Kolob Creek Waterfall from Google Street View

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Description:
The Kolob Creek Waterfall location is on the Kolob Terrace just south of Kolob Reservoir, slightly north of Lava Point, and amid some of the best high elevation scenery in Washington County.  To the north of the road here, Kolob Creek meanders through open meadows dotted with willows, before going under the road and plunging, rolling, and spilling through the gorge to the south.  From the road, the falls make there was several hundred feet down before disappearing out of site in the canyon and forest below.  There are 2 dirt parking areas one directly looking down on the falls, and another 150' west looking back at the falls.  The cliff habitat below is dotted with small aspen, and some mixed oak woodlands.  Coniferous forest with some aspen lines both sides of the gorge heading south, and a thick ponderosa forest can be seen to the south leading to Lava Point.  The land around this area is all private, but the parking areas and roads are open to the public.

Birding:
The first time I drove up to Kolob Terrace, I was drawn to the waterfall. It isn't a spectacular waterfall, but the area is beautiful.  The view to the south is incredible, and for birding you have wide open views of various habitats in every direction.  At one point this was the go to spot for CALIFORNIA CONDOR, with the birds often perching in the trees below the falls, and on the cliffs and trees on either side.  Now they are mostly seen high in the sky riding the thermals here.  Encounters on the cliffs seem to be limited lately, but it still can happen.  The same currents that bring the condors also bring lots of other birds of prey.  TURKEY VULTURE are common during the summer months and keep a close eye on them and you might find a ZONE-TAILED HAWK.  Although this species also seems to have recently become more scarce here, for some time this was also the go to place to find this bird in Utah.  Other really good raptors seen here include NORTHERN GOSHAWK and PEREGRINE FALCON.  Not surprisingly WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS are usually seen soaring out over the gorge or overhead.  If you take some time to scan the falls below you might just pick up an AMERICAN DIPPER.  The habitat along the creek here is ideal for MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER as well as GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.  Across the road to the north in the pastures you will likely see both MOUNTAIN and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS.  The willows here are a good spot to check for DUSKY FLYCATCHER and YELLOW WARBLER.  From time to time ACORN WOODPECKER is spotted here but is far more likely in the sub divison to the northwest and further north along the road near the reservoir.

Directions:
From I-15 north of La Verkin, take exit 27 southeast toward La Verkin on Route 17.  From I-15 south of Hurricane, take exit 16 onto SR-9 East bound and follow to La Verkin. From La Verkin, take SR-9 east about 6 miles into Virgin and look for Kolob Terrace Road on your left as you get towards the end of town. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and follow it 21.5 miles till you reach the falls pull off on your right.

Trail Head Parking Area from Google Street View

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Description:
The Taylor Creek Trail is one of the few official and popular trails in the Kolob Canyons section: a pleasant 5-mile (roundtrip) hike up one of the enchanting "finger" canyons. The Taylor Creek Trailhead is well marked and easy to spot; it's a prominent parking lot on the left (north) side of the road a little over 2 miles from the Kolob Canyons entrance. This hike is fairly easy and should take roughly 3 to 5 hours to complete. Note: This trail is also commonly known as "the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek."  Canyon and dry desert habitat are the base habitat that includes mixed oak and juniper woodland, and the riparian areas along the trail and creek. 

Birding:
This great hike passes through a ton of great birding habitat and on a usual trip you should be able to build up a descent list.  WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, CANYON WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and LAZULI BUNTING are regularly found while birding here.  With a little effort species like JUNIPER TITMOUSE, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, and PLUMBEOUS VIREO can be picked up as well.  The variety of habitat means a good variety of birds, and seasonally things can get quite interesting.  In the fall some high elevation species might be encountered here, as well as migrants.  All 3 NUTHATCHES have been recorded here, as have PACIFIC WREN, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, WESTERN TANAGER, and CASSIN'S FINCH.  Given how underbirded the Kolob Canyons section of the park is, there is a great opportunity to really explore this location and add to the already growing bird list.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Take I-15 exit 40 in New Harmony and go east onto Kolob Canyon Road for 2 miles till you reach the trail head on your left. Park here and you can hike for about 2.3 miles along the trail.

