20 Things to Do in Zion National Park

That’s fine if you want to stand in line for Angels Landing and sit in shuttle traffic for four hours. But if you want to actually experience this park, you need a different plan.

We’ve been to Zion so many times the state of Utah hired us to film it. Here are 20 things worth doing, organized by area so you can plan your days without backtracking.

Zion National Park covers 229 square miles of southern Utah canyon country. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, $20 per person (walk-in/bicycle), or $30 per motorcycle, good for 7 days. The mandatory shuttle runs March 7 through November 28 in 2026, with additional holiday service December 26 through January 2. No personal vehicles on the scenic drive during those windows unless you have Zion Lodge reservations.

1. Here’s our favorite Zion guidebook, map, & eco-friendly sunscreen.
2. Permits are required for hiking Angels Landing & the Subway. Two lottery windows per trip date: a seasonal lottery (months in advance) and a day-before lottery. Apply at recreation.gov.
3. The shuttle is mandatory for Zion Canyon from March 7 through November 28, 2026, plus holiday service December 26 through January 2. No personal vehicles. First shuttle of the day is the one you want. The difference between 6am and 9am is night and day.
4. Cell service is unreliable inside the canyon. Download offline maps before you enter the park. This is not optional.
5. Best time to visit: September and October. Visitation drops, temperatures cool, and fall foliage in Utah is legitimately stunning.

Where to Get Gas, Food, and Supplies

Zion is bordered by the town of Springdale, which makes logistics easier than most parks.

Springdale Gas, grocery (Sol Foods Market), a dozen restaurants, gear shops, and shuttle rentals. Walking distance from the south entrance. This is home base for most folks.

La Verkin / Hurricane Full-service towns 20-30 minutes west. Walmart, gas stations, chain restaurants. Stock up here if you want cheaper options.

Mt. Carmel Junction Small gas station and a couple of restaurants on the east side of the park. Limited hours.

Shuttle details: The Zion Canyon shuttle runs every 6-10 minutes during peak season. 9 stops through the canyon. Check the NPS website for current ticket requirements. E-bikes are available for rent in Springdale and make a great alternative.

Parking: The visitor center lot fills by 7 to 7:30 AM on peak July and August weekends. Springdale has paid parking and a free town shuttle that connects to the park shuttle. If you’re coming from the east side, the Canyon Overlook trailhead lot fills by 9am and the shuttle does not stop there.

Zion Itineraries

Related: Zion National Park by More Than Just Parks

Related: Zion National Park Changes, Some Fee Increases in

One Day in Zion

Take the first shuttle into the canyon. Hike the Narrows for 2-3 hours (start by 7am to beat crowds). Shuttle back and grab lunch in Springdale. Afternoon: drive the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway and do the Canyon Overlook hike (1 mile RT, best light in late afternoon). If you still have energy, catch sunset from the Canyon Junction Bridge looking at The Watchman.

Two Days in Zion

Day 1: Same as above. Day 2: Drive Kolob Terrace Road to Lava Point for sunrise (45 min from Springdale). Stop at the hoodoos near Hop Valley Trailhead on the way. Afternoon: explore Kolob Canyons (separate entrance off I-15, 40 min from Springdale). Hike Timber Creek Overlook (1 mi RT) and Taylor Creek Trail (5 mi RT) if time allows.

Three Days in Zion

Days 1-2 same as above. Day 3: Angels Landing if you won the lottery (start early, budget 4 hours). If not, hike the Hop Valley Trail for a half-day adventure into Kolob Canyon backcountry. Spend the afternoon at Big Bend for birding and river time. Close out with stargazing at Kolob Terrace after dark. Bring a jacket. It’s 5,000 feet higher than the canyon floor.

Visiting Zion National Park? Here’s our favorite hotel.

