Zion National Park’s towering red cliffs, lush greenery, rushing Virgin River, and many narrow canyons make it a hot spot for adventurers of all kinds, from hikers to cyclists to canyoneers. The park is now one of the most popular national parks in the United States with over 4.5 million visitors each year. The park is rich in unique geology and history – with human use of the landscape dating back to at least 6,000 B.C. In the mid 1800s, mormon pioneers arrived and gave it the name “Zion”, which is ancient Hebrew for “a place of peace and refuge.”
A few highlights of Zion National Park include the hike to Angel’s Landing – a hike famous for its vertigo-inducing climb and views at the top, exploring the Zion Narrows – where hikers can wade through the Virgin River with canyon walls stretching high above, biking the red Zion Park Road where cyclists ride through the park and enjoy awe-inspiring scenery in every direction, and the challenging hike up Observation Point for some of the best views in the park. Visitors can stay right inside the park at the iconic Zion Park Lodge, or camp at Watchman Campground, South Campground, or Lava Point Campground, providing reservations are made well in advance.