Canyon Junction Bridge
Iconic bridge in Zion National Park offering breathtaking sunset views of The Watchman, accessible via the scenic Pa'rus Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Canyon Junction Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic bridge in Zion National Park offering breathtaking sunset views of The Watchman, accessible via the scenic Pa'rus Trail.
"Spectacular views of The Watchman at sunset, a photographer's dream!"
🚫 Bridge Photo Restrictions
Be aware of potential restrictions on standing on the bridge for photos. Check Zion NPS website.
🚶♀️ Pa'rus Trail Walk/Bike
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-mile walk or bike ride to the bridge for great views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Watchman at Sunset
Canyon Junction Bridge
Iconic view of The Watchman peak bathed in golden hour light. A photographer's dream!
Virgin River Views
Canyon Junction Bridge
Spectacular upstream and downstream vistas of the Virgin River, framed by canyon walls.
Pa'rus Trail Access
Pa'rus Trail
A scenic 1.5-mile walk or bike ride from the visitor center, offering great park views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Photography Rules
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Bridge Photo Restrictions
Be aware of potential restrictions on standing on the bridge for photos. Check Zion NPS website.
🚶♀️ Pa'rus Trail Walk/Bike
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-mile walk or bike ride to the bridge for great views.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Sunset offers rich colors, but expect crowds. Sunrise is a great alternative.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking near the bridge is very limited; consider walking or biking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Bridge Photo Restrictions
Be aware of potential restrictions on standing on the bridge for photos. Check Zion NPS website.
🚶♀️ Pa'rus Trail Walk/Bike
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-mile walk or bike ride to the bridge for great views.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Sunset offers rich colors, but expect crowds. Sunrise is a great alternative.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking near the bridge is very limited; consider walking or biking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, iconic views of The Watchman from Canyon Junction Bridge, especially at sunset, calling it a photographer's dream. The adjacent Pa'rus Trail is praised for its scenic beauty and accessibility, offering a more relaxed experience. However, the bridge can become extremely crowded, and there are restrictions on standing on it for photography.
"Located along the Zion Park Boulevard, just west of the turn off for Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The bridge crosses over the Virgin River and can be reached from the visitors’ center along the Pa’rus Trail, approximately 1.5 miles. There are some limited parking spaces along the side of the road west of the bridge but would not count on using them. The bridge offers you a spectacular view of the park looking north towards Angels Landing and east towards The Great Arch. If you have time, it is worth a stop and if not, you can always drive slowly over the bridge."
Thomas B
"Great 1.5 mile hike back down to the visitors center if you want to do one last walk/hike before leaving. It takes you straight to the visitors center and honestly has the best views of the park! Barely any people too! It's a good bike route too."
Natalia
"Insanely beautiful!!! If I could recommend when to come, mid October is the best to see this amazing foliage. Take the trolley and get off at weeping rock and emerald falls for easy hikes with beautiful scenery!"
Jamie Doheny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Canyon Junction Bridge is located on Zion Park Boulevard, just west of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive turnoff. You can drive and park in limited spots nearby, or access it via the Pa'rus Trail, a 1.5-mile walk or bike ride from the visitor center.
Parking spaces along the road west of the bridge are very limited and not reliable. It's often better to park at the visitor center and walk or bike the Pa'rus Trail.
Yes, the Pa'rus Trail is a paved, relatively flat path that is excellent for biking and leads directly to the Canyon Junction Bridge.
The Pa'rus Trail is generally accessible and offers a pleasant, easy walk or bike ride with beautiful views of the Virgin River and surrounding cliffs.
Many visitors enjoy walking or biking the Pa'rus Trail to the bridge for stunning views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Canyon Junction Bridge is located within Zion National Park, so you will need a valid park entrance pass to access it.
The Pa'rus Trail is within Zion National Park, so your park entrance fee covers access. There are no separate fees for the trail itself.
Canyon Junction Bridge is accessible year-round during park hours. However, specific photography restrictions might apply at certain times.
There are no reservation systems for viewing or photographing from the Canyon Junction Bridge. It's first-come, first-served, and can get crowded.
While the bridge itself is a public road, there have been instances where foot traffic for photography has been restricted. Always check the official Zion National Park website for current advisories.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunset is incredibly popular for the golden hour light on The Watchman, but it gets very crowded. Sunrise offers similar beauty with fewer people.
The iconic view is of The Watchman peak. You can also capture beautiful shots of the Virgin River flowing under the bridge.
Yes, visitors have reported being asked to leave the bridge for photography purposes. It's crucial to check Zion NPS guidelines to avoid issues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.
If the bridge is crowded or restricted, similar views of The Watchman can be found along the Pa'rus Trail or from other viewpoints within Zion National Park.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Pa'rus Trail is about 1.5 miles one way, so it takes approximately 30-45 minutes to walk to the Canyon Junction Bridge from the visitor center, depending on your pace.
The bridge is a public road, so be mindful of vehicle traffic. The Pa'rus Trail is a designated pedestrian and bike path and is generally safe.
There are no specific amenities directly at the bridge. Restrooms and water are available at the nearby Zion Visitor Center.
While tempting, stopping on the bridge for extended photography is discouraged and may result in being asked to move.
Visiting at sunrise or opting for a walk along the Pa'rus Trail away from the immediate bridge area can offer a more peaceful experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the bridge itself offers a quick photo op, consider spending more time exploring the Pa'rus Trail. It's a safer environment for children to move around and enjoy the natural beauty of Zion without the immediate concern of traffic or crowded viewpoints. Pack snacks and water, and make it a fun, relaxed outing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Arrive early to scout locations and consider using a tripod for optimal low-light performance. If the bridge proves too crowded or restricted, leverage the Pa'rus Trail. It offers excellent vantage points for capturing the river and canyon landscapes with fewer people. Sunrise is also a prime time for photographers seeking softer light and fewer distractions.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers
While the bridge itself is a quick stop, consider incorporating the Pa'rus Trail into a longer exploration of Zion's accessible paths. It provides a refreshing contrast to more strenuous hikes and offers continuous, beautiful vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Sunset View
Many visitors aim to capture this specific shot, leading to congestion on and around the bridge. It's important to note that while the view is spectacular, standing directly on the bridge for extended periods to take photos has been restricted by park authorities. Always be mindful of traffic and follow any posted signage or ranger instructions to ensure safety and compliance.
For those seeking a similar, less crowded experience, consider arriving well before sunset to secure a good vantage point or exploring alternative viewpoints along the Pa'rus Trail. The light during golden hour is magical, but planning ahead is key to enjoying it fully.
Navigating the Pa'rus Trail
As you traverse the Pa'rus Trail, you'll be treated to beautiful views of the Virgin River and the towering canyon walls. It's a much more relaxed way to soak in the scenery compared to the potentially crowded bridge itself. Many find this trail offers some of the best views of the park with significantly fewer people, especially if you venture further along it.
Biking the Pa'rus Trail is a popular choice, allowing you to cover more ground and enjoy the open air. You can rent bikes near the park entrance or in Springdale. The trail is relatively flat, making it an enjoyable ride for most fitness levels. It's a great option for a final scenic activity before departing Zion, as it conveniently leads back to the visitor center.
Understanding Photography Regulations
It's crucial for visitors to be aware of and respect these regulations. The official Zion National Park website is the best resource for the most up-to-date information on any restrictions. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to being asked to move or potentially facing citations.
While the bridge offers a unique perspective, remember that Zion National Park is vast and offers numerous other breathtaking viewpoints. Exploring different areas of the park can lead to equally stunning photographic opportunities without the potential hassle associated with the bridge.
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