Looking for what to do in Zion National Park? This list of the 33 best activities has something for everyone – hiking, biking, horseback riding, UTV adventures, and more!
In the heart of Southern Utah, Zion National Park stands as a testament to the raw geological power that has shaped the American Southwest. Drawing millions of visitors every year, this crown jewel of United States National Parks has 2,000 foot red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, diverse ecosystems drifting between desert and lush forests, and some of the best outdoor activities in the country.
Zion spans 229 square miles of varied terrain from the low elevations in the Mojave Desert to the highest elevation of the Colorado plateau. The park is filled with a myriad of exciting adventures and wildlife – keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and peregrine falcons.
If you are planning what to do in Zion National Park, you’re in luck. In this guide, you’ll discover the best hikes in the park, unique outdoor activities, cultural immersion, farm-to-table cuisine, and more.
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Wondering What To Do in Zion National Park? Here at the Top 33 Activities
1. Camp Overnight in the Park at the Watchman Campground
One of the best things to do in Zion National Park is spend the night! Waking up to the red canyon walls towering above you and enjoying the views with your morning coffee by the fire is an experience like no other.
Where to Camp in Zion?
Watchman Campground is located near the south entrance and provides the prime camping experience. The campsites have stunning views of the Watchman rocky cliffs jutting into the sky. It is also really close to the Pa’Rus trailhead and Zion Visitor Center.
There are 195 sites, 95 with electrical hookups. They are open year-round and include amenities like flush toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables. Due to its popularity, I recommend reserving your spot as soon as bookings open 6 months in advance. You can book them online here.
2. Hike the Famous Narrows Trail
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most iconic hikes, trekking through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Hikers wade upstream through the Virgin River, surrounded by 1,000-foot walls towering above. The entire hike takes place through this slot canyon river, with the majority of the time spent in ankle to waist-deep water.
The day hike for the Narrows begins at the Temple of Sinawava. Hikers trek bottom-up for as long as they please (average 6 – 10 miles) before turning around. If you don’t have many days in Zion National Park, I’d definitely add this hike as a priority.
Important Note: The Narrows slot canyon is prone to flash floods so make sure you check the weather forecast before making the hike. You can also check with the local park rangers at the Visitor Centre to be extra sure. If you start to see rising water levels, turn around.
Optional Private Tour Option to Hike the Narrows:
If you are feeling uneasy about the risk of flash floods or simply want to be joined by a guide who can provide a more in-depth experience, here is a great private tour option. The local guide will teach you about how the slot canyon was formed and the current life that occupies it today. You’ll also end with a charcuterie board picnic at the end!
Check Out: Private Tour of the Narrows in Zion National Park
3. Go on a Canyoneering Adventure
An adventure for thrill-seekers, canyoneering in Zion combines hiking, climbing, and rappelling to explore hidden caves, canyons, and waterfalls. You’ll explore a hidden world not accessible to other park visitors and get a chance to swim in secret pools.
Joined by an expert guide whose job is to keep you safe, you’ll zip down into canyons on rappels ranging from 20 – 175 feet tall. Canyoneering is a thrilling way to interact with Zion’s surrounding landscape.
Check Out: The Best Half-Day Canyoneering Adventure Near Zion
4. Ride a Bike on the Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail connects the Visitors Center to the Museum with great views of the Watchman cliffs. It is a flat densely-packed 3.5-mile round-trip path, making for the perfect cycling experience. The trail meanders along the Virgin River with passing views of the main canyon. There are many great spots to stop and admire the view, and informational signs along the path to learn more about the local geology and wildlife. Grab a bike rental and enjoy the leisurely ride along this stunning path.
How to Rent a Bike in Zion – You can rent bikes from several shops in Springdale. Here are two great options:
Join a Guided E-Bike Adventure:
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to join a guided bike experience, there is a great tour that brings to Zion’s highlights on an electronic-bike. A 3-hour tour, you’ll explore the park’s most popular spots with the ease of an e-bike to do most of the work for you.
Check Out: Guided E-Bike Tour Around Zion National Park
5. Ride on Horseback to a Secret Slot Canyon
If you are looking to escape the peak season crowds, take a horseback riding tour to a secluded slot canyon. Riding through Zion’s backcountry on a horse, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide. You’ll learn about the fascinating cowboy history of the nearby Utah towns and enjoy being out in the desert sun.
