Sample Itinerary from east side and around Zion National Park:

You may enter the east gate (6,000' elevation) or west gate (4,000' elevation) and drive the winding scenic roads of Zion National Park and enjoy taking photos or shooting video at many of the pullouts. At the east gate you are literally at the top of Zion National Park and this upper end has a very different terrain than the lower sections.  At either gate of the park you'll be able to obtain a park map that shows walking/hiking trails and other points of interest in the park. A map is also available on this website.  If entering from the east gate, be sure to view the Native American Cultural Center and Visitor Information Center just outside the east gate of the park. Just a couple of miles into the east side of the park is a formation called Checkerboard Mesa where there is a nice parking area to stop and take photographs and to enjoy the view. Click here to view our photo gallery.

Drive the winding scenic roads of the park and enjoy taking photos or shooting video at many of the pullouts. You are near the top of Zion National Park and this upper end has a very different terrain than the lower areas. Stop at such view areas as Checkerboard Mesa and then park near the entrance of the Zion Tunnel and take a leisurely walk to the Blind Arch overlook. The mile-long tunnel in Zion goes right through the side of the mountain. You'll enjoy driving slowly through the tunnel because there are windows in several intervals that look out onto Zion National Park. Once you exit the tunnel you will follow a very scenic drive down into the valley of Zion National Park where your elevation will be approximately 4,000 feet. From April to October a shuttle runs from the town of Springdale and takes you into the main canyon. This shuttle is your only access into the canyon during these months, so park your car in Springdale and jump on the shuttle. This will take you to any number of scenic stops.

In Zion National Park you may wish to take walks to Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock and the "Narrows" via the trail that begins at the Temple of Sinewava. Also stop at the turnout to shoot photos of the park's most famous formation "The Great White Throne." For more adventurous hikers we can tell you more about "Angel's Landing" and other backcountry adventures. We can pack lunches and drinks for your day in Zion National Park. If you'd like to make a loop out of your trip, you can venture off the road at the town of Rockville and venture to the old Ghost Town of Grafton. Here you'll see an old school house and other buildings from the early settlers of this community. It is also the location of a famous movie scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. From here you'll follow the well-graded dirt road up the hill and around toward the community of Apple Valley. You'll pass the Smith's Mesa and circle onto highway 59 and drive through Hildale on to Pipe Spring National Monument, a fort constructed for protection from the Indians along the Arizona Strip. You'll circle through Kanab and back to the park.

Enjoyable East Side Hikes: Just a few miles from the east entrance of the park you'll come to the east entrance of the Zion Tunnel. On the left side of the road (at the tunnel entrance) is a place to park your car so you can enjoy a leisurely walk (approximately ½ mile) to the Blind Arch Overlook. Across from the parking lot is a series of steps that takes you up about 15 feet. From here you'll follow a trail along the side of the Pine Creek slot canyon. The trail opens up onto a plateau overlooking Zion National Park. Walk to the railing on the edge and peer out into the main canyon - a remarkable view from the top down. Remember to carry plenty of drinking water.

Observation Point: There is a way to take the steep climb out of the Observation hike. On the east side of the park - go north on the North Fork road (5 miles) to Zion Ponderosa Ranch. Enter the ranch and go straight on the road across the ranch till you get to a fork in the road - look for signs that say Observation Point. Park your vehicle next to the park boundary and hike 2.5 miles to the overlook. Click here to view information on activities in the Zion National Park area.

Please note - these are simply ideas and you are responsible to check all road, weather and other conditions for safety.  This text is not an endorsement but for informational purposes. We recommend that you verify the accuracy of any information you find here - before venturing out on any trip or excursion. Be safe, take water, do not take unnecessary risks.