Zion National Park Zion Scenic Drives

Zion National Park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the American Southwest. With its towering sandstone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and rushing rivers, the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. While hiking and rock climbing are popular activities in Zion, there are also several scenic drives that offer visitors a chance to experience the park’s natural beauty from the comfort of their own car. Here are some of the best scenic drives in Zion National Park.

1. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the park’s main road and offers some of the most iconic views in Zion. The road is only accessible by shuttle bus during peak season (March to November), but visitors can drive their own cars on the road during the winter months (December to February). The drive is 6.5 miles long and runs from the park’s south entrance to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

Along the way, visitors can stop at several viewpoints to take in the stunning scenery. Some of the highlights include the Court of the Patriarchs, a group of towering sandstone peaks named after biblical figures, and the Weeping Rock, a natural spring that drips water onto a moss-covered rock face. The drive also passes through the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a 1.1-mile-long tunnel that was blasted through solid rock in the 1920s.

2. Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive

Located in the northern section of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive offers visitors a chance to explore a different side of the park. The drive is 5 miles long and runs through the stunning red rock canyons of the Kolob Terrace. Along the way, visitors can stop at several viewpoints, including the Timber Creek Overlook and the Taylor Creek Trailhead.

One of the highlights of the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive is the Kolob Arch, one of the largest natural arches in the world. The arch is located at the end of a 14-mile round trip hike, but visitors can also see it from a distance by hiking the Taylor Creek Trail.

3. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a 25-mile road that connects Zion National Park to the town of Mount Carmel. The road is a feat of engineering, with hairpin turns and steep grades that cut through the park’s towering sandstone cliffs. Along the way, visitors can stop at several viewpoints, including the Checkerboard Mesa, a stunning rock formation that looks like a giant chessboard, and the Canyon Overlook, which offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon.

One of the highlights of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which was carved through solid rock in the 1920s. The tunnel is 1.1 miles long and is only wide enough for one lane of traffic, so visitors must take turns driving through it.

4. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort Scenic Drive

Located just outside the park’s eastern boundary, the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers visitors a chance to explore the area’s stunning scenery from the comfort of their own car. The resort has several scenic drives that wind through the nearby mountains, offering breathtaking views of the park and surrounding wilderness.

One of the highlights of the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort Scenic Drive is the East Rim Drive, which runs along the edge of the park’s eastern boundary. The drive is 12 miles long and offers stunning views of Zion Canyon and the surrounding mountains.