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
Private Candy Cliffs Guided Hike in Zion National Park
Explore swirling sandstone landscapes with your own interpretive guide
4-Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering Tour in Springdale
Rappel and scramble through sandstone slots with professional guide instruction
Ride a 2-Hour UTV Tour in Hurricane Sand Dunes
Ride with a guide on a 2-hour Hurricane Sand Dunes UTV tour for up to 3 riders
Ladder Canyon Canyoneering & Rappelling Guided Tour
Private Ladder Canyon canyoneering with 4 rappels up to 80 ft
Kayak & SUP Rental at Quail Creek State Park
Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or fat bike right on the lake
Private Slot Canyon Hiking Tour in Kanab
Private 4-hour slot canyon hike with routes tailored to you
Electric Dirt Bike Rental in Leeds Near Zion National Park
Ride straight onto Southern Utah trails without hauling a bike
Private Family E-Moto & UTV Tour Near Zion National Park
Ride your own bike or cruise in a side-by-side—share the trails without choosing the same ride
Private Guided Hike of The Narrows in Zion National Park
Explore The Narrows with a private guide, meals, and hiking gear
Red Rock & Dune UTV Rental in Sand Hollow State Park
Ride from the trailhead across Sand Hollow's red rocks and dunes
6-Hour Sand Hollow UTV Rental
Self-guided off-road access to Sand Hollow's red rocks and dunes
Sandboard & UTV Tour to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon
Ride a UTV to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon and hike sandstone walls over 100 ft high
Private Guided Narrows Hike in Zion National Park
Explore The Narrows with a private guide, hiking gear, and transportation included
Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon UTV Tour & Hike in Kanab
Ride a UTV through sand dunes to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon near Zion
Sunset ATV & UTV Tour near Sand Hollow State Park
Ride desert trails, red sand dunes and canyon routes as the sun sets
Zion National Park E-Bike & Narrows Footwear Rental
Pedal to the Narrows with footwear and current-conditions guidance
Guided Paddle & Hot Springs Tour Near Zion
Paddle Quail Creek, Then Soak at Zion Canyon Hot Springs
Private Family Canyoneering & Off-Road Tour Near Zion
Build a private 4-hour family adventure near Zion National Park
Sunset Horseback Ride Near Zion National Park
Follow a rugged mountain trail as the sun sets over Zion National Park
Private Rappelling Tour at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Private rappelling and sand dune ride at Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Slot Canyon Hike & UTV Tour Near Zion National Park
Explore a private-access slot canyon reached by an off-road ride
Full-Day Red Rock UTV Rental at Sand Hollow State Park
Explore Sand Hollow’s red rocks, dunes, and off-road trails by UTV
24-Hour UTV Rental at Sand Hollow State Park
Explore Sand Hollow's red rocks and dunes with a trailhead-ready UTV
Tallest In Utah Via Ferrata & Rappelling Near Zion
Climb 3 via ferrata pitches and rappel 220 ft near Zion National Park