Article Overview: Things to Do in Zion National Park
There are so many incredible, breathtaking, and life-changing things to do in Zion National Park.
Whether it’s exploring slot canyons like The Narrows or The Subway, hiking to stunning overlooks like Angels Landing, and scenic drives like the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway.
I’ve been to Zion National Park more times than I can count and every time I find something new.
Exquisitely carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, Zion Canyon is one of the most stunning places on earth with some unbelievable things to do.
But don’t stop there! This park has so much more to offer outside of the main canyon – golden meadows, sweeping vistas, red rock mountains, towering white temples, and powerful ancient rivers comprise this incredible treasure.
Table Of Contents: Things To Do Zion National Park
Table Of Contents: Best Things To Do in Zion National Park
- About My Travels to Zion National Park
- Things to Know Before You Visit Zion National Park
- Where to Stay in Zion
- Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Top 15 Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Top 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Top 5 Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Map of Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Top 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Where to Stay Zion National Park
- About Zion National Park
- Crowds at Zion National Park
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Driving & Transportation
- Zion Shuttle System
- Zion National Park Driving
- Getting to Zion
- Photos of Zion
- Watch the Award-Winning Video of Zion
- Helpful Related Articles
- Tips for Visiting Zion National Park (or any national park)
US National Parks List & Map
Check out our Complete List of National Parks with comprehensive resources for each one including FREE National Parks Maps, best hikes & trails, interesting facts, amazing things to do, & more.
About My Travels to Zion National Park
I visited Zion National Park for the first time back in the Fall of 2015 (with my brother to film it – see below) and have returned many, many times since.
It’s just one of those parks (if you know how to avoid the crowds) that keeps calling you back.
Most folks only visit the main canyon which is full of incredible beauty but I encourage visitors to seek out the other breathtaking sections as well.
An added bonus to seeing these other parts of the park is that you’ll be one of very few people who ever do.
Over several weeks we documented all of the most amazing parts of the park (including an insane flash winter storm that we captured in our Zion Film) and have recommended our favorites here for you.
Things to Know Before You Visit Zion National Park
Entrance Fees
$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth 🙂
Gas
There are a plethora of fuel options in Springdale right outside of the main canyon so fueling up in Zion is not as much of a concern.
Cell Service
Cell Service is spotty in the park but there is some sporadically outside of Zion canyon.
Guide Book
The Best Guide Book: James Kaiser is the proverbial bees knees in this department. I love all of his National Park guides and his Zion Guide is no exception.
Map
The Best Map: I like this map best for Zion National Park.
Water
Drink it. Lots of it. Don’t forget it in the car.
Best Time to Visit Zion
The Best Time to Visit Zion National Park is during the fall to see all of the cottonwood trees turn a vibrant yellow. If you can’t make it during Autumn, try Spring as a second best time. Summer is extremely hot in Zion and in Winter is surprisingly cold.
Restaurants & Food Options
Food options are abound in the Zion area with several major cities surrounding the park like Springfield and Cedar City. As far as options inside the park go, visitors are limited to the Red Rock Grill restaurant & seasonal Castle Dome Cafe near Zion Lodge.
Maps of the National Parks
National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.
Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.
Where to Stay in Zion
Visiting Zion National Park? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on visiting Zion National Park for tips. Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel near Zion.
Things to Do in Zion National Park
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Zion National Park
19. Historic Zion Lodge
A great pit stop during the day is Zion National Park lodge.
Located in the main Zion Canyon, this lodge is beautiful and historic. We’ve listed more hotel options below as well.
Dating back to 1924 the original lodge actually burned to the ground in a 1966 fire but was rebuilt in an astonishing 100 days!
Rooms will run you between $250 – $300 (which is sadly a great deal for national park hotels) depending on which type you select.
Beyond the rooms, the lodge is a great place to escape the sun, relax, and grab a bite to eat during a long day at the park!
18. Hop Valley Trail
The Hop Valley Trail is one of Zion’s finest starting in the Kolob Terrace region of the park and taking hikers into the spectacular Kolob Canyon.
Along the way you’ll see beautiful valley scenery transform into breathtaking red rock canyons.
