When Tolkien created his Middle-earth, he was imagining Old-World Europe, and I’m sure that Utah – especially Southern Utah – was far from his mind. Who would ever think that our hot, arid climate could possibly look like a scene from Lord of the Rings? With its stunning cliffs, lush, deep valleys and even waterfalls, we have to say that we think Zion National Park sure looks a lot like Middle-earth.
Come along with us, on this great journey:
“Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread through shadows to the edge of night, until the stars are all alight.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
“I’m going on an adventure” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
James Marvin Phelps/flickr The Watchman stands sentinel over Zion National Park.
“I want to be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
JJRider59/TripAdvisor Make your journey along the Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s a short, easy trail and has some lush, green spots.
“It seemed like all the way to tomorrow and over it to the days beyond.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
Steve Corey/flickr The Narrows can be a long journey - 16 miles if you hike the entire thing.
Chris/flickr
“Be bold, but wary!”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Srini Sundarrajan/flickr This slot canyon can be dangerous during thunderstorms. You’ll walk right through the Virgin River…
Stuart Seeger/flickr …past waterfalls…
James Marvin Phelps/flickr …and through dark, but beautiful passages.
“His old life lay behind in the mists, dark adventure lay in front.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
John Fowler/flickr
“I’ll get there, if I leave everything but my bones behind,” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Mark Byzewski/flickr The climb to Angel’s Landing is strenuous and scary, but it’s well worth it.
Steffo Photography/flickr The last 500 feet are right up the spine, and very, very steep.
Kevin Lau/flickr The view from the top is just stunning- one of the best in the entire park.
“The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Shakyphoto/flickr Like many places in Middle-earth, The Subway is not for the faint of heart. It requires a permit and some fairly advanced skill.
“I want to see mountains again, Gandalf – mountains; and then find somewhere where I can rest.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Li J/Trip Advisor At the end of the day, hopefully your journey was safe. We know it was scenic!
“Someone else always has to carry on the story.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
James Marvin Phelps/flickr
The Watchman stands sentinel over Zion National Park.
JJRider59/TripAdvisor
Make your journey along the Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s a short, easy trail and has some lush, green spots.
Steve Corey/flickr
The Narrows can be a long journey - 16 miles if you hike the entire thing.
Chris/flickr
Srini Sundarrajan/flickr
This slot canyon can be dangerous during thunderstorms. You’ll walk right through the Virgin River…
Stuart Seeger/flickr
…past waterfalls…
…and through dark, but beautiful passages.
John Fowler/flickr
Mark Byzewski/flickr
The climb to Angel’s Landing is strenuous and scary, but it’s well worth it.
Steffo Photography/flickr
The last 500 feet are right up the spine, and very, very steep.
Kevin Lau/flickr
The view from the top is just stunning- one of the best in the entire park.
Shakyphoto/flickr
Like many places in Middle-earth, The Subway is not for the faint of heart. It requires a permit and some fairly advanced skill.
Li J/Trip Advisor
At the end of the day, hopefully your journey was safe. We know it was scenic!
Zion is so fascinating! Here are 18 facts you probably didn’t know about Utah’s most visited national park.
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