Left Fork Trailhead from Google Street View

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Description:
The Left Fork of North Creek (aka "the Great West Canyon") is one of the most beautiful and most popular canyons in the backcountry of Zion. The most famous section of this canyon is known as "The Subway" -- an amazing half-mile stretch that resembles a tubular tunnel complete with tracks going down the middle (but requires a permit). The Left Fork of North Creek has much diverse terrain, and as such, there are several different possible routes.  The habitat includes most dry desert, some riparian and canyon habitats, but at the trailhead is mostly mixed oak and juniper woodlands.

Birding:
I can't speak to actual birding on the trail, just at the trailhead and along the road through the awesome mixed woodlands.  The habitat is great for specialty species like JUNIPER TITMOUSE and SPOTTED TOWHEE year round. During the breeding season both BLACK-THROATED GRAY and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER can be found here, while CHIPPING SPARROW, WARBLING VIREO, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are usually seen as well. SCOTT'S ORIOLE has been reported from here in the past, and is likely overlooked in the juniper stretches here.  Birding from the road with a few quick stops you can usually pick up all the expected species without much work.  On the way up to Kolob Terrace this is one of the usual spots I stop to look for the oak and juniper species for a few minutes.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will orignate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major instersection.  From the U.S. Post Office in Virgin, go east on SR-9 for .2 miles. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and continue north for 8.2 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.

Hop Valley Trailhead from Google Street View

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Description:
The Hop Valley Trail is a 6.5-mile stretch of trail that connects the Hop Valley Trailhead (in the Kolob Terrace section of the park) with the La Verkin Creek Trail (in the Kolob Canyons section) and is part of the "Trans-Zion Hike" that allows backpackers to hike from the Kolob section all the way down to the main canyon. While the scenery in Hop Valley is actually quite sublime, this section of park is part of a private inset of land where cattle still graze freely. Numerous stream crossings and the omnipresent cow droppings probably make the "Plop Valley Trail" less than appealing to the general public--but great for birding! The habitat here varies as you can pass through a variety of habitats if you hike the entire trail.  Near the trailhead where most birding is done the primary habitat is mixed oak and juniper woodlands.  But the actual hike goes through shrubsteppe, ponderosa forest, as well as dry desert, and of course riparian.

Birding:
Your not going to build a huge bird list here but you could put together a nice list if you did the entire hike.  Since most birders tend to just bird the area around the trailhead will concentrate on that.  birding is most popular in the last spring and early summer and species typical of mixed oak woodlands dominate the landscape.  WARBLING VIREO, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, CHIPPING SPARROW, LAZULI BUNTING, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK should all be encountered.  VIRGINIA'S and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER can be tracked down with a little work, while the general area has turned up BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW in the past.  If you are headed to Kolob Terrace or Lava Point stop here for a few minutes to take in the view and see what birds you can find.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. From the U.S. Post Office in Virgin, go east on SR-9 for .2 miles. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and continue north for 12.8 miles.  The trailhead parking will be on your left.

The Narrows from Google Street View

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Description:
A hike through The Narrows requires hiking in the Virgin River. You must get your feet wet since there is no trail. Most people choose to start their hike from the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk and then walk upstream before turning around and hiking back down to the Temple of Sinawava. You can also hike sixteen miles downstream over one or two days, entering the park soon after starting the hike and then exiting at the Temple of Sinawava. Those who choose this option must get a permit and arrange transportation for the one and a half hour ride to start the hike outside the park at Chamberlain's Ranch. Steep canyon walls dominate the habitat here with the Virgin River at the base.  Some vegetation is found in the wider areas, but in the "true Narrows" it is mostly sandstone and water.

Birding:
The Narrows aren't often birded, given that the hike is in the water.  For some adventurous birders continuing beyond the end of the Riverside Walk, the Narrows provides a reprieve from the huge crowds.  The birding here isn't going to be really amazing, as the habitat is primarily straight canyon walls out of the water.  There are some riparian trees, hanging gardens, and shrubs, but this truly is a slot canyon.  AMERICAN DIPPER is commonly encountered in the river, and shows up on most submitted checklists.  CANYON and ROCK WREN are also encountered frequently here.  CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER nest in the canyons and can often be heard singing.  Look for where they land on canyon ledges and you might find a nest.  YELLOW WARBLER, HERMIT THRUSH, and SPOTTED TOWHEE are also regularly seen as well, while most other species seen in the canyon are found less often.  Looking skyward you will probably see WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, while COMMON RAVEN and TURKEY VUTLURE are also seen soaring. The Narrows provide a unique birding experience in Zion and are worth a visit if you don't mind getting your feet wet.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will orignate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major instersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach the final stop at the Temple of Sinawava. Follow the Riverside Trail up canyon till you reach the Narrows.

