Towers of the Virgin

Rise and shine, shutterbugs! 🌞 If you're looking for the perfect spot to capture the breathtaking Towers of the Virgin at sunrise, look no further than the back patio of the Zion Human History Museum. Trust me, your social media feed will thank you!

Directions from Zion Visitor Center

Starting from the Zion Visitor Center, follow these simple steps:

  1. Head North on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

  2. Drive for about half a mile.

  3. You'll see the Zion Human History Museum on your left. It's Stop #2 if you're using the park shuttle system.

Best Geological Formations to Photograph

From the museum's back patio, you'll have a front-row seat to some of Zion's most iconic geological features:

  • Towers of the Virgin: At sunrise, these majestic peaks are bathed in a golden glow that makes for awe-inspiring photos. The three main towers are the West Temple, the Sundial, and Altar of Sacrifice. Capture them as the first rays of light hit their towering faces.

  • The Altar of Sacrifice: Notice the red streaks on this formation? They look like blood flowing down, giving the peak its dramatic name.

  • Beehives: Named for their resemblance to old-fashioned beehives, these formations provide a unique and fascinating subject for your lens.

  • The Watchman: This section is mostly for sunrise, but if you’re here at sunset, cross the main road for some epic sunset photos with The Watchman as your backdrop!

Pro Tip: Get LOW to the ground (but beware of those pesky cactus needles) to get the desert flora in the foreground of your photos!

Remember, nature likes to keep you on your toes. So, if you end up chasing the sunrise in your pajamas, just tell people it's your new avant-garde photography style. Who knows, it might catch on! 😂