court of the patriarchs

As part of a far too brief visit to Zion, we stopped at the viewpoint that gave the best view of Court of the Patriarchs. You feel insignificant at Zion because you just continually look up. We stayed about 10 minutes and just marveled at these formations. Wind, water and millions of years to carve out this canyon and all its amazing features. We had a heavy overcast that day so the changing colors at this spot, just didn't happen.

You can't really miss this as you drive into or out of the main Zion canyon road but even though we've been here several times it'll always look different in various lights etc.Stop and take some photo's it's amazing.

This would be the 1st view point of the Scenic Canyon drive. We arrived too early and the towers were still with shadows. So best bet to get a good shot of the famous vista of Zion would be around late morning, the golden towers against a deep blue sky. Simply amazing.

Part of the Scenic Drive thru Zion Canyon. Recommend doing late morning for best lighting (at least in the winter). Obtained some amazing photos here (need an ultra wide lens to really capture everything). Highly recommended.

This is the second(?) shuttle stop going into the canyon, so catch it at sunrise. The patriarchs light up and make a very dramatic site. Short hill climb to observation area. The time between buses is enough to see it all.

Though quite hot and dry, the rock formations along the cool Virgin River are breathtaking. The shuttle service that takes you all along the Zion National Park canyon is well worth any cost you might have to pay.

This is probably the most well known focal point of the ZIon park. The view of the three peaks with the tops lit up by the morning sun is the "signature" photo op. So if you were to take a single picture from the park, this probably should be it.

This is worth stopping and getting out for the photo ops. Very distinct and beautiful rock formations and colors.

This was one of my favorite sites in Zion Canyon. The lighting and angles from which photos can be taken make for a billion different kinds of images ....

While you can simply stop and walk around and look at the river along the bottom of the canyon, you really should climb the short trail across the street (east side) to get a spectacular view of the three peaks that are known as the Court of the Patriarchs. The best time is in the morning when the peaks are lit by the sun.

There are so many great views to see in the National Park, and this is one of them. Stop in the lay-by, take some pictures and, more importantly, take a few minutes to contemplate the majestic figures towering above and around you!

There are some great walks & scenery throughout Zion National Park, this one probably wasn't worth the stop.

I expected more, but the view of the main high cliffs was pretty good. It is a fairly easy walk too and is paved and has railings.

Given the ratings of this feature by others, I didn't want to miss it.There are many magical views all along the road and this is no exception.The path to the overlook is paved, short and a little steep if you are not a hiker--it will take you five minutes.But, once you have ascended the little path to the viewpoint, there is nothing much to do except read the sign and snap a picture.There are a lot of red ants at this site, which crawl up your legs if you stop to gaze.Luckily, the shuttles come very frequently.So, hop off the shuttle, tick this one off your list and continue on. There are many much more exciting things to see and do in Zion.The best picture I got here was the one of a cactus along the path that looked like the sole of a reclining green giant--I have attached it.

The walk is on a short trail but pretty steep. Well worth the efforts for the view of the Sentinel and the three Patriarchs.