Zion National Park encompasses some 150,000 acres of wild canyon country east of St. George, Utah, including the narrow, multicoloured Kolob Canyons to the north and many miles of largely impenetrable mountain wilderness.

However, the vast majority of visitors come only to see Zion Canyon, probably the most immediately spectacular of the many geological wonders in Utah – sheer red and white sandstone cliffs tower up to 2,500 feet above the North Fork of the Virgin River, and gradually become closer together upstream until only 30 feet apart in places. Here are found most of the visitor facilities, the grandest viewpoints and many hiking paths, ranging from extended backcountry trails to easy 10 minute strolls to places of interest. Zion offers probably the best, most varied hiking of all national parks, including the famous Narrows Trail along the upper stretches of the Virgin River. There are many other scenic side canyons that invite exploration.

The main canyon is reached by a turning off state highway 9; the through road continues east via a dramatic tunnel into more open land en route to Mount Carmel Junction and onwards to Bryce Canyon National Park. There are few official trails in the southeast section of the park but all the land is scenic. The rock formations are subtly different; more varied and on a more intimate scale.

The Kolob Canyons of the northwest have a separate visitor centre and a short scenic drive leading to a high viewpoint, unlike that in Zion Canyon which follows the river along the valley floor. This region is equally spectacular, on a slightly smaller scale. Again there are good hiking opportunities, and the region is much more tranquil and less-visited.