Hildale, Utah

…Who doesn’t enjoy a hike that gives you views as if you’re on top of the world! I know I do, and this hike to Water Canyon Arch (Eye of the Heavens Arch) will do just that!There’s two ways of getting to the arch, but the route I took was the squirrel creek trail, to the Canaan mountain trail. On...

Water Canyon is a narrow canyon on the southern side of Canaan Mountain in the Canaan Mountain Wilderness south of Zion. It makes for a great hike away from the crowds, though do not expect to have the trail to yourself as it is a great starting point for backpacking and canyoneering trips into t...

The Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Tracksite is one of the most diverse track sites in North America.  The site contains hundreds of fossilized tracks from at least five different species of dinosaur.  The tracks have been preserved since the early Jurassic period dating back to approximately 180 mil...

Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway is gorgeous 9.5 mile road that runs between Rockville near the entrance to Zion National Park and Apple Valley UT, and affords excellent places to camp & boondock *as long* as it is 0.5 miles from the road itself (and there are numerous turn offs). To get ...

Wire Mesa off the Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway is a fantastic place to camp in southeastern Utah even if you do not plan on visiting Zion, just a few miles to the north. There several backcountry campsites on the Mesa, with the northwestern-most site giving the best views overlooking the V...

Grafton Ghost Town is an abandoned small town 7 miles outside Zion National Park and the modern towns of Rockville and Springdale, Utah.  To get there from Highway 9, get off on Bridge Lane residential road and cross the Virgin River on a historic single track iron bridge- then  head west. At th...

This state park is not heavily visited and for a makes a great day trip from Zion National Park or Kanab, UT. Expect endless beautiful pink dunes and Utah's red rocks as your backdrop. Once you park, walk out onto the boardwalk and the short Nature Trail will head out just beyond the signs explai...

Watchman Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds at Zion National Park. With a prime location only a ¼ mile away from the South entrance and gorgeous scenery right outside of your tent, including the tall sandstone cliffs that surround it, it’s easy to see why this campground is everyon...

The view of the Watchman from Canyon Junction Bridge was formerly one of the most highly photographed views in Zion National Park. Per Zion National Park regulations, standing on the Canyon Junction Bridge for photographs is not permitted. Your best alternative is Pine Creek Bridge, a pedestrian ...

Disclaimer: Canyoneering is a dangerous and technical activity. Don’t enter any canyon without the skills to match it, or the knowledge to navigate it. Pine Creek requires a canyoneering permit that can be reserved online and picked up at the Zion Visitor Center. Be sure to reserve your permit 3 ...

The trailhead is located east out of the 1.1 mile long tunnel off highway 9. Parking is available immediately to the right after exiting the tunnel and the trail then begins with these charming steps, carved into sandstone, that climb above the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The trail is broad and easy ...

This adventure is a strenuous 4-mile (3-5 hour) loop into the backcountry of ZNP and is not recommended for families or those with a fear of heights. It begins at the Canyon Overlook Trailhead located on the east side of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Parking in the area is very competitive and I ...

Experience solitude and beauty at Little Creek Mesa Utah. When you get there, grab a campsite, and go for an evening mountain bike ride along the rim of the mesa and see breathtaking views of the valley below as the sun sets.  Little Creek Mesa is located 22 miles from Hurricane, Utah and only 8 ...

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main road through Zion NP.  There is a fee to drive through the park, and it can only be seen via shuttle during the high tourist season.  If doing the entire scenic drive, on Hwy 9 from I-15 to Mt. Carmel Junction, you will pass through the surrounding cities of H...

Windmill trail and trailhead sits just down the road from Gooseberry Mesa Trailhead in Apple Valley, Utah. Head out on this figure-8 loop for as long as you want. If you're smart, you'll bring your MTB, and you can ride the singletrack once you're done getting your run in.This is also a great spo...

To get there, drive about .8 miles east of the smaller tunnel on the Zion-Mt. Carmel highway. There will be a place to pull out and park on a large turn. Continue walking down the road about 150 yards east and cross the street before the next turn. There is no marked trail, but there should be a ...