Welcome to the best things to do in Zion National Park!
Zion National Park is a truly special place, and one of Utah’s gems.
On today’s post, I’m helping you plan the perfect trip with all the best things to do in Zion.
Let’s dive in.
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1. Marvel at Canyon Overlook
Canyon Overlook is one of the most iconic and stunning viewpoints in Zion National Park.
To reach it, you’ll take the easy, 1-mile roundtrip Canyon Overlook Trail.
This is my top hiking recommendation in Zion, because it’s doable for all ages, and rewards with some of the best views in the park.
Just know that parking for this hike is very limited, as the shuttle doesn’t serve this section of the park.
So start out early to grab a spot, or plan on parking down the road and walking for a bit to the trailhead.
For the best pictures, try to do this hike around sunrise or sunset.
2. Hike to Angel’s Landing
This hike definitely tops many adventure bucket lists.
Famous for its steep ascent to Angel’s Landing, this trail features switchbacks and sections of exposure, framed by sharp drop-offs.
Starting at The Grotto trailhead, the first 2 miles of the hike are enjoyable and well-paved.
Eventually, you’ll come to Walter’s Wiggles, a set of 21 steep switchbacks.
After completing the challenging switchbacks, you’ll find slight reprieve at Scout Lookout.
This is a good resting point with a bathroom and picnic tables, before you hike the final ascent to Angel’s Landing.
As you continue, the trail turns into a steep, narrow ridge with anchored chains to support your climb.
Your mind can’t help but race, as you think about how one unfortunate slip could send you right off the edge of the cliff!
You keep climbing higher, until you eventually reach the large, flat peak of Angel’s Landing.
From there, you can gaze out into the canyon for stunning, 360º views from 1500 feet up.
In my opinion, the view from Canyon Overlook is actually just as (if not more) picturesque.
But Angel’s Landing is largely about the journey!
Although this hike is “not recommended for anyone fearful of heights,” I’m afraid of heights and accomplished it.
It was scary, but really incredible!
Due to its overwhelming popularity, hiking Angel’s Landing now requires a permit, which you must win through a lottery system.
Register for the lottery here: recreation.gov
3. Snap a photo of The Watchman
The Watchman is one of the most photographed formations in Zion National Park.
This 6,545-foot sandstone summit towers distinctly over the canyon floor and Virgin River.
You can reach The Watchman on The Watchman Trail, but the most iconic viewpoint is on Canyon Junction Bridge.
This bridge is one of the most popular photo spots in the park, especially around sunset.
At this time, it’s common to find dozens of photographers here, ready to capture the glowing scenery.
Make sure to show up early to stake out a spot.
If you’re lucky, you can snag one of the few parking spots next to the bridge.
Or, you can park at the nearby South Visitor Center and walk over.
3. Hike The Narrows
Hiking The Narrows is another one of the best things to do in Zion National Park.
Named for being the narrowest part of Zion Canyon, this requires hiking IN the Virgin River.
Here, you’ll wade along with the river, through the stunning slot canyon with 1,000 foot walls.
Hiking The Narrows is definitely a unique experience.
Just make sure to read up on the potential hazards and local conditions before you go.
For example, the water depth can fluctuate greatly, depending on things like rainfall and snowmelt.
Depending on conditions, the water can be anything from ankle-deep to a full swim.
If the river’s flow goes over 150 CFS (cubic feet per second), The Narrows is closed completely.
When To Hike The Narrows
Most people hike The Narrows in summer or early fall.
This is when water levels are at their lowest, and water temperature is at its warmest.
If you hike during this time, you don’t need any extra gear.
Just wear comfortable summer hiking clothes, and closed-toed shoes to protect your feet from rocks.
Renting gear like a dry bag or hiking poles might be helpful, but is optional.
If you hike during the colder months, you’ll definitely want to rent a dry suit and other gear from a local outfitter.
Bottom Up
The most popular way to hike The Narrows is Bottom Up, or going upstream.
This way, it’s an out-and-back hike that’s about the journey, not the destination.
There’s not one particular viewpoint or spot you’re trying to reach, it’s about taking in the sights along the way.
So, you can hike as long or short as you’d like, then turn around and head back at any point.
This hike starts at Temple of Sinawava, and ends at Big Spring.
Big Spring is as far as you can go without a Wilderness Permit, and a full roundtrip is 9.4 miles.
Top Down
Top Down is the other way to hike The Narrows.
This 16-mile through hike begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch, and continues downstream until it ends at Temple of Sinawava.
You must have a Wilderness Permit to hike Top Down.
4. Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway
The Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway is a gorgeous scenic drive through the park.
It runs east-west, from Springdale to Mount Carmel.
It’s also the only road in the park you can drive your own car on, year round.
