So you’re engaged and want to explore Zion…now what?
Now is the time to plan those Zion engagement photos! Zion National Park is a truly incredible location. It’s full of rich colors, incredibly diverse environments, and of course some of the most epic views. On top of that, each season brings it’s own beauty and offers a unique experience of their own. Now, like almost all of the national parks, it’s difficult to choose which spots speak the most to you and your partner. Luckily I’m here to guide you along the way to discover which spots work for you and help you get the most out of your trip to Zion.
Best Time of the Year to Visit
This is subjective. There is no right or wrong time to visit the park. Each season does have it’s pros and cons. When visiting just remember you are required to take a shuttle bus through Zion’s scenic road for most of the trailheads from March 3rd to December 1st. Off-season (December 2 – March 2), you are allowed to drive your own car through the scenic drive. However if you’re looking to drive East towards the Mount Carmel Tunnel, there is no shuttle required and you can drive your own car through.
SPRING:
Spring offers beautiful weather with lots of plants and vegetation hitting their peak. The weather isn’t too hot and the traffic within the park isn’t crazy just yet. Beware though, it can have it’s busy days around the spring-break timeframe and weekends. With snow still melting during this time, mudslides can occur and some trails will be shut down. The Narrows also tend to be closed often due to powerful river flow from the snow melting.
SUMMER:
This time of the year will be the hottest with a lot of traffic in and out of the park. This is peak season. Is it doable? Absolutely. Just make sure to give yourselves extra time to get around and wait for the shuttle buses. And always, always, always bring adequate water to help keep you hydrated and sunscreen for protection!
FALL:
This is when rich, beautiful colors thrive throughout the park. The bold autumn colors compliment the vibrant orange canyon walls. Plus, the weather is excellent and more cloudy days will be prevalent. However, you must be aware that rock and mud slides are more likely at this time. Rainy days can cause movement along the canyon and close down roads and trails.
WINTER:
Winter is very cold and can bring lots of snow! It is an absolutely beautiful time of year, but trails will be wet and slick. It is best to be prepared with all the appropriate gear. You may also find a few trails closed during this time due to the amount of snow. The upside to this season is that it is considered the off-season. Foot traffic will be a lot lower and you can drive your car through Zion without having to wait for the shuttles.
Incredible Trails With The Best Views For Engagement Photos
Now keep in mind there are an abundance of great trails to choose from throughout Zion for engagement photos. If you’re looking for some of the top spots with the best views these are some of my favorites ranging from challenging to moderately easy.
OBSERVATION POINT TRAIL – 7 MI TOTAL
Observation Point is quite possibly the highest point in the park you can get to. It’s considered moderate to difficult and will take a few hours out of your day to explore this epic location. Overall, the views from this spot just can’t be beat. You have a great panorama over the valley including a high vantage point overlooking Angel’s Landing. It can be very quiet as it’s one of the longer hiking trails and not usually full of foot traffic.
The trailhead parking lot can be a challenge however. It has very limited parking and the roads to the lot are very rocky to the point where hefty cars are required. There are a few ways to work out this parking debacle. You could get there before sunrise and get a parking spot before most people arrive. You can risk it and drive over at a different time of the day. You’ll just have to get lucky finding a parking spot or wait for someone to leave once you arrive. Or you park at Zion Ponderosa, a couple miles out from the trailhead, and take their free shuttle. With this method you must be aware that you can’t shoot for watching the sunset at the Observation Point. The shuttles no longer run after sunset, so it’s more likely you’d have a midday hike/session.
This hike will be the longest and take the most amount of time out of your day, but overall it’s beyond worth it for an engagement session.
ZION CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL – 1 MI TOTAL
This is a popular trail that is considered easy to moderate. This is a great option to still get a great view over the valley, but you won’t be able to see Angel’s Landing from this viewpoint. Even so, it’s definitely worth it if you’re hoping for a trail that doesn’t take up too much time from your day.
The trail is very popular so it can be a bit crowded at the viewpoint, as well as very limited parking. It’s best to be prepared to get there with more than enough time before your engagement photoshoot to wait for a spot depending on the time of day. Sunrise is a great option for that reason. Do keep in mind, however, that sunrise will result in sunlight in front of you rather than behind.
See how this adventure engagement photoshoot took advantage of multiple locations throughout Zion.
TIMBER CREEK OVERLOOK TRAIL (KOLOB CANYON) – 1.2 MI TOTAL
This trail is absolutely beautiful. It is not within the main scenic road or South entrance to Zion NP after Springdale. It is located at the Kolob Canyons entrance to the West off the 15 highway. This area has it’s own scenic drive that is less populated than the main area of the park. It’s known to be more peaceful and also offer sweeping panoramic views. Not far from this area also resides one of the largest free-standing arches in the world with a 5 mile scenic drive. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and experience a quieter untouched area of Zion, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable adventure.
