Things to do nearZion National Park
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.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Zion National Park
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.
Top tours & experiences near Zion National Park
Observation Point & Cable Mountain Shuttle in East Zion
Skip scarce trailhead parking and head out for a self-guided hike
Explore Zion National Park on an 8-Hour Guided Tour
Guided Zion day trip with Emerald Pools, Narrows Riverside Walk, and lunch at Zion Lodge
Drive a Guided UTV Tour to Peekaboo & Great Chamber
Drive your own UTV to Peekaboo Slot Canyon and The Great Chamber
Private Upper Water Canyon Canyoneering Near Kanab
Tackle 10+ rappels and a steep 5-mile approach on a private Upper Water Canyon descent
Guided Mountain Trail Ride Near Zion National Park
Explore the mountains near Zion on horseback
Horseback Riding Trail in Gunlock, St. George
Experience a scenic ride designed for all ages and skill levels in Gunlock, UT.
Yant Flats Electric Dirt Bike Tour Near Zion
Ride firm, beginner-friendly trails to Yant Flats sandstone views
Guided Jeep Off-Road Tour in Sand Hollow State Park
Private guided Jeep tour on Sand Hollow’s challenging off-road trails
Sand Hollow 2-Hour UTV Rental
Self-guide a UTV across Sand Hollow's red rocks, dunes, and trails
UTV & Slot Canyon Rappelling Tour near Zion National Park
Ride a Can-Am UTV to a slot canyon and rappel 10–110 feet
4-Hour ATV Or UTV Guided Tour Near Sand Hollow
Ride to Southern Utah sand dunes and red rock views on a beginner-friendly guided tour
Sunset Jeep & Stargazing Tour Near Zion National Park
Pair a sunset Jeep ride with s'mores and a telescope view of the night sky
6-Hour Via Ferrata Guided Tour in Zion
Build technical climbing skills on a guided sandstone cliff route
Ride a Guided UTV Tour in Hurricane Sand Dunes
Tour-guide driven Can-Am X3 UTV ride on Hurricane Sand Dunes
Canyoneering & Rappelling Private Tour Near Zion
Private Middle Water Canyon canyoneering with big rappels and tailored instruction
Guided Paddleboard & Kayak Eco Tour at Quail Creek
Paddle Quail Creek with a certified guide and explore desert lake cliffs and coves
Telescope Stargazing Tour Near Zion National Park
Stargaze with telescopes, stories, and s'mores near Zion
Electric Dirt Bike Rental in Leeds Near Zion National Park
Hit Southern Utah trails straight from the shop—no hauling required
Bison Preserve Horseback Ride in Mt Carmel
Ride rolling preserve hills with views of Zion's entrance
Red Rock & Dune UTV Rental in Sand Hollow State Park
Ride red rocks and dunes straight from the Sand Hollow trailhead
Beginner Egypt Slot Canyon Rappelling Near Escalante
Rappel through Egypt 1 slot canyon narrows with a guide
Ride a 3-Hour ATV or UTV Tour Near Sand Hollow
Choose an ATV or UTV ride to red rock overlooks and sand dunes near Sand Hollow
Self-Guided UTV Rental at Sand Hollow State Park
Head straight onto the trails with no trailer needed