Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Located in southwestern Utah, it is known for its stunning red rock formations, towering cliffs, and narrow slot canyons. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
If you’re planning your trip and trying to decide what to do at Zion National Park, this guide is here to help you by sharing all the best things to do. Zion National Park has something for everyone. Let’s take a look.
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Best Things To Do in Zion National Park
Here are 17 things that you must do in Zion National Park (or at least ideas to inspire you)
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Best Things To Do in Zion National Park
17. Wildlife Watching | Bird Watching
Zion National Park doesn’t have as much wildlife as some other parks, but it’s nonetheless home to a diverse range of wildlife, and watching animals and birds is one of the popular things to do around Zion National Park.
With over 200 species of birds and a variety of mammals, there’s always something to see. Some of the most popular animals to spot include mule deer, bighorn sheep, chipmunks, and desert hares. Birds include golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and California condors.
One of the best places to see wildlife in the park is on the Angels Landing trail. This challenging hike offers stunning views of Zion Canyon and provides opportunities to spot some of the park’s most iconic animals. Keep an eye out for mule deer grazing on the trail or soaring golden eagles and peregrine falcons overhead.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely wildlife viewing experience, consider taking a scenic drive along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Bighorn sheep are often seen on the East Mesa.
If you’re a bird watcher, consider visiting during the spring or fall when migratory birds are passing through the area.
16. Rock Climbing in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is famous for its 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs. These cliffs are a haven for rock climbers and they offer some of the most challenging and adventurous climbs in the world.
However, most of the routes in the park are limited to those with experience climbing. Zion National Park has soft rock and difficult routes, so it’s not recommended for inexperienced climbers.
If you are an experienced climber, the best conditions for climbing are from March through May and September through early November. The sandstone gets very soft when wet and rips off, so climbing is not possible for several days after heavy rains. Permits are required.
If you’re new to climbing, there are several climbing schools and courses available near the national park. Guided rock-climbing tours are not allowed within the park boundaries, but there are several tour companies that offer guided climbing trips just outside the park. These will teach you the basics of climbing and help you gain the skills and confidence you need to tackle some of the more challenging routes.
Some of the other popular climbing areas near Zion National Park include Chuckawalla, Woodbury Road Crags, and Utah Hills, Chuckawalla, Snow Canyon, and Dutchman’s Draw. These areas offer a variety of climbs suitable for all skill levels.
15. Bouldering in Zion National Park
First up, in case you’re wondering what exactly it is, bouldering is rock climbing without ropes. If you fall, it’s into a crash pad, so you’re never too far off the ground.
Zion is most famous for its enormous rock cliffs, but there are some great opportunities for bouldering too, if that’s your thing – or something you’d like to try.
If this is one of the things to do near Zion National Park that sounds like fun to you, there are several bouldering areas in the main canyon, including:
- The Globe, a house-sized boulder that offers a variety of options, is 40 yards west of the south entrance.
- Angled Crack Boulder, an east facing boulder with a right-angled crack positioned between two cedars, lies just east of the South Campground about 300 feet from the road.
- Dragon Rock is another boulder next to Angled Crack Rock.
- Drilled Pocket Boulder, a slab with an obvious south facing crack, is located 0.5 mile north of the south entrance on the west side of the road.
- Pine Creek is located just north of Canyon Junction Bridge (0.2 miles up Mount Carmel Highway towards the East Entrance). Park at the big boulder with the plaque on it and walk down to the creek. There are about a dozen routes.
14. White Water Rafting, Zion National Park
There are a couple of options for rafting in Zion National Park.
If you have your own raft, you can traverse part of the Virgin River in the park, including The Narrows. You will need a Wilderness Permit, which you can get at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center the day before or the day of your trip.
Permits to float the Virgin River are issued when the river is flowing in excess of 150 cubic feet per second, which typically only happens in spring. Flow rates for the Virgin River can be found here. Rafts must be specifically designed for whitewater use.
If you don’t have your own raft, then a guided white water rafting trip is the way to go. Although there are no guided trips permitted inside the national park itself, there are several opportunities for river rafting nearby.
