15 Best Things To Do in Zion National Park

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Zion National Park, you’re in for a treat. When visiting this Utah national park, you’ll come across beautiful emerald pools, famous hiking trails, rock climbing courses, and plenty more.

Zion National Park is an absolute must-see attraction in the United States. As one of the best national parks in Utah, Zion National Park boasts the most incredible natural scenery. This includes everything from its towering natural arches to the red rock landscapes and the vast array of animal species and birdlife.

It’s not impossible that you may feel overwhelmed with the attractions. So to help you have an epic adventure, this list includes 15 fun things to do at Zion National Park that you should not miss.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. 

Where To Stay in Zion National Park 

With so many activities in Zion National Park, you may need a few days to get through them all. The park is located in southern Utah. So when visiting Zion National Park, you’ll have access to plenty of accommodation like the Zion National Park Lodge and star-rated hotels, all flanked by stunning canyon backdrops. 

Here are a few options you should check out.

Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites

For a more luxurious stay, book a premium suite at one of Springdale’s most sought-after hotels. Here, you’ll enjoy top-tier amenities, a delicious daily breakfast, and picturesque views of Zion Canyon. Zion Canyon Inn & Suites also has a beautiful outdoor pool, hot tub, and fire pits perfect for a relaxing retreat after an adventurous day. >>>Check Availability<<<

Camping

Zion National Park has several camping grounds. You can enjoy sleeping under the night sky at Watchman Campground near the south entrance. Alternatively, the South Campground is another great option; it’s only a short walk from the visitor center and gives you easy access to the Zion shuttle. You can also save some money and camp at Lava Point Campground for free.

Best Time To Go to Zion National Park

Spring, summer, and fall attract larger crowds than winter, but Zion National Park is a year-round destination. If you’re a thrill seeker eager to go on some of the best hikes in the world, fall (September-November) is the best time to visit Zion National Park. 

Visit Zion National Park in spring (March-May) to enjoy the lush green landscape and cascading waterfalls. The colorful cottonwood trees along the Virgin River make for an Instagram-worthy vacation.

Warning: Spring travelers must take caution as the Virgin River typically experiences flash floods during this time due to the increased rainfall.

Read More: Where To Stay in Zion National Park

How to Get Around Zion National Park

The Zion Canyon Shuttle usually runs from early March to mid-November and halts for the winter season. It operates from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day of the week and has nine stops. 

Biking is also an option, though you are limited to only biking on the Pa’rus trail. There are bicycle racks at the Visitors Center and at each shuttle stop. 

There are also options to drive to various points in a car, although the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is off-limits to private vehicles when the shuttle is running. Utah State Route 9, Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive remain open, though. 

Read More: One Day in Zion National Park

Map Of Zion National Park

Below is a Google map of the best things to do in Zion National Park.

>>>Buy Official Map Here<<<

How To Get to Zion National Park

There are various ways to get to Zion National Park. You can opt for a longer but more fun Utah national park road trip with your own vehicle or a faster direct flight to one of the nearby airports. Whichever way you decide, you’ll enjoy the ride knowing that a fantastic adventure lies ahead. Check out the driving times and mileage from the nearest airports to Zion National Park.

• Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas: 3 hours, 167 miles from the park’s south entrance.
• Salt Lake City International Airport: 4 hours, 313 miles from Salt Lake City.
• Cedar City Regional Airport: 1 hour, 60 miles.
• St. George Regional Airport: Less than 1 hour, 46.5 miles.
• Rental Cars: Super helpful for getting from the airport to your chosen accommodation and Zion National Park, but using your own vehicle also works.

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

Things To Pack for Zion National Park

What to pack highly depends on your desired activities in Zion National Park. But with so much sunlight reigning down Zion National Park, some of my must-pack travel essentials include:

