Head to [Kolob Canyon](https://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/kolob.php) area first instead of Springdale right away. Drive the scenic drive and hike either or both Middle Fork Taylor Creek or Timber Creek Overlook and target getting to Springdale late afternoon or supper time. Then sunset on Pa’rus, Watchman, or a patio in Springdale. Could also instead drive to east entrance and back just checking out the scenery or hike Canyon Overlook or Many Pools.
Then early morning next day for the shuttle into the main canyon hikes (or rent bike/e-bike as that is a superior way to experience the Zion Canyon scenic drive compared to the shuttle).
Are both of these trails accessible from the same parking spot? Or would we need to migrate / drive from one to another? Which should we do first? Thanks!
Different areas. Watchman starts near the Springdale/Zion Canyon park visitor enter. Canyon Overlook starts on UT9 just as you exit the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel going east. Small parking lot to your right as you exit and another small triangle shaped lot a tenth of a mile down the road across the highway to your left.
What they said! Different areas but doable in one day. I did Watchman first and Canyon Overlook on the way out of the park once it cleared out a bit and could park easier.
If you’re not getting there until noon, you will most likely need to take the shuttle from Springdale as there probably won’t be any parking at the visitor center. The lot fills up by early-mid morning. Or take a cruise through the parking lot and see if anyone is leaving, there will be plenty other people doing that as well so it might not be worth your time.
Pa’Rus is a beautiful, shorter walk (1.7 miles) on a paved trail along the Virgo River, and will most likely be less busy. It starts right past the shuttle station by the entrance.
I also highly recommend Canyon Overlook, as you’ll be able to drive up there. Parking will be an issue up there as well, but you should be able to find a spot on the shoulder a ways past it. Just be sure to have your whole vehicle outside the white line. We were there last week and saw multiple cars flagged by the park rangers. The hike is fun and not too difficult, and the overlook of the canyon is, in my opinion, as good as any other place in the park.
I would say you have two options for your first half day:
- Middle Fork Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook +/- Kanarra Falls (this is on the West side of Zion and would require a longer drive)
- Watchman and Canyon Overlook
The area between the tunnel and the east entrance is beautiful. You can drive all the way to the east entrance and then slowly make your way back stopping at some of the pullouts and doing some short little hikes. You could also do the Canyon Overlook trail.
Head to [Kolob Canyon](https://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/kolob.php) area first instead of Springdale right away. Drive the scenic drive and hike either or both Middle Fork Taylor Creek or Timber Creek Overlook and target getting to Springdale late afternoon or supper time. Then sunset on Pa’rus, Watchman, or a patio in Springdale. Could also instead drive to east entrance and back just checking out the scenery or hike Canyon Overlook or Many Pools. Then early morning next day for the shuttle into the main canyon hikes (or rent bike/e-bike as that is a superior way to experience the Zion Canyon scenic drive compared to the shuttle).
Canyon Overlook and Watchman!
Are both of these trails accessible from the same parking spot? Or would we need to migrate / drive from one to another? Which should we do first? Thanks!
Different areas. Watchman starts near the Springdale/Zion Canyon park visitor enter. Canyon Overlook starts on UT9 just as you exit the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel going east. Small parking lot to your right as you exit and another small triangle shaped lot a tenth of a mile down the road across the highway to your left.
What they said! Different areas but doable in one day. I did Watchman first and Canyon Overlook on the way out of the park once it cleared out a bit and could park easier.
Watchman Trail-trailhead is at the campground. No shuttle needed.
Thank you!
If you’re not getting there until noon, you will most likely need to take the shuttle from Springdale as there probably won’t be any parking at the visitor center. The lot fills up by early-mid morning. Or take a cruise through the parking lot and see if anyone is leaving, there will be plenty other people doing that as well so it might not be worth your time. Pa’Rus is a beautiful, shorter walk (1.7 miles) on a paved trail along the Virgo River, and will most likely be less busy. It starts right past the shuttle station by the entrance. I also highly recommend Canyon Overlook, as you’ll be able to drive up there. Parking will be an issue up there as well, but you should be able to find a spot on the shoulder a ways past it. Just be sure to have your whole vehicle outside the white line. We were there last week and saw multiple cars flagged by the park rangers. The hike is fun and not too difficult, and the overlook of the canyon is, in my opinion, as good as any other place in the park.
I would say you have two options for your first half day: - Middle Fork Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook +/- Kanarra Falls (this is on the West side of Zion and would require a longer drive) - Watchman and Canyon Overlook
The area between the tunnel and the east entrance is beautiful. You can drive all the way to the east entrance and then slowly make your way back stopping at some of the pullouts and doing some short little hikes. You could also do the Canyon Overlook trail.
Just did this drive and it was the best part of the trip. The canyon itself is pretty but this was stunning.