The Sentinel sits across from the Court of the Patriarchs, and it's one of the most prominent figures in the park. Thousands of years ago a huge section of the Sentinel is believed to have broken away, damming the Virgin River. This created a lake in the northern section of the canyon. This lake may have stood for a thousand years before the river finally broke free.

This area of the park is named after the coyote spirit, worshiped by the Paiute Indians. The Temple of Sinawava is located at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and it marks the entrance to the Riverside Walk. Within the temple there are two interesting formations found on the south side of the river, known as the Altar and the Pulpit. Shortly after the trailhead there is a towering waterfall fed by Cabin Spring, but it may be absent depending on seasonal conditions.

The large collection of peaks, located directly west of the Zion Museum, are known as the Towers of the Virgin. They include the West Temple, the Sundial, the Altar of Sacrifice, and Meridian Tower. Some visitors claim they can see the shrouded figure of the Virgin Mary on the face of the central peak. The Towers are best viewed early in the morning.

The Watchman overlooks the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and the two main campgrounds in the park. Visitors often gather around the bridge at Canyon Junction to try and photograph the Watchman at sunset. The Watchman Trail, located east of the Visitor Center, offers excellent views of the Towers of the Virgin.