Distance: 6.6miles (point to point)
Time: 3-4 hours
NOTE: This hike should not be attempted without adequate preparation.
The round trip hike back to the Hop Valley Trailhead is over 13 miles so make sure you have a plan for someone to pick you up if you’re doing the point to point hike!
17. Hoodoos
That’s right! Bryce Canyon is not the only Utah national park with hoodoos.
Located in the much lesser visited Kolob Terrace region of Zion National Park are all sorts of amazing sites, including hoodoos!
To get to the hoodoos park at the Hop Valley Trailhead. On the same side of the road as the trailhead you’ll see a red rock plateau.
All over this plateau are some amazing (and fragile) hoodoos.
Please do not touch the hoodoos as they are more fragile than they look!
16. The Watchman
One of the most iconic photo spots at Zion National Park is of The Watchman from the Canyon Junction Bridge.
This is an EXTREMELY popular spot to take photos for sunset so be aware that you will not be alone.
If you’re trying to see the sunset here, I recommend getting to the bridge at least 30 minutes prior to the sunset if not an hour.
Light leaves the canyon more quickly than you might think!
This spot is beautiful any time of day so if you’re not in the mood to brave the hoards of photographers angling for position, you may want to check it out prior to sunset.
15. Lava Point Campground
Zion National Park has 3 campgrounds with over 300 campsites offering a wide variety of camping options.
The campgrounds are Watchman campground, South Campground, and my favorite which is Lava Point Campground
Lava Point Campground is the smallest, most serene, and most remote campground in Zion National Park.
This campground located in the Kolob Terrace section of the park situated next to the stunning Lava Point Overlook.
Top 15 Things to Do in Zion National Park
14. Scenic Tour on the Zion Shuttle
One of the best ways to soak in the park is by riding the Zion shuttle.
The Zion Shuttle is a great way for visitors to visit the main (zion) canyon which holds the majority of the most popular attractions in Zion National Park.
This convenient mode runs daily and currently visitors must acquire $1 tickets prior to boarding.
The shuttle stops at all of the most popular spots in the canyon and gives viewers a unique way of enjoying the park.
For more shuttle info visit the NPS website.
13. Stargazing
As of 2021, Zion National Park is now officially an International Dark Sky Park. A designation awarded to only a select few places around the world.
Basically what this means is that Zion is an absolutely epic place to soak in the night sky.
I recommend Kolob Terrace as the best place in the park to see the night sky as fewer visitors means less car lights and flashing.
12. Bighorn Sheep
Some of Zion’s most famous residents are it’s resident bighorn sheep.
I see these regal animals almost every time I visit the park and am always amazed by them.
The bighorn were actually reintroduced to the park in the 1970s with an initial herd of 12. Now their numbers have risen to over 150 strong.
Where to See Bighorn Sheep in Zion
The most common place to see bighorn sheep in Zion is near the usually traffic-heavy Canyon Overlook Trailhead.
Drive slowly (not that you’ll have much of a choice) and keep your eyes peeled.
11. Checkerboard Mesa
Checkerboard Mesa is an aptly named mesa near the east entrance of the park with a pattern that resembles a checkerboard.
This is a great spot to stop off on the Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive to soak in the stunning desert views.
To learn more check out our Checkerboard Mesa post.
Top 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
10. Court of the Patriarchs
Court of the Patriarchs is a magnificent viewpoint in Zion Canyon where visitors can look up at the towering red & white rock formations.
This is one of the first viewpoints in the canyon and gives viewers a breathtaking opportunity to soak in the beauty of the park.
To learn more check out our Court of the Patriarchs post.
9. Big Bend
Big Bend is a breathtaking turn of the Virgin River in Zion National Park that reveals the Great White Throne to the south.
The shuttle stops here and visitors can walk down to the river to see the stunning beauty below.
During Autumn the leaves on the cottonwoods create a dazzling display all along the rive. This is also a great spot to watch condors soar above.
To learn more check out our Big Bend post.
8. Kolob Terrace
Kolob Terrace is one of the most beautiful yet least visited parts of Zion.
This area features lots of hoodoos, grassy plains, volcanic lava rock, colorful mesas, & stunning overlooks.