The trail ends at a hidden slot canyon where visitors will venture in on foot to explore the tight passageways and their soaring walls. You don’t need any previous horseriding experience.
Check Out: An Epic Horse Riding Adventure to Slot Canyons
6. Trek the Iconic Angel’s Landing Trail
The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the United States. A 5.4 mile roundtrip trek, hikers climb to 1,488 feet high on a narrow rock fin jutting out of Zion canyon with a 360-degree view.
The trail provides a diverse hiking adventure, passing through a shaded canyon, up a series of switchbacks known as “Walter’s Wiggles,” and to the spectacular views at Scout Lookout. The final 0.5 miles of the hike brings you along the infamous narrow ridge with only a chain for support.
How to Hike Angel’s Landing – Due to its popularity, Angel’s Landing now requires a permit to manage the crowds. Even with that in place, it’s best to get an early start to beat some of the other hikers and avoid the mid-day heat.
7. Drive/Ride the Zion Scenic Road
The famed scenic drive is 6.5 miles long and one of the best things to do in Zion National Park. The road winds along the canyon floor and provides great access to Zion’s most iconic trailheads and viewpoints. The road is very picturesque with notable stops including the Court of the Patriarchs, Temple of Sinawava, and the Zion Visitor Center.
Important Information:
During peak season from March – November, the scenic drive is closed to private vehicles but can be accessed by the free shuttle. This actually enhances the experience because you can treat it like a hop on and hop off, exploring the highlights of Zion. The shuttle service is free and starts at the visitors center (stop #1), which can also be accessed by the free Springdale shuttle.
The drive is especially beautiful during the early morning or late afternoon when the light burns orange against the canyon walls.
8. Take a Narrated Tram Ride Through Zion
If combining the scenic drive with local park ranger expertise peaks your interested, join a narrated tram ride. The trams head north through the park up to the Temple of Sinawava and include a special stop at the Great White Throne.
You’ll learn more about the park and what makes it so special on this hour ride. The trams depart from the front of the Zion Lodge and operate from early spring to fall. You can find the tram schedule and information on how to buy tickets here.
9. Venture into the Less-Visited Kolob Canyons
The Kolob Canyons are a separate section of Zion National Park that is less visited than the main canyon. Located 40 miles northwest of the south entrance, the Kolob Canyons offers a distinct landscape with finger-like canyons shooting into the sky. The fingers are framed by crimson cliffs rising as high as 2,000 feet into the sky. In fact, the name “Kolob” actually comes from the Mormon scripture meaning “residence closest to heaven.”
The most notable features of the Kolob Canyons are:
- The Kolob Arch – One of the world’s largest free-standing arches, spanning 287 feet.
- The Deep, Narrow “Finger” Canyons in Taylor Creek and La Verkin Creek.
- The 5-mile Kolob Terrace Scenic Drive with several viewpoints and access to trailheads.
- The Incredible Hiking Trails – You can find a list of the best hiking trails in Kolob Canyon in this guide to Zion’s best hikes.
10. Explore Zion’s Emerald Pools
The Emerald Pools are a trail system of 3 hikes that lead to the lower, middle, and upper emerald pools. The pools get their name from their shimmery green colour that glistens as a desert oasis in the sun.
- The Lower Emerald Pool – The hike is 1.2 miles round trip and easy. Water falls off the above cliffs and down into the lush green environment around you. The trail even passes below the waterfall at one point.
- The Middle Emerald Pool – Adding the short addition to the middle pool brings the total hike to 2.2 miles round trip with moderate difficulty. Simply continue hiking the trail past the lower emerald pooling, climbing some steps to the cliffs above. The middle pool is nestled into the rocks and overflows into the lower pool. This is where you start to get great views of the surrounding red canyon cliffs.
- The Upper Emerald Pool – Taking the total journey of all 3 pools to 2.5 miles roundtrip, the portion to the upper pool is considered moderate. It is the most impressive of the three pools because of the 300-foot cliff-face views you get along the way.
11. Visit the Popular Photography Spot at the Canyon Junction Bridge
The Canyon Junction Bridge is famously known as a great photography spot to capture Zion’s beauty. It stands at the intersection of the Zion Canyon Scenic Road and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The bridge crosses the Virgin River and is framed by towering cliffs. It’s especially good to visit during the afternoon to see the Watchman cliff face lit up in an evening glow.