Canyon Overlook Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short easy family hike to a great overlook of the main canyon. The small parking lot (on the south side of the road) fills up quickly in the busy summer months, but there are several small overflow parking lots a little further east off of the road. The trailhead is quite visible north of the road behind the ranger traffic booth. This hike is a quick one -- less than half a mile to the viewpoint and roughly an hour hiking time (round trip). The manufactured trail is mostly level and was carved out of the slickrock above Pine Creek.  The habitat is typical dry canyon and high desert with some pinyon juniper and mixed oak woodland.

Birding:
The canyon overlook is a very popular trail for the beautiful views of the park it affords.   This makes it quite the tourist trap and you will often find the trail clogged with other people.  Birding wise it isn't a major birding destination, but because of the amount of traffic it receives, a lot of birders end up birding here.  The species found are typical of the  drier canyon and juniper habitats of the park and there aren't any specialty birds you can find here that you won't find elsewhere in the park.  You will probably encounter WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, CANYON and ROCK WREN, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER.  The areas with Juniper should be checked for JUNIPER TITMOUSE, and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER.  The clear views of the ridges from here are great for looking for raptors like TURKEY VULTURE, GOLDEN EAGLE, and if you're lucky a CALIFORNIA CONDOR. If you plan on going here I recommend doing so early in the day to avoid lots of others, it will make the birding much more enjoyable!

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection.  Exit the visitor center lot and go north .1 mile to SR-9.  Turn right here and follow the road 6 miles as it switchbacks up the canyon and goes through the tunnel.  Once you exit the tunnel the trail head is about 250' ahead on your left.

Watchman Trail Head from Google Street View

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Description:
The Watchman Trail is a short trail (3-miles round trip) that starts by the Visitor Center and leads to a viewpoint on top of the first layer of cliffs roughly 300 feet above. This trail doesn't actually take you to the top of the Watchman Mountain, but from the viewpoint you can get a good view of the peak to the south, as well as a good bird's eye view of the whole Visitor Center complex below. During the afternoon heat of summer, this hike could be torture, so the early morning is the best time for this one, especially when this side of the main canyon is still in the shade.  The habitat here included the cliffs above, as well as the dry desert, and boulder strewn hillsides. Some oak and juniper dot the landscape as well.

Birding:
A close walk from the visitor center and campgrounds this trail can easily be done for the scenery with the birding as a bonus.  Species typical of the drier portions of the park are found here with JUNIPER TITMOUSE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATHCER, CANYON and ROCK WREN, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and SPOTTED TOWHEE being typical finds. Other juniper bound species are also encountered here while some riparian species like SUMMER TANAGER and LUCY's WARBLER are occaionally seen at the trail head. Although there aren't any specialty birds here that you won't come across elsewhere in the park, if you have some time and are in the area, its worth the hike for the views.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will orignate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major instersection. From the visitor center walk to the trail just on the north side and follow it across the road staying on the southside of the Virgin River. The trail continues 1.3 miles then a .5 mile loop can be hiked at the end.

East Entrance looking west from Google Street View

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Description:
The east entrance of the park is remarkably drier than the Zion Canyon side. Most open mesas, canyons, and plateaus, riparian habitat is in the minority here.  Some juniper woodland can be found but this is mostly open desert and cliffs

Birding:
The eastern stretch of the park doesn't get birded as much as the Zion Canyon area, as there isn't a ton of riparian habitat.  The view and scenery are a more popular draw on this end.  That's not to say there aren't birding opportunities.  Like many areas of the park this area has been a good location to listen for SPOTTED OWLS at night.  For diurnal birding the species typical of the drier parts of the west side are found here as well. JUNIPER TITMOUSE, CANYON and ROCK WREN, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, SPOTTED TOWHEE, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER can all be found here. If you pass through this side of the park take a few minutes and bird some of the roadside stops and see what you might find.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Exit the visitor center lot and go north .1 mile to SR-9.  Turn right here and follow the road 6 miles as it switchbacks up the canyon and goes through the tunnel.  Once you exit the tunnel the road continues 6 miles till you reach the East Entrance.

