Zion National Park traffic is probably the best way to experience its awesome scenery. Complete with a map, here are 13 must see stops and viewpoints along Zion Scenic Drive that you should not miss!
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What is the Zion National Park Scenic Drive?
There is a serpentine path across the depths of Zion Canyon: the Valley Road, which tumbles along with the scenic highway in Zion National Park Scenic Drive.
An 8-mile one way loop that takes you through some of the park’s most beautiful scenes.
PRO TIP: If you go non-stop it usually takes 20-30 minutes. On the other hand, if you intend to stop at any of several stops along the way be prepared for a trip lasting anywhere from 6 hours all the ay up to about automatic.
Where to Begin Your Scenic Drive in Zion National Park
TIP: It might be looking a little confusing at the beginning, but just a beginner step to guide you in the beginning :
Starting Point: Zion National Park Visitor Center (Map Stop #1) on SR 9, accessed from the park’s south entrance along Hwy. Continue on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway until you reach the first stop, which is at The Human History Museum (MAP STOP #2). Drive south from there to the South Entrance of Zion National Park. When you get close to Canyon Junction Bridge Viewpoint (MAP STOP #3), go straight ahead. And so begins your journey along the Zion Scenic Drive on the Valley Floor Road!
When is the Best Time for Zion Scenic Drive?
You should start your Scenic Drive through Zion National Park as early in the morning that you can.
In 2019 alone, Zion attracted over 4.5 million visitors and is always a busy destination. This means that unless your visit falls at a very odd time (initially into the 10 AM – Noon period or later in the dinner hour – close window), you can expect to be sharing every moment with plenty of other adventurers.
GOOD TO KNOW: Private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Scenic drive from March – November.
If you visit between March and November, then the park shuttle is all that will be able to get in. Thankfully, the shuttle to get you back is free and included with your park entrance fee.
Zion has a very easy to use shuttle system and getting around is super simple.
INTREPID TIP: I would suggest parking in the town of Springdale just outside and grab a shuttle from there! This established small town has nine stops to get you anywhere in the accessible areas of Springdale or out towards the park. After you join, visit all the top spots listed in this guide along Scenic Drive.
From December through February, you can drive your own vehicle into the park. Snow is rare at the canyon floor during this time.
How to Reach Zion National Park
Closest International Airports: Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) and Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC). In the case of a smaller aircraft, those wanting shorter flights can fly from regional airports in St. George (SGU) and Cedar City (CDC), Utah.
To access the park by car: If you are flying into one of these airports, renting a vehicle will provide the necessary transportation.
- Las Vegas, Nevada – 160 miles or about 2.5 hours
- Salt Lake City, Utah — 308 miles (4.5 hours)
- Cedar City, Utah – About 1 hour and some change/ roughly about 58 miles
- St. George, Utah – 41 miles away; 1 hour
During a Tour: When visiting from Las Vegas, there are multiple tour options. Have you considered the Zion National Park Day Tour from Las Vegas There is also a small group tour option for those more interested in visiting both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, which does it to be possible all within 1 day.
What to See on Zion National Park’s Scenic Drive
The Scenic Drive in Zion National Park has dazzling views and unique geological formations as well.
Remember to have a look at the map contained in this guide, with 11 points of interest along the way. Now, I realize that may be overwhelming to you so for those of you short on time go ahead and check out my top 3 must see stops at the very end.
Where to Stay in and Around Zion National Park
Get a Zion National Park Pools Lodge or Your Zions Vacation Accommodation near The Holy Metropolis.
This post lists my hotel recommendations, for all price ranges. There are options for lodges, campgrounds or even hotels.
Take a look at these great options!
13 Must-Visit Stops Along Zion National Park’s Scenic Drive
1. Zion National Park Visitor Center
This centre is located on the out skirts of Zion National Park, just outside it’s South Entrance and it gives you a great idea what to expect at Zion before starting your journey.
It’s easy to park here and you don’t even need the shuttle (shuttle stop #1 is only a couple hundred yards away if u do) to get our visitor center.
Exhibits loaded with information about the park can be found both within and outside of the Visitor Center. These exhibits focus on a wide variety of topics, the natural history and geology of Zion are amazing.
INSIDER TIP: The Ranger-led programs schedule (on topics including Zion history, wildlife and geology) is posted near the entrance. The Visitor Center is open everyday except December 25.
INTREPID’S INSIDERS TIP: do not forget to check Bookstore out! They carry maps, guidebooks and special souvenirs to remind you of the trip when home.
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2. Zion Human History Museum
Just 1.5 miles north of the park’s South Entrance with exhibits on both natural and cultural history (accessible by a free shuttle when service is running), your second stop along the Zion Scenic Drive provides an excellent overview before heading into beautiful Zion Canyon itself, located just four miles ahead at its southernmost feeder entrance.
It details the American Indian experience, early pioneer settlements and development of America’s love affair with Zion. It also examines water as a life giving resource vs. and agent of destruction by nature, which has had incredible influence on the lay of the land.
Make sure you watch the 22-minute film — it is a great primer for what you are about to see and learn.
INTREPID TIP: To see four of the stone towers making up The Towers of the Virgin — including West Temple, Sundial, Altar or Sacrifice and Meridian Tower — drive to Zion Human History Museum. Certain guests claim to see the image of The Blessed Virgin Mary in their landmark stretch of temperate forest. You can see this early morning when the light catches it just right.
3. Canyon Junction Bridge Viewpoint
Canyon Junction Bridge in Zion National Park.
