Cable Mountain Zion National Park
Zion National Park: Majestic sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Cable Mountain Zion National Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zion National Park: Majestic sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
"Cable Mountain Trail is the most underrated hike in Zion hands down."
🚗 Shuttle System Savvy
During peak season, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. Utilize the free park shuttle to access most trailheads. :bus:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The Utah desert is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes like Cable Mountain. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cable Mountain Trail
East Rim Trailhead
An underrated 8-mile round trip hike with stunning canyon vistas and historical remnants of an old cable system.
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
Near Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
A short, rewarding hike offering panoramic views of Zion Canyon, perfect for sunrise or sunset.
The Narrows
Temple of Sinawava
Wade through the Virgin River with towering canyon walls, an unforgettable aquatic hiking experience.
Angels Landing
The Grotto Trailhead
A thrilling hike along a narrow ridge with chains for support, offering unparalleled views (permit required).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trailhead Access & Permits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle System Savvy
During peak season, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. Utilize the free park shuttle to access most trailheads. :bus:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The Utah desert is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes like Cable Mountain. :water_wave:
🥾 Proper Footwear is Key
Sturdy hiking boots are essential for Zion's varied terrain. Water shoes are a must for The Narrows. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Zion is incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning landscape shots. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle System Savvy
During peak season, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. Utilize the free park shuttle to access most trailheads. :bus:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The Utah desert is dry. Carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes like Cable Mountain. :water_wave:
🥾 Proper Footwear is Key
Sturdy hiking boots are essential for Zion's varied terrain. Water shoes are a must for The Narrows. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Zion is incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning landscape shots. :camerawithflash:
🎟️ Permit Lottery for Angels Landing
Angels Landing requires a permit. Enter the lottery well in advance of your trip. :ticket:
🏨 Lodge Convenience
Cable Mountain Lodge offers prime location right at the park entrance, with amenities like a pool and market. :hotel:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Zion's breathtaking scenery and unique hiking experiences, particularly Angels Landing and The Narrows. The Cable Mountain Trail is praised as an underrated gem with fewer crowds and historical significance. However, some find parking challenging and popular trails extremely crowded during peak season.
"As they say "far from the maddening crowd" a hike that takes you thru various types of vegetation, pine tree forest, tall grass, rocky terrain, at times scenic and boring. However as you come to a sign that says - "this cable station built in 1930" a few feet past it are breathtaking spectacular vistas of Zion Canyon hundreds of feet below. No barriers, just a rocky ledge to inch up to, however you could get close to the edge as a few heavy beams remain from the old cable station bridge, very unstable, warns Park Service.
We encountered very few hikers, many times thought we were the only people out in the wilderness. The hike is approximately 7.5 to 8 miles round trip. Getting there is tricky, as the dirt road leading to the spot to park your vehicle is surrounded by signs "Private property keep off". Anyways, we can't thank enough all the brave men and women that toiled and worked hard to build roads and hiking trails for all of us fortunate enough to come to Zion Park in Utah. Thanks to all current and former Park Service employees."
R R
"What a beautiful hike this is! Seriously the most underrated hike in Zion hands down. There are never crowds and the views are phenomenal. The hike is almost totally flat for its duration which is a nice change from other hikes in the area. Parking is extremely limited, and getting to the trailhead is honestly more difficult than the hike itself."
David Lariviere
"My favorite hike in Zion, and an unknown beauty! It is so gorgeous and unreal."