• Sunscreen: This is a must ( Zion National Park gets 300 days of sunshine). >Click Here To Buy
• Hiking Shoes: With over 100 hiking trails, you’ll need a durable pair of hiking boots or sandals. >Click Here For My Fav Shoes
• Hiking Socks: Prevent blisters and calluses by wearing the right socks. >Click Here For Hiking Socks
• Water Bladder or Reservoir: This is essential for hydration and keeping cool, especially on a strenuous hike. >Click Here For A Water Reservoir
• Water: Make sure you stay cool and hydrated while exploring; it gets very hot here in summer.
• Snacks: The best hiking snacks are nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars.
• Sunglasses: Zion Canyon is absolutely gorgeous, but you won’t see much with the scorching sun in your eyes, so pack a pair of sunglasses. >Click Here For Sunglasses
• Day Pack: Getting around the terrain can be demanding; make things easier by carrying all your hiking essentials in a compact day pack. >Click Here For My Day Pack
• Sports Bra: Ladies, a good sports bra makes all the difference when scrambling up boulders and steep cliffs. >Click Here For My Fav Bra
• Breathable Tops: Avoid sweat patches with a cool, breathable shirt (beware that cotton soaks up sweat and makes clothing heavier). >Check Out This Breathable Top
• Leggings & Active Pants: This goes without saying, but jeans are a no-no for hiking; a pair of active pants are definitely more comfortable. >Check Out These Leggings
• Rain Coat or Jacket: If you visit Zion National Park in spring, you may run into some showers. A raincoat is the best way to keep yourself dry and warm and avoid getting hypothermia. >Click Here For My Jacket
• Headlamp: Headlamps come in handy in case you get stranded in the dark; they’re also quite compact and more efficient than using a flashlight. >Check Out This Head Lamp
• Knife: This is a very effective tool to have in your daypack. >Check Out This Knife
• Hiking Poles: These come in handy when climbing up tricky hiking trails and for the Narrows. >Click Here For My Fav Poles
• First Aid Kit: Anything can happen while exploring a national park. Bring a compact first aid kit that can easily fit in your day pack. >Click Here For A First Aid Kit
• Camera & Tripod: Flex your photography skills and capture some incredible Zion canyon scenery. A classic travel camera and tripod are all you need. >Click Here For Camera >Click Here For Tripod
• National Park Pass: Some attractions in Zion National Park require entrance and parking permits. >Click Here To Buy America The Beautiful Pass

Tours At Zion National Park

What To Do in Zion National Park

Get ready for an epic adventure. Grab your hiking shoes, day pack, and water bottle, and prepare to explore some of the best attractions in Zion National Park. Most of the trails are suitable for hiking beginners, but others require a certain level of experience.

Hike Angels Landing

Adrenaline junkies will love hiking to Angels Landing. The strenuous round-trip hike is 5.2 miles long and takes about three to four hours to complete (this is where your hiking shoes come in handy). The Angels Landing trail ends at a steep summit that’s scored this hike the title of being one of the scariest hikes in Zion National Park. 

But, although hiking up Angels Landing will take a lot of physical effort, the dazzling natural beauty and sweeping views make it all worth it. It’s best to go on this hike in the early morning; being one of the famous hikes in the park, it often gets crowded. In the summer season, you’ll easily find hundreds of hikers walking this trail every day.

To get to Angels Landing, hop on the first Zion Canyon Shuttle from the Visitor Center to Zion canyon. You’ll get off on Grotto Trailhead at the Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop 6, located along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From here, you’ll cross over the Virgin River and begin your trek along the West Rim Trail.

After a few switchbacks, passing the narrow slot canyon, and the steep 21-step Walter’s Wiggles, you’ll come up to the Scout Lookout. Now here’s where the challenge (and the thrill) begins. Using chains to assist your ascent to Angels Landing, you’ll scramble up the narrow, knife-edge ridge where stunning national park views await you at the summit.

Please Note: You need a permit to hike Angels Landing. You can learn more about acquiring the permit here.

Hike to Observation Point

Another one of the most famous hikes in Zion National Park is the undeniably scenic hike up the Observation Point trail. There are several ways to get to the overlook point, but the most popular routes, the Weeping Rock Trail and lower East Rim Trail, are closed due to a large rock fall.

An alternative route is hiking up the East Mesa Trail. This hike is much shorter than the Weeping Rock Trail as it’s only a seven-mile round trip hike. The walk is moderately challenging and takes an average hiker two to three hours to complete.

East Mesa Trail is located outside Zion National Park and accessible via dirt roads behind the privately-owned Zion Ponderosa Resort. The route begins at the upper east plateau. From here, you’ll enjoy a leisure walk on mostly level terrain. 

If you’re a canyoneering expert, don’t be shy to veer off to Mystery Canyon – a stunning hanging canyon that feeds into the Narrows. 

Read More: 10 Best Hikes in Zion National Park

Explore The Narrows

The Narrows hike is another one of the top Zion National Park things to do. With thousand-foot canyon walls towering on each side, this is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Be prepared to get your feet wet, as the only way to hike to the Narrows is via the Virgin River.

You can access the hiking trail from the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk to explore this quintessential walk through the narrow slot canyons. Although there are several ways to hike the Narrows, the most popular is the bottom-up route which requires an easy upstream trek.

