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Nature|National & State Parks

Utahns Will Never Forget Their First Time Visiting Zion National Park In Utah

Zion National Park in Utah is renowned for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and recreational opportunities.

Published Oct 21, 2021

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

Every state has an iconic landmark that most residents have visited at least once. In Utah, that landmark is Zion National Park. Among the state’s best natural wonders, the park boasts some of the most outstanding scenery in Utah. It’s truly a spectacular sight – one that most Utahns will never forget seeing for the first time.

Located in southern Utah near the city of Springdale, Zion National Park was established in 1919, making it Utah’s first national park.

Sign for Zion National Park with a rocky mountain backdrop and lush greenery.
Lee Coursey/Flickr

It’s not just Utah’s first national park, though. It’s also one of the best – something that hasn’t been lost on locals as well as tourists.

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A car drives along a winding road surrounded by red rock formations and green trees in a scenic landscape.
Don Graham/Flickr

The park’s most distinguishing feature is the steep red cliffs of Zion Canyon. In fact, the park is often referred to as a “vertical park” because of its towering vertical walls.

Aerial view of a winding river through red rock canyons, with greenery visible in the valley below.
Udo S/Flickr

Waterfalls, wildlife, and sweeping vistas are also hallmarks of the park.

A herd of bison wades in a muddy pond near a windmill, surrounded by green grass and trees under a blue sky.
Diana Robinson/Flickr

More than 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails wind through the park, making it easy to explore its best sites.

A wooden bridge spans a river surrounded by lush greenery and towering rock formations under a partly cloudy sky.
brando/Flickr

The Narrows, Canyon Overlook Trail, Pa'rus Trail, Observation Point, and the Watchman Trail are among the park’s most popular treks.

Sign for Watchman Trail with symbols for hiking and biking, set against a backdrop of rocky mountains and blue sky.
Carrie Carter/All Trails

If driving is more your thing, you’re in luck. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and Zion-Mount Carmel Highway both traverse the park, leading to some of the park’s most remarkable sites.

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A black car parked on a scenic road with towering red rock formations and lush greenery in the background.
Udo S/Flickr

Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? No problem; between spring and fall, there’s a sightseeing bus that follows the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The bus even stops at the major sites, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

A shuttle bus parked near a sign for Zion Canyon, with scenic mountains in the background and two people waiting nearby.
nps.gov

In addition to hiking and sightseeing, Zion National Park offers canyoneering, rock climbing, and camping.

A stunning landscape featuring a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff, surrounded by lush greenery and a colorful sunset sky.
G. Lamar/Flickr

Between the stunning sights and wealth of recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder Zion National Park makes a lasting impression on all who visit! So, what do you think? Are you ready to (re)visit Zion National Park? For more information on the park, check out the National Park Service website.

So, have you ever been to this famous Utah park? If so, how long has it been since your last visit? Aside from Zion National Park, what’s another iconic Utah attraction? Tell us!

Not all worthwhile destinations are as well known as Zion National Park. Need proof? Click here to read about a hidden gem park that’s perfect for your next outing.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Snow Canyon State Park’s Scout Cave Trail in Utah for an Unforgettable Adventure

In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real.

Published Nov 5, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Utah is a nature lover's dream, and we're blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the country. It just doesn't get much better than our vast canyons and stunning rock formations. I could spend the rest of my life hiking in the Beehive State and still get excited about hitting the trail each day! In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real. Plus, it's kid and pet-friendly!

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AllTrails Zach Schuster

Scout Cave Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike that passes over lava flow fields, Navajo Sandstone rocks, and stream beds. Although it's rated as intermediate on AllTrails, most hikers describe it as being easy, so you definitely don't need to be super skilled. The elevation gain is about 350 feet, and just a few moderate climbing sections make up the bulk of it. You're unlikely to get lost because the trail is very well-marked, and the variation in terrain makes for an interesting adventure from start to finish.

By far the coolest part of the trail (and the main reason anyone hikes it in the first place) is Scout Cave. It's located right before the turnaround point and showcases unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city below. You can actually go inside the cave, which makes this trail a favorite among kiddos.

Shade is minimal, so if you're visiting in the summer, you'll definitely want to wear a hat and load up on sunscreen. Getting started early in the morning also helps with the temperature issue - although the views at sunset are equally as mesmerizing. You should also bring plenty of water and a snack or two, and make sure you have durable footwear for the rock scrambling sections of the trail (however brief they may be).

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Scout Cave Trail, including the parking fee for Snow Canyon State Park. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you do a lot of hiking. The app offers exclusive perks like offline and 3D maps, ensuring you never miss a turn.

Have you ever hiked this trail? If so, do you think it's one of the best hikes in Utah? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article for some of the best things to do in the nearby town of St. George. It's perfect for a family getaway!

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

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AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

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