20 Amazing Things to Do in Zion National Park (Helpful Guide)

Article Overview: Things to Do in Zion National Park

Let me start off by saying 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 in Zion National Park

Table Of Contents: Things To Do in Zion National Park

Things to Do in Zion National Park

5 Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park

Entrance Fees are $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.
Here’s my favorite Zion guidebook, map, & sunscreen.
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.
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.
Here’s our favorite hotel near Zion.

Top 20 Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

20. Grab the Binoculars & Go Birding

With 291 species of birds calling the park home, Zion is a birder’s paradise. Whether you’re an expert ornithologist or a casual birdwatcher, you’ll be enchanted by the variety of bird species you can spot in the park. Zion’s diverse habitats—from its soaring cliffs to its quiet riverbanks—are teeming with avian life.

Some of the most interesting, beautiful, and rare species found here include the blue grosbeak, golden crowned kinglet, hooded oriole, indigo bunting, ruby crowned kinglet, vermillion flycatcher, ruddy duck, and so many more.

Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers, making it easy to track your sightings and identify different species. So grab your binoculars and let the birdwatching begin!

Check out the Audobon Society’s page for all the incredible bird species you can spot in Zion.

19. Visit Historic Zion Lodge

Starting off our list of the best things to do in Zion National Park is one of the park’s most beautiful and historic attractions. Located in the main Zion Canyon, is one of the most picturesque lodges in the entire national park system, Zion Lodge. 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!

zion national park lodge — Zion National Park Lodge

18. Hike the 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!

hop valley trail zion national park utah things to do — The Hop Valley Trail | Things to Do in Zion National Park

17. Yes, There Are Hoodoos in Zion

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!

kolob terrace hoodoo zion national park — Hoodos at Zion National Park

16. See 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.

the watchman zion national park — The Watchman | Zion National Park

canyon junction bridge zion things to do — A typical sunset on Canyon Junction Bridge | Things to Do Zion

15. Spend the Night at 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.

lava point campground zion national park — Lava Point Campground

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. Go Stargazing

Zion National Park is 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.

zion national park stargazing — Kolob Terrace Stargazing in Zion National Park

national parks map, map of the national parks, list of the national parks

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.

FREE National Parks Checklist & Map

12. Observe 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.

checkerboard mesa zion national park — The Checkerboard Mesa at Sunset

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.

zion national park seasons more than just parks — The Court of the Patriarchs in Autumn

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.

big bend zion national park — Sun rising over Big Bend

8. Visit Kolob Terrace

Kolob Terrace is one of the most beautiful yet least visited parts of the park and something that everyone should add to their list of things to do in 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.

kolob terrace zion national park — Sunset at Kolob Terrace

west rim trail zion national park hikes — Hop Valley Trail from Kolob Terrace

7. Experience Kolob Canyon

Kolob Canyon is a lesser-traveled but equally stunning unit of the park located near Cedar City.

This area 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.

kolob canyon zion national park — A view of Kolob Canyon in the Snow | Things to Do Zion

timber creek trail zion national park hikes — Kolob Canyon at sunset | Things to Do in Zion National Park

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.

Everyone visiting the park should add this to their list of things to do in Zion.

To learn more check out our Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive post.

zion mt carmel highway scenic drive zion national park — Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive

5. Catch the Epic Views from 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.

lava point sunset zion national park — The view from Lava Point at Sunset

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.

Angels Landing Trail (Shutterstock/Stephen Moehle)

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.

hike the narrows in zion, narrows hike zion national park — Hike The Narrows | Things to Do Zion

2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary

Day 1: Zion Canyon and Angel’s Landing

Morning:

Start your day at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to get park maps, advice, and answers to any questions you may have.
From there, catch the park shuttle to the trailhead for Angel’s Landing. The shuttle system runs most of the year and you’ll need it to access Zion Canyon as individual drivers are not allowed. The exact shuttle schedule isn’t always available online, so you’ll need to check it when you arrive.
Start your hike to Angel’s Landing. The trailhead is at The Grotto (stop #6 on the Zion Shuttle). The hike is expected to take 3 to 5 hours, so plan to spend your entire morning and possibly part of your afternoon on this trail.

Afternoon:

After returning from Angel’s Landing, grab a bite to eat and rest. You can then explore the Zion Human History Museum (open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to learn more about the park’s cultural history.

Evening:

Towards the evening, take the shuttle or drive down the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Oversized vehicles are allowed on the highway from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy the scenic views and the engineering marvel of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
If you’re camping, both the Watchman Campground and South Campground are open. Reservations are required, so make sure you book ahead of time.

Night:

Zion National Park is open 24/7, but keep in mind that specific facilities and services have different operating hours. You can enjoy stargazing or relax at your campsite for the night.

Day 2: The Narrows, Kolob Terrace, and Kolob Canyons

Morning:

Begin your day early with a hike in The Narrows. The hike can take 4 to 5 hours in total if you want to hike the whole thing but personally I just recommend the 1 hour out & 1 hour back. Prepare for an incredible hiking experience as you’ll be walking in the Virgin River surrounded by towering cliffs.

Afternoon:

After lunch, make your way to Kolob Terrace. Here you can hike the Hop Valley Trail , the Wildcat Canyon Trail, or the Northgate Peaks Trail (2 hours round trip). Check the trail conditions and choose the one that suits your fitness level and time constraints.

Evening:

Drive to Kolob Canyons and visit the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). You can then enjoy the scenic drive and take in the beautiful views of the canyons.

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
Birding

Where to Stay in 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.

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.

las vegas to zion — Las Vegas to Zion Map

FAQ – Things to Do in Zion National Park

When is the 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.

What are the best things to do at Zion National Park?

The best things to do at Zion National Park are hiking the narrows, angels landing, canyon overlook, and kolob canyons.

Photos of Zion National Park

Watch the Award-Winning Video of Zion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecc7t3PkkiM&t

ZION National Park 8K (Visually Stunning 4 Minute Tour) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecc7t3PkkiM&t)

WATCH: Our 3 minute Zion video

ZION is the culmination of nearly a month spent exploring the park during peak fall color. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.

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.

outdoor photography essentials, zion national park utah, pattiz brothers — Jim (left) and Will (me – right) in Zion National Park

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