Taking this drive is one of the best ways to see Zion’s highlights while covering a lot of ground.
Along the way, you’ll experience the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the iconic Canyon Overlook Trail, the famous Checkerboard Mesa, and lots more stunning viewpoints.
There are plenty of pullouts to stretch your legs and take in the views, so it’s a perfect activity to do with kids.
5. Hike to Emerald Pools
Waterfalls probably aren’t what you’d typically associate with Zion’s desert scenery.
Well, I think that’s what makes this hike really unique.
Emerald Pools Trail is a fun trail that leads to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, featuring waterfalls along the way.
You can turn back at any pool you’d like, but the higher you go, the more stunning the scenery gets.
These pools are named for the algae that grows in their water, giving them a greenish tint.
The first portion of the hike is a well-paved, shady trail that culminates at Lower Emerald Pool.
Here, you can enjoy views of the pool and a waterfall.
The best time to catch the waterfall at its fullest is in the spring or after any rain.
After that, you can return from the way you came, or continue on to the higher pools.
The final pool, Upper Emerald Pool, was my favorite.
The surrounding cliffs were really dramatic, and it was fun to climb up on the boulders to find a spot for a snack break.
Keep in mind that this trail is both close to Zion Lodge, and fairly easy- namely the first portion.
This makes it one of the most popular trails in the park.
So, I recommend starting out early to beat the crowds.
6. Try canyoneering
Canyoneering may sound technical and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be!
There are tours available for all skill levels, and it’s one of the best ways to see parts of the park that trails don’t reach.
Be prepared for a fun day of rock scrambling, rappelling, and adventuring through Zion’s stunning slot canyons.
7. Bike the Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is one of the park’s most accessible trails, as it’s easy and well-paved.
It follows the Virgin River along the canyon floor, winding past meadows and spectacular vistas.
Taking this trail on foot is more like a “nature walk,” so I highly recommend doing it on a bike!
This is the perfect way to spend a leisurely morning or evening exploring the park, if you need a break from the more strenuous hikes.
Going early or late in the day will also showcase the glowing canyon walls, lit up by the sun.
If you get too hot, you can even stop and dip your feet into the river whenever you’d like.
This is also the only trail in the park that allows dogs! (On-leash, of course.)
8. Explore Kolob Canyons
If you’re looking to escape the crowds in Zion, look no further than Kolob Canyons.
This section of the park is separate from the main canyon, at around a 40 minute drive away.
The extra effort is totally worth it though, because it’s much quieter and offers its own stunning scenery.
Kolob Canyons boasts dramatic cliffs and crimson canyons, all with a more tranquil vibe.
One of the most popular trails here is the Timber Creek Overlook Trail, a short stroll at the end of the Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive to a beautiful viewpoint.
Another highlight is the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail, which is a 5-mile roundtrip.
The hike includes several stream crossings, passing old historic old cabins, until it ends at the famous Double Arch Alcove.
9. Explore Springdale
The gateway town to Zion, Springdale, is worth spending a morning or evening exploring.
It’s a tiny town, with basically just one main street.
But there are some fun shops and restaurants, all framed by picturesque red rocks.
I highly recommend grabbing coffee from FeelLove Coffee Zion, which has delicious drinks and food.
The pastries and vegan breakfast burritos are fire!
Then, browse for souvenirs at Bumbleberry Gift Shop & Bakery, or locally-made goods from Joy Craft & Design.
Afterwards, stop for dessert at Zion Candy Company, known for their amazing ice cream.
10. Visit nearby hot springs
If you want to see something really unique while you’re visiting Zion, head to one of the best nearby hot springs.
Mystic Hot Springs, popularized on Instagram, is one of the most unique hot springs in Utah.
This spot is has fully embraced free spirit culture, even calling itself “the best hippie hot springs in the West.”
You can opt to swim in two different, larger pools here- one with waterfalls.
Or, soak in private antique bathtubs.
Mystic Hot Springs is about 2.5 hours from Springdale, so you could do it in a day trip!
Read more: 4 Beautiful Hot Springs Near Zion National Park
Where To Stay Near Zion National Park
The closest town to Zion is Springdale, right at the park’s entrance.
Although, Springdale is very small so lodging can fill up quickly and be more expensive.
Another option is to stay a little further west, in the larger town of Hurricane.
You’ll find more lodging, restaurants, and amenities here, but you’ll be 30 minutes further from the park.
So it all boils down to your personal preference and budget.
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
- Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale
- Holiday Inn Express Springdale
- Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton
Luxury
How To Get To Zion National Park
If you’re visiting Zion and exploring the area, you’ll definitely need your own car.
Personally, I always book rental cars through RentalCars.com.
I LOVE that they compare prices across every company at once, which saves a ton of time hunting down the best deals.
Less time researching, more time exploring right??
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