Introduction to Zion National Park

Massive sandstone monoliths loom over Zion National Park, which shares southern Utah's high Colorado Plateau with four other parks -- Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and its closest neighbor, Bryce Canyon, 85 miles to the east. This 229-square-mile park covers a breathtakingly varied terrain, from river canyons with deep, shimmering green water to colorful rock gardens and windswept ridges. But it is the rock monuments rising 2,000 feet from the canyon floor that truly overwhelm, testament to the sheer power of nature.

Active Pursuits

The views are stunning on day hikes: Take the short but steep Weeping Rock or the easier Riverside Walk, where hanging gardens of wildflowers drape sandstone walls in spring and summer. Much more challenging -- and not for the vertiginous -- is Angels Landing, which snakes along a narrow ridge with a drop-off of 1,500 feet, ending at a summit high above Zion Canyon. Cyclists take to the paved riverside Pa'rus Trail.

Tours

Cars are not allowed in the canyon during the peak April-October season, but a convenient, easy-to-use shuttle carries visitors into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Ranger-guided tours offer photo ops along the way. For more in-depth expert talks, check out the Zion Canyon Field Institute. Between the east park entrance and Zion Canyon is the breathtaking 24-mile drive along Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, its narrow tunnels carved in red-rock walls.

Where to Stay and Dine

Hotels are fully booked in summer; reserve a room well in advance. Zion Lodge re-creates the classic park-lodge look even though the original burned down in 1966. The park's only full-service restaurant, the lodge's Red Rock Grill, has walls lined with historic photos. The town of Springdale has a variety of accommodations and even operates a shuttle to the park entrance. One of the park's two campgrounds lies just north of Springdale, the other in the shadow of the Watchman.