Zion National Park Tour

En route to the park, you’ll pass Nellis Air Force Base before crossing the Moapa River Indian Reservation and Mohave Desert. Nearing the northwest corner of Arizona, you’ll enter the Virgin River Gorge - a steep canyon carved out by the same river that winds its way through Zion. This section of Interstate is an engineering marvel, traversing 29 miles of an ancient, 500-million-year-old sandstone gorge.

After entering the town of Springdale near the Zion South Entrance, you’ll board the Zion Canyon Shuttle and head up the canyon along the 7-mile Scenic Drive. Your guide will lead you on a three- to four-hour exploration of Zion Canyon National Park. You’ll disembark the shuttle at four to five stops for spectacular views, short walks and a picnic lunch. Potential stops include the Temple of Sinawava, Big Bend, the Grotto, Court of the Patriarchs and the Zion Canyon Visitor Centre.

The Temple of Sinawava is a natural amphitheater carved by the Virgin River’s incredible power and persistence. It’s sheer, rusty red and chocolate cliffs reach upwards like skyscrapers. Learn about area geology, flora and fauna as you stroll along the Riverside Walk with your guide. The paved path is an idyllic setting that leads to the Narrows, one of Zion’s most popular hiking trails.

Big Bend is a large, breath-taking bend in the Virgin River that reveals the Great White Throne, Angels Landing and Cable Mountain. Watch for nesting raptors, the once-endangered Peregrin Falcon, and currently-endangered California Condor. (Bring your binoculars or zoom lens!)

After a short walk, the tour group will stop for a picnic lunch at The Grotto, a popular trailhead shaded by large cottonwood trees. You'll see beautiful views of the Virgin River, Angel’s Landing and both walls of Zion Canyon Valley. In the 1920s, this area marked the end of the road into Zion Canyon. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) even built a campground here as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

The Court of the Patriarchs is a set of three sandstone cliffs towering almost 2,000 feet above the valley's verdant floor. The three peaks, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, were named in 1916 by a Methodist Minister and two local boys from Southern Uthah. The majestic court evokes the significance of the very name "Zion"—meaning promise land. You'll enjoy excellent views of The Sentinel and Mount Moroni from the same viewpoint. This is one of the best locations in Zion Canyon for landscape photography.

Your time inside the park will include a stop at the “super-green” Zion Canyon Visitor Centre. The Centre was built on a previously undisturbed site and utilized outdoor exhibits to take advantage of Zion’s climate. Enjoy scenic views, shop and follow the “Ecohunt” signs to learn about the building’s green features.