Canyon Junction is a fork in the road, where the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive splits off from the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Here, you are on a flat, paved road that extends past you up around a bend and further into the canyon. Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is separated from this road by a white and red traffic gate barring unauthorized vehicles from entering. To the south is a wide-open landscape view of the triangular Watchman formation sitting at the southern end of the canyon. To the north, the road curves around a red, sandy hill dotted with foliage, following the path of the Virgin River to the west of the road.

<h2><b>Canyon Junction </b></h2> <p>The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive meet here. On July 3, 1930, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway was officially dedicated and opened to the public. The completion of the highway made the once imagined "Grand Circle Tour" of Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks a reality. From here, enjoy views of the Virgin River and Zion Canyon. </p> <h4>Trails accessed from here:</h4> <ul> <li> <p>Pa’rus Trail (allows bicycles and leashed pets; access to Virgin River)</p> </li> </ul> <h4>Shuttle Service</h4> <p>When the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">Zion Canyon Shuttle</a> is running, Canyon Junction is shuttle stop #3. Shuttles do not stop here when travelling up-canyon (towards the Temple of Sinawava). Shuttles only stop here travelling towards down-canyon (towards the Zion Canyon Visitor Center). </p> <h4><span style="color:#c0392b;">Seasonal Closures</span></h4> <p><strong>In seasons when the shuttle bus is running, the gate at Canyon Junction is closed to private vehicles</strong>. This means that private vehicles may not access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">shuttle season</a>. <br /> When shuttles are not in service, private vehicles may drive up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. We monitor parking in the canyon, and may close the road when parking fills.</p>

Photo of a road with a gate across it and a sign that reads "Shuttle Buses Only"

Gate at Canyon Junction

Location

Canyon Junction

This shuttle stop is on the shoulder of a flat, paved road running parallel to the Virgin River on the west side of the road. Further west of the road are four tall mountain peaks, in the shape of jagged triangles. These are the Patriarchs and Mount Moroni. The east side of the road slopes upward towards vertical sandstone canyon walls in shades of orange, red, and cream. Trees, low shrubs, and a variety of grasses dot the landscape.

<h2><b>Court of the Patriarchs </b></h2> <p>Enjoy spectacular views of the three patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The three peaks were named in 1916 by a Methodist Minister, Dr. Frederick Vining Fischer, and two local boys from Southern Utah. They were so inspired and struck by the stunning scenery of Zion Canyon they gave religious names to many of the peaks they observed. The three peaks are best seen from an overlook on the east side of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The trail to the overlook is very short but steep.  Also at this location you can enjoy excellent views of The Sentinel and Mount Moroni.</p> <h4>Trails accessed from here:</h4> <ul> <li>Sand Bench Trail may be accessed from Court of the Patriarchs, though this is not the official trailhead. The official trailhead begins at the Zion Lodge.</li> <li>A short, but steep, walk to the Court of the Patriarchs overlook.</li> </ul> <h4>Shuttle Service</h4> <p>When the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">Zion Canyon Shuttle</a> is running, Court of the Patriarchs is shuttle stop #4.</p>

Photo of three large sandstone mountains above a shuttle bus.

Court of the Patriarchs

The shuttle stop at the Temple of Sinawava sits on a looped road surrounded by tall sandstone walls. The Virgin River flows right next to the southern half of the road, its sandy banks dotted with river rocks, cottonwood trees, and shrubs. North of the road is a large concrete patio area covered with a slatted-wood shade structure with benches underneath. Behind this structure is a small sandstone building for the restrooms. To the left of this building is a concrete path that extends north. This is the Riverside Walk trail.

