Zion National Park

Even among America's National Parks, few can match the stunning beauty of Zion National Park. Situated between the Dixie and Canyon Country regions of southern Utah, the park protects a series of incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs, and is a favorite spot for hiking, backpacking, canyoneering and climbing. In fact, Zion has some of the most spectacular trails in the National Park System. Unlike many other parks in the American Southwest, where visitors look down from the rim of a canyon, visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up. In addition to the magnificent monoliths and cliffs, the park is known for its desert landscape of sandstone canyons, mesas, and high plateaus.

146km

Phoenix

county seat and capital city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, fifth largest city in the United States by population

232km

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) is a United States National Recreation Area in southern Nevada along the northern border of Arizona.

295km

Las Vegas

Situated in the midst of the southern Nevada desert, Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. Nicknamed Sin City, Las Vegas and its surrounding communities are famed for their mega-casino resorts, often lavishly decorated with names and themes meant to evoke romance, mystery, and exotic destinations. Along the brightly-lit Strip through the center of the city, visitors will find all manner of amusements and entertainment: circuses, stage shows, thrill rides, erotica, exotic animals, fine dining restaurants, nightclubs, shopping, and elaborate fountain displays, to say nothing of the age-old allure of gambling and drinking.

333km

Tucson

county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States

379km

Mesa Verde National Park

U.S. national park in Colorado

422km

Puerto Peñasco

city in Sonora, Mexico

464km

Bright Angel Trail

The park's most popular trail is the Bright Angel trail which starts near the Bright Angel Lodge. This trail traverses a seemingly unending series of switchbacks down the canyon wall before leveling out somewhat around the oasis of Indian Gardens. During the summer months water is available at the 1.5 mi (2.4 km) resthouse, the 3 mi (4.8 km) resthouse and Indian Gardens (4.5 mi or 7.2 km). However, check to ensure that the water is functioning before departing; water main breaks are common. Most hikers will traverse only a portion of this trail, and the park recommends that day hikers never attempt to go further than Indian Gardens. Winter hikers should note that the top two miles of this trail are likely to be icy. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Mile-and-a-half Resthouse (3.0 mi/4.8 km with 1131 ft/345 m elevation change), Three-mile Resthouse (6.0 mi/9.6 km with 2112 ft/644 m elevation change), Indian Garden (9.8 mi/15.8 km with 3060 ft/933 m elevation change), River Resthouse (16.2 mi/26.2 km with 4380 ft/1337 m elevation change), Bright Angel Campground (19.2 mi/31.0 km with 4380 ft/1337 m elevation change).

463m

Grand Canyon National Park

national park of the United States in Arizona

2.0km

Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

Good views, the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail, historic buildings, and massive crowds.

2.0km

South Kaibab Trail

Slightly steeper than the Bright Angel trail, this trail starts from Yaki Point and follows a ridgeline into the canyon. Because the trail follows a ridge the views are spectacular and wide-open, but the amazing scenery comes at a cost: there is almost no shade to protect hikers from the sun, and the lack of natural water sources means that there is less plant and animal life. Hikers should be aware that there is no water available along this trail and prepare for brutal conditions- summer hikes can be particularly dangerous. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Cedar Ridge (3.0 mi/4.8 km with 1140 ft/348 m of elevation change), Skeleton Point (6.0 mi/9.6 km with 2040 ft/622 m of elevation change), the Tipoff (8.8 mi/14.2 km with 3260 ft/994 m of elevation change), Bright Angel Campground (14 mi/22.6 km with 4780 ft/1457 m of elevation change).

6.3km

Hermits Rest

At the West end of Hermit Road, this gift shop and snack bar was designed by Mary Colter (the same person responsible for the Watchtower at Desert View) to resemble a Hermit's abode, and fit in harmoniously with the landscape. Constructed of a mix of stone and wood.

8.0km

Hermit Trail

This is a steep, marginally maintained, rocky trail that descends from the South Rim to the river, passing fossilized reptile tracks and abandoned camps from the early 1900s along the way. The trailhead is just beyond Hermit's Rest and is accessible via shuttle bus. Shade is scarce during the summer. Water is sometimes available at Santa Maria Spring, and is always available in Hermit Creek; both sources must be treated. This trail also provides access to Dripping Springs. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Dripping Springs Trail junction (3.2 mi/5.1 km with 1400 ft/427 m of elevation change), Hermit Camp (14.0 mi/22.4 km with 3840 ft/1171 m of elevation change), Colorado River (17 mi/27.2 km with 4240 ft/1293 m of elevation change).

8.1km

North Kaibab Trail

This trail descends steeply from the North Kaibab Trailhead on the North Rim to Roaring Springs, the headwaters of Bright Angel Creek, where it flattens out for the long trek to the Colorado River. The upper stretch of the trail (from the trailhead to Cottonwood Campground) receives some shade, but the lower stretch to Bright Angel Campground becomes dangerously hot during the summer, and hiking between 10AM and 4PM should be avoided. During the summer, potable water is available at Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, and Cottonwood Campground; between Roaring Springs and the Colorado River, water from Bright Angel Creek can be purified for drinking purposes. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Supai Tunnel (3.4 mi/5.0 km with 1440 ft/439 m of elevation change), Roaring Springs (9.4 mi/14.6 km with 3020 ft/920 m of elevation change), Cottonwood Campground (13.6 mi/21.8 km with 4160 ft/1268 m of elevation change, Bright Angel Campground (28 mi45 km with 5760 ft/1756 m of elevation change).

17km

Grandview Trail

This is another steep, marginally maintained, rough trail that descends from the South Rim to Horseshoe Mesa and Cottonwood Creek; it does not go to the Colorado River. The trailhead is at Grandview Point and leads down to Horseshoe Mesa where several mining relics including ore crushers and cabins are still present. The trail then continues on to Cottonwood Creek, which will be dry at most times of year. There is no water along this trail, so you must carry sufficient water with you. Round-trip distances to waypoints are: Coconino Saddle (2.2 mi/3.5 km with 1165 ft/355 m of elevation change), Horseshoe Mesa (6.0 m/9.6 km with 2500 ft/762 m of elevation change), Cottonwood Creek (10.0 mi/16.0 km with 3800 feet/1158 m of elevation change).

17km

Desert View Watchtower

The historic Watchtower is a popular stop for many travellers and provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the canyon and Colorado River.

34km

Sedona

115km