Welcome to Zion National Park's Watchman Campground. This is one of the major developed campgrounds inside the park. The other, the South Campground, is currently closed and being renovated from past flood damage. Watchman Campground is a sizable campground, with sites suitable for tents or RV's Some of the sites, like on loop A, even have electric hook ups. Overall, we enjoyed our visit here, despite one night with some noisy neighbors. We found most of the sites are spread out well enough, but you'll want to watch our campground drive thru (link below) to analyze each and every site. This can be a competitive campground to get a reservation at in the busy seasons, so although your choices may be limited, the two criteria we would recommend you seek out are shade from trees (some sites have some, many sites do not), and to try and avoid the few sites that are feet apart. If you can't find a site with tree cover, bring your own shade. Trust us! Especially in the summer. Luckily, the Virgin River is within walking distance and provides ample opportunities to get in the water and cool off. We would camp at Watchman again, and look forward to our next visit to one of our nations finest National Parks!

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park is an exhilarating adventure, where you wade through the rushing Virgin River, flanked by towering canyon walls. It’s a breathtaking journey into nature’s raw, untamed beauty. The Narrows hike in Zion National Park is one of the most iconic and thrilling experiences in the park, drawing adventurers from around the world. This unique hike takes you through the Virgin River, with towering canyon walls rising up to a thousand feet on either side. Instead of following a traditional trail, hikers wade through the river itself, making the journey both physically demanding and exhilarating. Water levels vary, sometimes reaching waist-high or even higher, depending on the season and recent weather, adding an unpredictable element to the adventure. The cool, flowing water contrasts with the massive rock formations, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape. As you navigate the winding river, the canyon walls close in, revealing hidden alcoves, cascading waterfalls, and patches of sunlight filtering down into the depths. The beauty of the Narrows lies not only in the grand scale of its rock walls but also in the intimate details—colorful streaks of sandstone, ferns clinging to the walls, and the sound of water echoing in the narrow spaces. Whether you're exploring just the bottom section or embarking on the full 16-mile top-down trek, the Narrows offers a challenging, immersive experience that showcases Zion’s raw, untamed splendor. It's a hike that leaves a lasting impression on all who brave its waters.

Zion National Park has many fantastic scenic locations but there is one that packs a punch without the hassle of shuttles. This short hike is worth the early effort to watch the sunrise illuminate the canyon for a stunning show. The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, simply called the Overlook Trail, is a short 1-mile out and back trail on the east side of the park which offers commanding views of the valley below. Visitors will be able to look down at the switchbacks that lead down into the Springdale area and the majority of the park. Starting this trail at sunrise is where the real beauty begins. When at the overlook, one will be able to see the sunlight begin to creep into the canyon and illuminate the canyon walls with warm heavenly light. The trail itself is rated as moderate and proper footwear should be worn as some sections of the rock can be slippery, especially in wintertime or when wet. The beginning of the trail has a somewhat steep incline but the rest of the trail rising much more gently in elevation. Hikers must traverse several sections of catwalks which may be problematic for those with a fear of heights but any narrow sections have guardrails for the safety of visitors. One of the things that makes this trail so spectacular is the fact that it lies east outside of the Mount Carmel tunnel in and out of the main portion of Zion National Park. If you are approaching the park from the east, then no shuttle service is needed. The caveat to this is that parking can be limited. There is a very small parking lot available across from the trailhead for hikers which accommodates ten vehicles. There is some parking on the side of the road further back which requires further walking in addition to the trail itself. Despite the limited parking, the trail can sometimes feel crowded, however, once at the overlook there is plenty of space to spread out. Care should be taken on the trail in the narrow sections taking turns and allowing for people to pass.

