This Easily Accessible Waterfall In Zion Is A Little-Known Spot For A Serene Swim

Utah is a land boasting so much natural wonder that it almost feels unfair. This gorgeous western state is home to towering mountains, pine forests, and a multichromatic desert landscape that will take your breath away — like this whimsical canyon that looks like a sci-fi movie set. While Utah's stunning scenery can be found throughout the state, it's perhaps best represented in what are affectionately referred to as "the Mighty 5": Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Park, all of which can be explored via this Mighty 5 road trip.

Each park in that pack features its own spellbinding splendor, and Zion just may be the most beautiful of them all. With colorful sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and an array of unique plant and animal life, Zion National Park resembles a dreamscape in parts — a seemingly painted piece of heaven right on earth. Zion's reputation as the crown jewel of Utah's Mighty 5 means that — during much of the year — you may have to battle crowds. The good news is there are plenty of spots where you can get off the beaten path, including the Pine Creek Waterfall — a hidden gem not far from the park's South Entrance that you can access via a 1-mile hiking trail.

The trailhead for the Pine Creek Waterfall is easy to access. Just drive about 1.5 miles up the road from the South Gate and turn onto the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. There's a small pullout at the road's big U-turn, just before the tunnel, where you can park and hit the trail. The trail follows the stream and isn't particularly well-marked, which means you'll probably find yourself scrambling over a few boulders and crossing the creek a couple of times. At one point, you have to squeeze through a small crack in the rocks, but after that, you're rewarded with a waterfall and pool straight out of a fantasy movie.

Pine Creek Waterfall cascades down the red rock at the head of an otherworldly alcove, and the pristine pool below is perfect for an invigorating dip. You'll likely be a bit sweaty, dusty, and hot after the rugged hike up to the waterfall, which will make the swim even more worth it. Best of all — in the middle of one of America's most popular (and crowded) national parks — you just may have the place all to yourself.

Occupying an area of over 146,000 acres, Zion National Park offers an array of attractions and activities for visitors in all seasons. The Narrows along the Virgin River is perhaps the park's most iconic hike, taking trekkers through a canyon bordered by 1,000-foot sheer rock walls. Just be prepared to get your feet wet, as wading the stream is required. Other treks include several routes in the rugged, unspoiled Kolob Canyons Wilderness, the high elevation paths on the park's pine- and juniper-blanketed East Rim, and a series of trails located in Zion's Southwest Desert Wilderness.

The park is home to three campgrounds: Watchman, South, and Lava Point. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months ahead of time. Bicyclists can explore Zion via the Pa'rus Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and the park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with 291 species calling the reserve home, including the critically-endangered California condor — North America's largest bird.

In addition to its daytime delights, the heavens come alive in Zion National Park when the sun goes down. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Zion is a particularly great place to stargaze, with millions of shimmering celestial bodies lighting up the sky within a frame of jagged cliffs and rock formations. For comfort and beauty near the boundary of Zion, camp in gorgeous desert surroundings at this RV park.