Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of those places that genuinely stops you in your tracks. The scale of it is hard to prepare for — enormous sandstone cliffs in burnt orange, cream, and deep red rising hundreds of metres above the Virgin River, with cottonwood trees turning the canyon floor a vivid green.

Zion Canyon itself is the centrepiece, and even on a busy day, the sheer drama of the landscape means it never feels ordinary.

The park's most famous route, Angels Landing, involves a steep climb with chain-assisted sections near the top and serious exposure on both sides. It now requires a permit, which you'll need to apply for through the lottery system on the Recreation. gov website well in advance.

The Narrows is equally iconic — you wade upstream through the Virgin River between slot canyon walls, so water shoes and a walking pole make a real difference. Both trails reward the effort, but neither should be underestimated if you're not used to hiking in heat.

Getting around inside the park is straightforward during peak season, as private vehicles are restricted in Zion Canyon and you'll rely on the free shuttle buses that stop at all the main trailheads. Springdale, the small town at the park entrance, has good food options and plenty of accommodation if you want to base yourself close by.

Be aware that summer temperatures can exceed 40°C in the canyon, and flash floods are a genuine risk in the Narrows — always check conditions before heading in.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and slightly thinner crowds, so aim for those windows if your schedule allows it.