<h2><b>Temple of Sinawava</b></h2> <p>The Temple of Sinawava is a natural amphitheater carved by the Virgin River’s incredible power and persistence.<br /> <br /> Access the river using designated points along the Riverside Walk. The end of the paved Riverside Walk marks the beginning of The Narrows: Zion’s famous hike in the Virgin River. Conditions are always changing, so before you begin your hike in The Narrows make sure you are aware of the day’s <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm">weather forecast and flash flood potential</a>. Hiking in the river is very dangerous when flash floods threaten. Practicing safety and being adequately prepared are the best ways to ensure a successful visit to Zion.</p> <h4>Trails accessed from here:</h4> <ul> <li> <p>Riverside Walk</p> </li> <li>The Narrows (via Riverside Walk)</li> </ul> <h4>Shuttle Service</h4> <p>When the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus</a> is running, Temple of Sinawava is shuttle stop #9 at the end of the canyon. </p>

A redrock sandstone formation under blue skies, with a clear river running in front of it.

Views at the Temple of Sinawava

Temple of Sinawava

Nestled in a grove of tall cottonwood trees in the shuttle stop pullout for The Grotto. Picnic tables and benches are scattered through the stand of trees, connected by gravel paths with low ropes around their perimeter. On the southern end of the picnic area are two sandstone buildings connected by a concrete path. The first building is larger and is the new restroom facility. The second building is a smaller, historic building that used to be the restroom here. Further south is a gravel parking area fenced in by a split-rail wooden fence, which ends at a third sandstone building. This third building is known as The Grotto House, where artists-in-residence stay during their time at Zion. In the past, this building was the park’s first museum. On the opposite side of the road is a concrete path leading to a bridge that crosses the Virgin River. This is the trailhead for the West Rim and Kayenta trails.

<h2>The Grotto</h2> <p>In the early 1920s this area marked the end of the road into Zion Canyon. At that time there was a campground, named Grotto, built by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in this location. The CCC was developed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression as part of his New Deal to employ millions of young men and improve our public lands. Take in beautiful views of the Virgin River and Angels Landing. Enjoy a picnic in the shade of large cottonwood trees. Access the Virgin River using designated points found along the West Rim Trail.</p> <h4>Trails accessed from here:</h4> <ul> <li> <p>The Grotto Trail</p> </li> <li> <p>Kayenta Trail</p> </li> <li>Angels Landing (via West Rim Trail). You may hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, but <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm">everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit</a>.</li> </ul> <h4>Shuttle Service</h4> <p>When the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus</a> is running, the Grotto is shuttle stop #6. </p>

Photo of several people crossing the road in a crosswalk surrounded by trees.

The Grotto

The Zion Grotto

The Lodge is located in the bottom of Zion Canyon, near the steep canyon walls that extend high above. A two story wood and stone structure with large square stone columns out front sheltering a patio with rocking chairs. The Lodge has a large lawn with a giant cottonwood tree in the middle that casts cooling shade in summer, making it a comfortable spot to relax. To the south, several other similar structures are built to house the hotel rooms and smaller rustic cabins.

<h2>Zion Lodge</h2> <p>The Zion Lodge is located in the heart of Zion Canyon and offers unparalleled views of the towering sandstone cliffs. The lodge has a variety of accommodations and is the only place inside Zion to eat; either in the main dining room (Red Rock Grill) or at the Castle Dome Café (open seasonally). For more information about eating, visiting, or staying at the Zion Lodge, please visit their website at <a href="http://www.zionlodge.com/">www.zionlodge.com</a> or call 435 772-7700.</p> <h4>Zion Lodge History</h4> <p><br /> In the early days of the National Park Service, railroad companies were often the catalyst for the creation or improvement of park accommodations. For Zion, that railroad was the Utah Parks Company, a subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad. With the completion of a railroad spur line to nearby Cedar City in 1923, visitors now had an easy and comfortable way to get to Zion. The next step was to provide lodging that complimented the world-class scenery.<br /> <br /> While initial designs of the lodge called for enormity and immensity, park officials ultimately determined that a lodge in the narrow canyon should better harmonize with the landscape and scale of the surroundings. Gilbert Stanley Underwood – a frequent architect of numerous national park lodges – was up to the challenge. Using 265,000 board feet of lumber brought down from the plateau by the Cable Mountain Draw Works, the Utah Parks Company designed a main lodge building that was inviting and exuded warmth. The Zion Lodge was completed in May of 1925, and was later complimented with a series of stand-alone cabins nestled nearby. These improvements signaled an important milestone in a visit to Zion National Park.<br /> <br /> The main lodge building stood for over 40 years until it was consumed by a fire on January 26, 1966. A mere 108 days after the fire, a new prefabricated building was up and operating. This quick turn-around speaks volumes about the significance that the Zion Lodge had garnered in the story of Zion National Park.<br /> <br /> Whether you're looking for a shady respite from the heat or hoping to dine among a majestic backdrop, the Zion Lodge is a beautiful place to stop. Visitors can even attend <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/ranger-led-activities.htm">ranger-led activities</a> at the lodge, a service that started back in 1935. For many, the Zion Lodge has become a hallmark of a visit to the area, and occupies an important place in the history of Zion National Park.</p> <h4>Trails accessed from here:</h4> <ul> <li> <p>The Grotto Trail</p> </li> <li>Sand Bench Trail</li> <li>Emerald Pools Trails: Upper, Middle, and Lower Emerald Pools can all be accessed via the trailhead across the road from the Lodge</li> </ul> <h4>Shuttle Service</h4> <p>When the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus</a> is running, the Zion Lodge is shuttle stop #5 at the end of the canyon. </p>