The furthest point you can reach without a permit on this route is the Big Springs. This challenging 10-mile round trip hike requires a moderate fitness level and takes about three to four hours to complete. Throughout the all-day adventure, you’ll see stunning sights of the clear blue gorge and specks of light shining through the narrow slot canyon. 

Drive Along Zion – Mount Carmel Highway

The best way to see most of Zion National Park is by taking the scenic drive via the Zion – Mount Carmel Highway. The 10-mile drive stretches from the south entrance to the east entrance. This delightful highway passes over bridges, along several switchbacks, and through a tunnel that cuts through deep stone mountains.

The Zion Mt Carmel Highway runs along Route 89. It was built in 1930 to connect Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon national parks. You can use the free shuttle for your Zion Canyon scenic drive, but private vehicles are allowed year-round if the Zion shuttle is unavailable. A self-drive will begin at the park’s east entrance or the Kolob Canyons and Terrance sections.

Walk The Canyon Overlook Trail

Are you ready to see the most spectacular views in Zion National Park? Drive along the Canyon Overlook trail and see some of the best rock formations. The Canyon Overlook trail takes you 1,000 feet above the canyon floor, giving you sweeping views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River below.

The short one-mile hike is moderate and popular among travelers, making it one of Zion National Park’s best spots for sightseeing and photography. You’ll find this trail at the east park entrance along the Zion – Mount Carmel Highway. 

The trek is easy, thanks to the markings along the trail. You’ll walk atop the Great Arch, where you’ll be served views of soaring sandstone cliffs. If you continue a little further down Canyon Overlook Trail, you’ll come up on Checkerboard Mesa — a rock with a fascinating crisscross pattern.

See The Lava Point Overlook

Escape the crowds and catch incredible kaleidoscopic sunsets at Lava Point. This overlook is located in the lesser-visited Terrance section of the park and is adorned by stunning orange and red vistas. 

The short and easy 1.3-mile trek begins on the West Rim Trail at Zion Canyon and requires practically no hiking. It’s accessible via the Lava Point campground, so you can stay overnight and enjoy gazing at the night sky.

Drive To Kolob Canyons

Get a glimpse at the towering Kolob Canyons, riddled with soaring Navajo sandstone peaks and longer wilderness trails away from the main Zion Canyon. The five-mile scenic drive along Kolob Canyons Road takes you to a remote part of the park that’s easily accessible via the Cedar City park entrance.

Here you’ll find an array of classic Zion attractions like unique hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and access to the permit-only Subway. The most popular excursion in Kolob Canyons is hiking along the breathtaking Timber Creek Overlook Trail.

The five-mile drive along the section’s only paved trail leads you to the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, which doubles as the starting point of the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. After a short 1.1-mile hike to Timber Creek Overlook, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the valley overlooking Kolob terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains. 

In this quieter section of Zion National Park, you’ll also find the Kolob Arch — one of the largest arches worldwide. Be sure to visit the Kolob Canyons visitor center to pay for your parking and get a Zion map from the bookstore.

Explore The Subway

This may well be the scariest trail in Zion National Park, but thrill seekers and advanced hikers would love it. The Subway trail requires a permit (available at Zion Canyon visitor center) and relatively fit hikers who know what they’re doing. The strenuous hike requires technical skills to scramble up boulders, climb down waterfalls, and canyoneering from massive cliffs.

Although you won’t find a free shuttle to this part of the national park, several outfitters in Springdale offer shuttle rides to Kolob Canyon. You can get to the Subway via the North Creek Left Fork Trailhead. From here, the 9-mile trek over ridges, steep cliffside, and arching canyon walls begin.

Note: Hikers are highly encouraged to get as much information as possible from rangers and people who’ve successfully completed this trail.

Visit The Emerald Pools

Of all the wonderful Zion National Park things to do, the most epic of them all is the Emerald Pools. The national park has three Emerald Pools – Lower, Middle, and Upper. This series of water channels is gorgeous and compete with Angel’s Landing as one of the best things to see at Zion National Park.

These are located a stone’s throw away from Zion Lodge, and you can take the Zion shuttle from Zion Canyon to the car park on the road opposite the lodge. A short 2.5-mile round-trip hike takes you through all three Emerald pools, with the Lower being the easiest and the only one with wheelchair accessibility.

The Emerald Pools trail begins at a relatively flat, paved trail in the Lower section. From here, the terrain gets rocky as you work your way up to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools. The Upper Emerald Pools are larger and have gushing waterfalls, making for a serene and shaded escape from the Zion National Park summer heat.

