Timber Creek Overlook reveals Kolob Canyons in all its splendor. From here, onlookers can look across vast swathes of green to find Horse Ranch Mountain, the three famous finger canyons, Timber Top Mountain, and Nagunt Mesa.

At the end of a one and a half mile gravel road, La Verkin Overlook, visitors will get a beautiful panoramic view of Zion canyons, the Virgin River Gorge, Pine Valley mountains, and, of course, La Verkin Town. At the overlook, visitors can choose to folllow La Verkin Overlook Trail down into the gorge.

Lava Point Overlook is a basalt cliff which overlooks a green volcanic valley filled with pinyon, juniper, and white pine trees. From the over 12,000 ft. high overlook, visitors can see all the way out to Paunsaugunt Plateau of Bryce Canyon National Park and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This viewpoint has no required hike, so as long as the weather is safe for us to travel, let’s continue on up Kolob Terrace Road. We’ll arrive in about ten minutes.

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Three white-capped peaks make up the Court of the Patriarchs. From left to right, at the viewpoint visitors can spot Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—named for the patriarchs of Judaism.

Image: au_ears, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Along East Zion's scenic switchbacks visitors can find many overlooks showcasing the Great Arch. Though not freestanding, at about 600’ wide and 400’ tall, this "blind" arch is a massively impressive sight.

At the station, visitors have access to several famous hiking trails. The main vein, known as East Mesa Trail, branches into several other trails, including Observation Point—the highest lookout in Zion. Be sure to talk to the ranger or pick up a trail map for more information on this isolate part of Zion.

At the visitor center, visitors can ask for information, grab trail maps, browse the bookstore, and fill up our water bottles. If you are doing any backcountry camping or canyoneering, the visitor center is also where you can pick up your Wilderness Permits.

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is your first stop along this northwest section of Zion National Park. Visitors must enter to show or purchase their interagency pass, but this center is also a great opportunity to use the restroom and refill your water before heading out to explore the majestic canyons. If you have time, be sure to browse the interpretive exhibits and the National Parks Forever Bookstore.

Grafton is a ghost town with a somewhat unusual history. While the majority of abandoned settlements were once mining towns—subject to the boom and bust nature of mining—Grafton is an agricultural ghost town. At Grafton, visitors can explore the cemetery and the town buildings while learning about its history.

The human history museum actually holds 300,000 historical artifacts, specimens, and art. Visitors can also take a break from the weather and enjoy a free 22-minute film overviewing the park or enjoy a ranger talk held on the back patio.

Image: Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA - God bless it!, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This long and scenic trail follows along La Verkin Creek, winding its way out from Kolob’s finger canyons to North America’s second largest freestanding arch. The La Verkin trail also marks the beginning (or end) of the 47-mile trans-Zion trek which takes backpackers across Zion National Park in a multi-day backpacking trip. 15 miles roundtrip to arch.

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Image: aoiaio, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visitors to Zion Canyons who only have time for one short hike should make Timber Creek Overlook their priority. This short half-mile climb reveals a fantastic vista overlooking the lush Timber Creek drainage and Pine Valley Mountains. This gradually ascending hike is one of the few trails in Kolob Canyon which are appropriate for smaller children. 1.1 miles roundtrip.

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Follow the sunny paved trail along the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. This is the only trail in Zion Canyon which allows pets and bicycles on its paved path. The Pa’rus trail is also an excellent way to bypass the shuttle queue at the Visitor Center. Simply take the trail to the Human History Museum by following a short connector trail. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Visitor Center. 3.5 miles roundtrip.

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Image: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Follow a short but steep trail down to a dripping alcove sheltering a green oasis of hanging gardens. This cooling recess percolates with fossil-water, water that may have first fallen in Zion over a millenia ago! Take the steps down from the bridge at the end of the trail to enjoy a cooling splash in the stream during the hot summer months. 0.4 miles roundtrip.

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Image: Hardscarf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most famous hikes in Zion, this climb takes adventurers past Scout’s Lookout (about 4 miles) and up the adjacent narrow precipice. Hikers will cling to chain-assists as they try to make their way across the thrilling 0.5-mile sky-high ascent and earn their bragging rights. For visitors who do not wish to continue on this exciting excursion, a view of equal magnitude can be held from Scout’s Lookout. Be aware that this trail can be extremely crowded, and hikers will have to make way for passing groups along narrow, dangerous ledges. 5.4 miles roundtrip.

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Image: Nicolas Vollmer from Munich [Allemagne], CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hikers along The Narrows should come prepared with the equipment necessary for hiking along a rocky riverbed. Some recommended gear includes hiking sticks, canyon shoes, and neoprene socks. Begin by entering at the end of The Riverside Walk and begin hiking upstream against the flows of the Virgin River, continuing for as long as you desire. This shady hike through the cool waters of Zion is an excellent choice for hot summer days, and treats visitors to stunning views of the narrow red canyon walls throughout. While this is one of Zion’s most popular trails, there is plenty of room for everyone willing to practice a little patience. Up to 9.4 miles, depending ondistance traveled.

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This short trail is one of the most popular and relatively easy hikes on the eastern side of Zion. Be aware that while the elevation gain is fairly mild, visitors will have to make their way across some wider slickrock ledges. Once they reach the overlook, hikers can enjoy a stunning view of the canyon and towering monoliths of sandstone and slickrock. Parking for this busy traill is limited, so aim to arrive in early morning or late afternoon if possible. 1 mile roundtrip.

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This is the only place to eat inside Zion Canyon. They feature salads, burgers, and traditional american fare. They also have a beer and wine list for guests to unwind after a challenging hike.

Image: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hip hip hooray. You made it back from Angel’s Landing in one piece! I never doubted you! As we drive, look up and to the right for the white sandstone mesa looming over the canyon. That’s the aptly named Great White Throne.

John Dahlstet, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

We’re almost at our final stop—The Temple of Sinawava—named after the Southern Paiute’s creator god. There are several fantastic hikes here, including one of Zion’s most famous—The Narrows. Note that at a part of the trail known as “Wall Street,” the gap between the canyon walls can shrink to a mere 30 feet, or only 9 meters across.

John Dahlstet, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

We’re now approaching the most remarkable feature of East Zion—the Checkerboard Mesa. It’s coming up on our right. While the Checkerboard Mesa Canyon trail begins here, the best viewpoint is a little further up on our left, past the mesa. Best viewed from a distance, the white sandstone bears criss-crossed or “checkerboard” bands on its face. 

So what causes these distinct hatch marks across the mesa? The vertical lines come from expansion and contraction of the sandstone, caused by heating and cooling under the desert sun. The horizontal cracks are actually caused by wind erosion. Pull into the small parking area coming up on our left to get a good view of the Checkerboard Mesa.

Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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

We’re now passing one of the most popular canyoneering locations of Zion:  The Subway. The 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. The bottom-up is less technical, requires no canyoneering, and begins at the Left Fork trailhead on our right. 

At Grafton Cemetery, you’ll find gravesites for pioneers as well as some Native Americans.

Does the line for the park shuttle look a little daunting? Well, there is another option for those in the know. Rest assured, I am in the know. And lucky for you, you know me. You can skip the line by taking the sunny Pa’rus (pah-roos) trail to the human history museum and board the shuttle there. This is the only trail in Zion where you can ride bikes or walk dogs. While it is both paved and pleasant to walk, it’s 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.