Zion National Park Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome: Springdale Visitor Center

  Welcome to Zion National Park! This raw landscape has it all: staggering mountain peaks, stunning natural pools, and gorgeous vistas. We’ll explore it all today.

• Shuttle Stop 1: Zion Visitor Center

  Continue straight. Just before the bridge, you’ll see a path on the left. That’s the start of the Pa’rus Trail. And just after the bridge is another path -- the Watchman Trail. Both are popular hikes with great views at the end.

• Shuttle Stop 2: Zion Human History Museum

  While we don’t know too much about those Ice Age hunters, newer residents left their stories behind. Around 300 BCE, people started settling down here and farming. They grew squash and corn, and gradually learned how to better cultivate the land and survive the unforgiving climate. One group, the Fremont, cultivated a drought- and cold-resistant species of corn which could thrive even at high altitudes.

• Shuttle Stop 3: Canyon Junction & the Watchman

  "We’re almost at Canyon Junction Bridge. There’s a lot going on there: First, it’s a great sunset spot. Be sure to come back here later. Second, there are great views of the Watchman and other mountains. If you find parking, take it and listen to the Learn More stories about the peaks. Third, this is where the road splits: Turn left if you want to drive along the Scenic Road and visit the Narrows, Angel’s Landing, or the Emerald Pools."

• Shuttle Stop 4: Court of the Patriarchs Vista Point

  "Whew, what a view! Those three mountains are the iconic Court of the Patriarchs. And who are these patriarchs? Well, a local Christian minister named them after three figures from the Bible: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, from left to right. "

• Shuttle Stop 5: Zion National Park Lodge

  The park service works hard to keep this place as natural and untouched as possible… while simultaneously handling over 4 million visitors each year. But that wasn’t the case in the early 1900s. No one knew about this place and that meant no revenue... and that meant… development.

• Emerald Pools Trailhead Ahead

  "First, bring lots of water! You may think you’ve got enough… but you probably don’t. This might seem obvious, but Utah’s heat is unforgiving, and heat-stroke or sun-stroke can easily ruin a fun vacation. Second, make sure you don’t overtax yourself! Hiking around here is going to be more difficult than you might be used to, thanks to the elevation. Be sure you don’t embark on journeys you’re not certain you’ll be able to finish."

• Angel's Landing

  This park has a ton of great trails, but Angel’s Landing stands in a league of its own. Those who complete the hike describe it as a breathtaking experience like no other, offering impossible views and a major adrenaline rush.

• Shuttle Stop 6: The Grotto Picnic Area

  his spot offers picnic tables, restrooms, and fire grates. But the surrounding trails are the main attraction!

• Shuttle Stop 7: Weeping Rock

  A continuous stream of water trickles down its face from a stream far above

• Shuttle Stop 8: Big Bend

  As we round the Big Bend of the Virgin River, we’ll approach the last viewpoint on this drive. Stop there for magnificent views of the Great White Throne and the towering peak of Angel’s Landing.

• Shuttle Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava

  To see the Narrows, you’ll want to follow the paved Riverwalk all the way to the end. It’s a flat, easy walk, full of beautiful greenery and towering natural skyscrapers. But before you set off, let’s talk about the Temple of Sinawava.

• East Temple

  That towering summit ahead is the East Temple, standing at 1,700 feet. Notice how the cliff isn’t all one color? You’ve probably seen this on the other rock faces as well. That’s because these cliffs are actually made of rock from a bunch of different eras in the earth’s history.

• Zion Scenic Viewpoint 2

  At the next hairpin turn, you’ll see a pull off. If there’s room, stop there for some incredible views. While stopped, click on Learn More to hear why the Mormons called this place Zion.

• The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

  Make sure to turn on those headlights -- because the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is just ahead! Once inside, you might be tempted to stop and take photos, but you’ll have to resist the urge: stopping is strictly prohibited.

• Canyon Overlook Trail

  The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of East Zion’s finest -- even though it’s short and easy. Why? Simple -- the spectacular views from the top.

• Bringing a Forest Down to Zion

  If you look closely at the Altar of Sacrifice, you’ll notice that it’s got streaks of rusty red running down the sides. Early Mormon pioneers saw this and thought it looked like blood spilling from a sacrificial altar. Of course, there’s a much less gruesome explanation.

• Checkerboard Mesa

  Look at that mesa rising into the sky. Notice anything peculiar? As you get closer, you should be able to make out a strange grid of criss-crossed lines all over it. It looks a bit like a checkerboard, which is how it gets the name Checkerboard Mesa!

• Conclusion: East Entrance Ranger Station

  We’re at the East Ranger Station, which means we’ve reached the end of our tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the formation of this majestic place and all the people who’ve lived here over the millennia. If you’re planning to visit other parks in the southwest, such as Bryce, Arches, or Monument Valley, be sure to check out my other tours.