“What About Angel’s Landing for our Zion engagement photos?”
To be or not to be, that is question, right?
This is without a doubt one of the coolest trails to embark on. With that being said, it’s also one of the most rigorous and dangerous trails. The permit process to be able to hike it can also be a challenge. Before planning, consider that it will take a long time to get through and will test your body to the max. On the way up you will encounter 21 steep switchbacks, called Walter’s Wiggles, and 1,827 feet in elevation gain. This is not ideal for beginner hikers.
In order to be able to reach the absolute top of the Angel’s Landing rock formation, you must have a permit for each person within your party (photographer included). In order to get the best odds to be accepted, each person should submit for the entire party for the permit in advance. You can submit 2 months in advance online. If that doesn’t work, you can also reapply the night before you want to embark on the trail. The odds are 50/50, but totally worth it if you’re up for the challenge. To be able to say you hiked Angel’s Landing is one of the best memories you’ll experience.
If you aren’t lucky enough to get the permit, or you don’t want to hike the strenuous rock formation, Scout’s Lookout is another option along this trail. You will still have to hike the steep switchbacks. It’s about 3.5 miles total to this lookout, but you will get a great view of the valley, scenic road, and of course Angel’s Landing.
Spots Inside The Canyon For Engagement Photos
PA’RUS TRAIL – 1.5 MI ONE WAY
The Pa’rus Trail is a beautiful option within Zion for an engagement session. It’s a mile and a half one way paved road full of foliage and spots to dip your feet into the Virgin River. It is a popular spot for runners, walkers, and bikers. However, there’s quite a few spots off to the side for more intimate moments and away from watchful eyes.
KAYENTA TRAIL – 2.4 MI TOTAL
Kayenta Trail is a moderate to challenging route in Zion that leads to the Emerald Pools. There is some elevation gain, but you have some beautiful views of the canyon walls along the way. Depending on the time of year, the pools can be more shallow and more crowded. Overall this hike offers a beautiful end destination filled with a range of rich colors from oranges, reds, and greens.
TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA RIVERSIDE WALK – 2 MI TOTAL
This is the last stop on the shuttle route of Zion’s scenic road. The paved trail leads to the incredible and very popular Zion Narrows. The stunning trail, Temple of Sinawava, leading up to the Narrows just cannot be beat for an engagement photoshoot. You have about a mile one-way and back of luscious trees and vegetation. You’ll also have the shallow and wide Virgin River off to the sides. If you’re not looking for a steep hike or long trail to set out on, this trail offers rich environments and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for an afternoon session.
Best Activities For The Rest Of Your Trip
BIKING – Both regular and e-bike, but I highly recommend the e-bike if you plan on biking the entire scenic road. (Trust me, I tried the normal bike and almost died).
HIKING THE NARROWS – If the water isn’t too high or rushing too much (over 150 CFS – always check www.nps.gov for more info), you can make your way through the Zion Narrows. Beautiful slot canyons filled with so much to see. You will get your feet wet no matter what and it’s best to rent the appropriate gear in town to stay dry (and warm in the colder months). Be aware that during winter and spring, it can be closed quite often due to the fast rushing water from the snow melting on the canyon walls. Flash flooding can occur often through the Narrows.
CAMPING – By far the best thing you can do when visiting Zion is camp under the stars. There are several campsites within the park and close outside of the park that will give you the full experience. Everything is first come, first served. Click here for more info.
STARGAZING – (a personal favorite of mine) Speaking of stars, Zion is one of the International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. They have retro-fitted their lights throughout the park and in town to be low and dim to reduce as much light pollution as possible. The skies light up so beautifully that it’s something I highly suggest you won’t want to miss.
TRIPS ALONG THE RIVER – Floating along the Virgin River is both peaceful and an afternoon filled with fun. A permit is required in order to embark on this experience, but can be completed the day-of. Make sure to go to the Wilderness Desk to apply during open hours.
ROCK CLIMBING – If you’re an experienced rock climber, you will not want to miss out on the climbing adventures the Zion canyons have to offer. Zion offers some of the most adventurous wall climbs and a permit is required should you be interested in this activity. Find more information here.
Wanting to Elope Inside Zion National Park??
There are currently 6 approved sites inside the park that you are allowed to hold a ceremony. A $100 permit must be submitted no less than 3 weeks before your date. It must be approved before you move forward. The park is very strict when it comes to leaving no trace behind. They will ask for minimal decor and a strict guest count.
If you’re hoping for a little less hassle, there are quite a few options just outside the park where you can hold your ceremony, and then take formal photos of you and your partner inside the park after!
Whether looking to elope or take engagement photos inside Zion National Park, let me help guide you on this beautiful and exciting experience!