The nearest place for a guided whitewater trip is the Sevier River. Always Rafting has 2-hour trips May – August with Class 2 and 3 rapids, which are ideal for families and first-time rafters.
13. Kayaking, Zion National Park
If you have your own kayak and are an experienced kayaker with the skills to traverse Class V whitewater rapids, you can paddle through The Narrows. Permits are required and are only issued the day before your trip and if the flow of the Virgin River has stayed between 150 and 600 cubic feet per second for 24 consecutive hours.
If you are don’t have your own equipment, there several nearby state parks including Gunlock State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Quail Creek State Park with calm waters that are perfect for kayaking. These parks are all within an hour’s drive of Zion and offer similar experiences. You can rent kayaks from local outfitters.
If you’re new to kayaking, you can take a guided tour with a local outfitter. They will provide you with all the necessary equipment and give you a safety briefing before you set off on your adventure.
12. Skiing near Zion National Park
Zion National Park is not known for its skiing, but if you’re looking for things to do in Zion National Park in winter, there are a few nearby ski resorts.
Brian Head Resort is the closest ski resort to Zion National Park, located about an hour and a half drive from the park. The resort offers over 650 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, with a variety of runs for all skill levels.
Another great option is Eagle Point Ski Resort, which is about a two-hour drive from Zion National Park. The resort offers over 600 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, with 40 runs and three terrain parks. The resort also offers night skiing, making it a great option for those who want to hit the slopes after a day of exploring Zion.
If you’re looking for things to do in Zion in winter, the nearby town of Cedar City offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Cedar Breaks National Monument. The monument offers over 11 miles of groomed trails, as well as backcountry trails for more experienced skiers.
11. Fishing, Zion National Park
There are four native species of fish to catch when you go fishing in Zion National Park: the Virgin River Spinedace, the Speckled Dace, the Flannelmouth Sucker and the Desert Sucker.
Fishing at Zion National Park is permitted with a Utah Fishing License (kids under 15 don’t need a license). You can get a license online or at a local sporting goods store. Although it’s mostly fly fishing, Zion National Park also has some opportunities for spin fishing.
Some popular places to fish in and around the park are:
- Kolob Reservoir: This is one of the best places to fish in the park. You can catch brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout here. You can fish from the banks or from a boat.
- North Fork of the Virgin River: This river runs through the park and is home to brown and rainbow trout. You can fish along the riverbanks or wade into the water.
- Duck Creek: This creek is located just outside the park and is a great place to fish for rainbow and brook trout. You can fish from the banks or wade into the water.
- Navajo Lake: This lake is located just outside the park and is a popular spot for fishing. You can catch rainbow and brook trout here.
Top 10 Things to Do at Zion National Park
So far, we’ve look at some popular activities in and around Zion National Park. Now we get to the best-of-the best. Here are the top 10 things to do in Zion National Park.
10: Enjoying a Scenic Drive
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the park is through scenic drives. Here are some of the best scenic drives to take in Zion National Park:
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a 10-mile scenic drive through the park’s East Entrance and offers breathtaking views of the park’s sandstone cliffs, rock formations, and canyons.
On the East Mesa, Checkerboard Mesa in a unique geological feature.
The drive features several tunnels, including the 1.1-mile-long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which was carved through the rock in the 1920s. The tunnel is an engineering marvel and offers spectacular views of the park’s landscape through windows that were specifically created to provide glimpses of the views.
After exiting the tunnel (if you’re coming from the East Entrance), there are several viewpoints with parking areas, including the Canyon Overlook Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park’s red rock canyons and the Pine Creek Waterfall.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a steep and winding road, and RVs and trailers longer than 50 feet are not allowed on the road. All large vehicles shorter than this but 11’4″ high or higher or 7’10” wide or wider require a traffic control through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. The drive can be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a must-do for any visitor to Zion National Park. This 6-mile drive takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the park.
As you wind your way through the canyon, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, lush greenery, and the rushing waters of the Virgin River. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and even go for a hike. The drive takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
For most of the year, you can’t do this drive in your own vehicle, but need to take the free Zion shuttle instead. However, in winter, when the shuttle doesn’t run, you can drive your own vehicle.
