Temple of Sinawava

The northern end of Zion Canyon holds some breathtaking scenery at a natural rocky paradise sanctuary called the Temple of the Sinawava (named after the Paiute tribe's coyote deity) in Zion National Park. To get to the Temple of Sinawava, take the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Visitor Center and ride it to the very last stop. The shuttle regularly runs between March and October. You'll see the park's best scenery such as Weeping Rock and Court of the Patriarchs along the shuttle route. Red rock is unique to the Western United States. At the Temple of Sinawava red rock dominates the landscape from the natural amphitheater surrounded by soaring rock walls to the cliffs above. Leafy trees dot the territory and a dramatic rock formation called the Pulpit juts up into the sky. At the Temple of Sinawava you can hike along the Riverside Walk. This 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) round trip is a popular paved path that is accessible for most visitors. The trail along the river to the famous Zion Narrows and the walls closing in creates a dramatic sluiceway where you can wade while enjoying the stunning views. The more rugged territory is upstream if you desire a continued adventure or head back to the shuttle stop the way you came. Some animals along the trail are birds, squirrels, mule deer, and blue herons fishing for their next meal. Don't be surprised if the park's famous greedy squirrels approach you hoping for a snack. Take a complimentary tram ride from Zion Lodge to the Temple of Sinawava. Listen to the informative narration and learn about your surroundings as your drive. At the Narrows hike trailhead, getting the shuttle back could take some time so consider bringing bikes to ride back down the road. The road is almost downhill but, per park rules, pull over and completely stop any time a shuttle approaches behind as there is no shoulder on the road.