The 4 Most Stunningly Scenic Drives in Zion National Park

4. Kolob Canyon Road

Located in the northwest region of Zion National Park, Kolob Canyons Road is a scenic, five-mile drive with stunning views. The Kolob Canyons are narrow, box-style canyons with sheer cliffs that extend up to 2,000 feet.

This drive provides access to several trails in addition to a scenic viewing area at the road’s terminus. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a one-mile, out-and-back trail that sets off from the Kabob Canyons Viewpoint and provides excellent views of the canyons and surrounding Pine Valley Mountains. The Taylor Creek Trail is a five-mile, out-and-back trail that takes hikers through a narrow canyon to the Double Arch Alcove.

To reach Kolob Canyons Road, travel south on I-15 from Cedar City. Take exit 40 for Kolob Canyon, and then turn left onto Kolob Canyon Road. Kabob Canyon Road may be closed during the winter season.

3. Kolob Terrace Road

Beginning in the town of Virgin near the park’s southwest corner, Kolob Terrace Road extends 25 miles northeast, ending at the Kolob Reservoir. This beautiful drive includes desert scenery as well as high-altitude mountain forests.

For its first several miles, Kolob Terrace Road runs alongside North Creek as the road climbs the Kolob Plateau. After the road enters the park from the west, you’ll find trailheads for the Right Fork, Grapevine, and Left Fork trails.

From there, the road exits the park briefly while continuing north. Kolob Terrace Road reenters the park and crosses the Connector Trail. Here, the Hop Valley Trailhead gives access to several nearby trails. Then, the road continues to climb, eventually reaching an elevation of 8,000 feet.

Kolob Terrace Road again exits the park, but visitors can turn off onto Lava Point Road to reenter Zion and reach the Lava Point Overlook and primitive campgrounds. Visitors who continue on Kolob Terrace Road will soon reach Kolob Reservoir, which is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating.

2. Zion Mount-Carmel Highway

The main route to enter Zion National Park from the east is Highway 9, also known as the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Beginning in Mount Carmel Junction, the 14-mile road follows the course of Pine Creek through dramatic canyons that reveal unique geological formations and beautiful mountains around each curve.

Around the road’s halfway point, keep an eye out for the Checkerboard Mesa pull-off area to view the incredible rock formations. A short distance down the road, rock climbers can explore Keyhole Canyon after rappelling off a Ponderosa pine tree.

One of the highlights of this drive is the 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Built from 1927-1930, the tunnel includes several windows which offer views of the surrounding canyon. Drivers in oversize vehicles or campers must purchase a tunnel permit, which ensures park rangers can limit traffic flow to maintain drivers’ safety.

1. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

This road is closed to private vehicles during the busy season, but visitors can enjoy this 7.7-mile scenic drive by catching one of the free shuttles that run through the park. During the winter and early spring, private vehicles may be allowed, depending on weather conditions.

From the visitor center, the Zion Canyon shuttle heads northeast into the canyon for 7.7 miles. The shuttle has a total of nine stops that drop off visitors at destinations like the Zion Human History Museum. The route provides access to several popular trails like the Emerald Pools Trail and the Narrows. It takes about 45 minutes for the shuttle to reach its final stop at the Temple of Sinawava.

A second shuttle route called the Springdale Line connects the town of Springdale with Zion Canyon Village, the park’s main southern entrance. The Springdale Line stops at nine locations throughout the town, including at several hotels.