First impressions of Zion National Park, from a photographer’s perspective

Main photo: Dramatic view from Springdale Shuttle Stop 9, Zion National Park | © Kitty Singsuwan

I don’t think Zion National Park is a bucket list destination for most photographers, it certainly wasn’t mine. However I wanted to see, for myself, why everyone loves the place so much. And when that time finally came, a little birdie told me to bring my camera.

I’m glad I did 🙂

The tl;dr – Zion National Park photographs well when draped in mist & cloud – when it’s rainy, but not too rainy. Be careful if you’re there during a thunderstorm, heavy rainfall, or monsoon, though – the potential for flash flooding is no joke.

And here are some more first impressions, if you wanna keep reading:

1. Unless there’s heavy snow on the ground, Zion National Park will feel crowded during the day, even when it’s not.
2. There’s a section of Zion that’s only accessible via the park’s free shuttle system (during spring, summer & fall). Be prepared to carry your camera gear for a while.
3. Most visitors stay or park in Springdale, UT (just south of Zion), then hop the free Springdale shuttle to the park’s Visitor Center, where they transfer to the park’s free shuttle.
4. If you can though, enter Zion via the east entrance. Approaching the park from this direction will take you through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel, switchbacks, and EPIC views as you descend into the canyon. (Trust me, it’s not the same going the other way.) If parking inside the park is full, you‘ll have to drive on to Springdale, park in one of the pay lots, then take the shuttle back in. It’s worth it, though.
   

Okay, let’s talk gear:

1. You can go handheld, but if you want long exposures of flowing water, bring your tripod.
2. A 24-70 mm lens will not let you down, but you may want to pack something wider (16-35mm or 14-24mm), too.

Until next time,
K