Zion National Park: An Amazing World of Canyons and Cliffs

Today, we invite you on a virtual journey to one of the most picturesque national parks in the United States–Zion National Park. Established in 1919, it became the first national park in the state of Utah.

While the best way to explore the park is on foot, traveling by car has its advantages. It’s the perfect way to enjoy scenic views and discover new routes. In the evening, you can prepare a dinner on a portable kitchen for your car and experience the true spirit of adventure among these majestic cliffs.

Best Time to Visit Zion National Park

Zion is beautiful at any time of year, but each season brings its own nuances. In spring, when the snow melts from the mountains and flows into the Virgin River, the canyons fill with water, and the waterfalls come to life.

Summer can bring intense heat, but you can escape to the coolness of the canyons.

Autumn is the perfect time: fewer tourists, and the red and golden leaves against the cliffs look like a painting.

In winter, Zion is truly surprising: the snow-covered peaks make the landscape even more dramatic, and the air is filled with a sense of silence.

The Virgin River–The Architect of the Canyon

Millions of years ago, the Virgin River began carving its way through massive sandstone cliffs. It seems hard to believe that such a fragile stream of water could shape stone, but this is where nature’s magic lies: gradually, patiently, it cut through Zion Canyon, creating the gorges and caves that we see today. Even now, the river continues its work, changing the landscape.

Angels Landing: A Challenging Trail with an Incredible View

Angels Landing is one of the most famous trails in the world. By the middle of the ascent, your heart begins to race, and when you reach the narrow ridge, where sheer drops of hundreds of meters lie on both sides, fear and awe blend together. But the panoramic view from the top is so captivating that all your efforts seem insignificant. It’s no wonder this place is called "Angels' Rest"–it feels as though you are closer to the sky here.

Peace Among the Cliffs: A Walk to Emerald Pools

If after the strenuous climb to Angels Landing, you crave something more relaxing, head to Emerald Pools. This is one of the park’s most scenic and accessible trails, perfect even for those not accustomed to long hikes.

The trail leads to a series of pools divided into three levels: Lower, Middle, and Upper Pools. The Lower Pool is the easiest to reach, just a 15-20 minute walk along a wide trail. Here, water cascades down the high cliffs, forming thin streams that create a beautiful play of reflections in the sunlight.

The Middle Pool is slightly higher and offers a more secluded atmosphere. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view, you should head to the Upper Pool. This section of the trail is more challenging, but the reward will be the quiet and the feeling of complete unity with nature.

This is a great place to linger: you can have a picnic or even prepare a hot meal on your car camp kitchen, while enjoying the sounds of the water and the crisp mountain air.

From Stroll to Adventure: Riverside Trail and The Narrows

Riverside Trail is an easy 1.1-mile (1.7 km) path that runs along the Virgin River. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk among the cliffs and greenery.

At the end of the trail begins The Narrows–a unique path through the riverbed. Here, you will have to walk through the water, which can rise up to your waist, but the towering canyon walls, stretching hundreds of meters upwards, create a breathtaking view that makes it all worth it.

Tip! Be sure to wear waterproof shoes, take a walking stick for balance, and pay close attention to the weather–after a rainstorm, the river can become dangerous.

Big Bend: The Best View of Big White Throne

Big Bend is one of the best viewpoints in the park. From here, you can see Zion’s main rock formation–Big White Throne. This massive white cliff rises above the valley, seemingly keeping watch over everyone who comes to these lands.

Here, you can pause, admire the grandeur of nature, and perhaps enjoy a light snack, using your overlanding kitchen to cook a meal right among these majestic cliffs.

Court of the Patriarchs: Three Majestic Cliffs of Zion

Three massive cliffs, named after biblical figures–Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob–look like stone guardians standing watch over the valley. They are especially beautiful at dawn when the first rays of sunlight paint them in golden hues. This is a place worth stopping at to enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in silence while being surrounded by towering cliffs. You can also take a short break here, using a mobile kitchen camping setup to enjoy a meal right in the heart of nature.

Our virtual journey has come to an end, and although we haven’t had time to explore every corner of Zion, we hope you’ve felt its unique atmosphere. Perhaps one day you’ll want to visit in person and relive these unforgettable moments.