USA Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park

This is located right at a bend of the Virgin River and is a good subject for all seasons, looking both north and west. Just a short five minute walk west from the shuttle stop the Virgin River flows under a footbridge and over a spillway in a thunderous crash. Beyond the footbridge the trail continues and becomes the Sand Bench Trail which offers great views and can be hiked as a loop or an out and back. Its also the trail where the horseback rides go during the summer so if you’re not on horseback, keep your eyes on the trail. Most visitors rarely venture beyond the shuttle stop, so you probably won’t see many other people there.

This is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Zion NP, (there aren’t that many), yet it is not identified in the park brochure. There’s a very short trail (100 feet?) on the east side of the shuttle stop that leads to the “official” viewpoint of the Court of the Patriarchs. In my opinion, the view from there isn’t that impressive but might be worth the short stroll. One of those “eye of the beholder” things.

When the Zion Shuttles are running, board the shuttle at the Visitor Center (or any other shuttle stop in the park) and get off at the third shuttle stop (called Court Of the Patriarchs). When the shuttle is NOT running, drive to Canyon Junction (which is where a bridge crosses the Virgin River in the park) and turn left (north). The first shuttle stop you’ll pass is just 40 yards north of the intersection and is named Canyon Junction. The next shuttle stop is named Court of the Patriarchs. Park there. When the shuttles are running, (which is most of the time), it is illegal to park there. Across the road from the shuttle stop, there’s a short road that is signed for official use only. You’re not allowed to drive on the road but it’s permitted to walk on it. There’s also a footpath that basically parallels the road on one side with the river on the other side.