Only a few minutes from the entrance to the park, Canyon Junction makes clear why Zion National Park is considered such a photographer’s dream. From here, get the best view of the Watchman, the rugged mountaintop that has been featured on thousands of postcards, as well as the Virgin River coursing down below. Depending on the season, the valley below is green or orange and yellow, either surprisingly lush or turning fiery colors in the fading evening sun.
Join the crowds that race here for their first taste of truly monumental nature, a sign of the sheer magnitude of the West’s grandeur. Come in the very early morning for slightly fewer people and watch the misty valley turn pink and purple in the dawn. Sunset is very popular too. From behind a camera lens or just with your eyes, watch as the setting sun casts its last rays onto the face of the Watchman, whose sandstone seems to turn into fire.
For the best effect, walk to Canyon Junction from the Visitor Center along the Pa’rus Trail, a paved path that allows bikes, wheelchairs and pets. The trail follows the winding Virgin River as it meanders toward Canyon Junction.
Time your hike to arrive at the overlook just before sunset to feel a bit like the explorers who first came to this spot. Let the astonishment of nature wash over you as it surely inspired them.
Canyon Junction is just north of the Zion National Park entrance, a 40-minute walk or 10-minute shuttle ride from the visitor’s entrance.
Several hotels and motels are located immediately outside the park entrance, with a free shuttle running from Springdale to the park’s pedestrian entrance. Take the park shuttle that travels every 7 to 10 minutes to the Canyon Junction stop from March to November, when private vehicles are not allowed onto the scenic drive. Even during other parts of the year, the shuttle is a good choice, as parking can be extremely limited, especially at sunset.
Pay the weekly fee to enter the park or purchase an annual national parks pass.
