Zion National Park in Utah is a dramatic landscape of soaring red cliffs, slot canyons, and the emerald Virgin River winding through its heart.
Zion National Park sits in the southwestern corner of Utah, carved over millions of years by the relentless work of the Virgin River cutting through layer upon layer of ancient sandstone and limestone. The park was established in 1919, making it Utah's oldest national park, and its name reflects the reverence early settlers felt for the landscape. The main corridor, Zion Canyon, stretches roughly fifteen miles and is flanked by named formations that have become iconic in American landscape photography, including the Great White Throne, Angels Landing, and the Court of the Patriarchs.
Hikers of all experience levels find something here, from paved riverside walks beneath cottonwood trees to the exposed chain-assisted ascent of Angels Landing, which requires a permit and rewards those who complete it with panoramic views across the entire canyon. The Narrows, where the canyon walls narrow to as little as twenty feet apart while the river fills the floor, is among the most distinctive hikes in the American Southwest. Beyond the main canyon, the Kolob Canyons section in the park's northwest corner offers dramatic finger canyons with far fewer visitors.
Wildlife including mule deer, California condors, and canyon wrens are regularly spotted throughout the park. The town of Springdale sits just outside the south entrance and provides a range of dining options, lodging, and outfitters. Zion rewards visitors who slow down, look closely at the canyon walls, and let the scale of the geology settle into perspective.
Visit during spring or fall to avoid peak summer crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures ideal for strenuous hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
Try the lower Emerald Pools trail for a shorter, rewarding walk that delivers waterfall views and lush riparian scenery without a strenuous climb.
Bring water shoes or neoprene socks if you plan to hike The Narrows, as you will be wading through the Virgin River for much of the route.
Take the free park shuttle rather than driving, as private vehicles are restricted on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during peak season and parking fills early.
Arrive at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center before 8 a.m. to secure a parking spot, pick up a trail map, and get current conditions from a ranger.
Paddle Quail Creek with a certified guide and explore desert lake cliffs and coves
Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or fat bike right on the lake
Private guided Jeep tour on Sand Hollow’s challenging off-road trails
Drive your own ATV or UTV on Sand Hollow trails with gear and GPS map included
Drive a self-guided UTV at sunset and stop for stargazing near Sand Hollow State Park
Rent a 5-seat Polaris Xpedition at Sand Hollow trailhead—no trailer needed
Rent a boat at Quail Creek for 6 hours of cruising or watersports
Rent a 3-seat Sea-Doo Spark Trixx for 5.5 or 8.5 hours
Experience a scenic ride designed for all ages and skill levels in Gunlock, UT.
Ride to Southern Utah sand dunes and red rock views on a beginner-friendly guided tour
Choose an ATV or UTV ride to red rock overlooks and sand dunes near Sand Hollow
Ride ATV or UTV to red rocks and sand dunes as the sun sets
Explore red rock formations and sand dunes by ATV or UTV near Sand Hollow
Ride the Southern Utah backcountry by ATV or UTV with a guide
Tackle 10+ rappels and a steep 5-mile approach on a private Upper Water Canyon descent
Private Middle Water Canyon canyoneering with big rappels and tailored instruction
Canyoneer Huntress Canyon on a private, beginner-friendly route with up to 8 rappels
Private Ladder Canyon canyoneering with 4 rappels up to 80 ft
Private 4-hour slot canyon hike with routes tailored to you
Build a private 4-hour family adventure near Zion National Park
Private rappelling and sand dune ride at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Private, guide-led hike in Zion, tailored to your pace
Drive your own UTV to Peekaboo Slot Canyon and The Great Chamber
Rent a Jeep in Kanab for 10 hours to 1 week, seats up to 5
Climb Zion-area sandstone cliffs on a guided via ferrata route
Private Huntress Canyon canyoneering with 4–8 rappels and a photographer
Private 4WD and short hike to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon and the Great Chamber
Private 4WD geology tour with 3–5 stops in East Zion
Build a private 7-hour family adventure near Zion National Park
Hike into South Fork Indian Canyon to a pictograph alcove with 4WD access
Private guided hike through the Zion Narrows with gear provided
Private 4-hour guide-recommended tour tailored to your group
Climb Sugar Knoll on a private guided multi-pitch route near Zion National Park
Private guided Angels Landing hike with your permit included
Private guided hike up Angels Landing—permit required
Private 4-hour Zion family adventure with a professional photographer
Guided Zion day trip with Emerald Pools, Narrows Riverside Walk, and lunch at Zion Lodge
Ride Sand Hollow trails with a trailhead UTV rental
Rent a UTV at the Sand Hollow trailhead and hit 50,000 acres of trails
Ride Sand Hollow trails and dunes with a 4-hour UTV rental at the trailhead
Rent a UTV at the Sand Hollow trailhead and hit 50,000 acres of trails
Ride from the Sand Hollow trailhead with helmets, goggles, and GPS included
Rent a UTV at Sand Hollow trailhead and ride 50,000 acres of dunes and red rock
Rent a 2-seat Polaris UTV and start riding from the Sand Hollow trailhead
Rent a 4-seat Polaris Pro XP4 at the Sand Hollow trailhead—helmets and GPS included
Ride an ATV, then rappel two cliff drops near Zion
Rip across Sand Hollow dunes on a 2-hour UTV ride
Rent a 2-seat ATV at the Sand Hollow trailhead and ride dunes and red rock trails
Ride an ATV and rappel Box Canyon near Zion National Park
Ride a sunset UTV route near Hurricane with Zion National Park views
Ride Sand Hollow’s dunes and red rock trails on a 2-hour UTV or ATV tour
Drive your own UTV for 2 hours on Sand Hollow trails with helmets, goggles, and GPS map
Drive your own UTV on Southern Utah’s West Rim trails
Catch sunrise on a guided UTV ride near Sand Hollow State Park
Ride a guided UTV through Southern Utah trails near Zion views
Drive a UTV, then rappel into a private box canyon near Greater Zion
Drive your own UTV on West Rim trails near Sand Hollow
Drive a UTV on West Rim trails with a guide near Sand Hollow
Ride a Can-Am UTV to a slot canyon and rappel 10–110 feet
Rappel through Egypt 1 slot canyon narrows with a guide
Ride a UTV to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon and hike sandstone walls over 100 ft high
Ride a UTV through sand dunes to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon near Zion
Climb 3 via ferrata pitches and rappel 220 ft near Zion National Park
Climb a via ferrata and rappel 220 ft into a mini slot canyon near Zion
Ride a guided UTV to the Grand to Bryce Overlook
Climb the Iron Path, then rappel 180 ft in Cave Lakes Canyon
Hike into The Huntress slot canyon and complete 4 guided rappels
Ride a UTV to the 200-foot Great Chamber near Zion National Park
Ride to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, the Great Chamber, and Hoodoos in 5 hours
Tour-guide driven Can-Am X3 UTV ride on Hurricane Sand Dunes
Ride with a guide on a 2-hour Hurricane Sand Dunes UTV tour for up to 3 riders