Zion National Park: Part of Our 63 U.S. National Park Challenge
Utah is home to 5 of the 63 registered U.S. National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. They are often referred to as the “Mighty Five.”
Zion National Park, the first of these five to be designated a National Park in 1919, is located in southwestern Utah. Zion features a breathtaking landscape of red and white sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically above the Virgin River. Its towering canyon walls, unique rock formations, and lush river valleys make Zion an unforgettable destination for adventure, exploration, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Zion is part of our 63 National Parks Challenge, a journey to explore the beauty and diversity of America’s incredible parks. Join us as we highlight some of the reasons Zion is such a memorable destination!
Getting to Zion and Where to Stay
There are multiple ways to reach Zion National Park. We flew into Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove northeast to Springdale, Utah. The drive itself is scenic and easy, winding through desert landscapes and small towns.
Once we arrived, we immediately fell in love with Springdale’s stunning canyon views, and welcoming energy.
Located just outside the park’s south entrance, Springdale is the perfect base for exploring Zion.
The town is charming, with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore when you’re not hiking. One of the biggest conveniences is the free Springdale shuttle, which runs throughout town. Making it easy to get around without worrying about parking or traffic.
Hotels and VRBOs
Springdale offers a variety of lodging options, from convenient hotels to fully equipped Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBOs), providing something for every type of traveler.
Hotels are a great choice for travelers who enjoy staying with familiar chains. Hilton has a couple of excellent options nearby.
VRBOs are perfect for families or groups who want extra space, full kitchens, and the comfort of a home away from home.
Many of these properties are just minutes from the park entrance and offer incredible canyon views right from your patio or balcony.
Camping
For those who love the outdoors, Zion also has several campgrounds inside the park as well as nearby options in Springdale. Watchman Campground and South Campground are popular spots, but they fill up quickly, so reservations are highly recommended. Camping lets you uniquely experience Zion, waking up to the sounds of the canyon and enjoying star-filled skies at night.
To help plan your visit, here are some trusted resources for finding accommodations near Zion National Park:
- Hotels in Springdale, Utah: Check availability & book here
- VRBO & Vacation Rentals near Zion: Explore options here
- Zion National Park Campgrounds: Reserve your spot here
These links make it easy to compare options, check availability, and find the best lodging to match your style.
Hiking Gear Essentials 🥾
Whether you’re hiking Angel’s Landing, exploring the West Rim, or wading through The Narrows, having the right gear makes a huge difference in both comfort and safety. Here are a few must-haves for Zion:
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots: Good traction is essential for the park’s rocky, uneven terrain.
- Water shoes or canyoneering boots: For hikes like The Narrows, waterproof footwear and neoprene socks are a must.
- Trekking poles or walking stick: These help with balance, especially in the river.
- Reusable water bottles: Zion can get very hot, and it’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll need.
- Snacks: Snacks aren’t always needed, but sometimes you hike longer than you think and it’s nice to have a little something to reenergize you.
- Lightweight layers: Temperatures can vary throughout the day, especially in shaded canyon areas.
- Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
- Dry bag / Backpack: Perfect for protecting your camera, phone, and snacks during The Narrows hike.
- Camara: Don’t forget your camera! Zion is beautiful and you will want to take lots of pictures.
Mind Set On Travel Tip: If you’re planning to hike The Narrows, be sure to visit one of the local outfitters in Springdale. They’ll provide all the gear you need, neoprene socks, canyoneering boots, and walking sticks, to keep you comfortable and safe while trekking through the river.
Another excellent option is to sign up for a guided tour. Guided tours are a wonderful way to explore The Narrows, as the guides ensure you have the proper gear, safety tips, and insider knowledge about the hike.
Check out the available tour options HERE to plan your adventure.
Zion: A Hiking Paradise
Zion is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails for every skill level. From peaceful riverside walks to adrenaline-pumping climbs.
Mind Set On Travel Tip: We use AllTrails to research routes, read reviews, and get up-to-date trail conditions. It’s one of our favorite tools for planning hiking adventures anywhere in the world.
Here are a few of our favorite hikes from our visit:
West Rim Trail
The West Rim Trail is a must for anyone looking to experience Zion’s sweeping vistas. You can enjoy it as a short day hike, perfect for taking in some stunning scenery without committing to a full day, or tackle the entire trail if you’re up for a longer, more immersive adventure.
The trail offers a mix of terrain, from shaded sections through trees to open ridges that provide panoramic views of the canyon below.
The vistas from above are absolutely breathtaking, especially when the sunlight illuminates the red and white sandstone cliffs, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the textures of the canyon walls.
Along the way, you may spot wildlife, adding to the sense of being fully immersed in nature.
Angel’s Landing
This is Zion’s most famous (and most daring) hike, and for good reason. The views from the top are some of the best in the park, but the climb is definitely not for the faint of heart.
