With its soaring cliffs, riverine forests and cascading waterfalls, ZION NATIONAL PARK is the most conventionally beautiful of Utah's parks. On first glance, it's also the least "Southwestern"; its centerpiece, Zion Canyon , is a lush oasis that feels far removed from the otherworldly desolation of Canyonlands or the downright weirdness of Bryce. Like California's Yosemite Canyon, it's a spectacular gorge, squeezed between mighty walls of rock and echoing to the sound of running water; also like Yosemite, it can get claustrophobic in summer with its approach roads clogged with traffic and its limited facilities crammed with sweltering tourists.

Too many visitors see Zion Canyon as a quick half-day detour off the interstate, as they race between Las Vegas (158 miles southwest) and Salt Lake City (320 miles northeast). Beautiful though the Scenic Drive through the canyon may be, Zion deserves much more of your time than that. Even the shortest hiking trail within the canyon can help you escape the crowds, while a day-hike will take you away from the deceptive verdure of the valley and up onto the high-desert tablelands beyond.

Summer is by far the busiest season. That's despite temperatures in excess of 100°F, and violent thunderstorms concentrated in August and a week or so to either side. If you can, come in April or May, to see the spring flowers bloom - though the mosquitoes are also at their peak - or in September and October, to enjoy the fall colors along the river. The admission charge for Zion, valid in all sections of the park for seven days, is $20 per vehicle, or $10 for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

More about Zion National Park:

Visiting Zion Canyon

Zion National Park

• Zion National Park
• Visiting Zion Canyon
• Practicalities

Explore Zion National Park

• Kolob Canyons

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