By Debi Lander
I recently flew to Las Vegas, then drove to two of America’s standout national parks: Zion and Bryce Canyon. Both had been on my wish list for years. This month, I’ll start with Zion, one of Utah’s most dramatic landscapes.
Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs glow in layered shades of rust and cream, while the Virgin River winds through a deep canyon. Despite its popularity and crowds, Zion still offers moments of quiet beauty, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Getting there is straightforward. Most visitors fly into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, then drive nearly three hours northeast, briefly passing through Arizona before reaching the park’s main entrance in Springdale, Utah. The scenic drive itself sets the tone, shifting from desert plains to sculpted red rock formations as you approach.
Once inside the park, private vehicles are restricted along the main canyon road for most of the year. Instead, a free and efficient shuttle system transports visitors to trailheads and viewpoints. It is easy to use, but expect lines during peak times.
The shuttle delivers you to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, where massive canyon walls rise thousands of feet overhead. If you are fortunate enough to stay at the Zion Lodge, the only in-park lodging, you can drive partway into this area. This saves time and makes it easier to access the other main road without re-entering through the busy entrance gate.
For an easy start, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail offers a gentle stroll to small waterfalls and shaded alcoves, although water flow can be limited depending on the season. Another favorite is the Riverside Walk at the end of the shuttle route. This paved path follows the Virgin River, offering cool shade and beautiful reflections. At the trail’s end, more adventurous hikers can continue into The Narrows, where the river becomes the trail itself. Walking between towering canyon walls with water swirling around your legs creates a uniquely immersive experience, but you’ll need proper gear.
More ambitious visitors set their sights on Angels Landing, one of the park’s most famous hikes. The final section climbs a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides, aided by chains bolted into the rock. Permits are required, and this hike is best suited for those who are very fit and comfortable with heights.
Photographers appreciate the Canyon Overlook Trail near the east entrance. I began this mile-long hike before sunrise and found it unnerving in the dark, but the return trip in daylight felt far easier. The view at sunrise, if you get one, is worth the effort, as the cliffs glow with warm color and dramatic contrast.
After dark, Zion’s low light pollution makes it an excellent place for stargazing.
Beyond hiking, visitors enjoy e-bikes, horseback rides or simply slowing down. An open-air tram tour offers historical background. Whether you watch climbers scale sheer cliffs or sit and listen to the breeze move through cottonwood trees, Zion encourages you to absorb the landscape.
In addition to lodging inside the park, Springdale offers numerous hotels and restaurants just outside the entrance. Be prepared for crowds, however. Even early in the morning, lines for the shuttle form quickly. And do not expect good cell service in the region.
Whether you visit for a day or stay longer, Zion’s soaring cliffs, winding river and ever-changing light leave a lasting impression. Some come for the challenge of its most demanding hikes, others for the scenery. Either way, nature takes center stage, and visitors enjoy the ride.
Debi Lander is an award-winning travel writer and photographer who blends her passion for history, culture, food, and personal discovery into captivating stories. Through her website Bylandersea.com and her long-running travel column for Florida Newsline, she explores destinations from small U.S. towns to iconic global landmarks. She hopes her storytelling and practical insights inspire readers to experience the world with curiosity, appreciation, and a sense of adventure. Debi can be reached by email to mail@floridanewsline.com.
