Zion Scenic Drive

Here in Zion National Park you can drive down a road that has stunning scenery that annually attracts three million people to the area. You can do that on two such drives - Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Getting somewhere is not the reason why you drive down these roads, its the journey/

Scenic DrivesZion Canyon Scenic Drive

travels north up Zion Canyon from Springdale, and provides access to many of the park's best known trails and landmarks. The beauty of this narrow canyon with the sound of the Virgin River filtering through fremont cottonwood, willow, and velvet ash trees will dazzle your senses. Wild flowers, like the Moonlily, provide add color to your ride. You might be joined on your journey by animals like mule deer and cottontail rabbits. While the view below the tree canopy may please you, remember to look up and see Zion's many birds, including American Dippers and Black-headed Grosbeaks. Most of the year your chauffeur up the canyon will be the Zion National Park's free shuttle drivers since access to the canyon is restricted to private vehicles. The shuttle stop system includes several hotels, shops, and restaurants in Springdale and all the major trailheads in the canyon.

Zion-Mt. Carmel HighwayScenic Drives 2

traverses terrority that is truly full of both natural and man-made masterpieces. For instance, the Checkerboard Mesa (see picture) is a prime example of nature's artistry. The checkerboard-like pattern on this sandstone mesa is the work of water's erosive power over thousands of years. Another example of natural scenery here is the Zion Canyon Overlook, which provides a great view of the canyon from a different prespective actually being in it. Man's great power is also present here as seen through two tunnels. Those who built these tunnels had to blast through cliffs, and it makes one wonder how difficult it was to build a tunnel in such an area - let alone one that is over one mile long.

Did you like this page? Did you find it helpful? Please consider sharing.

Follow Us: Like us on FaceBookFollow Us on TwitterFollow us on Google+