READ MORE:
Complete Zion Shuttle Service Guide
How to visit Zion Without Shuttle Tickets
Kolob Terrace Road
This 22-mile drive takes you through the high country of Zion National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows. There are several overlooks with breathtaking views.
The drive takes about 2-3 hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way. It’s only open in the warmer months and is closed to RVs and trailers. Access Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin on UT-9.
9. Tubing, Zion National Park
Although tubing in Zion National Park itself is not permitted, tubing down the Virgin River just outside the park is one of the most popular summertime activities. The river offers a refreshing way to cool off during the hot summer months and see some of the attractions near Zion National Park.
Tubing is available May through July. You can rent tubes from local outfitters like Zion Outfitters or bring your own.
A popular spot is the 2-mile stretch of the Virgin River through Springdale ending at City Park, where you can take the free shuttle back to your starting point.
The river can be dangerous, so always check the current conditions before heading out and to wear appropriate safety gear.
8. Swimming, Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers several opportunities for swimming in natural pools and rivers. Here are some places that are ideal for swimming in Zion National Park:
Virgin River Swimming Hole
Although this is a designated swimming spot, the water level at this spot will vary depending on the season and recent weather conditions. The current can be strong, and the water can be cold, so I recommend wearing water shoes and a life jacket and not swimming alone.
Also be aware that there are often toxic cyanobacteria in the Virgin River. Always check the NPS warnings before swimming.
Pine Creek Waterfall Swimming Hole
This is a lesser-known location in the park, but it’s a great spot to cool off on a hot day and my favorite swimming hole in Zion.
To get there, you need to hike for 0.25 miles, which is short, but there are some slippery rocks, so take care.
The trailhead is next to the Pine Creek Bridge near Canyon Junction on the South side of the Zion – Mt. Carmel Tunnel, so you can access it without needing to take the shuttle.
It’s open year-round, but the best time is May through September when the water is warm. Permits are not required, but flash floods can occur at Pine Creek, so always check weather conditions at the Zion Canyon Visitors Center before going there.
Note that swimming is not allowed in the Emerald Pools.
7. ATV Tours, Zion National Park
Riding in a jeep or an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) | UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) is a fun activity and a different way to enjoy some of the main Zion National Park attractions. Although no off-road vehicles are permitted inside the national park itself, there are several jeep and UTV tours available around Zion.
Zion Jeep Tour Premium Package
This off-road tour is led by a guide knowledgeable in the history and geology of the area. Visit areas you can only access in an off-road vehicle and learn all about this fascinating area, while enjoying some of the best scenery in the country.
BOOK A 4-HOUR MORNING JEEP TOUR HERE
BOOK A 4-HOUR AFTERNOON JEEP TOUR HERE
UTV Slot Canyon Tour
A guide will drive you in a UTV off-road to a narrow slot canyon in East Zion. You’ll then explore the Upper and Lower Red Cave Slot Canyons on foot.
BOOK A COMBO UTV/ SLOT CANYON TOUR HERE
Sandboarding & Slot Canyon UTV Adventure
If a private UTV ride and a slot canyon weren’t enough, this tour also includes sand tobogganing down a dune near Zion’s entrance. After an off-road UTV ride with a guide, and sliding down a sand dune, you’ll visit Peekaboo Slot Canyon.
BOOK THIS SAND TOBOGANNING, UTV RIDE AND SLOT CANYON TOUR
6. Horse Back Riding, Zion National Park
There are several options for horseback riding tours in and around the park, each offering a different experience.
Canyon Trail Rides has trips inside the national park itself from March to October. They have one- and three-hour rides along the Virgin River from near Zion Lodge in the middle of the canyon and provide stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
Another option is on the East Mesa which offers beginner and intermediate level rides, including a sunset ride to an amazing viewpoint.
BOOK A GUIDED SUNSET HORSE BACK RIDING TOUR HERE
5. Stargazing, Zion National Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Zion at night, star gazing is one of the most magical experiences in Zion National Park.