Kolob Canyon Road from Google Street View

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Description:
Often confused with Kolob Terrace the birding and habitat here is much different than the more popular Kolob Terrace and Lava Point to the southeast of here, accessed from Virgin, Utah. A mostly open canyon with mixed oak and juniper woodland covered hillsides.  There is some riparian habitat as well.

Birding:
This area of the park doesn't receive the coverage of Zion Canyon, and it also lacks the amazing riparian habitat. There is some riparian habitat, here but the predominantly mixed oak and juniper woodlands definitely offer a different type of birding. Birding can easily be done from the road at a leisurely pace.  At a slightly higher elevation, and given the habitat most birding here happens in the summer and fall. SPOTTED TOWHEE, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and COMMON RAVEN are easy finds here.   Birds typical of Pinyon-Juniper and Oak woodland are plentiful here.  Some checklists submitted for eBird to this location may not have been placed correctly given the confusion with the name and the Kolob Terrace area.  With that being said more birders visiting this quick stop just off the interstate could quickly help build a better species list and add some much needed data.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Take I-15 exit 40 in New Harmony and go east onto Kolob Canyon Road. The road continues 5.3 miles till it dead ends at Kolob Canyons Viewpoint.

Viewpoint looking northeast from Google Street View

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Description:
Often confused with Kolob Terrace the birding and habitat here is much different than the more popular Kolob Terrace and Lava Point to the southeast of here, accessed from Virgin, Utah. A mostly open canyon with mixed oak and juniper woodland covered hillsides.  There is some riparian habitat as well. The view point is at the end of the road and has expansive views of the north end of the park.

Birding:
This area of the park doesn't receive the coverage of Zion Canyon, and it also lacks the amazing riparian habitat. There is some riparian habitat, here but the predominantly mixed oak and juniper woodlands definitely offer a different type of birding.  At the viewpoint you can pretty much look for birds form the parking are and road with unobscured views of the habitat.  At a slightly higher elevation, and given the habitat most birding here happens in the summer and fall. Common breeding species include JUNIPER TITMOUSE, ROCK and CANYON WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, VIRGINIA'S and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, and WESTERN SCRUB-JAY.  Birds typical of Pinyon-Juniper and Oak woodland are plentiful here.  Some checklists submitted for eBird to this location may not have been placed correctly given the confusion with the name and the Kolob Terrace area.  With that being said more birders visiting this quick stop just off the interstate could quickly help build a better species list and add some much needed data.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Take I-15 exit 40 in New Harmony and go east onto Kolob Canyon Road. The road continues 5.3 miles till it dead ends at Kolob Canyons Viewpoint.

The Grotto from Google Street View

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Description:
The Grotto Picnic Area is... a Picnic Area!  This stop on the canyon shuttle is also a jump off point to Angel's Landing. Large Cottonwoods and riparian habitat along the Virgin River here are typical of most stops along the shuttle route a the canyon floor level.  The hillsides are dry desert with some juniper and mixed oak woodland leading to the cliffs above.

Birding:
The birding here is typical of most canyon floor locations.  Most birding here is done waiting for the shuttle after a hike to Angel's Landing.  The birding is easy as the grounds are flat and expansive. CANYON and ROCK WREN are often heard singing while WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW flutter overhead.  BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and  HOUSE WREN are 3 of the most common species found here during the summer months and can usually be heard singing.  SUMMER TANAGER nest here and with a little looking can usually be tracked down.  The hillsides behind the Grotto have produced RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW which are probably found throughout the park in this habitat.  JUNIPER TITMOUSE and BUSHTIT can occasionally be found in the juniper here as well.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach The Grotto Picnic Area Stop. Exit the shuttle and you have arrived.

