!
Canyon Overlook Trail:
Length: 1 mile
Trailhead:Parking pull-offs near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Coming from the East Rim Entrance? It’s just before the tunnel. If you’re coming from Springdale, it’s right after you exit. This hike is super popular, so get there early to snag a parking spot!
Difficulty: Easy
Notes: I almost skipped this hike because it’s short, but I’m so glad we didn’t! We tackled it first thing in the morning before heading to the East Rim, and it totally blew me away. It’s popular for a reason — the trail hugs the cliffs with rails for safety, and the views are amazing the whole way. Plus, the final overlook? Totally worth it!
Navigating Zion National Park
Shuttle Busses:
Zion National Park uses a shuttle service to navigate the iconic Zion Canyon, including popular stops like Zion Lodge, The Grotto, and Temple of Sinawava. There are other stops, too, so make sure to check the NPS website for any closures or construction updates before you go. When I visited in April 2025, the Zion Lodge Bridge was under construction, so the only way to access Emerald Pools was via an out-and-back hike from the Grotto via the Kayenta Trail. Pro Tip: Always check the NPS site for park alerts — they’re easy to find right on the homepage.
Zion is unique (and a bit confusing for first-timers) because while you can drive to the East Rim, the Zion Canyon area is mostly shuttle-only. The town of Springdale, right by the southern entrance, has plenty of lodging, camping, and RV options. It also offers shuttle service to the park entrance, where you’ll cross a bridge into the Visitor Center and hop on the shuttle. The shuttle system is simple and frequent, but here’s the catch: it can get packed and hot in peak times. If you’re leaving the park and aren’t at the last stop (Temple of Sinawava), it can be tricky to find a seat — usually, people are standing all the way back. My tip: head to the last stop, get off, and then hop back on the shuttle to snag a seat for the ride out. If you don’t mind standing, though, skip the detour and go straight to the shuttle exit.
E-Bikes:
I’ve been to Zion twice, and honestly, my biggest regret is NOT renting an E-bike. You can cruise right into the Zion Canyon section and skip the shuttle altogether. Watching others glide by on bikes while I was packed like a sardine between crying kids and a sweaty guy? Major FOMO. The best part? E-bikes let you stop and explore hidden gems the shuttle doesn’t even hit. You can bet next time I’m rolling through Zion on an E-bike — they’re easy to rent in town, right by the park entrance, making it super convenient!
Lodging/Camping:
Springdale is hands down the best spot for lodging if you want the easiest, most convenient access to Zion. With shuttle buses running from town straight to the park entrance, you won’t even need to drive once you’re there. Here are some top places I recommend for your stay:
Zion Canyon Campground: I’ve stayed here twice, first in 2021 and again in 2025. Loved it back then, but when I returned in 2025, I was blown away by the upgrades! They’ve added cozy cabins, a great little store right on-site, and the best part — it’s just a short walk to the park entrance. You can also hop on the shuttle with a stop literally right by the campground, but we mostly walked since it was so close and the weather was perfect. We tent camped by the Virgin River, and it was pure bliss — falling asleep to the sound of running water while gazing at the canyon. Bonus: they give you shower tokens so you can freshen up after all those epic hikes!
Watchman Campground: Located right inside the park along the Virgin River, this campground offers stunning views, but it doesn’t have quite the same amenities as Zion Canyon Campground. The upside? It’s a lot more affordable since it’s managed by the NPS, unlike Zion Canyon, which is privately owned.
Zion Lodge: The only place to stay inside the park, Zion Lodge offers 76 hotel rooms, six suites, and 40 historic cabins. It’s also the only spot to grab a bite, with a large grassy area perfect for picnics or a quick nap while soaking in the stunning views all around.
Other hotels I recommend to my clients: Red Cliffs Lodge Hotel, Springdale Zion Inn, Cliffrose Sprindgale, Springhill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park.
Springdale Eats that will fuel your Zion Adventure!
Springdale isn’t just the gateway to Zion National Park—it’s a culinary hotspot with flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. After a day of hiking, these spots are the perfect way to refuel and relax. Choosing where to eat in Springdale felt like a culinary treasure hunt! Our first night, we dove into a sea of online menus, narrowing down our top picks. The hardest part? Deciding which delicious spot to try first!
Thai Sapa: Craving bold, fresh flavors? Thai Sapa delivers with a menu that spans Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. From aromatic curries to zesty pad Thai and crispy spring rolls, every dish bursts with authenticity.
Wile Thyme Cafe at Trees Ranch: Tucked away amidst vineyards, this farm-to-table haven offers a cozy, rustic vibe with a menu that caters to all palates—vegan, gluten-free, and everything in between. Whether you’re brunching or dining under the stars, Wild Thyme promises a memorable experience.
Whiptail Grill: For a fusion of Southwestern and Mexican flavors, Whiptail Grill is a must-visit. Their house-made dishes, like the Whiptail burrito and veggie enchiladas, are crowd-pleasers. Don’t miss their signature brussel sprouts appetizer—it’s a game-changer.
Deep Creek Coffee Company: Early morning hikes deserve a great start. Deep Creek Coffee Company serves up some of the best iced vanilla lattes in town, along with a selection of baked goods and light bites. It’s the perfect pit stop before hitting the trails.
Zion National Park is one of those places that just sticks with you — from the epic canyon views and peaceful river trails to the awesome little town of Springdale packed with great food and cozy places to crash. Whether you’re hiking the less-crowded trails, cruising around on an E-Bike, or just soaking up the scenery, Zion has a way of making every moment feel a little bit magical. Add in the fact that it’s part of the incredible Colorado Plateau, and you’ve got the perfect jumping-off point for a Southwest adventure you’ll never forget.
Thinking of your next National Park Adventure? Don’t wait – contact me today to help piece your adventure together and seize the day! Follow me on Instagram: @ Highdeserthorizons
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