Local Attractions and Surrounding Areas

Zion National Park is surrounded by numerous attractions that enhance the visitor experience. Here are some must-see local attractions:

1. The Narrows: One of the most iconic hikes in Zion, this slot canyon hike involves wading through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering cliffs.
2. Angels Landing: Known for its thrilling ascent and breathtaking views, this hike is not for the faint of heart but rewards with panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon.
3. Emerald Pools: A series of trails leading to beautiful pools and waterfalls, offering stunning views and lush surroundings.
4. Canyon Overlook Trail: A short, relatively easy hike that provides stunning views of Zion Canyon, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.
5. Kolob Canyons: Located in the northwest section of the park, Kolob Canyons offer dramatic red rock formations and less-crowded trails.
6. Checkerboard Mesa: A unique sandstone formation located in the eastern part of the park, known for its distinctive cross-hatching pattern.

7. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: About 30 miles west of Zion, this state park features unique pink sand dunes that are perfect for sandboarding, off-roading, and hiking. The park's distinctive color comes from the erosion of Navajo sandstone.

8. Bryce Canyon National Park: Located about 72 miles northeast of Zion, Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos, spire-shaped rock formations. The park offers excellent hiking, scenic drives, and stargazing opportunities.

9. Cedar Breaks National Monument: Located about 50 miles north of Zion, Cedar Breaks features a stunning natural amphitheater with vibrant red rock formations and lush alpine meadows. 

Nearby Towns and Cities

Visitors to Zion National Park can find additional amenities and activities in nearby towns and cities:

1. Springdale, Utah: The gateway town to Zion, offering a variety of accommodations, dining options, and shops, as well as shuttle services to the park.
2. Hurricane, Utah: Located a short drive from the park, Hurricane provides accommodations, dining, and attractions such as the Sand Hollow State Park.
3. St. George, Utah: About 40 miles west of the park, St. George offers extensive amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions such as the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
4. Cedar City, Utah: Located about an hour's drive from the park, Cedar City offers accommodations, dining, and cultural attractions such as the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Southern Utah Museum of Art.
5. Kanab, Utah: Located about an hour's drive from the park, Kanab offers accommodations, dining, and attractions such as the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Scenic Drives

Zion National Park offers several scenic drives that provide beautiful views of the park's landscapes and access to its iconic features. These drives are perfect for capturing the essence of the park through photography.

1. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive:

   • Details: This drive runs through the heart of Zion Canyon, providing access to many of the park's most famous trails and viewpoints. Note that this road is only accessible by shuttle bus from spring to fall.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include stops at the Zion Human History Museum, Court of the Patriarchs, Angels Landing, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, and the Temple of Sinawava.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek suggests taking the shuttle early in the morning or late in the afternoon to capture the best light. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the towering cliffs and lush canyon floor.

2. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway:

   • Details: This scenic drive runs from the South Entrance to the East Entrance, passing through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and offering stunning views of the park's eastern side.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include the Checkerboard Mesa, Canyon Overlook Trail, and various pull-offs offering views of the sandstone formations.
   • Photography Tips: Hui Cha Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the dramatic landscapes and a polarizing filter to enhance colors. The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

3. Kolob Canyons Road:

   • Details: This 5-mile scenic drive provides access to the Kolob Canyons area, offering dramatic views of the red rock formations and opportunities for hiking.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include the Timber Creek Overlook and various viewpoints along the drive.
   • Photography Tips: The Staneks suggest using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive canyon views and a telephoto lens for detailed shots of the rock formations. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

4. Kolob Terrace Road:

   • Details: This scenic drive climbs from the town of Virgin up to Lava Point, offering access to less-crowded trails and stunning views of the high country.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include views of the Pine Valley Mountains, the Hop Valley Trailhead, and Lava Point Overlook.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views from the overlooks and a polarizing filter to enhance colors. The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Reservations and Timed Entry Information

Best Hikes

Zion National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. Each trail provides unique opportunities for exploration and photography. Here are some of the best hikes in the park for prepared hikers:

1. The Narrows:

   • Details: This hike involves wading through the Virgin River, with towering walls rising on either side. It can be done as a short day hike or a longer hike starting from the top of the canyon.Hikers can go as far as they like before turning back, with the full hike to Big Springs being a 10-mile round trip. William recommends this hike for adventurous photographers looking to capture the dramatic play of light and shadow in the canyon. The hike is best done in the summer months when the water levels are lower and the temperatures are warmer. Hui Cha suggests renting appropriate gear, such as water shoes and walking sticks, and checking the weather forecast for flash flood risks.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include the narrowest sections of the canyon, the Wall Street area, and various waterfalls.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek recommends using a waterproof camera or housing, and a wide-angle lens to capture the narrow canyon and towering walls. Midday provides the best light when the sun illuminates the canyon walls.
   • Note: Flash flooding can occur, especially during monsoon season (July-September). Always check weather conditions and be aware of flash flood risks.
   • Permits: Required for overnight backcountry trips, including The Narrows from top-down.