West Rim Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
This 2.5 miles hike is not for those with fears of heights. The strenuous hike takes you from the canyon floor up to the Angel's Landing view point which is the most spectacular view in the park.  The actual birding areas here are typically just from the trailhead to Walter's Wiggles at the end of Refrigerator Canyon.  Starting with riparian habitat and desert scrub the trail rises through mixed oak and juniper woodland and dry desert hillsides, as it hugs the canyon walls with cliffs overhead.  Refrigerator Canyon is a narrow and tall slot canyon with a riparian base habitat and a small number of Ponderosa Pines adding a montane component to the birding.

Birding:
Angel's Landing is well known for its amazing views while birding has really been a sub-activity of the hike.  But in recent years the Refrigerator Canyon section of the hike has become well known for a nesting pair of SPOTTED OWL that can often be found here with careful looking in the spring and early summer.  This sensitive species for some reason has chosen this busy trail and tight quarters as a nesting spot and despite the often loud and raucous crowds have seemingly returned year after year (or never left at all).  The Ponderosa provide excellent cover for day time roosts, while the birds are more often than not hear on the canyon walls above, then seen perched on cliffs or outcrops.  The best chance at seeing them is planning on arriving just before dark, and staying until you hear them calling or see them moving about.

Just make sure you make it down before the last shuttle leaves you stranded in the dark (and don't forget a headlamp or flashlight).  The owls aren't the only highlight though.  The hike up provides great habitat for both VIRGINIA'S and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER which are often heard and seen. CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, CANYON WREN, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER are usually encountered as well. HERMIT THRUSH can usually be heard singing at dusk in Refrigerator Canyon, while occasionally PINE SISKIN and CASSIN'S FINCH wander down form higher elevations into the pines here.  WHITE-THROATED SWIFT are a common sight here along with VIOLET GREEN SWALLOWS. PEREGRINE FALCON are often reported from the top of Angel's Landing as are another park specialty--the CALIFORNIA CONDOR.  This is perhaps one of the best locations in the Zion Canyon section of the park to see this species.

If you do try for Spotted Owl here, please be respectful of the park rules, as well as using good birder etiquette.  This means no tapes, don't spotlight the birds, stay on the trail, and be an ambassador for birders if people ask what you're doing.  This location provides a great spot for birders to share something very cool with non-birders and it often happens with the owls.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach The Grotto Picnic Area Stop. Exit the shuttle and proceed across the river, following signs to Angel's Landing. The trail starts just on the other side of the river, continues to Refrigerator Canyon, up Walter's Wiggles and to Angel's Landing.

Pa'rus Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
The Pa'rus trail follows the Virgin River and its lush riparian habitat upstream form the visitor center.  Aside from the primary riparian habitat here, the surroundings are open desert floodplain.

Birding:
This trail can be a great morning walk that surprisingly doesn't get a ton of attention.  Most park visitors skip the trail and take the shuttle from the visitor center up canyon.  If you want to get away from the crowds for a little desert riparian birding during the spring through fall I highly recommend walking from the visitor center to the shuttle stop at the mouth of Zion Canyon on this trail.  Typical species found here during these months include YELLOW WARBLER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  Area specialties include SUMMER TANAGER and LUCY'S WARBLER which can both be found readily most days. Spring and fall bring numerous warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, and other passerine migrants along the riparian corridor.  WESTERN SCRUB-JAY are often seen passing through the habitat here, while WILD TURKEY might show up.  Both WESTERN KINGBIRD and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER are in no short supply during the breeding season--as well as SAY'S and BLACK PHOEBE. In Washington County this is one of the best places for BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE which are reported between the visitor center and the canyon with some frequency.  As with most areas in the park winter birding isn't nearly as popular and this trail gets far less use in those months.  A walk here could always turn up a rare overwintering sparrow amongst the DARK-EYED JUNCOS and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. The Pa'rus trail actually starts outside the park at the Cable Mountain Lodge. But from the visitor center most of the trail is up river and in the park. The trail is directly northwest of the visitor center. Follow it northeasterly to the road in front of the visitor center . Go left and cross the Virgin River, then immediately turn right back onto the trail as it follows the river for 1.5 miles till the mouth of Zion Canyon.

