Zion National Park is the most visited national park in Utah and one of the most spectacular in America. The park's dramatic canyon — carved by the Virgin River over millions of years — features towering sandstone walls that rise 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, creating a landscape of extraordinary scale and beauty.

Zion's combination of world-class hiking, extraordinary scenery, and the unique experience of hiking through the Virgin River itself (The Narrows) makes it one of the most rewarding national parks in the country. Here's everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit.

• Size: 229 square miles (146,597 acres)
• Elevation range: 3,666 feet (Coalpits Wash) to 8,726 feet (Horse Ranch Mountain)
• Annual visitors: ~4.7 million
• Established: 1919
• Gateway town: Springdale

From Las Vegas: Take I-15 north to UT-9 east — about 160 miles, 2.5 hours.

From Salt Lake City: Take I-15 south to UT-9 west — about 310 miles, 4.5 hours.

From Bryce Canyon: Take UT-12 west to US-89 south to UT-9 west — about 85 miles, 1.5 hours.

Zion National Park requires timed entry permits for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during peak season (April–October). Permits are required to drive your own vehicle into the canyon; the free shuttle bus does not require a permit.

The Shuttle: The free Zion Canyon Shuttle runs from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava (the end of the canyon road), with stops at all major trailheads. The shuttle is the best way to experience the canyon during peak season.

Reservations: Timed entry permits are available at recreation.gov. Book as early as possible for summer weekends.

The most famous hike in Zion — and one of the most famous in America. The trail climbs 1,488 feet to a narrow sandstone fin with 1,500-foot drops on both sides. The final 0.5 miles requires holding onto chains bolted into the rock.

The View: The view from the summit of Angels Landing is extraordinary — a 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon, with the Virgin River winding through the canyon floor far below.

Permit Required: Angels Landing requires a permit, available through a lottery system at recreation.gov. The lottery opens 3 months before the hiking date.

Safety: Angels Landing is not suitable for visitors with a fear of heights. The chains section requires careful footwork and a good head for heights.

The Narrows is the most unique hiking experience in Zion — a hike through the Virgin River itself, in a narrow slot canyon with walls rising hundreds of feet above. The combination of the cold water, the narrow canyon, and the extraordinary light creates an experience that is unlike anything else in the national park system.

Bottom-Up Route: The most accessible route, starting from the Temple of Sinawava and hiking upstream into the canyon. The first mile is a paved trail; the rest is in the river. You can go as far as you like and turn around when ready.

Top-Down Route: A full-day or overnight trip starting from Chamberlain's Ranch, hiking the full length of the canyon to the Temple of Sinawava. Requires a permit and a shuttle.

What to Wear: Waterproof boots or neoprene socks are essential — the water is cold even in summer. A walking stick is helpful for stability in the current.

Best Season: Late summer (August–September) when the water is warmest. Avoid The Narrows during flash flood warnings.

A challenging trail to the highest viewpoint in Zion Canyon (6,508 feet), with extraordinary views of Angels Landing and the canyon below. Less crowded than Angels Landing and arguably more rewarding.

A beautiful trail to three pools fed by waterfalls, with excellent views of the canyon. The Lower Emerald Pool (0.6 miles) is accessible for all visitors; the Upper Emerald Pool requires more effort.

A short trail with excellent views of the canyon and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. One of the best short hikes in the park.

A flat, paved trail along the Virgin River from the Temple of Sinawava to the beginning of The Narrows. Beautiful and accessible for all visitors.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (UT-9) through the park is one of the most dramatic short drives in America. The road climbs from the canyon floor through a series of switchbacks and a mile-long tunnel carved through the sandstone, emerging on the east side of the park in a completely different landscape.

The Tunnel: The 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel — completed in 1930 — is one of the engineering marvels of the national park system. Large vehicles require a special permit and an escort through the tunnel.

The East Side: The east side of Zion is a slickrock plateau with excellent views and several excellent short hikes, including the Canyon Overlook Trail.

Springdale — the gateway town to Zion — is a charming small town with excellent restaurants, shops, and accommodations. The town's position at the entrance to the park makes it the most convenient base for exploring Zion.

Where to Eat:

• Oscar's Café — the best breakfast in Springdale, with excellent huevos rancheros and creative morning dishes
• Spotted Dog Café — excellent farm-to-table cuisine in a beautiful setting
• Zion Canyon Brew Pub — good craft beer and pub food after a long day of hiking

Where to Stay:

• Cable Mountain Lodge — a beautiful lodge with excellent views of the canyon walls
• Zion Lodge — the only hotel inside the park, with beautiful views and a convenient location

Start Early: The most popular trailheads fill up by 8:00am in summer. Arrive early or take the shuttle.

Hydrate: Drink at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking. Dehydration is the most common cause of emergency rescues in Zion.

Flash Floods: Flash floods can occur in The Narrows and other slot canyons with little warning. Check the weather forecast and the park's flash flood warnings before entering any slot canyon.

Wildlife: Zion has excellent wildlife, including mule deer, California condors, and ringtail cats. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife.

For more Utah adventures, see our Utah National Parks Guide, Utah Hiking Guide, Utah Scenic Drives Guide, Moab Utah Adventure Guide, and Best Time to Visit Utah.