Zion Canyon (Shuttle Stops)

This is the main event and where 95% of visitors spend their time. Everything here is accessed via the mandatory shuttle (March 7 through November 28, 2026, plus December 26 through January 2 holiday service). You can knock out the top 3-4 stops in a single day if you start early.

1. Hike the Narrows

Distance Up to 16 mi (most do 2-5 mi) Time 3-5 hrs Difficulty Moderate-Strenuous Shuttle Stop Temple of Sinawava (last stop)

Every list of the best things to do in Zion should start with the Narrows. There’s really no other place quite like it on the planet. “The Narrows” refers to the narrowest part of the fifteen-mile-long Zion Canyon. At its most extreme, the canyon walls are 1,300 feet tall and a mere 40 feet apart with water spanning the entire width. The visual effect is nothing short of spellbinding.

While the total hike is 16 miles, most folks only do the first couple of miles and those are incredible. You’ll need some good water shoes for this hike and a hiking pole is recommended (water shoes can be rented in Springdale). The deepest the water gets is about 3-4 feet but most of the hike is ankle deep.

Access: Take the shuttle to Temple of Sinawava, then walk 1 mile on the paved Riverside Walk to the start.
Important: The Narrows closes when the Virgin River flow exceeds 150 CFS. In 2024, the Narrows was closed from April 8 to June 19, the second-longest closure in park history. Spring closures are common, not rare. The NPS also warns visitors to avoid exposure to toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in the Virgin River. Do not swallow river water and avoid submerging your head. If you see bright green mats or scum on the water surface, stay out. Check the NPS site for current conditions and algae advisories before you go.

Be sure to read our full guide to hiking the Narrows: The Narrows Isn’t For You (Too Beautiful, Too Amazing)

2. Ascend Angels Landing

Distance 5.4 mi RT Time 3-4 hrs Difficulty Strenuous Elevation Gain 1,500 ft Shuttle Stop The Grotto

Angels Landing is a 1,488-foot tall rock formation and the most famous thing to do in Zion. The views from the top are among the most iconic in the entire national park system.

The trail is steep with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. One section involves holding onto a chain bolted onto a cliff side with sheer drop-offs on either side. Falls here can be fatal. Not one of the best things to do in Zion with small children.

Permit: Required via lottery. There are two chances to win. The seasonal lottery opens months in advance (Spring: apply Feb 13-25 for March 1-May 31. Summer: apply April 1-20 for June 1-Aug 31. Fall: apply July 1-20 for Sept 1-Nov 30. Winter: apply Oct 1-20 for Dec 1-Feb 28). A day-before lottery opens at 12:01 AM, closes at 3 PM, with results by 4 PM. Cost is $6 per application plus $3 per person if selected.
Parking: The Grotto shuttle stop. No parking at the trailhead itself.

If you don’t get a permit it’s not the end of the world. Canyon Overlook is our go-to recommendation for people who miss the lottery. Honestly, we think more people should skip Angels Landing entirely and spend that time exploring the parts of Zion that 95% of folks never see.

3. Relax at Big Bend

Distance N/A (shuttle stop) Time 30-60 min Difficulty Easy Shuttle Stop Big Bend

Big Bend is a turn of the Virgin River that reveals the Great White Throne to the south. A popular rock climbing destination when it’s cool enough and a prime birding sanctuary in warmer months. During summer you’ll see folks here with binoculars watching peregrine falcons and California condors.

Best season: Autumn, when the cottonwoods turn golden creating a dazzling display along the river.

4. Court of the Patriarchs

Distance 0.3 mi RT Time 15-30 min Difficulty Easy Shuttle Stop Court of the Patriarchs

Court of the Patriarchs is a magnificent viewpoint where you look up at towering red and white rock formations named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (by a local pastor in 1916). From this viewpoint you also have great vantages of Mount Moroni and The Sentinel.

Bonus: Sand Bench Trail (4.2 mi RT) can be accessed from here for a quieter hike with surprising-national-parks-near-detroit-youll-love-photos-guide/”>surprisingly few people.

