Zion National Park

Zion is a deep canyon of soaring red, orange and cream sandstone cliffs carved by the Virgin River in southern Utah, greener and more intimate than the desert around it. It is famous for two extraordinary hikes: Angels Landing, a knife-edge scramble with chains, and the Narrows, a walk up the river itself between towering walls.

What you'll find

• Angels Landing - the vertiginous chained scramble to a fin high above the canyon.
• The Narrows - the hike up the Virgin River between sheer walls, often wading.
• The Emerald Pools - the waterfalls and hanging gardens of the canyon walls.
• The canyon scenic drive - the shuttle route beneath the great cliffs.

When to go

Spring and autumn for mild weather; summer is hot and busy, and flash floods threaten the Narrows. The shuttle runs the canyon most of the year, since private cars are limited in season.

Practical notes

It is extremely popular, so the shuttle, trails and Angels Landing (now needing a permit) are busy, and parking fills early. Angels Landing is genuinely dangerous with big drops, not for the fearful. The Narrows depends on river levels and flash-flood risk, so check conditions.

Nearby

Bryce Canyon is a couple of hours east; the Grand Canyon North Rim and Las Vegas are within reach.

Key facts