Claira Gunderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zion National Park is accessible by car, with the nearest major airport being Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), about a 2.5-hour drive away. From St. George Regional Airport (SGU), it's about an hour's drive. The park is located near Springdale, Utah. :car: :airplane:
Parking within Zion Canyon is extremely limited, especially during peak season. The main visitor center parking lot fills up early. Consider parking in Springdale and using the town shuttle to reach the park entrance. :parking:
Yes, the Zion Canyon Shuttle is mandatory for accessing the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from March through November. It stops at key trailheads and viewpoints. :bus:
Accessing the Cable Mountain Trailhead can be tricky due to private property signs. Some suggest parking near the East Mesa Trailhead or using a shuttle service that can drop you off. Research current access points before you go. :road:
Yes, you can drive your personal vehicle through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which connects the south and east entrances of the park. Large RVs and trailers may have restrictions. :tunnel:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is required to hike Angels Landing. Permits are issued through a lottery system by the National Park Service. Apply well in advance of your visit. :ticket:
The entrance fee for Zion National Park is typically $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted. Check the official NPS website for current pricing. :moneywithwings:
Zion National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers and shuttle services have specific operating hours, which vary by season. :clock1:
Day hiking The Narrows from the bottom-up (starting at the Temple of Sinawava) does not require a permit. However, overnight trips or top-down hikes do require a wilderness permit. :water_wave:
You can purchase entrance passes at the park's entrance stations or online through recreation.gov. Permits for specific hikes like Angels Landing are also managed through recreation.gov. :computer:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Iconic hikes include Angels Landing (permit required), The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. For a less crowded but rewarding experience, consider the Cable Mountain Trail. :hiking_boot:
The Cable Mountain Trail is considered moderately strenuous, covering about 7.8 miles round trip with some elevation gain. It's less crowded than other popular Zion hikes and offers historical interest. :mountain_cableway:
Early mornings are best to avoid crowds and heat, especially during summer. Sunrise at Zion Canyon Overlook is spectacular. Evenings offer beautiful light and cooler temperatures. :sunrise:
While wildlife is common, including deer, bighorn sheep, and various birds, encounters with dangerous animals are rare. Be aware of your surroundings and never feed wildlife. :deer:
Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking shoes, and layers of clothing. A first-aid kit and a map are also recommended. :backpack:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options within the park are limited. The Zion Lodge offers a dining room and a cafe. Springdale, just outside the south entrance, has a wider variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. :forkandknife:
Springdale offers many options, including Zion Pizza & Noodle Co., MeMe's Cafe, The Spotted Dog, and Feel Love Coffee. Desert Ice Zion offers frozen treats near the park entrance. :ice_cream:
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks into Zion National Park. Pack out all trash to help keep the park clean. :sandwich:
Yes, there are several designated picnic areas within Zion National Park, offering tables and scenic spots to enjoy your meal. :picnic_table:
Springdale has a diverse culinary scene, ranging from casual cafes and pizza joints to more upscale dining, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. :burger:
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include the view from Angels Landing, the Virgin River in The Narrows, sunrise at Zion Canyon Overlook, and the Court of the Patriarchs. The Cable Mountain Trail also offers unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape photography. Midday sun can be harsh. :sunriseovermountains:
Yes, the remnants of the old cable system on Cable Mountain are a significant historical and photographic element of the trail. Be cautious around unstable structures. :camera:
No, drone usage is prohibited in all National Parks, including Zion, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience. :noentrysign:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and long exposures. :tripod:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, remember that the park shuttle is mandatory for accessing the main canyon during peak season. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for more comfortable temperatures. Staying at Cable Mountain Lodge can be a great option for families, offering amenities like a pool and spacious rooms.
💰 Budget Travelers
For lodging, look for options in nearby towns like Hurricane or La Verkin, which are more affordable than Springdale. Camping within or near the park is also a budget-friendly option. Focus on free activities like hiking the numerous trails that don't require permits, such as the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail or the lower sections of the Emerald Pools.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day to capture the changing light on the sandstone cliffs. Golden hour is your best friend. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Remember that drones are prohibited in national parks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Cable Mountain
While the cable system was eventually abandoned, its legacy lives on through the trail. Hikers can explore the historical site and imagine the immense effort involved in its operation. Instagram reels and TikTok videos often highlight these historical remnants, adding a layer of depth to the hiking experience. It's a reminder that Zion's beauty is intertwined with human ingenuity and perseverance.
+2This historical aspect makes the Cable Mountain Trail a unique experience, appealing not only to hikers but also to history buffs. The trail itself winds through varied vegetation, from pine forests to tall grass, offering a different ecological perspective compared to the canyon floor hikes. The effort to reach these remnants is often described as worthwhile, providing a sense of discovery and a connection to Zion's past.
Navigating Zion's Iconic Hikes
Another must-do is The Narrows, where hikers wade through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls. This unique aquatic hike requires specific gear, like water shoes and a walking stick, which can be rented in Springdale. Planning is key, as flash floods can occur, making it essential to check weather conditions. Social media content often showcases the beauty and adventure of The Narrows, highlighting the need for caution and proper preparation.
For those seeking incredible views without the extreme exposure of Angels Landing, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a fantastic option. This shorter hike provides stunning vistas of the main canyon and is particularly popular for sunrise photography. The Cable Mountain Trail, while longer, offers a more solitary experience with spectacular views and historical intrigue, often described as an 'underrated gem' by hikers.
Where to Stay: Cable Mountain Lodge
+3The lodge also offers on-site amenities such as a market, gift shops, a restaurant, and an outfitter, providing everything a visitor might need. Its proximity to the Virgin River and the town of Springdale further enhances its appeal. Social media posts frequently feature the lodge as an ideal base for exploring Zion, with guests sharing positive experiences about its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and the stunning views.
+1Beyond the lodge itself, the surrounding area offers additional conveniences. Desert Ice Zion, located just outside the lodge, provides refreshing frozen treats made with real fruit, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.
Perks at Zion, another nearby spot, offers coffee and lunch options with beautiful red rock views. These nearby establishments add to the convenience and enjoyment of staying in this prime location near Zion National Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit