Best Things to Do at Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a real gem in southwestern Utah, just a short drive from Springdale. Sitting at the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert meeting point, it has a mix of unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. As one of the top national parks in the U.S., Zion is packed with incredible views and outdoor adventures, especially if you love hiking. Zion has it all, whether you’re after thrilling trails, peaceful scenery, or just a relaxing nature escape. Here’s a closer look at some of the best things to do in Zion National Park. Noted down for your next trip!

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Hike the Iconic Angels Landing

No visit to Zion is complete without tackling the famous Angels Landing hike. This is the most iconic trail in the park, known for its breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping trail. The trail climbs 1,488 feet (453 meters) over 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers), ending at a narrow ridge with sheer drops on both sides. The real adventure begins in the last half-mile, where you’ll grab onto chains bolted into the rock as you reach the top. The payoff? Breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon.

You’ll need a permit through the park’s lottery system to hike this trail, which you can apply for here. It’s a challenging hike, so it’s not recommended for young children or anyone fearing heights. Also, if heights aren’t your thing or you can’t get a permit through the lottery, you can still enjoy part of the trail by hiking up to Scout Lookout, where the views are just as impressive.

Explore the Narrows

The Narrows is one of Zion’s most incredible and popular hikes, where you use the Virgin River as your trail. You’ll wade, walk, and sometimes even swim through the river, with massive canyon walls towering up to 1,000 feet around you. 

The most popular option is the Bottom-Up hike from the Temple of Sinawava, which doesn’t need a permit. You can go as far as you like and then turn back. You’ll spend most of the hike in the river, so expect cold, fast, and slippery conditions. 

Besides, it’s a good idea to check the latest conditions before you head out, wear the right gear, and always watch the weather and flash flood risks (you can find updates on our website or at the Visitor Center). Flash floods are no joke, so stay safe! For those seeking an extended adventure, consider the Top-Down route, which requires a permit and an overnight stay in the canyon.

Witness the Beauty of the Emerald Pools

The Emerald Pools hike in Zion National Park is a favorite. It takes you to three peaceful pools surrounded by lush greenery: Lower, Middle, and Upper. The Lower Pool is the easiest to reach, with a paved trail that’s only 1.2 miles round-trip. It’s perfect for families and anyone looking for a simple, scenic walk.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, keep going to the Middle and Upper Pools. The trails get steeper and rougher, but the views are worth it. The Middle Pool offers a peaceful spot surrounded by trees and reflecting waters, while the Upper Pool rewards you with a serene atmosphere surrounded by towering cliffs. You can hit all three pools in a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that gives you a taste of Zion’s beauty.

Take a Scenic Drive along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is an absolute must-do, especially if you prefer to experience the park’s beauty from the comfort of your car. This 6-mile road takes you through the heart of Zion Canyon, offering stunning views of the park’s iconic rock formations, including the Great White Throne, Court of the Patriarchs, and the Towers of the Virgin. 

During peak season (March – October), the road is closed to private vehicles, but worry not; the park provides a free shuttle service that stops at all the key points of interest. Make sure to hop off at the viewpoints to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes on camera.

Challenge Yourself on Observation Point

If Angels Landing feels too daunting, but you still want a challenging hike with incredible views, consider taking the Observation Point trail. This strenuous 8-mile round-trip hike takes you 2,300 feet above the canyon floor, offering some of the best panoramic views in the park. 

The trail winds through Echo Canyon, providing a mix of shaded sections and exposed switchbacks that eventually lead to the summit. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of Angels Landing and expansive vistas of Zion Canyon and beyond. The trail is closed due to rockfall, so check their website for updates to see if it reopens before your visit.

Camp Under the Stars

Zion National Park offers some of the best camping experiences in the Southwest. Staying inside the park provides convenient access and a closer connection with nature. The park has three main campgrounds: South, Watchman, and Lava Point Camp.

Since it’s a popular destination, reserve your spot immediately. From mid-March through late November, the campgrounds fill up quickly. You can reserve your site and get more details on their website. If you’re up for more adventure, you can try backpacking into the backcountry for a more rugged camping experience. Just make sure you get the right permits.

Stargaze in Zion’s Dark Skies

Zion National Park is stunning during the day and offers some of the most breathtaking stargazing opportunities at night. The park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has minimal light pollution, making the stars shine brilliantly against the night sky. 

Head to the Kolob Canyons area or the Pa’rus Trail for some of the best stargazing spots. If you’re bringing a telescope, Checkerboard Mesa Pullout, Lava Point Overlook, or Timber Creek Parking Lot are good places to set up. These spots offer wide, clear views of the sky.

The best stargazing time is from 1.5 hours after sunset to 1.5 hours before sunrise. The park is open 24/7, so you can enjoy the night sky whenever possible.

Explore the Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons, located in the lesser-visited northwest section of the park, offers a more tranquil and off-the-beaten-path experience. Here, you’ll find striking red rock formations, rugged canyons, and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find in the busier areas of Zion. 

One of the highlights is the Timber Creek Overlook Trail, a short hike that offers expansive views of the Kolob Canyons and beyond the Pine Valley Mountains. On clear days, you might even see Mount Trumbull, about 100 miles away at the Grand Canyon’s north rim. The trail is lined with beautiful desert wildflowers in spring and early summer.

Canyoneering Adventures

Zion is a world-class destination for canyoneering, offering a mix of hiking, climbing, rappelling, and swimming through narrow canyons. This activity is perfect for thrill-seekers exploring some of the park’s hidden gems that are inaccessible by regular hiking trails. 

Popular canyoneering spots include the Subway, Keyhole Canyon, and Pine Creek. These adventures require permits, good physical fitness, and technical skills to navigate the challenging terrain. Check out all the information about canyoneering permission here. 

Join Ranger-Led Activities

Zion offers a variety of free ranger-led programs that provide insight into the park’s landscapes, plants, animals, and history. From guided hikes to evening campfire programs and stargazing events, these activities are perfect for visitors of all ages. Programs change with the seasons, so stop by the visitor center or their website to see what’s happening while you’re there.

Take a River Trip on the Virgin River

If you’re visiting Zion National Park in the summer, consider taking a river trip down the Virgin River. You can rent a tube or kayak and float along, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and stunning canyon views. The river is usually calm and great for all ages, so it’s a perfect family or group activity. Remember, all watercraft used in the park need a wilderness permit. Some permits are free and can be picked up at the visitor center, while others require reservations. Check the park’s website for details before you head out.

Horseback Ride through Zion’s Scenic Trails

Try a horseback ride to see Zion Canyon from a new angle! The park’s concessioner, Canyon Trail Rides, offers 1-hour and 3-hour guided rides on horses and mules along the Virgin River and Sandbench Trail. These guided trail rides usually start mid-March and run through October 31st, depending on the weather.

Climb Zion’s Sandstone Walls

Zion is famous for its top-notch rock climbing, drawing climbers worldwide. The park’s substantial sandstone cliffs offer a range of routes, from easy slabs to challenging multi-pitch climbs. Popular spots include Moonlight Buttress, Prodigal Son, and Touchstone Wall. 

The best climbing conditions are from March to May and September to early November. Summer climbing can be challenging because the unshaded walls get extremely hot. Sandstone can also be dangerous and degrade when wet, so you must check climbing regulations and obtain any needed permits before you go.

Bike Along Pa’rus Trail

The Pa’rus Trail is great for biking visitors to Zion National Park. Starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, this 3.5-mile trail takes you to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive without riding on UT-9. It follows the Virgin River and offers an easy ride with beautiful views of cliffs and meadows.

The bicycle entrance to Zion National Park is in Springdale, right next to the Zion Outfitter and the Zion Brew Pub. This makes it easy to rent bikes in Springdale, just outside the park, so you can jump into your adventure as soon as you get here.

Check-in at Canyon Junction Bridge

Canyon Junction Bridge is where Zion-Mount Carmel Highway crosses the Virgin River, connecting with Zion Canyon Scenic Road. It’s a fantastic photo spot with the canyon walls framing the view and the river running through the middle. In the afternoon, the Watchman rock formation lights up beautifully.

You can reach it with the free park shuttle bus; the down-canyon shuttle will stop here on its way back to the visitor center. If you prefer walking, the Pa’rus Trail is a paved, pet-friendly trail just 0.7 miles from the Zion Human History Museum.

Visit the Zion Human History Museum

• Open hours: 9:00 – 18:00 daily
• Contact: +1 435-772-3256
• Website: www.nps.gov

A visit to the Zion Human History Museum is necessary better to understand the park’s rich cultural and natural history. Located near the park’s south entrance, the museum offers exhibits on the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area and the geology that shaped Zion’s stunning landscapes. 

The museum’s exhibits cover geology, plants, animals, survival, and community. Don’t forget to step outside and take in the view of the Towers of the Virgin from the museum’s patio.

To wrap it up, Zion National Park has many amazing things to do, and these highlights are just the beginning. The park is huge and packed with adventures, so plan and check out the weather and permits for your activities on their website. Get ready to explore one of the most incredible national parks in the U.S.!