5 Best Sights in Zion National Park, Utah

This sinuous, 16-mile crack in the earth where the Virgin River flows over gravel and boulders is one of the world's most stunning gorges. If you hike through it, you'll find yourself surrounded—sometimes nearly boxed in—by smooth walls stretching high into the heavens. Plan to get wet, and be aware that deadly flash floods can occur here, especially in spring and summer. Always check on the weather before you enter, especially in spring when The Narrows has historically been closed for several weeks at a time due to high water levels.

It's well worth stopping at the pull-out 1 mile west of Zion's East Entrance to observe the distinctive waffle patterns on this huge white mound of sandstone. The stunning crosshatch effect visible today is the result of eons of freeze-and-thaw cycles that caused vertical fractures, combined with erosion that produced horizontal bedding planes.

This trio of peaks bears the names of, from left to right, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Mt. Moroni is the reddish peak on the far right that partially blocks the view of Jacob. Hike the trail that leaves from The Court of the Patriarchs viewpoint, 1½ miles north of Canyon Junction, to get a much better view of the sandstone prophets.

Dominating the Grotto picnic area near Zion Lodge, this massive Navajo sandstone peak juts 2,000 feet above the valley floor. The popular formation lies about 3 miles north of Canyon Junction.

You can pick up food to go at nearby Zion Lodge or pack your own meal and take a short walk to this sheltered retreat shaded by tall oak trees. Amenities include drinking water, picnic tables, and restrooms, but there are no fire grates. You can access the Emerald Pools Trail from here.