Discover Zion National Park: Epic, Full-Day Audio Driving Tour

If it’s before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., most shops in the tiny town of Virgin will be closed. If you’re here midday, Virgin does feature a few unique places to stop and grab some sweet treats or a hot meal. Check out the highlights for more information.

Explore the most photographed ghost town in the West! This abandoned Mormon settlement still has several cabins, houses, and a town hall to explore. This well-preserved window to the past was the filming location for the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’s famous bike scene. Be sure to take lots of selfies and share them with us on social media!

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Springdale, but what you’ll definitely want to do first is grab your gear! If you want hiking sticks or waterproof clothing, swing by one of the adventure shops to rent some equipment. Need a bite before hitting the trails? Springdale has several scrumptious breakfast cafes to choose from.

Zion National Park is the third most visited park in the United States—and for good reason! Mesas and mountains, cliffs and canyons, Zion’s beauty draws in visitors from all over the world. We’ll take you on an epic adventure from La Verkin up through famous Zion Canyon, and exit out of East Zion—a little over 50 miles on an unforgettable journey. Along the way, we’ll stop at inspiring overlooks, abandoned ghost-towns, slot canyons, ancient pictographs, and more! Shaka Guide gives you the freedom to choose where and how we explore Zion.

We made it to Zion Canyon! Here at our first park stop, take a moment to talk to the rangers, grab a map, use the restroom, and fill up your water bottles. If you need a wilderness permit, this is where you’ll pick one up. Be sure to check the schedule for any ranger talks or walks you might be interested in. There is also a bookstore and gift shop, but it’s probably best to save all that for after your hikes. When you’re ready, get in line for the shuttle (if it's shuttle season) and get ready for adventure!

If you pull into the Zion Human History Museum, you can make your way over to the back patio of the Human History Museum to enjoy a highly-recommended ranger talk. Even if you stop by when no talk is being held, the view of the Towers of The Virgin formation is truly amazing and well worth the visit.

Your next viewpoint is the Court of the Patriarchs formation. From left to right, visitors can find Abraham Isaac, and Jacob— the patriarchs of Judaism. Take a moment to hop out and get a better view.

Your first must-see trail is the Lower Emerald Pools. This 2-mile hike features water drizzling from sandstone cliffs, glittering hanging gardens, and bright emerald pools. This trail is family-friendly and can be accessed across the street from the Zion Lodge. 

Exit at The Grotto to begin your epic ascent up to Angel’s Landing—a thrilling chain-assisted climb up a narrow precipice! When you reach the top, you’ll earn both bragging rights and an incredible view. If you aren’t feeling up to the climb, simply stop at Scout’s Lookout for an equally stunning vista. If you go all the way up to Angel’s Landing it’s about 5-miles round-trip. Though Angel’s Landing itself is only an extra half-mile each way, crowding and difficulty can add a great deal of time. Please note: Angel's Landing now requires a permit. Permits are not included with entry to the park or purchase of the tour.

The Temple of Sinawava is the final stop along the canyon, and it’s here that you’ll disembark and undertake The Narrows.

Make your way through narrow shaded canyons, hiking your way up the scenic riverbed as far as you like.

If fighting a chilly river upstream isn’t your idea of fun, stop after you finish Riverside Walk—a paved 2-mile trail that follows beside the river.

In 1929, Zion had one tiny problem standing in the way of connecting it to the Grand Canyon and the rest of the world. Namely, Mt.Carmel. But to let a little thing like a mountain stand in the way? Pshht...never! Today, visitors can appreciate the wondrous feat of engineering that is the Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Drive through this narrow depression-era tunnel and emerge into East Zion!

Canyon Overlook Trail is a short, 1-mile hike overlooking East Zion’s rugged landscape. It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy a high-elevation viewpoint, but would rather not undertake a high-elevation climb. And the views? Absolutely amazing!

The Checkerboard Mesa bears stunning criss-cross markings across its face—the result of years of expansion and weathering. At farther viewpoints, the checkerboard pattern becomes more obvious. Pull over on your left before passing the Ranger Station for the best view of this awesome feature.

The entrance to Kolob Canyons is located off of  I-15, about 20 minutes north of La Verkin or 15 minutes south of Cedar City. This less-crowded area of Zion National Park offers about a 15-minute scenic drive with several unique hikes to enjoy. If visitors are driving South from Cedar City and have not yet picked up their park passes, there is a visitor center where you can purchase your pass. Be aware that Kolob Canyons may close during snow events.

The first trail you’ll pass will be Taylor Creek Trail, a 5-mile round-trip hike with several unique sights. The Fife and Larson cabins—the first homes built in Kolob Canyons—can be found here, as well as a double arch.

This short, easy trail leads to a panoramic overlook of Kolob Canyons, the Pine Valley Mountains, and Red Butte. If you only have time for one short hike while in Kolob Canyons, be sure to do this one!

Even if you choose not to do any hikes, the scenic drive will take about 45 minutes each way and can be a great way to take in the sights, even if you never leave the car. Be aware that Kolob Terrace may close during snow events.