Posted in Utah Nature December 07, 2016 by

The One Place In Utah That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

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

Zion is so fascinating! Here are 18 facts you probably didn’t know about Utah’s most visited national park.