Riverside Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
The primary habitat here is sparse riparian along the Virgin River; with cliffs rising high above the canyon floor on either side. The hillsides here are a unique mixed Oak Woodland with hanging gardens, seeps, and a decent understory. This area encompasses the road for about 300 yards below the Temple of Sinawava, all the way to the end of the Riverside Trail.

Birding:
Being the last stop on the Zion Shuttle and relatively easy walk this location receives a good amount of birder activity from spring through fall.  The highlight species from this area has to be the PAINTED REDSTART which can be found most reliably here in the park.  It's hard to say how many pairs nest in the area, but multiple birds have been reported at the same time, and some separated by more than a 1/2 mile.  One popular location to look is just a few hundred feet back down canyon from the parking area on the hillsides to the east of the road (up canyon side).  They are also reported with some frequency up river from the trailhead on the hillsides.  Mid to early April is a good time to try and find this species as it might be one of the only warbler species up in the canyon singing, making it easy to detect.  Later int eh spring ans summer YELLOW, VIRGINIA'S, and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS are all fairly common and add to the chorus.  BLACK PHOEBE, WARBLING VIREO, CANYON WREN, AMERICAN DIPPER, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are a common sight here.  While VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW and WHITE-THROATED SWIFT can be seen buzzing the cliffs above.  HAIRY WOODPECKER can usually be tracked down on the hillsides below the parking lot here as well. The birding is easy and you could spend hours here wandering the trail, roads, or river and still find plenty of birds.  Although winter isn't as productive good finds here during the colder months include PACIFIC WREN and GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLET.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach the final stop at the Temple of Sinawava. The Riverside Trail continues form here about a mile till it dead ends at The Narrows.

Emerald Pools Trail from Google Street View

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Description:
Emerald Pools is a Zion classic: an oasis in the middle of the desert. The hike is a collection of short trails that meander past a small, lushly-vegetated stream that rolls down from the cliffs and forms several interesting "pools." If you have only two hours to spend on a leisurely non-strenuous hike this is highly recommended. As this hike is not very difficult and it is located just across from the Zion Lodge, this trail gets crowded in the summer months, so be prepared to share the views with many other people. There are three pools: LOWER EMERALD POOLS -- In less than half a mile, the vegetation becomes more lush and the trail makes its way along a tall alcove under two tall waterfalls and the pools below. MIDDLE EMERALD POOLS -- Beyond the alcove, the trail gets more difficult and steps up and around to bring you on top of the cliff that you just walked under. The middle "pools" are the streams that form the waterfalls. This section is quite beautiful. UPPER EMERALD POOL -- The final stretch is a hot and sandy quarter mile, but it is well worth the effort to get to the final pool at the base of the 300-foot cliffs above.  Most of the time, you can see a faint waterfall coming from the mouth of Heaps Canyon far above. The entirety of the hike is through riparian habitat surrounded by mixed oak and juniper woodland.  On the cliffs above are some Ponderosa forest as well as dry desert hillsides.

Birding:
The pool don't boast a huge bird list but all the typical canyon specialties can usually be found here. Species typical of the canyon like BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER can be seen here.  CANYON and ROCK WREN are often heard singing while WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW flutter overhead.  CALIFORNIA CONDOR have also been seen soaring overhead form this location with the more common TURKEY VULTURES and the occasional PEREGRINE FALCON. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and  HOUSE WREN are 3 of the most common species found here during the summer months and can usually be heard singing or seen right along the trail.  PAINTED REDSTART have been reported here but this is not one of their usual haunts.  The birding is easy and you're likely to see plenty on this hike.  Some surprise finds here during the winter months include both COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS on these tiny ponds.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection.  Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach the Zion Lodge Stop. Follow the signs to the trail on the opposite side of the road that lead to the pools.

South Campground from Google Street View

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Description:
At the mouth of Zion Canyon, the visitor center and South and Watchman Campgrounds sit in the Virgin River floodplain.  The habitat is predominantly riparian and open desert.  Rocky slopes leading to the cliffs on the edge of the canyons here provide a dry boulder strewn landscape that few birds use. The two campground loops  have several trails leading to them and along the river connecting to other trails in the park. Any visit to the park should include some time spent exploring the areas here where wide open views allow for easy birding.

