We’re thrilled that you’re staying with us here in Rockville! While you're in the area, don't miss the chance to explore Zion National Park, just down the road. One of our favorite ways we recommend you explore the park is by renting an e-bike (available in town), load it onto the canyon shuttle, and ride all the way to the Temple of Sinawava. From there, you can bike back down the canyon and into Springdale. It's an unforgettable experience, and we've never had anyone come back less than thrilled!
If you aren't a bike person and you are visiting while the shuttle is running we recommend starting your day early with a quick breakfast or grabbing something to-go. This will allow you to catch an early shuttle to the park and make the most of your time. Be sure to check the park website the night before for any updates or alerts and to plan your visit based on the sites and trails you want to explore. We suggest everyone bring a refillable water bottle and snacks or lunch for the day.
A stop at the Visitor Center is a great way to speak with a ranger, get additional suggestions, and confirm your plans. For those in good general health, an early morning hike on either the Watchman or Kayenta/Emerald Pools trails is ideal to avoid the midday sun. If you're looking to see Angels Landing, the Grotto shuttle stop offers a great view. And even without a permit, you can hike to Scout Lookout for amazing top-down views of the trail. If you don't get a permit to go to the top of Angels Landing we recommend doing Scouts Lookout, then continuing on the West Rim Trail. This route offers incredible views with a lot less traffic and permits. For more info, check out “Joe’s Hiking Guide Zion West Rim Bottom-Up Day Hike."
For one of the park's most stunning panoramas, hike to Observation Point. At nearly 1,000 feet higher than Angels Landing, it offers sweeping canyon views that are truly spectacular. If you're up for the challenge, it’s worth the effort!
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a relatively short yet rewarding hike, perfect for those looking for stunning views without a lengthy trek. At just 1 mile round-trip, this easy to moderate trail offers breathtaking panoramas of Zion Canyon, including views of the East Temple and the red rock cliffs. The trail is well-maintained with some switchbacks and a few rocky sections, but overall it’s accessible for most visitors. It’s suitable for a wide range of ages, typically recommended for families with children as young as 6 or 7, but also enjoyable for adults of all ages. With a manageable duration of around 1 hour, it's a great option for those looking to experience Zion’s beauty in a shorter timeframe.
The Narrows is a world renowned hike one of Zion’s most iconic and adventurous trails, taking you through the Virgin River with towering canyon walls on either side. This hike is unique because much of it involves wading and sometimes even swimming through the river, making it a challenging and exhilarating experience. The full hike can be up to 10 miles one-way, but most visitors opt to do a shorter section, known as the "Bottom Up" hike, which can range from 2 to 5 miles depending on the water levels and personal preference. The trail is recommended for older children (ages 10 and up) and adults in good physical condition, as the river can be unpredictable, and hikers must be prepared for slippery rocks and cold water. The hike is usually done as a day trip and can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on how far you go and the water conditions. Depending on the season you made need gear or might want a guide. Check out Zion Guru for outfitting gear and guides.
Just be sure to take the trail's difficulty and weather conditions into account. To wrap up your active day, consider a stroll down Riverside Walk to catch a glimpse of the beginning of The Narrows. A perfect finish could be visiting the park museum or relaxing with a snack or beverage at Zion Lodge.
Other fantastic hikes we always recommend include: Riverside Walk (perfect any time of day), Hidden Canyon (any time), Pa’rus Trail (best in the late evening), the Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools (best in the early morning), and Canyon Overlook for a stunning sunrise if you can get there early.
For those who aren’t as interested in hiking. There’s plenty to appreciate, including the stunning Court of the Patriarchs, the scenic views at the Lodge, or the chance to spot California condors near Big Bend.
We’re thrilled that you’re staying with us here in Rockville! While you're in the area, don't miss the chance to explore Zion National Park, just down the road. One of our favorite ways we recommend you explore the park is by renting an e-bike (available in town), load it onto the canyon shuttle, and ride all the way to the Temple of Sinawava. From there, you can bike back down the canyon and into Springdale. It's an unforgettable experience, and we've never had anyone come back less than thrilled!
If you aren't a bike person and you are visiting while the shuttle is running we recommend starting your day early with a quick breakfast or grabbing something to-go. This will allow you to catch an early shuttle to the park and make the most of your time. Be sure to check the park website the night before for any updates or alerts and to plan your visit based on the sites and trails you want to explore. We suggest everyone bring a refillable water bottle and snacks or lunch for the day.
A stop at the Visitor Center is a great way to speak with a ranger, get additional suggestions, and confirm your plans. For those in good general health, an early morning hike on either the Watchman or Kayenta/Emerald Pools trails is ideal to avoid the midday sun. If you're looking to see Angels Landing, the Grotto shuttle stop offers a great view. And even without a permit, you can hike to Scout Lookout for amazing top-down views of the trail. If you don't get a permit to go to the top of Angels Landing we recommend doing Scouts Lookout, then continuing on the West Rim Trail. This route offers incredible views with a lot less traffic and permits. For more info, check out “Joe’s Hiking Guide Zion West Rim Bottom-Up Day Hike."
For one of the park's most stunning panoramas, hike to Observation Point. At nearly 1,000 feet higher than Angels Landing, it offers sweeping canyon views that are truly spectacular. If you're up for the challenge, it’s worth the effort!
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a relatively short yet rewarding hike, perfect for those looking for stunning views without a lengthy trek. At just 1 mile round-trip, this easy to moderate trail offers breathtaking panoramas of Zion Canyon, including views of the East Temple and the red rock cliffs. The trail is well-maintained with some switchbacks and a few rocky sections, but overall it’s accessible for most visitors. It’s suitable for a wide range of ages, typically recommended for families with children as young as 6 or 7, but also enjoyable for adults of all ages. With a manageable duration of around 1 hour, it's a great option for those looking to experience Zion’s beauty in a shorter timeframe.
The Narrows is a world renowned hike one of Zion’s most iconic and adventurous trails, taking you through the Virgin River with towering canyon walls on either side. This hike is unique because much of it involves wading and sometimes even swimming through the river, making it a challenging and exhilarating experience. The full hike can be up to 10 miles one-way, but most visitors opt to do a shorter section, known as the "Bottom Up" hike, which can range from 2 to 5 miles depending on the water levels and personal preference. The trail is recommended for older children (ages 10 and up) and adults in good physical condition, as the river can be unpredictable, and hikers must be prepared for slippery rocks and cold water. The hike is usually done as a day trip and can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on how far you go and the water conditions. Depending on the season you made need gear or might want a guide. Check out Zion Guru for outfitting gear and guides.
Just be sure to take the trail's difficulty and weather conditions into account. To wrap up your active day, consider a stroll down Riverside Walk to catch a glimpse of the beginning of The Narrows. A perfect finish could be visiting the park museum or relaxing with a snack or beverage at Zion Lodge.
Other fantastic hikes we always recommend include: Riverside Walk (perfect any time of day), Hidden Canyon (any time), Pa’rus Trail (best in the late evening), the Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools (best in the early morning), and Canyon Overlook for a stunning sunrise if you can get there early.
For those who aren’t as interested in hiking. There’s plenty to appreciate, including the stunning Court of the Patriarchs, the scenic views at the Lodge, or the chance to spot California condors near Big Bend.
