If you live in Utah and haven't visited Zion National Park, it feels like a missed opportunity.

It looks amazing in photos, but experiencing it in person is completely different. My first reaction would probably be, "Did such a place exist in America?"

Zion is located right next to Springdale in the southwestern part of Utah. It was designated as Utah's first national park in 1919 and covers about 147,000 acres. Today, it is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., attracting millions of visitors each year.

The most astonishing feature here is undoubtedly the rock formations. Instead of just mountains, there are massive red and cream-colored sandstone cliffs rising on both sides. Once you enter Zion Canyon, there are places where the cliffs reach hundreds of meters high, making you feel incredibly small.

If I had to name the most famous spot, it would be Angels Landing. The round trip is about 5.4 miles, but the distance isn't the issue. The final section is very steep, with sheer cliffs overlooking you, making it a challenging route for those with a fear of heights. Currently, you need a permit to hike the final chain section, so be sure to check in advance.

Personally, I wouldn't attempt Angels Landing on my first visit. There are many trails in Zion that you can enjoy without too much difficulty.

If you're with family, the Emerald Pools area is a great choice, and if you want to enjoy the scenery of the river and cliffs comfortably, Riverside Walk is also nice.

You don't have to reach the summit to truly experience Zion.

Another famous feature of Zion, alongside Angels Landing, is The Narrows. This one is really unique. Instead of walking on a typical hiking trail, you walk through the Virgin River, entering a narrow canyon. Towering cliffs rise on both sides as you wade through the water.

However, just because there's water doesn't mean you should go in during the summer. Zion is at risk of flash floods when sudden heavy rain occurs, causing water to rush into the canyon.

You shouldn't judge based solely on a clear sky; always check the weather and park alerts for the day. If the water flow is too high or conditions are dangerous, access to The Narrows may be restricted.

Don't underestimate the summer heat either. Temperatures can rise to around 100°F (38°C) during the day. So if you visit in the summer, it's much better to start early in the morning. Make sure to bring plenty of water. Personally, I think spring and fall are the most comfortable times for hiking.

During peak seasons, there are times when regular vehicles cannot enter Zion Canyon. During these periods, you will need to take the park's shuttle to move between major stops. At first, it might seem inconvenient, but once you use it, you'll find it reduces the stress of parking, making it more convenient.

If you enjoy road trips, you should definitely drive along Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The road winds between massive cliffs, and as you pass through tunnels, completely different landscapes unfold before you. You'll find yourself saying, "Wow, look at this!" as you drive.

You can stay at Zion Lodge inside the park, but it tends to have a competitive reservation process, so many people opt to stay in Springdale right at the entrance. There are hotels and restaurants clustered together, making it easy to access the park for an early morning visit.

The night sky is also worth experiencing. Being far from the city, once it gets dark, you can see a lot of stars. Spending the day looking at the red cliffs and the night stargazing gives you a true sense of enjoying Zion.

Be sure to check the entrance fees as well. For a regular vehicle, the typical 7-day pass costs $35. However, if you plan to visit multiple national parks in a year, consider looking into the America the Beautiful annual pass. It can be used not only at Zion but also at other federal national parks and facilities, making it useful for frequent travelers.

Besides Zion, Utah is home to other national parks like Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef, collectively known as the Mighty 5. However, if you're experiencing a Utah national park for the first time, I would recommend starting with Zion.

Seeing Zion in photos and standing in the canyon looking up at it is truly different. Watching the Virgin River flow between the massive cliffs while people walk below makes you marvel at the fact that you're witnessing such a landscape in real life.

If you have the chance to live in or travel to Utah, try to spend at least a night or two instead of just a day. Zion is not just a famous destination; once you visit, you'll understand why it has gained such fame.