Birding:
The campgrounds and visitor center receive some of the most birding in the park given the location at the entrance, as well as the great habitat.  WESTERN BLUEBIRD nest in various locations around the visitor center providing great viewing opportunities. Both DOWNY and HAIRY WOODPECKER can be seen here on most visits year round--as well as SPOTTED TOWHEE and LESSER GOLDFINCH.   During the summer months HOUSE WREN, CHIPPING SPARROW, YELLOW WARBLER, and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK are common sights.  Summer southern Utah specialities like LUCY'S WARBLER are also a common find, while SUMMER TANAGERS are present in small numbers. The impressive 120+ bird list from this location has been highlighted by some good rarities including: GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW, PAINTED REDSTART, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, and even a GILDED FLICKER.  Although not commonly reported, both INDIGO BUNTING and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW can be found here.  The winter months aren't quite happening but the resident species are supplanted by DARK-EYED JUNCO, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. From the visitor center... exit the visitor center. You're here!  The South Campground is just to the northeast across the Virgin River, while Watchman Campground is due south. Both are within walking distance of the visitor center.

Trail leading to Weeping Rock from Google Street View

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Description:
Weeping Rock is a popular destination in the park and is an easily accessible. The rock is a large bowl-shaped alcove where the lower layer of sandstone has eroded away; water that has been slowly descending within the sandstone formations reaches an impermeable layer of rock and is forced out the side causing the "weeping." The weeping walls form a beautifully lush hanging garden with a little flowing stream below. While there are many weeping walls in Zion, this is the featured one with a paved trail and platformed viewing area constructed under the alcove back in the early days of the park. The stroll to Weeping Rock is a short 10-minute family-friendly stroll. High Canyon walls, along with some Oak Woodland, and a nice riparian habitat are present here.

Birding:
Weeping Rock is a great birding stop in the Park.  The trail is moderate--its short but can be steep and passes through some great habitat.  Species typical of the canyon like BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER can be seen here.  CANYON and ROCK WREN are often heard singing while WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW flutter overhead.  Like many locations within the park SPOTTED OWL have been reported from the general area, likely further up the trail in a canyon spotted with Ponderosa. CALIFORNIA CONDOR have also been seen soaring overhead form this location with the more common TURKEY VULTURES and the occasional PEREGRINE FALCON. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and  HOUSE WREN are 3 of the most common species found here during the summer months and can usually be heard singing or seen right along the trail.  PAINTED REDSTART have been reported here but this is not one of their usual haunts

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach the Weeping Rock stop. Exit the shuttle and follow the signs to Weeping Rock.

Right Fork Trailhead from Google Street View

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• Flickr Photos

Description:
The mention of Zion National Park conjures up images of vertical sandstone walls enclosing a magnificent desertscape dusted with a scattering of trails leading to water within the arid land of the park. One of those trails is the Right Fork of North Creek where wide welcoming walls enfold the meandering stream; and cattails, moss and ferns provide nutrients for abundant wildlife thriving in the riparian habitat.  The destination is a pair of delicate waterfalls tucked deep in the canyon. Hikers can make their way behind picturesque Double Falls and gaze through streaming sheets of water to the calm pool below. The actual trailhead sits in a mostly burnt out juniper woodland and dry desert where the habitat quality is very poor.  The actual hike will take you through a number of habitats including mixed juniper and oak woodlands, canyon, and of course riparian.

Birding:
I've never actually done the hike, and didn't realize what was here till I Started researching it for this location--it is definitely on my to do list next time I visit the area in the summer.  The actual bird list in eBird appears to be misrepresented with checklists from outside the habitats, and area. Species like CANYON WREN, JUNIPER TITMOUSE, CHIPPING SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, and SPOTTED TOWHEE Are probably expected, while given the breadth of habitat you could probably put together a pretty good species list.  The location at the trailhead isn't great for birding and the trail just doesn't get the coverage of other sites.  If you have birded here, please share your experience in the comments. I will hopefully add more information in the future once, I've been and can add to it!

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection.  From the U.S. Post Office in Virgin, go east on SR-9 for .2 miles. Turn left onto Kolob Terrace Road and continue north for 6.4 miles. The trailhead will be on your right.