Nowadays, the park rangers are pretty strict about parking along the side of the road by the bridge. Instead, you can park at the Zion History Museum and take the Pa’rus trail to the Pine Creek Bridge. This is a pedestrian bridge where you can take your photos without worrying about disrupting traffic.
12. Go Tubing on the Virgin River
If you’re looking for a unique activity to cool down in the desert heat, explore the park from the water of the Virgin River. Float lazily down the river in a tube, enjoying the flowing water and the fresh perspective of Zion Canyon.
There is a great tour that brings you back to the original launch point and includes a guide to journey with you down the river. This is an especially great activity if you are visiting in the summer months.
Check Out: A Lovely Tubing Float Down the Virgin River
12. Stay For Bed & Breakfast at the Zion Lodge
The Zion Lodge provides the unique opportunity to stay inside the park surrounded by red cliffs, with the combination of numerous scheduled activities being available to you. The lodge is located in the heart of the park at shuttle stop 5. They offer wood cabins and hotel rooms with a restaurant on-site.
The activities to choose from include park programs, narrated tram rides, and sky-gazing tours. You’ll also be uniquely located near access to the best hikes first thing in the morning. There is also a lodge theatre where they put on educational programs about the park.
You can find more information on booking with Zion Lodge here.
13. Visit the Zion Human History Museum
The Zion Museum is a great place to learn more about the park’s cultural history. Displaying artifacts that exhibit the rich human history of Zion National Park, visitors learn about the first inhabitants of this area and their close relationship to its environment. Discover why Zion and its canyons look the way they do today through its geological history and explore other topics such as geology, plant, animals, survival, and the community.
The Zion Museum also puts on engaging 30 – 45 minute ranger-led programs. The schedule for the talks is posted daily at the museum and visitor center. They are included in your park entrance fee.
14. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail for the BEST View in Zion
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 163 feet
- Access: There is no shuttle access. This trailhead is near the east entrance of the park.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is relatively short but offers the best views in all of Zion National Park. The trail ascends steeply up the mountain a short ways to a viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon, the Towers of the Virgin, the Great Arch, and the Beehives. The trailhead is in the East section of the park near the East Entrance and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel tunnel. I super recommend visiting slightly before and for the duration of sunset.
15. Stargaze in a Designated Dark Sky Reserve
Zion National Park is an official “designated dark sky reserve.” In other words, it has an incredibly dark night sky from lack of light pollution which makes the stargazing some of the best in the world. On clear nights you can even see the Milky Away.
You can choose to simply wander into the park at night or join a special astronomy stargazing tour. The stargazing tour brings you to the best spots in the park for watching the night sky and will teach you a little astronomy along the way. They also provide a telescope for you to get a closer look.
Check Out: Stargazing Experience in Zion National Park
16. Win the Lottery to Visit The Stunning Subway Hike
- Distance: 9 miles round trip
- Time: 6-10 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,305 feet
The Subway trail is one of the most popular backcountry hikes in Zion National Park. The hike gets its fame from the section that twists into a tube-like passage similar to a subway tube, with vibrant green pools inside.
The only downside to this incredible trail is that there are only 80 permits given to hikers per day in a lottery system. So, it is really difficult to get one. I recommend planning an itinerary with the plan to enter the lottery daily and shift things around if you win!
17. Stay in a Backcountry Campsite
Zion National Park has numerous backcountry campsites that make for a lovely remote overnight experience. The best primitive campsites can be found along the West Rim Trail (such as the Lava Point Campground) and the Narrows in the main Canyon of the park. There are also fantastic campsites along La Verkin Creek Trail in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion. You’ll experience incredible solitude without the crowds and access corners of the park that most visitors don’t ever see.
You’ll need permits to reserve your spot from the National Park Service. I recommend booking your spot as soon as the permits become available three months in advance.
You can find more of the best backcountry hikes and their campsites inside this list of the 21 best hikes in Zion National Park.
Read Related: The 21 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
18. Rock Climbing on the Red Cliffs Around Zion
While the National Park Service forbids guided rock climbing within the park boundaries, you can enjoy climbing trips just outside of Zion National Park. Rock climbing is a thrilling sport that combines mental and physical challenge, with a side of incredible outdoor adventure. Hanging up high on the red cliff walls provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
If you are an experienced climber, there are numerous big wall routes that can be climbed without a guide. If you are a beginner or want the ease of rental equipment and help from a local guide, there are companies that offer rock climbing tours near Zion. Climbers are accompanied by an advanced trained guide who will handle all the equipment and logistics for you.
