Big Bend

At a glance

• Location: Big Bend, Zion National Park
• Elevation: About 4,430 feet
• Zion Canyon Shuttle: Stop #8
• Facilities here: Parking and a shuttle stop
• Amenities: Bicycle rack, interpretive exhibits, scenic viewpoints, and photo opportunities
• Signature features: A broad curve in the Virgin River and views of Zion Canyon’s walls
• River access: A designated trail leads to the Virgin River
• Zion Canyon Visitor Center: About 6 miles away
• Nearest gateway: Springdale, Utah, about 6 miles away

Why visit

Big Bend occupies a broad, sweeping curve of the Virgin River. It provides clear views of Great White Throne, Angels Landing, Cable Mountain, and the river.

The stop also offers seasonal wildlife and climbing observations. Climbers may be visible on Zion Canyon’s large walls during cooler months. In summer, watch the cliffs and sky for nesting raptors.

Getting there

Big Bend is in Zion Canyon at shuttle stop #8. Parking is available, along with a bicycle rack and a bus or shuttle stop.

When the Zion Canyon Shuttle operates, service at Big Bend runs only down-canyon. Shuttles stop here for passengers traveling toward the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. They do not collect passengers here for up-canyon travel.

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is about 6 miles away. Springdale, Utah, is about 6 miles away in a straight line. Hurricane, Utah, is about 20 miles away in a straight line.

Air travelers can use St. George Regional Airport, identified by code SGU, or Harry Reid International Airport, identified by code LAS.

What to see and do

Look across Zion Canyon toward Great White Throne, Angels Landing, and Cable Mountain. The Virgin River curves prominently through the landscape at this point. Scenic viewing and photography are among the listed amenities.

A designated trail provides access to the Virgin River. Follow the marked route rather than creating an informal path.

Interpretive information and exhibits are also available. Visitors arriving by bicycle can use the rack at the stop.

During cooler parts of the year, look for rock climbers on the canyon’s major walls. In summer, scan above the canyon for nesting birds of prey. Possible sightings include Peregrine Falcons and California Condors.

History and nature

Big Bend takes its name from the large curve made by the Virgin River. The river, canyon walls, and prominent formations shape the view from this point.

Peregrine Falcons were once endangered. California Condors are currently endangered. Both are among the raptors that may nest above Big Bend during summer.

Nearby interpretive waysides cover Hackberry and Shrub Live Oak. Each is about 0.5 miles away. These exhibits provide additional opportunities to learn about local plants.

When to go

Zion National Park remains open throughout the year. Conditions vary widely by season, elevation, and time of day. Day and night temperatures can differ by more than 30°F, or 16°C.

Summer temperatures frequently rise above 100°F, or 38°C. Summer is also the season to look for nesting raptors above Big Bend.

Monsoon conditions occur from mid-July through September. This period brings a greater danger of flash floods. Visitors should remain alert for storms and lightning.

Winters are usually mild. Cooler months also provide opportunities to watch climbers attempting Zion Canyon’s large walls.

Accessibility

Big Bend has parking, a shuttle stop, a bicycle rack, interpretive exhibits, and designated scenic viewing opportunities. The facts do not provide specific accessibility details for surfaces or routes.

Shuttle service from this stop is directional. When operating, it carries visitors down-canyon toward the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, not up-canyon.

Fees and rules

Zion National Park entrance fees are:

• Private vehicle: $35
• Motorcycle: $30
• Snowmobile: $20
• Per person: $20

Use the designated trail when accessing the Virgin River. Follow posted rules and leave no trace.

Nearby trails and places

The Big Bend Parking Lot and Big Bend–Down Canyon shuttle stop are at the site.

Scout Lookout, listed as a restroom location, is about 0.3 miles away. The Angels Landing Trail is also about 0.3 miles away and measures about 0.5 miles as mapped by the National Park Service.

Several Weeping Rock destinations are about 0.4 miles away. These include the up-canyon and down-canyon shuttle stops, the Weeping Rock Restroom, and a Weeping Rock Trail exhibit or wayside.

The Weeping Wall Trailhead Parking Lot is about 0.5 miles away. Hackberry and Shrub Live Oak exhibits are also about 0.5 miles away.

Other nearby trails include:

• Observation Point Trail: About 0.5 miles away and about 0.4 miles as mapped
• East Rim Trail: About 0.5 miles away and about 10.5 miles as mapped
• Hidden Canyon Trail: About 0.6 miles away and about 0.4 miles as mapped

These figures identify mapped trail lengths and straight proximity from Big Bend. They do not describe route access, conditions, or difficulty.

Before you go

Check current conditions, shuttle operations, and alerts on Zion National Park’s NPS website. Shuttle service determines whether Big Bend functions as stop #8, and boarding here is limited to down-canyon travel.

Carry water, especially when summer temperatures exceed 100°F, or 38°C. Pack layers for temperature changes greater than 30°F, or 16°C, between day and night.

Check the weather before approaching the river. Monsoon storms from mid-July through September increase flash-flood risk. Stay aware of lightning and changing storm conditions.

Follow posted rules, use designated routes, and leave no trace. Do not rely on Big Bend for additional visitor services beyond the listed parking, shuttle stop, bicycle rack, exhibits, and viewing opportunities.

Questions