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
Parunuweap Canyon Sunset Jeep Tour Near Zion National Park
Explore Zion's rugged backcountry as the sun drops behind the cliffs
2-Hour ATV Tour of Sand Hollow Dunes
Ride Southern Utah's dunes and red-rock trails from the trailhead
Guided Half-Day Huntress Slot Canyon Rappel In Kanab
Hike into The Huntress slot canyon and complete 4 guided rappels
Explore The Great Chamber UTV Tour Near Zion
Ride a UTV to the 200-foot Great Chamber near Zion National Park
Explore Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon & Hoodoos Near Zion
Ride to Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon, the Great Chamber, and Hoodoos in 5 hours
Private South Fork Indian Canyon Pictograph Hike Near Kanab
Hike into South Fork Indian Canyon to a pictograph alcove with 4WD access
Guided Zion Narrows Hike in Zion National Park
Private guided hike through the Zion Narrows with gear provided
4-Hour Private Guided Tour in Zion National Park
Private 4-hour guide-recommended tour tailored to your group
Full-Day Canyoneering & Off-Road Tour in Zion National Park
Take on 4–5 rappels with an off-road approach to Zion's backcountry
Easy UTV & Slot Canyon Hike Near Zion National Park
Explore towering red slot canyons without climbing or rappelling
2-Hour Self-Guided UTV Tour in Sand Hollow
Navigate Southern Utah's red rock and sand dunes at your own pace
Guided 2-Hour UTV Tour Near Zion National Park
Drive a UTV across West Rim trails with Greater Zion views
Easy Canyoneering & Jeep Tour near Zion National Park
Share a canyon adventure with the option to rappel or watch
Sunrise UTV Tour in Hurricane
Navigate Greater Zion’s dunes and red rock trails at first light
Private Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Near Zion National Park
Climb Sugar Knoll on a private guided multi-pitch route near Zion National Park
Milky Way Stargazing Tour Near Zion National Park
Explore the night sky with knowledgeable guides and an included hot chocolate bar
Guided UTV & Rappel Tour Near Zion National Park
Pair guided UTV off-roading with a canyon rappel near Zion
Guided 6+ Hour Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park
Private Angels Landing hike with a guide who matches your pace
Guided Zion Family Adventure With Photographer
Build a private Zion adventure with a dedicated photographer
Sunset Off-Road Jeep Tour Near Zion National Park
Pair a rugged Jeep ride with a camp-chair sunset overlooking Zion's cliffs
Family Rock Climbing Wall Near Zion National Park
Practice your climbing skills or challenge your family on beginner and intermediate routes
Private Guided Hiking Tour in Zion National Park
Choose your trails and explore Zion with a guide dedicated to your group
2-Hour Guided UTV Tour at Sand Hollow
Drive West Rim trails for Zion and Sand Hollow views
3-Hour Guided UTV Tour at Sand Hollow
Drive West Rim trails with guided views across Greater Zion