5. Sunset at The Watchman

Distance 0.5 mi walk to bridge Time 30-60 min Difficulty Easy Access Canyon Junction Bridge, on foot from visitor center

One of the most iconic photo spots in Zion is the Canyon Junction Bridge looking toward The Watchman. This is an extremely popular spot for sunset so be aware that you will not be alone.

Tip: Get to the bridge at least 30 minutes before sunset. Light leaves the canyon more quickly than you think. If you’re not in the mood to brave the hordes of photographers jockeying for position, check it out earlier in the day. This spot is beautiful any time.

6. Scenic Ride on the Zion Shuttle

Distance 6.2 mi one way Time 80 min full loop Difficulty Easy (just sit) Access Visitor Center shuttle stop

The shuttle is the primary way to access the main canyon. Along the way an audio tour plays over the speakers with historical facts about the park. 9 stops through the canyon, running every 6-10 minutes during peak season.

Tip: Take the earliest shuttle of the day. The difference between the 6am and 9am shuttle is night and day in terms of crowds at every trailhead.

Zion-Mt Carmel Highway (East Side)

The east side of Zion is accessible by personal vehicle year-round. This is where you go when you want to escape the shuttle crowds and see a completely different side of the park. Everything here is off the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway between the east entrance and the tunnel.

7. Canyon Overlook

Distance 1 mi RT Time 1-2 hrs Difficulty Easy-Moderate Vehicle Any car (no shuttle access)

Canyon Overlook is one of the most spectacular and relatively easy overlooks in all of Zion. If you don’t get a permit in the Angels Landing lottery, this is a great alternative with the added benefit of no chains to grip onto for dear life.

The trailhead is located right off the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway on the east side. No permits required and the views speak for themselves.

Parking: Small lot at the east end of the tunnel. Fills by 9am. The shuttle does NOT stop here, so you need your own vehicle.
No permit required.

Given the bang for your buck, pretty much everyone should add Canyon Overlook to their list. We’ve brought first-time visitors here who said it was the highlight of their entire Utah trip. For a one-mile hike, that’s hard to beat.

8. Drive the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway

Distance 10 mi Time 45 min-1.5 hrs with stops Difficulty Easy (driving) Vehicle Any car (oversize vehicles need $15 tunnel escort, available 8 AM to 4:30 PM only)

The Zion-Mt Carmel Highway is a 10-mile stretch that comprises one of the most beautiful drives in the entire national park system. Going from east to west the rolling desert begins to take a more vertical form with each turn revealing more massive rock formations.

The pinnacle for most folks are the tunnels, especially the 1.1-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel completed in 1930. It was the longest tunnel of its type in the United States at the time. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep on the east side.

9. Checkerboard Mesa

Distance Roadside pulloff Time 5-10 min Difficulty Easy Vehicle Any car

Comprised of Navajo sandstone, Checkerboard Mesa is an aptly named mesa near the east entrance. The horizontal lines are remnants of ancient sand dunes (cross-bedding) while the vertical lines are created by temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, and alternating wet-dry conditions.

Best light: Late afternoon when the textures really pop.

10. Spot the Bighorn Sheep

Distance Roadside viewing Time Variable Difficulty Easy Best Spot Near Canyon Overlook Trailhead, east side

We see these regal animals practically every time we visit. In 1978, just 14 bighorn were reintroduced to the park. That initial herd has since expanded to more than 500.

Best time: Early morning and late afternoon. Drive slowly on the east side (not that you’ll have much choice) and keep your eyes peeled.
Safety: Maintain at least 25 yards distance.

11. Explore Pine Creek Gorge

Distance Variable Time 1-3 hrs Difficulty Easy (walking) to Expert (canyoneering) Vehicle Any car

Exploring Pine Creek Gorge is a way to beat the crowds. This area is beautiful, especially in fall with cottonwoods roaring golden-yellow and scattered oak scrub turning orange. We’ve pinned a great entry area in case you’re looking for a good jumping-off point.

