Hiking and Camping in Zion

Leaving St. George in the rear-view mirror, your trip begins with a drive to Snow Canyon State Park. Like a mini Zion, Snow Canyon (named after a man, not precipitation) is in the same Navajo Sandstone layer as Zion, and cuts impressive walls from the lava-covered country above the rim through the slickrock country below. Along the way, enjoy stunning views, visit (and perhaps explore) young lava tubes, and get a great introduction to canyon country. Eat lunch along the trail and complete the loop then drive to Zion where you will setup camp and cook dinner.

Your second day’s hike is arguably the most iconic in Zion — the Virgin River Narrows. Your hike begins with a stroll down the paved River Trail, buttressed by water on our left and a 3,000-foot cliff face on the right. After walking along hanging gardens and under the dappled shade of cottonwoods, the sidewalk ends and you will enter the river. Hiking in moving water can be a new and exciting experience so you will have time to get your “stream legs” before walking another 1.5 miles upriver to the turnaround point at Orderville Canyon. Before heading back downstream, get a few more photos of the Narrows’ beauty and stop-off for a relaxing shoreline lunch.

On your final morning, eat breakfast, breakdown camp and embark on an exciting exploration of Zion Canyon. After enjoying a lesser-travelled hike through the lower canyon, board the Zion shuttle bus and hike up to Scout Lookout. Admire unrivalled views of the dramatic canyon system below then follow trails along the canyon walls which offer a fantastic vantage point over the canyon floor. Emerge at the serene Emerald Pools, named for their glorious green tones, then descend to the lawn of the historic Zion Lodge and sit down to a late picnic lunch. From here, head back to St. George where your trip will come to an end.