The 9 Best Views in Zion National Park (That Don’t Require Hiking)

Zion National Park is simply stunning, and while I highly recommend exploring the many hiking trails in the park, sometimes you just want a breathtaking view without a lot of effort. As an adventure photographer in Zion, trust me, I know all the best views in Zion National Park…including the most incredible views that don’t require any hiking!

The 9 Best Views in Zion You Don’t Need to Hike To

Here are the 9 best views in Zion National Park that you can see without hiking:

Towers of the Virgin Viewing Deck
Pa’Rus Trail
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
Kolob Terrace Meadow
Lambs Knoll
Guacamole Trailhead
Canyon Junction Bridge
Zion Canyon Shuttle
East Zion Pull Outs

These viewpoints are located in different areas of the park, so you can get amazing views of all the various sections of Zion…no hiking needed!

1. Towers of the Virgin Viewing Deck

For a stunning view of the Towers of the Virgin, head to the viewing deck right behind the Zion Human History Museum. These incredible sandstone monoliths are some of the most iconic features of Zion, and you can see them in full glory from here with no need to hike.

The covered deck has benches so you can sit and stay awhile to soak in one of the best views in Zion National Park. It’s a perfect spot to catch the sunrise or sunset in Zion, especially if you don’t want to worry about hiking in the dark.

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LOCATION

The viewing deck is situated behind the Zion Human History Museum, which is located just about a mile inside the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park. There is plenty of parking at the museum.

2. Pa’Rus Trail

The Pa’Rus Trail provides an amazing view of Watchman Mountain, another one of the famous rock formations in Zion. Walk along the short path from the Human History Museum to connect to the paved Pa’Rus Trail and gaze in awe at some of the best views in Zion National Park with the Watchman rising above. Okay, yes, you do have to walk just a little, but believe me, this is a short stroll, not an actual hike.

LOCATION

The Pa’Rus Trail runs along the Virgin River from the Zion Visitor Center to Canyon Junction, but for the best view of The Watchman, I recommend the section of the trail right by the Human History Museum.

3. Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive

One great way to get the best views in Zion National Park without hiking is by driving! While you can’t drive through the main canyon of Zion during peak season, you can head to the Kolob Canyons section of the park and take the scenic drive.

This separate area of Zion is full of beautiful box canyons and sandstone cliffs, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive runs for 5 miles from the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center along a ridge up to Kolob Canyons Viewpoint at the other end. Along the way you can stop at many overlooks to take in the views, and, of course, the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint showcases a fantastic perspective of the area.

Note: Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive occasionally closes in the winter due to snow and ice.

LOCATION

The entrance to Kolob Canyons is off of I-15 at exit 40, approximately 45 mins north of the main Springdale entrance to Zion.

4. Kolob Terrace Meadow

Kolob Terrace Road is a hidden gem that sits just outside the Zion National Park boundaries, so you can catch the views from here without the crowds. As you drive down the road, you’ll encounter many wide open meadows along Kolob Terrace with stunning views and beautiful red rocks in the distance. You can simply step out of your car and appreciate the views here.

LOCATION

Kolob Terrace Road runs from just outside the town of Virgin, UT around 25 miles up to Kolob Reservoir.

5. Lambs Knoll

One of my favorite spots along Kolob Terrace Road is Lambs Knoll. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing, and you can take a short hike to the base of the rock if you like. But if you’re not interested in hiking, don’t worry!

Right from the parking area, you can see the towering peaks in the distance and take in the panoramic views of Tabernacle Dome, West Temple, and the Guardian Angels and other landmark features. Near the dirt parking lot is a small covered picnic area that’s a perfect spot to have lunch with absolutely stellar views.

LOCATION

Starting from the town of Virgin, Lambs Knoll is located about 10 miles up Kolob Terrace Road.

6. Guacamole Trailhead

While mountain bikers know this area as the start of the famous Guacamole Trail, I discovered this incredible view during a stay at Open Sky Zion with my kiddos. As a photographer, believe me, I have seen a LOT of views of Zion but the view from the Guacamole Trailhead seriously blew me away. It is truly the most amazing view I have ever seen of Zion's West Temple mountain…and there is no hiking involved!

LOCATION

The Guacamole Trailhead is Just a short drive (less than 1/4 mile) above Open Sky Zion, near the town of Virgin. It’s about a half an hour drive from Springdale and the west entrance of ZIon.

7. Canyon Junction Bridge

From the Canyon Junction Bridge, you’ll find one of the best views in Zion National Park of the Virgin River and The Watchman formation. Honestly, this view is truly iconic, and you shouldn’t miss it while visiting Zion! This spot is particularly stunning at sunset when The Watchman glows red while the curving Virgin River reflects the colors of the sky.

This is a very popular place, but you can walk down to the river just below the bridge to get away from the crowds on the bridge and get another great perspective.

LOCATION

The Canyon Junction Bridge sits at the junction of Highway 9 and the road that goes into the main canyon of Zion. Just be aware that parking is quite limited here.

8. Zion Canyon Shuttle

For a sightseeing tour of Zion National Park without having to walk at all, hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle! This free shuttle runs through the main canyon of Zion, and is the only way to access the canyon during the busy season (typically from March to November) when private cars are not allowed on the road.

It’s about a 45 minute ride from one end of the canyon to the other (an hour and a half round trip), so you can sit back and relax and enjoy the views along the way or hop out at any of the stops to take photos then hop back on the next shuttle.

Be sure to check out my guide to the Zion Canyon Shuttle here for everything you need to know!

LOCATION

The Zion Canyon Shuttle runs through the main canyon of Zion National Park, with the first stop at the Visitor Center and the final stop at the Temple of Sinawava.

9. East Zion Pull Offs

Escape the crowds of the main canyon and head to East Zion for a different view! Drive along Route 9 on the east side of Zion National Park and simply stop at one of the many pull offs whenever you want to check out the beautiful views in this section of the park.

I think some of the best spots to pull over start just east of the Canyon Overlook parking lot. The Many Pools Trailhead is also a good spot to stop.