See The Court of the Patriarchs

One of the most interesting places to visit in Zion National Park allows you to immerse yourself in a bit of religion. The Court of the Patriarchs is a cluster of sandstone cliffs named after biblical figures — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Court of the Patriarchs trail is super short and doesn’t technically qualify as a hike. But the idyllic views of surrounding mountains, canyon walls, and treescape earn it a spot on this list of things to do at Zion National Park.

You can access the trailhead at the fourth stop of the free shuttle to the main canyon. After two minutes of walking the paved trail, you’ll come up on the stunning Court of the Patriarchs Overlook. This trail is suitable for first-time Zion National Park visitors, families, and those who want to see mesmerizing sunsets.

Go To Canyon Junction Bridge for Sunset

Sunset chasers and photographers alike will love the views at Canyon Junction Bridge. If you’ve ever Googled this bridge, you may have seen the iconic snap of this Zion Canyon gem. Complete with the traversing Virgin River and spectacular backdrops of the Watchman, Canyon Junction Bridge is one of the best Zion National Park highlights.

Travelers and photographers heavily frequent this beautiful viewpoint, so be sure to take the Zion shuttle, as parking can be pretty sparse. You can also walk along the Pa’rus Trail, which is wheelchair, bicycle, and pet-friendly.

The Canyon Junction Bridge is a prime location for an epic sunset with dazzling golden glows against the red-colored sandstone walls. You can also opt for a relaxing riverside walk by taking the Pa’rus Trail, which starts at the South Campground, down to the Virgin River banks.

Checkout Zion Lodge

Zion Lodge is one of the most important stops of the Zion shuttle, located at stop five. The lodge offers a much-needed rest, several restaurants, shops, and easy access to the Zion Canyon and the Emerald Pools.

Many who visit Zion National Park opt to stay at this charming Zion-Mt accommodation because of its proximity to some of Zion National Park’s best spots. The lodge also sits beside the Virgin River and is within walking distance to Angel’s Landing Trailhead and the Zion Canyon scenic drive.

See The Checkerboard Mesa

If you’d like to see something truly unique in Zion National Park, nothing beats the Checkerboard Mesa. The iconic peak boasts a rare crisscrossed facade and is surrounded by lush pine trees.

You can drive up to Checkerboard Mesa via the Zion Mt Carmel Highway, passing through several switchbacks and winding roads. The Overlook Trail is a few miles from the summit, giving you sweeping views of main Zion Canyon and the zigzag road you drove along.

An alternative trail is Pine Creek. This is a technical slot canyon requiring rock climbing expertise, equipment, and a Zion National Park permit. 

Walk Near Zion’s Virgin River

Walking along the Virgin River is one of the best ways to see a glimpse of the finest Zion National Park activities. This iconic waterbody is over 13 million years old and has craved the impressive red-rock formations we love seeing today.

The Virgin River cuts through the national park serving as an irrigation source for the valleys and multitude of waterfalls. Hop off at the shuttle stop nine and begin the leisurely Riverside Walk along the Virgin River. At the end of this trail, you’ll find the remarkable Narrows slot canyon.

Spot Zion Wildlife

The Zion National Park wildlife is vast and features some unique species, including the endangered California Condor. You may spot this large bird soaring over Angel’s Landing. Other animals to keep your eyes peeled for include the mountain lion, the petite kangaroo, and the confident bighorn sheep.

If you’re contemplating what to see at Zion National Park, the wildlife is a top recommendation. You can spot these furry species at the Weeping Rock, which oozes water and provides excellent irrigation for the hanging gardens and wildlife. Other spots include Angel’s Landing trail and the scenic Riverside Walk.

Final Thoughts on Zion National Park Things To Do

Zion National Park boasts some of the most iconic views and hiking trails in the United States. It’s the most visited park in Utah — and it’s easy to see why. The national park is conveniently located in southern Utah, providing easy access to travelers from Las Vegas and beyond.

Whenever you visit Zion National Park, ensure you’ve looked up all the wildlife safety tips and checked the National Park Service website for any closures (we’re looking at you, Weeping Rock). 

Honestly, there are so many things to do in Zion National Park that it couldn’t possibly fit in one post. But honorable mentions like the Twin Brothers Mountain, Grafton Ghost Town, and the Hidden Canyon deserve a visit, too. Regardless of the chosen activities, you’re sure to have a wonderful adventure at Zion National Park.

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