19. Witness Spectacular Views on the Watchman Trail
- Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 368 feet
- Time: 2 – 3 hours
The Watchman trail is a moderate hike that brings you through Zion Canyon to a viewpoint of Watchman peak. Hikers enjoy panoramic views of the unique rock formations, the Towers of the Virgin, and lower Zion Canyon. This trail is less crowded than many of the other hikes in Zion and provides a great opportunity to spot desert wildlife.
The trailhead for the Watchman hike is located near the Visitor Center. I recommend hiking the Watchman in the early morning or the late afternoon to avoid other people and enjoy the unique lighting.
20. Visit the Zion Visitor Center
The Zion Visitor Center is a great place to stop at the beginning of your trip. It provides essential information and resources for your time in the park, such as maps and information on trail closures. It also features exhibits highlighting the park’s geology, wildlife, and history, providing excellent context for the environment you are about to explore.
Zion’s Visitors Center plays a park orientation film to introduce you to the park. They also have a souvenir shop, picnic areas, and rangers to help provide recommendations. The center is located near the south entrance of the park and is the first stop for the shuttle service.
21. Take a Thrilling Sunset Jeep Tour of Zion
If you want to explore Zion uniquely, opt for a sunset tour that drives you through the park in a jeep. You’ll zip through the windy roads of Zion’s East section of the park, driving up mountain roads to the highest points.
The tour runs in the golden hour of the day so you’ll be riding around a glowing red landscape and finish the trip off with a sunset finale. Guests get to watch the sunset with cozy chairs, blankets, and provided snacks.
Check Out: Small-Group Jeep Ride for Sunset in Zion National Park
22. Shop at Springdales’ Unique Local Shops and Galleries
Shopping at local boutiques is a great activity to do in the evening after exploring nature all day in Zion. Located just outside of the south park entrance, Springdale is the closest town to the park and the main place to stay overnight when visiting Zion.
Zion Park Boulevard is the main street through town and features numerous shops within walking distance of each other. They offer a variety of local artisan crafts, jewelry, artwork, souvenirs, outdoor gear, and more. It’s also great to check out if you need some last-minute hiking supplies.
23. Farm-to-Table Experience at the Spotted Dog
For local food lovers, the Spotted Dog is a must when visiting Zion National Park and Springdale. The Spotted Dog provides an upscale farm-to-table dining experience, with the menu changing seasonally to feature fresh, local ingredients. They offer a variety of creative dishes with beautiful plating and stunning views of the Zion Canyon from their outdoor patio. It is a great way to taste the regional flavours and support Utah’s local farmers.
24. Enjoy Local Utah Art at the DeZion Gallery
If you are interested in art and local handicrafts, check out the DeZion Gallery. It showcases works inspired by Zion’s rugged landscapes. The gallery is located in Springdale and is free to wander.
Discover the art of local Utah creators, ranging from paintings and photography to sculptures and more. You can choose to simply admire the pieces or take something home as a special memento. There are also regular artist demonstrations and events. You can check the schedule on their website.
25. Go Wine Tasting in Zion’s Up-and-Coming Wine Region
Southwestern Utah used to be a flourishing wine region and is currently making a comeback. There are now 5 wineries within an hour’s proximity of Zion where visitors can enjoy a tasting or two. Wines coming out of this region often have characteristics that reflect the high-desert terrier, known for their often bold flavour profiles.
If you want to make a day of it, there is trail pass that provides tasting access to all 5 of the local wineries. The wineries are:
- Bold & Delaney Winery
- Chanela Vineyards
- I/G Winery
- Water Canyon Winery
- Zion Vineyards
26. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Zion’s Desert Landscape
A helicopter tour above Zion is a unique way to experience the rugged landscape from a new vantage point. There is a tour that brings guests on a 55 mile helicopter flight to see views of Zion’s canyons, Kolob Canyon’s red rock fingers, the Smith Mesa, Red Butte Mountain Range, and the 2,000-foot-tall cliffs of the Canaan Mountains. You’ll learn about the park’s geological wonders directly from the pilot. Flights depart from a private heliport in Springdale.