The park is located in a remote area with minimal light pollution, so it’s a great place to view the night sky in all its glory. In fact, it is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which is an official recognition that this is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky.
Here are some of the best spots for stargazing in Zion National Park:
- Human History Museum Patio: This patio at the back of the museum offers a great view of the northern sky and the Towers of the Virgin rock wall. It’s a perfect spot for stargazing year-round.
- Pa’rus Trail: This trail is a great spot for stargazing due to its open views of the sky and is accessible year-round.
- Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort: This resort, on the East Mesa, is located at a high elevation and away from light pollution, making it an ideal spot for star gazing.
Zion Stargazing Tours
If you want to learn more about the night sky, consider taking a guided tour with a local expert. Zion stargazing tours are one of my favorite things to do at Zion National Park at night.
2-Hour Star Gazing Tour near Kolob Canyons
This tour is far away from light pollution, so the views of the stars and the Milky Way are sensational. An expert astronomy guide conducts a two-hour program that includes state-of-the-art telescopes and laser pointers to guide you around the constellations and objects of the night sky.
BOOK A STARGAZING TOUR NEAR KOLOB CANYONS HERE
Tips for Star Gazing
If you want to try this on your own, here are some tips:
- Dress warmly
- Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Get a cute (and warm) camp blanket here if you need one.
- Bring a red flashlight to preserve your night vision. Avoid using white light flashlights or cell phone screens, as they can disrupt your night vision and the experience of others around you. Get a Celestron red night vision flashlight here.
- Tripod. If you want to take photos of the stars, you’ll need a tripod. You can get a tripod that you can use with an SLR camera or a smartphone here.
- Telescope or spotting scope. This will help you zoom in on specific stars or constellations and see them in more detail. Check out my guide to the best spotting scopes for wildlife viewing (which you can also use for stargazing) if you’re looking to buy some.
4. Biking in Zion National Park
Cycling in Zion National Park is one of the best ways to experience the park’s beauty and majesty. It allows you to cover more ground than hiking and still enjoy the natural surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Here are some of the best bike trails in Zion National Park:
Zion Canyon Round-Trip
Biking from the Visitor’s Center to the end of the canyon (Temple of Sinawava) and back to the Visitor’s Center is a great way to see the main Zion attractions.
It’s a round trip of 15 miles and although the road is mostly flat, it does climb 300 feet from the Visitor’s Center to the top of the road. If this seems like a lot, renting an e-bike in nearby Springdale is an option.
If you’re looking to buy an e-bike, BUY AN E-BIKE HERE
Park Roadways and Pa’rus Trail
Bicycling is permitted on all park roadways and on the Pa’rus Trail. The Pa’rus Trail is a 1.7-mile paved trail that provides stunning views of the park and the Virgin River and is ideal for cycling. Zion National Park is a great place to slow down and soak in its natural beauty and cycling is a great way to do this.
Biking Outside Zion National Park
If you like to mountain bike, Zion National Park isn’t the best option but there are several great biking trails outside of Zion National Park that offer more adventurous routes.
The Gooseberry Mesa Trail is a popular mountain biking trail that offers breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding area. The JEM Trail is another popular trail that offers stunning views of Zion National Park and the Virgin River.
Note that bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
READ MORE: How to Visit Zion Without Shuttle Tickets (cycling is a great way!)
3. Photographing Zion National Park
Taking photos of the jaw-dropping scenery is one of the top things to do in Zion National Park and if you’re a photography enthusiast, Zion National Park is a paradise for you. The park offers a huge number of stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for capturing breathtaking shots.
Some of the best photography locations in Zion National Park include:
- Canyon Junction Bridge – Best location in Zion to photograph the Watchman (Most iconic view of Zion)
- Canyon Overlook – Best location to photograph Zion Canyon
- Behind Zion Human History Museum – Best place to photograph Towers of the Virgin
These locations offer stunning views of the park’s most iconic landmarks and are perfect for capturing the beauty of Zion. However, keep in mind that these locations can get crowded, especially during peak season, so plan accordingly.
