44 / 100
What you’ll see:
The postcard version of the American Southwest. Zion is 229 square miles of storybook-caliber scenery
that features a collection of claustrophobic canyons complete with red and tan sandstone cliffs that rise
up to 2,000 feet. Snaking along the picturesque ravines, the Virgin River system helps sustain a hearty
juniper and pine population
.
Take it easy:
Bring your binoculars to see bald eagles and
California condors; stop at a visitor center for a
complete checklist of the more than 200 winged
species that can be spotted here.
Work up a sweat:
Book a local outfitter for a day of canyoneering,
hiking, rappelling, climbing, and maybe even
splashing around Zion’s famous gorges.
Don’t miss:
The Narrows. Not surprisingly, this is the narrowest part of the canyon — and arguably the most
impressive. There’s a wheelchair-accessible path so everyone can witness the entrance. From there, it’s
possible to continue exploring if you don’t mind hiking upstream
in
the Virgin River.
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Location:
Southwest Utah; 1:30 from Mesquite