Check Out: Private Helicopter Flight over Zion’s Landscape
27. Ride a UTV to Hidden Slot Canyons
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, join a UTV ride tour to a hidden slot canyon. UTVs are small off-roading vehicles similar to four-wheelers but include a rolling caged section over the top of it.
You’ll depart on a thrilling ride along the rugged Zion backcountry before arriving at a private access slot canyon. The canyon is visited by very few travelers because of its limited access so it is truly off-the-beaten-path. Entering the slot canyon, the narrow sandstone walls will tower above you. You’ll even come across some fun obstacles as you get deeper into the canyon.
Check Out: UTV Adventure to Secret Slot Canyon
28. Hike Along the Virgin River on the Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk is one of the many beautiful trails inside Zion National Park. It meanders 2.2 km roundtrip along the Virgin River from the Temple of Sinawava with minimal elevation. The trail is easy and shaded to escape the desert sun.
The first 0.4 miles of the path is paved and the rest is densely packed dirt. It ends at the trailhead for the Narrows slot canyon, providing a great sneak peak. You’ll be surrounded by hanging gardens, towering canyon walls, and the soothing sound of the river.
29. Visit the Deep Canyon Spa for a Scenic Treatment
A unique spa in the desert, the Deep Canyon spa offers the ultimate luxury combined with Zion’s rugged natural beauty. Located in the Flannigan Inn in Springdale, Deep Canyon Spa offers treatments such as massage and dinner packages, sound healing, full-service treatments, facials, and hair and nail packages.
You can also find spiritual experiences at the Deep Canyon Spa at their hilltop labyrinth. Walk in quiet meditation through their orderly labyrinth with the red canyon walls around you.
You can find more information about the spa and its treatments here.
30. Visit the Highest Viewpoint in Zion at Observation Point
The highest elevation viewpoint in Zion National Park is called Observation Point. It provides incredible views from thousands of feet high of Angel’s Landing, Zion Canyon, and the winding Virgin River.
To access Observation Point, you need to hike the Observation Point Trail. It is currently closed due to rockfall, however, the good news is that there is an alternative and less challenging hike to get to it via the East Mesa Trail.
- Distance: 6.7 miles
- Time: 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 695 feet
The East Mesa Trailhead is located just outside the East entrance near the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. The trail takes about 3 hours round trip to hike and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in the park. I recommend hiking to Observation Point in the late afternoon to arrive slightly before sunset. Make sure to bring some headlamps for the journey back
31. Check Out Worthington Gallery
The Worthington Gallery is located inside a historic pioneer home built in the 1880’s. Today it displays the art of 40+ local artists for visitors to admire and purchase. The art ranges in styles from glasswork, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. Most of the art is inspired by the incredible natural beauty of the surrounding region and Zion National Park. It is a great place to diversify the activities on your trip and shop for a unique moment.
32. Drive Through the Zion Mount-Carmel Tunnel
One of the best things to do in Zion National Park is drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Tunnel. The tunnel is 1.1 miles long straight through one of the towering cliff walls. It provides direct access between Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park.
You can find it at the east entrance of the park. It is worth making the drive in that direction to experience driving straight through a massive chunk of rock.
33. Enjoy One of the Other Amazing Hikes in the Park
In addition to the numerous amazing trails I have already mentioned, Zion National Park is jam-packed with even more incredible hiking spots. Ranging from easy to difficult and short and long, there are hikes to suit everybody’s preferences and fitness levels. I highly recommend checking out this ultimate list of the 21 best hiking trails in Zion National Park to find the perfect ones for you.
How to Get Around Zion National Park:
In peak season from March to November, there is a free shuttle operating along the Zion Scenic Drive in the main canyon. The free shuttle has 9 stops that bring visitors to all the highlights and hiking trails along the route. The shuttle is first come-first served, so I recommend arriving early if you are there in the busy summer months.
While the shuttle is operating in peak season, private vehicles are not allowed to access the scenic drive to reduce congestion and help the environment. The first stop for the shuttle is located at the Visitors Centre and can be accessed from the closest town to the park, Springdale.
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Final Thoughts on What to Do in Zion National Park – The 33 Best Activities
Zion National Park epitomizes the awe-inspiring natural wonders that can be found across the US. If you are wondering what to do in Zion National Park, you won’t have to search far for a number of activities that suit your preferences. From exhilarating hikes and viewpoints to serene camping under the stars, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with this stunning landscape. Happy adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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