For the technically inclined, Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is a popular canyoneering route. Technical experience and proper gear required. Not a beginner route.

Kolob Terrace

Kolob Terrace Road starts in the town of Virgin (20 min west of Springdale) and climbs 5,000 feet over 25 miles into the high country. This is where Zion stops looking like Zion and starts feeling like a different planet. A fraction of the crowds. Every time we visit this area we are amazed that it hasn’t fallen victim to the masses.

12. Sunset from Lava Point

Distance Short walk from parking Time 1-2 hrs Difficulty Easy Vehicle Any car Drive from Springdale 45 min

Lava Point is hands down the best place in Zion to watch a sunset. Located in the far less crowded Kolob Terrace section, Lava Point feels very different than the rest of Zion. The red rock canyons are only visible in the distance while the immediate foreground features volcanic rock and pine forests. No hiking required. Drive right up.

Road status: Kolob Terrace Road may close in winter due to snow. Check conditions before heading up.

This is the spot we take people to when they say “I’ve done Zion” after visiting Angels Landing and the Narrows. Lava Point changes minds. Every single time.

13. Camp at Lava Point

Sites 6 (primitive, no water) Reservations Required (book at recreation.gov) Season Late May-September

Lava Point is the smallest, most serene, and most remote campground in the park. Only 6 sites. Next to the overlook. Reservations are now required (no longer first-come, first-served), so book at recreation.gov as soon as dates open. If you can snag one, you’ll have sunset and sunrise views that most Zion visitors will never see.

14. See the Hoodoos

Distance Short walk from trailhead Time 20-30 min Difficulty Easy Vehicle Any car Location Hop Valley Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road

That’s right. Bryce Canyon is not the only Utah national park with hoodoos. Located in the much lesser visited Kolob Terrace region are all sorts of amazing sites, including hoodoos.

Where to find them: Park at the Hop Valley Trailhead. On the same side of the road you’ll see a red rock plateau covered with amazing (and fragile) hoodoos. Please do not touch them.

15. Hike the Hop Valley Trail

Hop Valley Trail

13+ miles RT

1,000 ft

5-7 hours

Strenuous

Hop Valley Trailhead (Kolob Terrace Road)

Distance 13+ mi RT (or 6.6 mi point-to-point) Time 5-7 hrs RT Difficulty Moderate-Strenuous Vehicle Any car

The Hop Valley Trail is one of Zion’s best hikes starting in Kolob Terrace and taking hikers into the spectacular Kolob Canyon. Beautiful valley scenery transforms into red rock canyons.

Important: If doing the point-to-point, arrange a shuttle or pickup in advance. Bring a LOT of water. We cannot stress this enough.

16. Stargazing at Kolob Terrace

Distance N/A Time 1-2 hrs after dark Difficulty Easy Best Spots Hop Valley Trailhead, Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, Lava Point

As an International Dark Sky Park, Zion is one of the best places in the country to observe the night sky. The wide open meadows and higher elevation of Kolob Terrace make it the prime stargazing zone.

Check the phases of the moon before heading out. You want a night as close to a new moon as possible. If you’ve never seen the Milky Way with the naked eye, this might be the place that changes that for you. Arrive at least 30 minutes after sunset to let your eyes adjust.

Pro Tip

Rent canyoneering shoes for the Narrows. Outfitters in Springdale rent neoprene socks, canyoneering boots, and hiking poles for about $25 to $30 per day. Regular hiking boots on slick river rock is asking for a twisted ankle.

Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons is a separate unit of Zion accessed off I-15 near Cedar City. About 40 minutes from Springdale. It has its own entrance station and a tiny fraction of the visitors of Zion Canyon. Your Zion pass covers entry here too.