Every time I visit this area of the park I am amazed that it hasn’t fallen victim to the masses like the main canyon.
Kolob Terrace is a perfect spot to spend a day of solitude away from the crowds.
Perhaps the crown jewel of this area is Lava Point which is the best place in the park to catch a sunset.
7. Kolob Canyon
Kolob Canyon is a lesser-traveled but equally stunning unit of the park located near Cedar City.
It features towering red rock formations and a tiny fraction of the visitors of Zion Canyon. The canyon is relatively small and has several day hikes of varying lengths. I recommend the Timber Creek Overlook Trail if you can only do one and Taylor Creek Trail if you can do two!
The road leading into Kolob Canyon is beautiful in and of itself featuring a plethora of pulloffs with spectacular panoramic viewpoints.
We were visiting in October when a flash snowstorm blanketed the canyon in a beautiful white coat of powdery snow.
We captured the whole thing on film in our Zion video.
6. Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive
The Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive is one of the most beautiful drives in the entire national park system.
Massive colorful rock formations and lots of beautiful hikes abound in this section of Zion National Park.
The drive is located on the lesser explored (than the main canyon) east side of Zion where the bighorn sheep roam.
While you’re on this side of the park be sure to check out Canyon Overlook and Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon.
To learn more check out our Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive post.
Top 5 Things to Do in Zion National Park
5. Lava Point
Lava Point is best spot in Zion National Park to watch a sunset.
Located in the Kolob Terrace section of the park, this lesser-visited destination is worth a stop.
Escape the crowds here with a very different kind of beauty than the red rock canyons.
This overlook does not require any sort of a hike and is situated next to our favorite campground in Zion National Park, Lava Point Campground.
To learn more check out our Lava Point post.
4. Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon
Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is one of the most popular technical canyoneering spots in Zion National Park.
If you’re not up for technical rappelling then no problem!
Drive toward the east entrance a bit and find another part of the Pine Creek Gorge to hike around. The creek bed is long and provides lots of great entry points for hikers.
To learn more check out our Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon post.
3. Canyon Overlook
Canyon Overlook is one of the most spectacular and relatively easy to access overlooks in all of Zion National Park.
Located on the Zion Mt. Carmel (East) side of the park, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a popular one.
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Time: Typically 1-2 hours
The trail itself is about a mile round trip with little elevation gain. Hikers will be rewarded with sweeping views of Zion National Park.
Interested in visiting all the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks? Read our Utah National Parks article!
2. Angels Landing
Angel’s Landing is the most popular, well-known hike in Zion National Park leading to one of the most iconic views in all the National Park system.
The Angel’s Landing trail is a steep 5 miles with about 1,500ft of elevation gain.
Distance: 5 miles (1500ft Elevation Gain)
Time: Typically 3-4 hours
This hike is not for acraphobics or the faint of heart as one section of the trail involves holding onto a chain bolted onto a cliff side with sheer drop offs.
1. The Narrows
The Narrows is one of the absolute coolest hikes in Zion National Park and the entire national park system for that matter.
Hikers hike, walk, and wade through a narrow canyon of massive red rock canyon walls where the Virgin River has been at work for millions of years.
Distance: 16 miles (but most only hike the first few miles which are incredible)
Time: Typically 2-3 hours depending on how far you go
The total hike is 16 miles long but most folks only do the first few which are incredible.
You’ll need some good water shoes for this hike and a hiking pole is recommended although most folks go without (water shoes can be rented in Springdale at a number of places).
The deepest the water gets is about 3-4ft but most of the hike is in ankle deep water.
From time to time toxic algae blooms occur in the Virgin River which can be harmful to humans so make sure to check the NPS site before visiting.
Map of Things to Do in Zion National Park
Top 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
- The Narrows
- Angels Landing
- Canyon Overlook
- Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon
- Lava Point
- Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive
- Kolob Canyon
- Kolob Terrace
- Big Bend
- Court of the Patriarchs
- Checkerboard Mesa
- Bighorn Sheep
- Stargazing
- Zion Shuttle
- Lava Point Campground
- The Watchman
- Zion Hoodoos
- Hop Valley Trail
- Historic Zion Lodge
Where to Stay Zion National Park
Zion National Park has a whole host of lodging options including a beautiful lodge located within main canyon itself. Springdale is the closest city to the park. We’ve linked many of the most popular ones below.
