Zion Canyon

The spectacular scenery of Zion Canyon and other destinations awaits you on you trip to southern Utah.

Southern Utah’s top tourist attraction is Zion National Park, 229 square miles of cliff-and-canyon landscape that includes forested plateaus, narrow canyons and rock monoliths that tower 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the canyon floor. The most popular section of the park is Zion Canyon, which is home to the park’s most recognizable natural landmarks, including Angels Landing, the Court of the Patriarchs and the Great White Throne. Zion Canyon is full of short hiking trails appropriate for the entire family, including Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk and Weeping Rock, a 1/4-mile climb to a lush hanging garden caused by constant water seepage through porous sandstone. While in Zion Canyon, visitors have an excellent chance of viewing wildlife such as mule deer, wild turkeys, squirrels and lizards.

From April to October, the only way visitors can access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is via a mandatory shuttle system. The transportation system’s terminus is the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. From the visitor center, the shuttle stops at seven stops, including trailheads and major points of interest, on its way to the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop in Zion Canyon. The shuttle system also includes a loop in the adjacent town of Springdale. The town loop ends at the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre, where visitors must cross a footbridge into the park to board the Zion Canyon shuttle. The shuttle has eliminated auto congestion and improved the visitor experience, allowing visitors to park their cars at the visitor center or in Springdale and avoid fighting for a limited number of parking spaces up the canyon.

When you come to southern Utah for a Zion National Park vacation, Zion Canyon is not the only destination that should be on your itinerary. If you would like to experience more of the region’s scenic attractions, visit Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Snow Canyon State Park, and Sand Hollow State Park. Southern Utah is also home to pioneer historic sites, natural history museums, ghost towns, alpine wilderness, scenic golf courses, outlet stores and much more. When planning a trip to southern Utah to visit Zion Canyon and its many other attractions, contact the St. George Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. We can provide you with detailed information on any aspect of Utah’s Dixie, allowing you to be more prepared before you visit so you can enjoy a more memorable vacation.