Zion National Park - 1-Day Highlights (No Permits)

Zion Canyon Visitor Center Start your visit here! This visitor center sits at the lower end of Zion Canyon, the main canyon in Zion National Park. Zion Canyon is a deep and narrow canyon carved by the Virgin River. It was first called Zion, meaning safety or refuge, in 1862 by Mormon settler Isaac Behunin. Obtain orientation and trip planning information, and wilderness permits here. You will find the Zion Forever Project bookstore selling park-related merchandise, outdoor exhibits, and a picnic area here as well. You can also transfer to the Springdale Shuttle Line from this point. Trails accessed from here: Watchman Trail Pa’rus Trail (allows bicycles and leashed pets; access to Virgin River) Archaeology Trail Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus is running, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is shuttle stop #1. To reach the Springdale Shuttle line, walk through the Zion Canyon Visitor Center plaza to the entrance station on the bridge. The Springdale Shuttle line picks up and drops off passengers under the shade pavilion across the bridge.

Devil Canyon Overlook is the must see location in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The hightlight of the overlook are no doubt the stunning views of this narrow, colorful, winding canyon with walls over 1,000 feet tall. In addition to the impressive canyon views a variety of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Pryor Mountain Wild Mustangs, Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons are also frequently seen around the overlook.

The Riverside Walk is a relatively flat and paved trail in the northern end of Zion Canyon. This easy trail follows the Virgin River as the sheer sandstone walls narrow in around you. The Riverside Walk is mostly flat through the first half-mile, although paving is irregular in some sections and minor drop-offs are present.

The Watchman trail is out-and-back. From the relatively flat beginning section of trail by the river, this unpaved trail climbs to a magnificent viewpoint of the Watchman, Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, and the Town of Springdale. The terrain is sandy, rocky, and uneven, with several moderate drop-offs.