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Our 7 Favorite Viewpoints in Zion National Park (No Hiking Required)
Zion National Park is packed with jaw-dropping views—but let’s be real, sometimes the last thing you want to do is yet another hike at the end of a long day. Whether you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or simply craving a chill day, we’ve rounded up 7 of the best viewpoints in Zion National Park that won’t send your step count through the roof.
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Please respect the outdoors and Leave No Trace! Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, review the seven principles of Leave No Trace, which include planning ahead and preparing, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in), leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others. Abiding by these principles helps keep these places beautiful so others can enjoy them for years to come!
🌲Our 7 Favorite No-Hike Viewpoints in Zion National Park
Here are 7 of the best viewpoints in Zion National Park that you can enjoy without breaking a sweat. Click on each one to read more!
🛣️ Best Scenic Drive: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Pull-Offs
🌄 Crowd-Free Views: Kolob Canyons Viewpoints
🌲 Quietest Panorama: Lava Point Overlook
🚶♀️ Most Accessible Views: Pa’rus Trail (Looking North)
🚌 No-Effort Views: Zion Shuttle
🚗 Hidden Gem Scenic Drive: Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
🌅 Top Sunset Views: Canyon Junction Bridge
1. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Pull-Offs
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the park, with plenty of pull-offs offering jaw-dropping roadside views. You’ll see everything from the unique patterns of the Checkerboard Mesa to dramatic overlooks of Pine Creek Canyon and Zion Canyon. We recommend you start from Springdale and head Northeast towards the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel (East Entrance), continuing on from there.
2. Kolob Canyons Viewpoint
At the very end of Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, this viewpoint offers sweeping red rock views without even leaving the parking lot. There’s the Timber Creek Overlook Trail right nearby if you’re up for a short walk, but honestly, the lot itself delivers some of the best bang-for-your-buck views in the park. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the cliffs just right.
3. Lava Point Overlook
Although it was closed during our April visit, Lava Point Overlook is known for offering a quiet, panoramic view away from the main crowds. It’s located about an hour north of Zion Canyon via Kolob Terrace Road, and the drive alone is worth the trip. Just keep in mind—it’s seasonal (open May to September usually) and not connected to the main Zion shuttle area, so you’ll need your own transportation to get there.
4. Pa’rus Trail (Looking North)
You don’t need to walk far on the Pa’rus Trail to get some seriously stunning views. Start from the Visitor Center, cross the Virgin River bridge, and you’re instantly surrounded by towering cliffs and wide-open skies. It’s flat, paved, and perfect for soaking up scenery without committing to a full hike. We couldn’t believe how beautiful it was, just a few steps in!
🐕 Dog-Friendly Trail: The Pa’rus Trail is the only dog-friendly trail in all of Zion National Park, making it Ollie’s favorite!
5. Zion Shuttle
As vanlifers who spend many hours on the road driving ourselves around, the Zion Shuttle was a real treat! This free shuttle takes you along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is closed to private vehicles for most of the year. That means no hiking—or driving—required! Just hop on, grab a window seat, open the window, and enjoy the breezy ride!
❄️ Visiting in Winter? During winter, the shuttle service pauses and you can actually drive The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive yourself!
6. Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive winds through the northwestern corner of Zion, running from the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint. With every turn, you’ll get new angles of deep red canyons and layered rock formations. It’s not connected to the Zion Canyon area of the park, but it’s an easy detour—just drive 45 minutes north, hopping off I-15 at Exit 40.
⚠️ Check conditions on the NPS Kolob Canyons Page in winter as this road frequently closes when it gets too icy.
7. Canyon Junction Bridge
Canyon Junction Bridge is one of the most iconic sunset spots in Zion, with the Virgin River in the foreground and the Watchman mountain peak glowing in the evening light. Even though we didn’t catch it at golden hour, it’s still absolutely worth a stop. It’s accessible right off of Shuttle Stop #3, and it’s a favorite spot among photographers.
🗺️ Map of the Best Viewpoints in Zion National Park
How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.
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