Zion National Park is full of beauty, from steep red cliffs to narrow canyon trails. After a long day of exploring, watching the sunset is the best way to end the day.
Park officials recently shared their tips for the best spots in the park for sunsets and sunrises. Here’s their advice to find the view that best fits you.
Driving to Watch the Sunset in Zion National Park
Park Rangers suggest heading to the Human History Museum for those looking to drive to watch the sun go down. The exhibit focuses on the people who have called the area of southern Utah home. The museum also showcases geology, plants, animals, and survival. Also, if you head behind the museum, you’ll find seating for a great view of the setting sun. The area overlooks the Temples and Towers of Virgin, tall sandstone formations that are a quintessential part of the Zion National Park’s skyline.
An Easy Hike With a View
If you prefer a leisurely stroll in the park with a sunset payoff, you’ll want to head to the Pa’rus trail. This trail is paved and easily accessible for all visitors to the park. You can start the walk from the Visitor Center or Canyon Junction. The entire path is three and a half miles, but you’ll find fantastic sunset views the whole way, meaning you can decide when to turn around. Better still, you can ride a bike or bring your dog on this path.
A Challenging Hike to End the Day
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike to see the sunset, the park recommends the Watchman Trail. This trail also leaves from Zion’s Visitor Center and is an out-and-back trail, meaning you’ll eventually have to turn around. The hike is 3.2 miles and gains about 368 feet of elevation along the Virgin River. The Watchman is an unpaved trail, so bring a flashlight for the hike back down.
Zion National Park Rangers recommend anyone catching the sunset to wear layers. The temperature will also drop once the sun goes down in the park.
Have you watched the sunset in a national park? What was your favorite view?
