Zion National Park is one of the most photographed spots in the U.S., and for good reason. With huge free-standing arches, vast winding canyons, and the mighty Virgin River that carves and shapes Zion—everywhere you look presents the perfect photo opp.
When you stay at Under Canvas Zion, you’ll be close to all the best backdrops for your Instagram feed—making it easy to experience all this red rock desert landscape has to offer with photos to prove it:
#1 Under Canvas Zion
Look no further than your safari-inspired accommodations for breathtaking vistas. Picture yourself on your tent deck at sunrise, sipping morning coffee while basking in the red sandstone glow. Then walk over to the outdoor lounge area, where you’ll be met with a modern, localized design aesthetic that reflects the surrounding natural environment. Think West Elm furnishings, earthy tones, wood arches, and shimmering string lights. Snap some photos from your tent deck during sunrise or head to the outdoor lounge area for photos with a beautiful red rock canyon backdrop.
#2 Canyon Overlook
Inside Zion National Park, this short 1-mile hike to Canyon Overlook offers spectacular views that beg to be photographed. The easy-to-reach, popular hike offers a signature view of the thousand-foot-deep red rock canyon and the Great Arch. We recommend driving to the Upper East Canyon before sunrise to catch the sun just as it peeks over the canyon walls, avoiding shooting in direct sunlight.
#3 Scout Lookout
The 4-mile out and back hike to Scout Lookout along the West Rim Trail affords views of the famous Angels Landing and the vast canyon below. From here, the chains lead up to the Angels Landing viewpoint for hikers who want to opt-in for a more exhilarating and strenuous hike. Angels Landing is a bucket list hike for many but is not for the faint of heart. Once you reach the top, you can soak in epic 360-degree views of the surrounding sandstone from the 6,000-feet elevation.
#4 The Subway
With bright red rock, lush greenery, and flowing water, The Subway is one of the most popular locations for photography in Zion National Park. The tube-like rock formation with emerald pools makes for captivating photos and videos. Many photographers like to take long exposure shots of the cascading water using a tripod in this spot. If The Subway is on your shot list, make sure to obtain a wilderness permit beforehand and plan ahead as the hike is difficult, requiring 8-9 hours to complete.
#5 Canyon Junction Bridge
Without a doubt, the best time and place to snap The Watchman, the most iconic peak in Zion National Park, is at sunset from the Canyon Junction Bridge. If you’re taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle, you’ll want to hop off at the Canyon Junction shuttle stop, where you can walk out onto the bridge and strike a pose or line up the perfect landscape shot. For a different perspective, walk north towards the bus stop where you’ll come across an access trail leading down to the Virgin River, allowing you to explore more.
When you stay at Under Canvas Zion, the natural surroundings and neighboring national park make for the ultimate photo backdrop. After exploring by day, head back to camp and try your hand at night-sky photography. We use low-level lighting throughout camp to amplify the star-studded sky and views of the Milky Way over Zion National Park. You can rest easy in your plush king-size bed, knowing your connection with nature and camera-captured memories will never be forgotten.
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