2. Angels Landing:

   • Details: This 5.4-mile round-trip hike is one of the most famous and challenging hikes in Zion, involving steep switchbacks and a narrow ridge with chains for support. The strenuous and not for the faint of heart trail climbs 1,488 feet, with steep drop-offs and chains to assist hikers in the final section. The views from the top are spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of Zion Canyon.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include Scout Lookout, the narrow ridge, and the summit, which offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon.
   • Photography Tips: Hui Cha Stanek suggests using a wide-angle lens to capture the dramatic landscapes and the views from the summit. Early morning provides the best light and fewer crowds. Hui Cha also advises hikers to  ensure they are physically prepared for the challenging ascent. Best for experienced hikers only.
   • Note: This trail involves exposed sections with steep drop-offs. Hikers should be cautious, especially during bad weather or if afraid of heights.

3. Emerald Pools Trails:

   • Details: A series of connected trails that lead to Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, with options for easy to moderate hikes. 3 miles round trip (to the Upper Pool). William recommends this hike for families and those looking for a relatively easy and rewarding trail.  
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of the pools, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
   • Photography Tips: The Staneks recommend using a wide-angle lens to capture the pools and waterfalls and a macro lens for close-ups of the flora. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

4. Observation Point:

   • Details: This 8-mile round-trip hike offers a strenuous climb to one of the best viewpoints in the park, providing stunning views of Zion Canyon and Angels Landing from above. Hui Cha highlights this hike for its dramatic scenery and recommends starting early to avoid the heat.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of Echo Canyon, Weeping Rock, and the panoramic vistas from Observation Point.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek suggests using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a polarizing filter to enhance colors. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

5. Canyon Overlook Trail:

   • Details: This 1-mile round-trip trail offers an easy hike to a viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of Zion Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, and the East Temple.
   • Photography Tips: Hui Cha Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for stability during low light conditions. Sunrise and sunset provide the best light for photography.

6. Taylor Creek Trail:

   • Details: This 5-mile round-trip hike in the Kolob Canyons area follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, passing historic cabins and ending at Double Arch Alcove.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of the red rock formations, historic homestead cabins, and the impressive Double Arch Alcove.
   • Photography Tips: The Staneks suggest using a wide-angle lens to capture the canyon views and a macro lens for details of the historic cabins. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

7. La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch:

   • Details: This 14-mile round-trip hike in the Kolob Canyons area offers a strenuous journey to one of the largest natural arches in the world, Kolob Arch. Hui Cha recommends this hike for experienced hikers seeking a rewarding and less crowded adventure.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of La Verkin Creek, the canyon walls, and the impressive Kolob Arch.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the arch and surrounding landscapes and a telephoto lens for detailed shots. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

Other Hikes:

• Riverside Walk: This 2.2-mile round-trip, easy, wheelchair-accessible trail follows the Virgin River to the entrance of The Narrows. The trail is shaded and offers beautiful river and canyon views. It is an excellent hike for families and those looking for a leisurely walk with plenty of opportunities for photography. William often suggests this trail for its accessibility and the chance to capture reflections of the canyon walls in the river. Hui Cha recommends this walk for all visitors, particularly those looking for a leisurely and scenic stroll.

• Hidden Canyon Trail: 3 miles round trip. This moderately strenuous hike takes visitors to a secluded hanging canyon. The trail features steep switchbacks, a section with chains for support, and stunning views. William highlights this hike for its adventurous feel and the opportunity to explore a less-visited part of the park.

William and Hui Cha Stanek's extensive body of work at Zion National Park showcases their deep appreciation for its dramatic red rock landscapes, lush valleys, and unique geological features. William's technical expertise with photographic equipment and Hui Cha's creative vision result in compelling images that highlight the park's stunning beauty and diverse ecosystems. Their dedication often involves waiting for hours to capture the perfect light and conditions, revealing the park's essence in each shot.

Conservation is a core theme in their photography. Through their stunning visual storytelling, they aim to foster a greater awareness of the need to protect natural landscapes like Zion National Park. Their support for organizations such as the National Park Foundation and the Sierra Club underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.

Conclusion

Zion National Park, with its towering red rock cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush riverbanks, offers endless opportunities for exploration and photography. The park's local attractions, scenic drives, and hiking trails provide a comprehensive experience for visitors. Through the lens of William and Hui Cha Stanek, the park's natural wonders and significance are vividly captured, inspiring a deeper appreciation and commitment to preserving this unique national treasure. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a casual explorer, Zion National Park promises a memorable and enriching adventure.