Zion Scenic Drives and Overlooks for Breathtaking Views

If hiking isn’t really your thing, but you still want to soak up all the jaw-dropping beauty Zion National Park has to offer, you’re in luck. Some of the most iconic views in Zion don’t require boots, backpacks, or blisters. In fact, some of the best Zion scenic drives and overlooks are right off the road. Whether you’re road-tripping through Southern Utah or just want a relaxing day between adventures, these spots offer unforgettable sights without breaking a sweat.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: A Must-See Classic

Let’s start with the most famous route in the park, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. During most of the year, private vehicles aren’t allowed on this road unless you’ve got a special permit. But don’t let that discourage you. The park’s shuttle system is free, easy to use, and takes you right into the heart of the canyon. As you cruise along, towering cliffs and red rock cathedrals rise up on both sides. Stops like Court of the Patriarchs and Big Bend give you perfect photo ops and a chance to stretch your legs without venturing far. If you’re lucky enough to be here during the off-season when cars are allowed, the early morning light turning the canyon walls gold is something you won’t forget.

Kolob Canyons: Big Views, Small Crowds

Located on the northwest side of the park, Kolob Canyons is one of Zion’s most underrated gems. The five-mile scenic drive winds through deep red canyons and leads you to viewpoints that rival anything in the main part of the park. The best part? Hardly anyone goes there. You can pull off, snap a few photos, and take in the serenity without dodging crowds. The overlook at the end of the road provides panoramic views that are especially stunning in the late afternoon light. This area really shows off why people fall in love with Zion’s massive scale and rugged beauty.

Kolob Terrace Road: Local Favorite with Zero Traffic

If you want to feel like you’ve discovered a secret, drive Kolob Terrace Road. Starting just outside the town of Virgin, this road climbs quickly into the high country. It’s a peaceful route with sweeping views of Zion’s backcountry. Along the way, you’ll pass open meadows, lava rock outcrops, and quiet pine forests. The views into the Left Fork of North Creek, where the Subway hike starts, are absolutely stunning. There are plenty of pullouts where you can just stop and take it all in. In spring and early summer, this drive is also one of the best places to catch the edge of Zion wildflower season.

Smith Mesa: Where the Sky Goes on Forever

Smith Mesa is one of those spots you won’t find in a typical travel guide, but it’s one of our favorites. This area offers a different perspective of Zion, one that feels bigger, wider, and a little more wild. The mesa sits above the Virgin River Valley and gives you a high-up view of the surrounding canyons, cliffs, and distant peaks. It’s a great place to watch the light change across the landscape during sunrise or sunset. The roads out here are a mix of pavement and dirt, so a high-clearance vehicle is a smart idea, especially if you’re venturing further out.

Canyon Overlook: One Short Walk to One Huge View

Okay, this one technically involves walking, but don’t worry, it’s short, sweet, and worth every step. The Canyon Overlook Trail is about a mile round-trip, and it ends with one of the best views in the entire park. From the edge, you’ll see straight into Zion Canyon, with the road winding far below and the cliffs stretching skyward. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel small in the best way. This trail is perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who wants the “wow” factor without a long hike.

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: Scenic Drive with Built-In Surprises

This stretch of road connects Zion Canyon to the park’s east entrance and it’s hands down one of the most scenic drives in the Southwest. You’ll twist and turn through sandstone tunnels, drive past checkerboard cliffs, and have multiple chances to pull over and take in the scenery. The views keep changing around every bend, and the landscape on this side of the park feels a little more open, a little more wild. It’s also a great place to spot bighorn sheep. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to catch them grazing near the roadside.

Want a Bird’s Eye View? Try a Scenic Flight

While the views from the road are incredible, they still don’t show you everything. If you want to take it to the next level, literally, book a helicopter tour. Our Zion helicopter adventures give you access to aerial views you just can’t get from the ground. Imagine soaring over Kolob Canyons, following the Virgin River through winding canyons, or hovering above Smith Mesa with miles of landscape spread out beneath you. These Zion scenic flights are unforgettable, especially during spring when the colors are at their peak and the air is clear.

Bonus: Combine a Drive with an Off-Road Jeep Tour

Want to explore even more without hiking? Our Jeep tours take you to remote areas with views you won’t find from the main park roads. We’ll drive you up to Zion Cliffside Point, through the Lava Ridge Mesa, and out toward Grafton Ghost Town. It’s history, geology, and incredible scenery all wrapped into one dusty, thrilling ride. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants a different side of Zion.

The Scenic Side of Zion, No Hiking Boots Required

Zion National Park isn’t just for hikers and adrenaline junkies. It’s a place that reveals its beauty from every angle, and some of the best views come right from the comfort of your vehicle. Whether you’re cruising Kolob Canyons, exploring the backroads near Smith Mesa, or flying high on a Zion helicopter tour, these scenic drives and overlooks let you experience the park’s magic without breaking a sweat. So grab your keys, pack your camera, and hit the road. Zion’s views are waiting.

Created On 31 Mar 2025