Photo of a brown building with a large grassy lawn in front of it, and mountains behind.

The Zion Lodge

The Zion Lodge is located in the heart of Zion Canyon and offers unparalleled views of the towering sandstone cliffs. The Zion Lodge provides the only lodging with a variety of accommodations and is also the only place inside Zion to eat with an onsite restaurant.

Designation

The Weeping Rock shuttle stop sits alongside the flat, paved road just after a curve in its path. The area is surrounded by shrubs, grasses, and trees on either side of the road. On the northeast side of the road, a concrete sidewalk turns toward the Weeping Rock trailhead. On the west side of the road is a low sandstone wall that separates the shuttle stop area from the grassy landscape behind it. A small dirt social trail leaves from this area and leads towards the Virgin River, which is in the distance.

<h2><b>Weeping Rock </b></h2> <p>This shuttle stop gets its name from an alcove at the end of the Weeping Rock Trail that continually “weeps.” Because our Navajo Sandstone layer is porous like a sponge, the alcove has continuous water seeping from its walls giving the impression that it is crying or “weeping.” Take in great views of Angels Landing, the Great White Throne, Big Bend, and Cable Mountain from here. There is no drinking water at this location, please make sure you have plenty of water already with you before hiking from this area.</p> <h4>Trails accessed from here:</h4> <ul> <li>Weeping Rock Trail</li> </ul> <h4>Shuttle Service</h4> <p>When the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">Zion Canyon Shuttle</a> is running, Weeping Rock is shuttle stop #7. </p>

Two people sit in a rock alcove, with water dripping off the overhang in front of them.

Weeping Rock

<h2><b>Zion Canyon Visitor Center </b></h2> <p>Start your visit here! This visitor center sits at the lower end of Zion Canyon, the main canyon in Zion National Park. Zion Canyon is a deep and narrow canyon carved by the Virgin River. It was first called Zion, meaning safety or refuge, in 1862 by Mormon settler Isaac Behunin. Obtain orientation and trip planning information, and wilderness permits here. You will find the Zion Forever Project bookstore selling park-related merchandise, outdoor exhibits, and a picnic area here as well. You can also transfer to the Springdale Shuttle Line from this point.</p> <h4>Trails accessed from here:</h4> <ul> <li> <p>Watchman Trail</p> </li> <li> <p>Pa’rus Trail (allows bicycles and leashed pets; access to Virgin River)</p> </li> <li> <p>Archaeology Trail</p> </li> </ul> <h4>Shuttle Service</h4> <p>When the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm">Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus</a> is running, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is shuttle stop #1.<br /> To reach the Springdale Shuttle line, walk through the Zion Canyon Visitor Center plaza to the entrance station on the bridge. The Springdale Shuttle line picks up and drops off passengers under the shade pavilion across the bridge.</p>

Photo of a sandstone building under a cloudy blue sky, surrounded by green trees.

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Follow the paths where native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.