Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its massive sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and unique desert ecosystems. Established in 1919, it was Utah’s first national park and continues to attract visitors with its dramatic elevation shifts and striking rock formations. The park’s most iconic feature, Zion Canyon, stretches for 15 miles and reaches depths of up to 2,640 feet, carved over time by the Virgin River. Visitors often begin their experience with the scenic drive along Zion Canyon Scenic Route, which is closed to private vehicles much of the year and accessed by a free shuttle system that stops at trailheads and viewpoints.

Hiking is a major draw in Zion, with trails ranging from short walks to demanding climbs. Angels Landing, a trail that ends atop a narrow rock fin with steep drop-offs on either side, has become a bucket-list hike for many and now requires a permit due to its popularity and risk factors. Another standout is The Narrows, where visitors wade directly through the Virgin River between canyon walls that rise hundreds of feet above. Trekking through this section often involves navigating waist-deep water, making it one of the more unusual hiking experiences in the U.S. National Park System.