17. Discover Kolob Canyons

Scenic Drive 5 mi with overlooks Timber Creek Overlook 1 mi RT, Easy Taylor Creek Trail 5 mi RT, Moderate Vehicle Any car

Kolob Canyons features towering red rock formations and a tiny fraction of the visitors of Zion Canyon. We recommend hiking the Timber Creek Overlook Trail if you only have time for one trail and the Taylor Creek Trail if you can do two.

The road leading into Kolob Canyons is beautiful in and of itself with plenty of pull-offs. We were here in October when an unexpected flash snowstorm blanketed the canyon in a beautiful white coat of powdery snow. We captured the whole thing on film in our Zion video below.

Things You’ll See

These aren’t activities you plan for. They’re the things you encounter along the way that make Zion stick with you.

18. Go Birding

With 291 species of birds calling the park home, Zion is a birder’s paradise. Some standout species: blue grosbeak, golden-crowned kinglet, hooded oriole, indigo bunting, vermillion flycatcher, ruddy duck, and California condor (if you’re lucky).

Best spots: Big Bend, Pa’rus Trail, and the Virgin River corridor
Resources: Bird checklists available at visitor centers. Check the Audubon Society’s page for bird species in Zion.

19. Visit Historic Zion Lodge

Zion Lodge dates back to 1924, designed by famed park architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. The original burned to the ground in 1966 and was rebuilt in an astonishing 100 days. Rooms run $250-$350/night and book months in advance. Even if you’re not staying, it’s a great spot to escape the sun and grab a bite during a long day.

20. Kolob Terrace Road Drive

Distance 25 mi one way Time 1-2 hrs with stops Difficulty Easy (driving) Vehicle Any car Start Town of Virgin, UT

This road climbs 5,000 feet and takes you through hoodoos, grassy plains, volcanic lava rock, colorful mesas, and stunning overlooks. It’s an entire experience unto itself and connects you to Lava Point, the hoodoos, Hop Valley, and all the Kolob Terrace activities above.

For those interested, here’s the award-winning film we created on Zion National Park.

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 and weather, and so much more.

Related: Zion Rockfall at Weeping Rock: Is It Safe Now? (Update: Weeping Rock Trail reopened September 5, 2025)

FAQ

Do I need the shuttle to visit Zion?

Yes, from March through late November (plus holiday service in late December) the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. The shuttle runs every 6-10 minutes from the visitor center. Outside of shuttle season you can drive your own car through the canyon.

Can I do the Narrows and Angels Landing in one day?

Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Both are physically demanding and you’ll enjoy each one more if you spread them across two days. If you only have one day, pick the Narrows.

What if I don’t get an Angels Landing permit?

Hike Canyon Overlook instead. It’s 1 mile round trip, no permit needed, and the views are arguably just as good. You can also hike the Angels Landing trail up to Scout Lookout (the junction before the chains section) without a permit.

Is Kolob Canyons worth the drive?

Absolutely. It’s 40 minutes from Springdale and feels like a completely different park. The Taylor Creek Trail (5 mi RT) is one of the best moderate hikes in all of Zion and you’ll share it with a fraction of the people in the main canyon.

Where should I stay near Zion?

Springdale is the go-to. It’s walking distance from the south entrance with restaurants, gear shops, and shuttle access. For budget options, Hurricane and La Verkin are 20-30 minutes west with more chain hotels and lower prices.

More Helpful Zion Articles

Angels Landing: Complete Guide to Hiking Angels Landing
The Narrows Hike in Zion: The Narrows Hike in Zion Isn’t For You. Here’s Why.
Zion National Park Guide: Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park
Best Hikes in Zion: 16 EPIC Hikes in Zion National Park

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The closest airport is St. George Regional (SGU), a 45-minute drive via UT-9 East, served by Delta, American, and United. The nearest major airport is Harry Reid International (LAS) in Las Vegas, a 2.5-hour drive via I-15 North to UT-9. From Salt Lake City, it is 4.5 hours south via I-15.