3 Best Sights in Zion National Park, Utah

The big payoff for entering the northwestern Kolob Canyons section of the park off Interstate 15, this spectacular viewpoint lies at the end of 5-mile Kolob Canyons Road. You'll be treated to a beautiful view of Kolob’s “finger” canyons from the several picnic tables spread out beneath the trees. The parking lot has plenty of spaces, a pit toilet, and an overlook with a display pointing out the area's most prominent geological features. Restrooms and drinking water are available at the start of the drive, at Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.

Infrequently visited, this area has a primitive campground and, just beyond the park boundary, two nearby reservoirs that offer the only significant fishing opportunities near the park. Lava Point Overlook, one of the park's highest viewpoints, provides vistas of Zion Canyon from the north. The higher elevation here makes it much cooler than the Zion Canyon area. Park visitors looking for a respite from crowds and heat find the campground a nice change of pace—the six sites are available by reservation only, May through September.

This hairpin turn on Kolob Canyons Road has a roadside pullout that provides the opportunity to glimpse deep into the canyon carved by the South Fork of Taylor Creek. This is the trailhead for the 14-mile round-trip Kolob Arch hike, which also connects you to the main section of Zion National Park via the backcountry (if overnighting in the backcountry, a wilderness permit is required).