Zion National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Itinerary

1. 1

   As you pull in, be sure to check in at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to show your park pass.

   20 min
2. 2

   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!

   30 min
3. 3

   At La Verkin Overlook, youu2019ll get a beautiful panoramic view of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River Gorge, Pine Valley mountains, and, of course, La Verkin itself.nnTo get there, weu2019ll take a 15-minute round-trip drive down a gravel road.

   15 min
4. 4

   Weu2019re now passing one of the most popular canyoneering locations of Zion: The Subway.nnThe Subway requires a Wilderness Permit from the Zion lottery, so, in order to take The Subway, you really will need a ticket. You can take The Subway two ways: from the bottom-up or the top-down.nnThe bottom-up is less technical, requires no canyoneering, and begins at the Left Fork trailhead on our right.

   Pass by
5. 5

   Lava Point Overlook is a basalt cliff that overlooks a green volcanic valley filled with pinyon, juniper, and white pine trees.nnFrom the over 2,400-meter-high overlook, you can see all the way out to the Paunsaugunt Plateau of Bryce and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.nnThis viewpoint has no required hike, so as long as the weather is safe for us to travel, letu2019s continue on Kolob Terrace Road.

   15 min
6. 6

   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 Kidu2019s famous bike scene. Be sure to take lots of selfies and share them with us on social media!

   40 min
7. 7

   Grafton is a ghost town with a somewhat unusual history.nnWhile the majority of abandoned settlements were once mining townsu2014subject to the boom and bust nature of miningu2014Grafton is an agricultural ghost town.nnVisitors today can see the abandoned houses and even go inside a few.

   15 min
8. 8

   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 youu2019ll 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 itu2019s probably best to save all that for after your hikes. When youu2019re ready, get in line for the shuttle (if it's shuttle season) and get ready for adventure!

   20 min
9. 9

   Does the line for the park shuttle look a little daunting? Well, there is another option for those in the know.nnRest assured, I am in the know. And lucky for you, you know me.nnYou can skip the line by taking the sunny Pau2019rus (pah-roos) trail to the Human History Museum and board the shuttle there.nnThis is the only trail in Zion where you can ride bikes or walk dogs.nnWhile it is both paved and pleasant to walk, itu2019s also 1.7 miles long, so it may not be suitable for everyone. Follow the signs at the Visitor Center if this sounds like a good option for you.

   Pass by
10. 10

    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.

    10 min
11. 11

    Your next viewpoint is the Court of the Patriarchs formation. From left to right, visitors can find Abraham Isaac, and Jacobu2014 the patriarchs of Judaism. Take a moment to hop out and get a better view.

    10 min
12. 12

    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.

    1 hour
13. 13

    Exit at The Grotto to begin your epic ascent up to Angelu2019s Landingu2014a thrilling chain-assisted climb up a narrow precipice! When you reach the top, youu2019ll earn both bragging rights and an incredible view. If you arenu2019t feeling up to the climb, simply stop at Scoutu2019s Lookout for an equally stunning vista. If you go all the way up to Angelu2019s Landing itu2019s about 5-miles round-trip. Though Angelu2019s Landing itself is only an extra half-mile each way, crowding and difficulty can add a great deal of time.nnPlease note: Angel's Landing now requires a permit. Permits are not included with entry to the park or purchase of the tour.

    2 hours
14. 14

    Around 800 A.D., by rain or snow, water began working its way through the layers of what we now call u201cWeeping Rock.u201dnnFor over 1,000 years it percolated downward before encountering the impermeable Kayenta Formation.nnForced to move horizontally, the water diffused out of the soft limestone, washing away the formation as it went. Since this paved trail is a mere half-mile round trip, I recommend we explore it.

    Pass by
15. 15

    The Temple of Sinawava is the final stop along the canyon, and itu2019s here that youu2019ll disembark and undertake The Narrows.

    Pass by
16. 16

    When an arch is not freestanding, we call that a u201cblind arch.u201d Zion's blind arch can be seen along the roadway, or at several pullovers along its serpentine road.

    10 min
17. 17

    Canyon Overlook Trail is a short, 1-mile hike overlooking East Zionu2019s rugged landscape. Itu2019s 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!

    30 min
18. 18

    The Checkerboard Mesa bears stunning criss-cross markings across its faceu2014the 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.

    10 min
19. 19

    Interested in exploring even more of East Zion? At the Ranger station, weu2019ll have access to several famous hiking trails including Observation Point, the highest lookout in Zion.nnThe main vein, known as East Mesa Trail, branches into several other trails, including Observation Pointu2014the highest lookout in Zion.nnIf you want to see the remnants of the Cable Mountain Pulley system, East Rim Trail will also be your starting point.nnThese trails are long and interconnected, so be sure to check our highlights or speak to the ranger for more information before you set out.

    5 min