You’ll need a permit to reach the top section, which involves holding onto chains as you navigate steep drop-offs and narrow ridges.
We didn’t know about the permit requirement ahead of time and missed the chance to go all the way up, but we still had an incredible experience hiking part of the trail.
Even without reaching the summit, the views are spectacular, and it’s absolutely worth doing.
If you’re interested in applying for the permit, check out the Angel’s Landing Permit Lottery on the National Park Service website before your trip.
Riverside Walk & The Narrows
This easy, paved trail follows the Virgin River and leads to the start of The Narrows, one of Zion’s most unique and memorable hikes.
The trail itself is beautiful and accessible, winding along the river with towering canyon walls rising dramatically on either side. Shady sections provide a welcome break from the sun, and the gentle sound of flowing water creates a calming, immersive atmosphere.
As you approach the start of The Narrows, the canyon begins to close in, creating a narrow passage where the Virgin River becomes the trail itself.
Once you reach the end of Riverside Walk, the real adventure begins. You step right into the river and continue your hike through the water!
This is where that rented gear comes in handy. The water can be cool, the current can be strong, and the footing can be slippery, but the experience of walking between sheer sandstone walls that rise hundreds of feet above you is unlike anything else!
These are just a few of the incredible trails that Zion has to offer. With countless other routes and hidden gems throughout the park, there’s always more to explore. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and discover the trails that speak to your sense of adventure!
🧠 Mindset on the Trail
Zion National Park isn’t just an adventure for your body; it’s an exercise for your mind! Standing at the base of Angel’s Landing or stepping into the chilly waters of The Narrows, you’re reminded of the power of courage, patience, and presence.
Hiking here encourages you to pause, breathe, and reflect.
Every foothold and careful step is a small victory, teaching you that progress often comes one intentional move at a time.
When you face a challenging section, you’re given a chance to notice your thoughts: Are you holding onto fear, doubt, or hesitation? Or are you focusing on your ability, resilience, and the joy of the journey?
Incorporating a mindset practice into your adventure can transform your hike from a physical accomplishment into a celebration of inner strength. At the top of a trail or at the edge of the river, take a moment to pause and reflect: What have you overcome so far? What small wins can you celebrate right now?
Zion reminds us that adventure is as much about how we show up mentally as it is about how far we walk. By approaching each trail with curiosity, courage, and gratitude, you bring the Celebrate All Wins mindset into every step of the journey.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Even if hiking isn’t your thing, Zion still has plenty to offer. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive offers breathtaking views at every turn. You can hop on the park shuttle and ride through the canyon, stopping at various overlooks and trailheads along the way. It’s a wonderful way to experience the park’s beauty without lacing up your boots.
Exploring Zion: A Sensory Experience
Exploring Zion is an experience that stirs every sense.
SIGHT: The sights are simply breathtaking. Take in the vibrant colors around you and watch the shadows shift as the sun moves across the sky. The landscape changes from soft pinks to fiery oranges, creating a living, moving masterpiece with every hour. Along the way, you may also notice that you’re sharing this beauty with wildlife. Birds soaring overhead and other creatures making the canyon their home.
HEAR: Listen to the gentle rush of the Virgin River echoing between the cliffs. A soothing rhythm that contrasts perfectly with the stillness of the canyon.
TOUCH: Reach out and touch the rock. It’s warm beneath your fingertips. Smooth in some places, rough and weathered in others.
TASTE: Take a sip from your reusable water bottle. The cool, refreshing water is invigorating as you hike and reminds you to stay present and nourished along the trail.
SMELL: Inhale the desert air and the subtle scent of sage that drifts along the trail, grounding you in the natural beauty around you.
Surrounded by towering cliffs that seem to touch the sky, you can’t help but feel deeply connected. To nature, to adventure, and to yourself.
Final Thoughts: Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of those rare places that feels both vast and intimate at the same time. From the soaring sandstone cliffs to the serene flow of the Virgin River below, every moment invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and fully appreciate the incredible beauty of nature.
Whether you’re conquering a challenging trail, wading through the river on The Narrows, or simply soaking in the panoramic views, Zion reminds us that some of life’s most memorable adventures come when we step just a little outside our comfort zone.
As part of our 63 National Parks Challenge, Zion left a lasting impression on us, and it’s a park we hope you’ll make a priority on your own journey!
Most importantly, remember to celebrate each step of the adventure, whether big or small. Zion is a perfect reminder that exploring the world is also an opportunity to celebrate your courage, curiosity, and joy along the way.
If you enjoyed reading about Zion National Park, be sure to check out the other incredible destinations we’ve visited on our 63 National Parks Challenge.
Mind Set On Travel Disclaimer
Mind Set On Travel contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of our links, we may receive compensation from the company at no additional cost to you. Read our disclaimer here.