Make sure you take that camera out! That dramatic outline of The Watchman looms sentinel-like above the Virgin River, forming a classic view that has grown nearly as iconic to Zion NP as any other location. Most definitely one of the most iconic images in this park.
Insider Tip: Canyon Junction Bridge is a hotspot in the late afternoon, when sun tends to set and light up canyon walls with that wonderful low-angle glow. If you have the time, then it may be worth coming back to catch a view of this place in early dusk.
4. Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint
Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint Along Zion’s impressive drive is one lofty point called Potriotarch.
GOOD TO KNOW: It is followed by a short path from shuttle stop number four to the point emphasis. Only a short five minute climb, Warden’s Gate conduces an even more elevated view of the grand Court of the Patriarchs.
5. Zion Lodge (Time for Lunch!)
The fifth stop along the Scenic Drive, Zion Lodge provides an ideal place to take a short break grab some food or snacks for your adventure. It is also a good place for an ice cream break or relaxation.
Food options are few and far between, with the Red Rock Grill and Castle Dome Café on site There is also a generously sized patio for sitting or having that picnic lunch.
Tip: One of my favorite places to stay when visiting the park is Zion Lodge. For accommodation near Zion be sure to read–Where To Stay At Zion National Park.
6. Emerald Pools Hike
Emerald Pools Trail This easy and rewarding hike is across from Zion Lodge (stop 5A on the Scenic Drive).
Not too much, just cross the main road and footbridge to take you up this delightful path of waterfalls pools(flow)
Unique to this hike is the alcove and waterfalls above you gently spilling over the edge as pass under it which definitely add an element of fun to this little endeavor.
7. The Grotto Stop
At stop No. 6 on Zion Scenic Drive, The Grotto is a tranquil location and short inexpensive hike to family friendly picnic grounds.
If you have ambitions for harder hikes the Grotto is also where the famous Angels Landing trail begins.
8. Weeping Rock Trail
This one, Weeping Rock Trail is among my favorites!! No matter what time of year, when I visit Zion, this trail is a must-see.
Well, it’s a 5 mile hike one-way (so 1 mile total) so that helps.
Aside from flows intermittently running across the trail in sections and lush hanging gardens others times of year, these walls offer just a deep feeling of solace to haunters who seek no more than realizing our smallness relative to time immemorial.
The trail continues on to a large, bowl shaped alcove with water pouring in from above — just unforgettable.
9. Big Bend Viewpoint
The eighth pull off along the scenic drive, Big Bend Viewpoint features a majestic spectacle where the Virgin River makes an abrupt turn around The Organ creating quite possibly one of Zion National Park’s most iconic scenes.
The great white throne soars between the Organ and Angel’s Landing, from the northern side of The Bend as squeezed in you can be.
This viewpoint is named for Cable Mountain, an obstacle first crossed by stringing a half-inch steel cable between the walls.
BEST TIP: Catch the Great White Throne at sunset from Big Bend Viewpoint!
10. Temple of Sinawava: Gateway to Riverside Walk and Zion Narrows
Temple of Sinawava, the beginning trailhead for two incredibly awesome hikes in my book (Riverside Walk and The Zion Narrows).
You will marvel at the views from as soon as you start to hike in this gateway access- it alone makes a stop here well worth an inclusion on your itinerary.
11. Riverside Walk Trail
The Riverside Walk Trail, a level paved trail with negligible elevation change which allows for this easy and pleasurable 1. The views are simply amazing along the way!
The Riverside Walk ends and this iconic Zion Narrows Trail begins with the trail either being a footpath or wading through water on rocks for streams inside of The Virgin River itself going upstream.
PRO TIP: After youve finished hiking through the Riverside Walk and saw a sample of The Narrows, just retrace your steps back to Temple of Sinawava.
From there, get in your car (or take the shuttle) to head back up towards Canyon Junction-Stop 3.
Next: Through the grand Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
12. Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
Certainly a point of interest and the entirety best 10 at that but I assure you, this engineering marvel shines on it is own level.
The 1.1-mile tunnel built in the late 1920s and completed by early 1930. When it was dedicated July 4, 1930, this tunnel was the longest in its category of any kind built by public money up to that time.
Designed to help expedite travel from Zion National Park into Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon, The Zion – Mount Carmel Tunnel and Highway were constructed.
To access the weather station a tunnel is drilled into sandstone monolith topography and ascends 289 feet from west to east at 3.
One amazing fact about the structure is that even though construction crews, starting on opposite ends and working through solid rock, were able to meet with less than a foot of play between these formidable mechanical caterpillars—a great testament to precision engineering and cooperation!
CAUTION: Vehicles wider than 7 feet, 10 inches or taller than 11 feet,4 inches require a tunnel permit. There is also a $15 cost in addition to your park entrance fee and traffic through the tunnel will be managed by rangers.
13. Canyon Overlook Trail
The easy 0.5 mile (round-trip) trail to one of the most photographed views in Zion, Canyon Overlook offers wonderful views into lower reaches of National Park sites deepest canyon.
TIP: This area is not on the shuttle route; you will be driving yourself. That parking area is on the south side so the trailhead would be right across from you on the north.ResponseEntity
This is a 1 mile moderate hike (2 miles round trip). But it is so very worth the effort, and this trail should definitely be on your list.
At the end of your hike you will be rewarded with grand views into Zion Canyon and a look down at the switchbacks below, on to West Temple, Towers of the Virgin (The Altar), The Streaked Wall + Beehives.