- Holiday Inn Express (Springdale)
- Hampton Inn (Springdale)
- Springhill Suites (Springdale)
- More hotel options
About Zion National Park
Zion National Park is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Looking up at those impossibly big canyon walls for the first time is a feeling you don’t ever forget.
It’s no wonder why millions of people every year come to visit this breathtaking place.
Millions of people visit lots of national parks each year that don’t have the sort of overcrowding issues that Zion does – so what gives?
Crowds at Zion National Park
The major difference is that most national parks that see millions of viewers a year have a larger area for folks to spread out.
In Zion, the main canyon is extremely narrow and just a mere 15 miles long.
Don’t let that deter you from visiting! There are still ways to see Zion without the crowds. In this post I’ll detail exactly how I go about doing this year after year.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
The best time of year to visit Zion National Park is September and October as visitation wains, temperatures cool off, and fall foliage (yes, foliage in Utah!) is dazzling.
The best season to visit Zion National Park is Autumn with stunning foliage, cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds.
Spring is also a lovely time to visit with smaller crowds and bright spring greens filling the canyons.
With that being said, each season brings something different and beautiful to Zion National Park.
Zion National Park Driving & Transportation
Zion National Park has a few different transportation options that add convenience for the visitor.
Visitors can experience the park on foot, by bike, by car, or by shuttle.
Visitors should know that no cars are allowed inside the main canyon unless you have reservations at the Zion Lodge.
Zion Shuttle System
The Zion Shuttle is a great way for visitors to visit the main (zion) canyon which holds the majority of the most popular attractions in Zion National Park.
This convenient mode runs daily and currently visitors must acquire $1 tickets prior to boarding.
The shuttle stops at all of the most popular spots in the canyon and gives viewers a unique way of enjoying the park. For more shuttle info visit the NPS website.
Zion National Park Driving
Driving in Zion is limited to all the areas outside of the main canyon including:
- Zion Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway
- Kolob Terrace Road
- Kolob Canyon
Gas is available in Springdale, Cedar City, Mt. Carmel Junction, and beyond.
Planning a trip to Zion? Learn how to do it right with our comprehensive Zion National Park Guide that covers what to see, campgrounds, lodging, dining, seasons & weather, and so much more.
Getting to Zion
There are many ways to get to Zion National Park.
One of the most popular is flying into Las Vegas and making the 2.5 hour drive to the park.
The second closest major city is Salt Lake City at 4.5 hours away.
Photos of Zion
Watch the Award-Winning Video of Zion
ZION is the culmination of nearly a month spent exploring the park during peak fall color. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
Helpful Related Articles
Things to Do Canyonlands: 20 Epic Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
Things to Do Bryce Canyon: 20 Epic Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion National Park Guide: Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park
Best Hikes in Zion: 16 EPIC Hikes in Zion National Park
Things to Do in Capitol Reef: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park
Things to Do in Arches: 16 EPIC Things to Do in Arches National Park
Utah National Parks Guide: 14 MIGHTY Utah National Parks Guide
Utah National Parks Road Trips: 5 Best Utah National Park Road Trips
Utah’s Manti-La Sal National Forest: Manti-La Sal National Forest: The Forest As Beautiful as Utah’s Parks
National Monuments Ranked: ALL 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)
Road Trip Essentials: 35+ ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS (You’ll Love + Packing List)
Road Trip Planning Tools: 15 BEST FREE ROAD TRIP PLANNING Tools (& Apps) 2022
National Parks Rankings: ALL 63 US National Parks Ranked By Experts
Things to Do in Zion: 18 EPIC Things to Do in Zion National Park
Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited National Parks
Least Visited National Parks: Top 10 Least Visited National Parks
Tips for Visiting Zion National Park (or any national park)
Permit Systems and Reservations
Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.
Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.
Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!
Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.
For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.
Practice Safety, Seriously
National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:
- Sticking to trails
- Checking the weather before going out on a hike
- Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
- Avoid ledges with steep drop offs
Pin this Article
Leave a Reply