For the best photography experience, I recommend visiting Zion National Park during the morning or evening when the lighting is softer and more favorable for photography. You can also consider taking a photography tour or workshop to enhance your skills and explore the park’s hidden gems.
READ MORE: Best Photo Spots in Zion National Park
2. Canyoneering in Zion National Park
Canyoneering is a combination of hiking, rappelling, climbing, and sometimes swimming through narrow slot canyons. With so many canyons in the area that range from beginner to advanced levels, canyoneering is one of the most fun things to do in Zion National Park for adventure lovers.
If you’re an experienced canyoneer, you can go by yourself, but you do need a Wilderness Permit. Permits are limited and can be difficult to obtain during peak season, so be sure to plan ahead and apply for a permit well in advance.
If you’re new to canyoneering or don’t have your own equipment, there are several guided tours available in the area that make rappelling in Zion National Park safe and enjoyable. These tours provide all the necessary equipment and safety training, and are led by experienced guides who know the area well.
Canyoneering trips that are suitable for adventurous beginners include:
Coral Sands Half-day Canyoneering Tour
A 4.5-hour trip that starts with a beautiful hike within the red canyon walls, and includes multiple rappels up to 100 feet!
BOOK THE CORAL SANDS CANYONEERING TRIP
Ladder Canyon/ Sugar Knoll Half-day Canyoneering Tour
This 4-hour trip includes a UTV ride and some hiking around Sugar Knoll, with the most time spent rappelling inside nearby Ladder Canyon.
BOOK THE LADDER CANYON (EAST ZION) CANYONEERING TRIP
READ MORE: Read about my own experience canyoneering at Zion (I LOVED it!)
1. Hiking in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you and without a doubt, hiking is one of the absolute top things to do at Zion National Park.
Here are three of the most popular hiking trails in Zion National Park.
The Narrows
The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. The trail takes you through a narrow slot canyon that is only 20-30 feet wide and hundreds of feet tall in some places.
The hike can be done as a day trip or an overnight backpacking trip. Most of the trail is actually in the Virgin River, so be prepared to get wet! The weather is usually warm in summer, but in the colder months, waterproof pants are advisable.
Check with the NPS before setting out, as the Narrows are closed if the water level is too high or if there is a danger of flash flooding.
READ MORE: The Narrows Trail Guide
Angel’s Landing
Angel’s Landing is a strenuous 5.4-mile round trip hike that takes you to the top of a 1,500-foot-tall rock formation. The trail is narrow and steep in some places, and the last half mile has very steep and high drop offs on both sides. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort if you’re not afraid of heights.
The trail is narrow and dangerous and very popular, so you need to enter a lottery to get a permit to hike the trail.
READ MORE: How To Get Angels Landing Permits
Observation Point
Observation Point has, in my opinion, the best views in the national park (the photo directly above was taken there).
You used to be able to hike up from the bottom of the canyon, but unfortunately, that trail is blocked by a large rockslide. However, you can still get to the viewpoint by walking along the flat and easy East Mesa Trail. The view looks down the entire length of Zion Canyon and you can see Angels Landing below.
READ MORE: Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Private Guided Hikes
While you can hike the trails in and around Zion by yourself, having a guide has some advantages. They can take you on trails that can be hard to access and/ or follow and can also explain all about the area you are hiking in. A couple of good private guided hikes are:
Emerald Pools (with gourmet picnic lunch)
This guided hike goes from the Zion Lodge to the beautiful Emerald Pools along the Kayenta Trail, culminating in a delicious gourmet lunch at the pools.
BOOK A GUIDED HIKE + LUNCH TO EMERALD POOLS HERE
Peekaboo Slot Canyon
An easy 1.5-mile loop through a spectacular slot canyon outside the national park in nearby Kanab.
BOOK A GUIDED HIKE THROUGH PEEKABOO SLOT CANYON HERE
Travel Insurance for Zion National Park
When planning a trip to Zion National Park, things to do are important, of course, but travel insurance is also important. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy these top things to do, Zion National Park!
What are your favorite Zion things to do? Are there any other Zion National Park to do activities not listed here? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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Best Things To Do in Zion National Park
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and all of the main national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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