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The 4 Scenic Drives of Zion: Top Pull-Offs and Nearby Trails
Zion National Park is home to some of the best scenic drives in all of Utah, if not all of the United States. The most famous one by far is the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive, but did you know there are three more scenic drives in Zion? Whether you’re tired after a morning of hiking or just want a relaxing, beautiful drive, cruising any of these four routes is a fun and quick way to experience the park’s diverse scenery from the comfort of your car (or the free park shuttle!). Here’s everything you need to know about Zion’s scenic drives.
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🚗 Zion National Park’s 4 Scenic Drives
Zion National Park scenic drives give you front-row access to the park’s incredible variety of landscapes. Each route highlights a different side of the park, from the canyon floor of Zion Canyon to the peaceful northern getaway that is Kolob Canyons. Below, we’ve broken down what makes each one special and the best stops to make along the way.
1. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive takes you through the heart of the park, Zion Canyon, stretching 7.8 miles from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava. This is where you’ll find many of the park’s most popular hikes and viewpoints, like the Emerald Pools Trail, the Riverside Walk, and The Narrows.
During the busy months (spring through fall), this road is only accessible by taking the free Zion shuttle, which helps reduce traffic. Private vehicles are only allowed on this road during the winter when Zion experiences a significant dip in visitors.
About the Stops on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Hop on the free shuttle, try to snag a window seat, and enjoy the breezy views as you wind through Zion Canyon. The entire ride from the Visitor Center to the last stop is about 45 minutes each way if you don’t hop off. The following are all the stops on the shuttle route, in order, and some of the top things to do at each:
- Visitor Center: Start here for maps, park info, bathrooms, and access to trails like the Pa’rus Trail and Watchman Trail. This is the first stop within the park on the shuttle’s route.
- Human History Museum: Hop off at the Human History Museum to learn about Zion’s geology, Indigenous history, and early pioneers at this free museum. Don’t miss the views from the back patio!
- Canyon Junction: A scenic viewpoint spot perfect for sunrise and sunset views of The Watchman. The Pa’rus Trail also passes through here.
- Court of the Patriarchs: The main attraction at this stop would be the Court of the Patriarchs Trail, an uphill path leading to a viewpoint of three towering sandstone peaks named after biblical figures. There’s also the Sand Bench Trail if you’re looking for a longer loop.
- Zion Lodge: The park’s only in-park lodging, with access to the Emerald Pools Trail, Sand Bench Trail, a café for lunch or snacks, and a large lawn perfect for enjoying a picnic.
- The Grotto: Gateway to Angel’s Landing, Kayenta Trail, and the short but scenic Grotto Trail, which loops back to Zion Lodge.
- Weeping Rock: Many of the trails that started from this stop have since been closed, so we didn’t spend much time here.
- Big Bend: Scenic pull-off to marvel at towering canyon walls and the Great White Throne overhead, no hikes, just views.
- Temple of Sinawava: Final shuttle stop and the trailhead for the Riverside Walk, and The Narrows.
2. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Running 11.3 miles from the South Entrance of the park in Springdale to the East Entrance, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a must-do scenic drive. Famous for its twisting switchbacks, the impressive Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (Jen cried on our first drive through it), and jaw-dropping views, this route connects the park from east to west.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of pullouts with views of some of the most interesting geological formations in all of the park, like Checkerboard Mesa.
The Best Stops on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
- Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel: A thrilling 1-mile drive through blasted sandstone. There’s no way you can miss this tunnel if you drive the entire length of this road.
- Tunnel Windows: These “windows” in the rock walls of the tunnel were how builders dumped all the rock they dug out, a reminder of its construction.
- Checkerboard Mesa: Stop at a nearby pull-off to admire the striking cross-hatched sandstone pattern of Checkerboard Mesa.
- The Great Arch: A massive 600-foot natural arch visible from this highway, perfect for a quick stop and to snap a photo.
3. Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive
If you’re craving a quieter, less crowded scenic drive in Zion National Park, head 45 minutes north to the Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive. Located in the northwest section of the park, this road takes you deep into a stunning red rock canyon, stretching 5.2 miles from the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint area.
Where to Stop on Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive
- Red Rock Formations: Numerous pullouts along the drive showcase the vivid colors and textures unique to this area.
- Double Arch via Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail: This trail takes about 2 hours and brings you through a beautiful canyon to the impressive Double Arch Alcove, a massive sandstone formation tucked into the cliffside, as well as some old homestead cabins.
- Kolob Canyons Viewpoint (Timber Creek Overlook): Located at the end of Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of red rock canyons and cliffs. It is especially gorgeous at sunset!
- Timber Creek Overlook Trail: Once at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, you can hop on the Timber Creek Overlook Trail for a 1-mile hike with even better views of the Kolob Canyons and Pine Valley Mountains.
4. Kolob Terrace Road
Not to be confused with Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive, Kolob Terrace Road is located 20 minutes from the west entrance of Zion, stretching 24.4 miles from the town of Virgin, Utah, to Kolob Reservoir. This drive stretches along a high plateau and is lined with sweeping views of the park’s backcountry, where you can spot deer, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife.
💡 Although partially outside of Zion National Park, this drive is another great option for those looking to escape the crowds of the central part of the park.
The Best Stops on Kolob Terrace Road
- Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, bighorn sheep, and other desert creatures that are known to frequent this area of Zion.
- Lava Point Overlook: This overlook offers an elevated panorama across the main canyon. Open seasonally.
- Lambs Knoll: This short trail takes you to Navajo sandstone spires and wide-open views, ideal for photos, climbing, and picnics.
- Northgate Peaks Overlook: Access a flat 4-mile hike (Wildcat Canyon Trail) to Northgate Peaks, or enjoy the overlooks right by the road.
- Northgate Peaks via Kolob Terrace Trail: Nearby is also the Northgate Peaks Trail. Mostly flat and easy for the first two-thirds, this trail climbs steeply up East Northgate Peak over exposed sandstone. We just hiked East Northgate Peak, deciding not to continue to West Northgate Peak based on AllTrails reviews.
- Kolob Reservoir: Located at the end of the road, this peaceful lake is located at about 8,000 feet.
ℹ️ Tips for Zion National Park Scenic Drives
- When to go: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid crowds and catch softer light for photos. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer visitors.
- Shuttle info: Remember, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during peak months, so plan to use the shuttle system unless you’re visiting in the winter.
- What to pack: Bring plenty of water, snacks, a camera, sunscreen, and layers as the weather can change quickly.
- Safety tips: Drive carefully through tunnels and switchbacks. Watch for wildlife crossing the road, especially at dawn and dusk. Check for any road closures or permit requirements ahead of time.
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