Zion National Park First-Timer’s Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Zion National Park is Utah’s first national park, world-renowned for its massive, cream, pink, and red Navajo sandstone cliffs that tower up to 3,000 feet over the canyon floor. Located in southwestern Utah near the gateway town of Springdale, the park spans roughly 229 square miles and sits at the unique intersection of three major ecosystems: the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin. Key Highlights & Hikes

Angels Landing: A famous, adrenaline-pumping trail that follows a narrow, steep ridge with 1,000-foot drop-offs and chain handrails. Due to high demand, permits are required year-round via seasonal and day-before lotteries on Recreation.gov.

The Narrows: A spectacular trek through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where hikers walk directly in the waters of the Virgin River between vertical canyon walls.

Canyon Overlook Trail: A short, family-friendly trail offering breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon without requiring a shuttle ride.

Kolob Canyons: A quieter, more remote northwest section of the park featuring dramatic, parallel red-rock gorges and uncrowded hiking trails. Logistics & Getting Around Zion – National Park Service