Set against the backdrop of Zion National Park is the ghost town of Grafton, Utah. Mormon pioneers settled into a community and farmed for decades despite flooding. Today beautifully preserved buildings are open for visitors to explore. In the late 1850s, Mormon families in the area settled in communities near the Virgin River, hoping to eke out an existence. They banked much of their farming efforts on growing cotton, however, floods and an oversight in planting necessary crops such as corn, cane, and other food necessary for families to survive. Floods, difficult conditions and constant tending to irrigation canals made living here difficult, and eventually, families packed up and moved on seeking out better land. What remained were a number of buildings - homes, barns, and a church - for visitors to explore. Some restoration and preservation have been made on the buildings. Due to the very scenic background of Zion National Park in the background, the ghost town has also served as a set in numerous movies over time as well.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes features sand in a color unlike what one might find at other parks such as White Sands National Park or Death Valley National Park. But you might be asking yourself how it gets its color. The color of the sand comes from the nearby Navajo sandstone rich in iron oxide that is commonly found in other distinctive neighboring red rock areas. The wind is accelerated through canyons, breaks down the sandstone surfaces, and eventually deposits it into the nearby open valley. Over time dunes are formed when enough sand grains accumulate. Located by nearby larger parks, such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park makes for an excellent quick trip at the end of the day. Sunsets at the park are nothing short of amazing and the reason for many photographers to venture out. For those seeking more adventure, 90% of the park, or 1200 acres, is open to ATV riding. Many companies in the area rent out vehicles or provide tours for visitors wishing to ride in the dunes. Others seeking more pedestrian-friendly adventures are free to hike the dunes or experience sandboarding and sledding. The Visitor Center rents boards to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Explore the historic ghost town of Grafton, Utah, and the stunning landscapes surrounding Zion National Park. This updated journey uncovers hidden gems, scenic views, and the rich pioneer history that shaped the region. In this updated exploration, we journey to Grafton, Utah—a small ghost town rich with pioneer history, nestled just outside the majestic Zion National Park. Once a thriving settlement established in the 1860s, Grafton now stands as a silent witness to the hardships and resilience of early Mormon settlers. Its abandoned homes, old church, and cemetery tell the story of lives shaped by the Virgin River’s floods, conflicts with Native American tribes, and the challenges of frontier life. Our adventure through Grafton showcases the iconic red rock backdrop that made it a popular filming location for classic Westerns like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. As we walk through the remains of this town, you'll see how nature and time have transformed these historic structures into monuments of the past. The scenery is striking—desert landscapes, looming cliffs, and the quiet beauty of an area that has remained largely untouched for over a century. Beyond Grafton, the surrounding landscapes of Zion National Park offer an abundance of natural wonders. From panoramic vistas to hidden trails, we explore the less-traveled paths that reveal breathtaking overlooks, lush canyons, and vibrant sandstone formations. This video brings you closer to the quieter, often overlooked areas that capture the spirit of the Old West while immersing you in the grandeur of southern Utah’s wilderness. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply curious about the untamed beauty of the region, this updated journey through Grafton and Zion will leave you with a deeper appreciation for both its heritage and its awe-inspiring scenery.

Join us on an unforgettable road trip from Kanab's charming Parry Lodge to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, exploring the magical Sand Caves and the mysterious Belly of the Dragon, with a few surprises along the way! Our road trip between Kanab and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park began at the historic Parry Lodge, a charming and nostalgic hotel that has hosted numerous Hollywood stars. Setting out from this iconic location, we drove northeast along US-89, eager to explore the natural wonders of southern Utah. Our first stop was the Sand Caves, a series of striking man-made caves carved into the soft, orange sandstone. The short hike to the caves was well worth it, as we were rewarded with stunning, wave-like formations and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Continuing our journey, we soon arrived at the Belly of the Dragon, an intriguing man-made drainage tunnel further formed by water erosion. The cool, narrow passage offered a unique and somewhat eerie experience, contrasting sharply with the sun-drenched desert above. As we made our way further, we planned a visit to Mossy Cave near Tropic. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we found the area crowded with visitors, leading us to skip this stop. While it was a bit disappointing, it didn't dampen our spirits for the rest of the trip. We continued on Scenic Byway 12, soaking in the breathtaking scenery, until we reached Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Here, we marveled set up camp right next to the water and immersed ourselves in the afternoon light. This road trip, filled with diverse landscapes and fascinating stops, was a memorable adventure through one of Utah's most beautiful regions.