Whether it’s exploring slot canyons like The Narrows, hiking to stunning overlooks like Angels Landing, or scenic drives like the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway, there’s so many amazing things to do in Zion National Park. I’ve visited Zion more times than I can count and know it so well I was even hired by the state of Utah to film the park. With that in mind, here’s my list of best things to do in Zion National Park.
5 Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
- Here’s my favorite Zion guidebook, map, & eco-friendly sunscreen.
- Reservations are required for Hiking Angel’s Landing & the Subway. We’ve covered everything you need to know about Zion’s reservations.
The Best Things to Do in Zion National Park
Table Of Contents: Things To Do in Zion National Park
Table Of Contents: Zion National Park Things to Do
- 5 Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
- The Best Things to Do in Zion National Park
- 1. Hike the Narrows
- 2. Ascend Angels Landing
- 3. Marvel at Canyon Overlook
- 4. Explore Pine Creek Gorge
- 5. Catch the Epic Views from Lava Point
- 6. Drive the Scenic Zion – Mt Carmel Highway
- 7. Discover Kolob Canyon
- 8. Visit Kolob Terrace
- 9. See Big Bend
- 10. Court of the Patriarchs
- 11. Checkerboard Mesa
- 12. Observe Bighorn Sheep
- 13. Stargazing (at Kolob Terrace)
- 14. Scenic Tour on the Zion Shuttle
- 15. Spend the Night at Lava Point Campground
- 16. See the Watchman
- 17. See the Hoodoos in Zion
- 18. Hike the Hop Valley Trail
- 19. Visit Historic Zion Lodge
- 20. Grab the Binoculars & Go Birding
- Watch Zion National Park in 8K
- Map of Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Top 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Driving & Transportation
- Zion Shuttle System
- Zion National Park Driving
- Getting to Zion
- Photos of Zion National Park
- Tips for Visiting Zion National Park (or any national park)
- Pin Things to Do in Zion National Park
- More Helpful Zion Articles
- Explore More of Utah
Visiting Zion National Park? Here’s my favorite hotel.
1. Hike the Narrows
Every list of the best things to do in Zion National Park should start with the Narrows – there’s really no other place quite like it on the planet. “The Narrows” refers to the narrowest part of the fifteen mile long Zion Canyon. At its most extreme, the canyon walls of the Narrows are 1,300 feet tall and a mere 40 feet apart with water spanning the entire width. The visual effect this creates for those hiking, walking, and wading through is nothing short of spellbinding.
While the total hike is 16 miles long most folks only do the first couple of miles which are incredible. You’ll need some good water shoes for this hike and a hiking pole is recommended although most folks go without (water shoes can be rented in Springdale). The deepest the water gets is about 3-4ft but most of the hike is in ankle deep water. From time to time toxic algae blooms occur in the Virgin River which can be harmful to humans so make sure to check the NPS site before visiting.
To get to the Narrows, take the Zion shuttle (more on that below) to the last stop – Temple of Sinawava. From there, signs will lead the way one mile down the Riverside Walk along the Virgin River to the start of the hike.
Be sure to read our full guide to hiking the Narrows: The Narrows Isn’t For You (Too Beautiful, Too Amazing)
2. Ascend Angels Landing
Angels Landing is a 1,488-foot tall rock formation that serves as the most popular and most famous thing to do in Zion National Park. The views from the top are among most iconic and spectacular views in the entire national park system.
The Angels Landing trail is a steep 5.4 miles with about 1,500ft of elevation gain. This hike is not for acraphobics or the faint of heart as one section of the trail involves holding onto a chain bolted onto a cliff side with sheer drop offs on either side. Falls here can be fatal. This is not one of the best things to do in Zion with small children.
Distance: 5 miles (1500ft Elevation Gain)
Time: Typically 3-4 hours
In recent years this hike has become extremely popular and frankly quite overcrowded. Because of this, permits are now required to hike Angels Landing via a lottery system and due to the amount of people applying, I’d peg the odds of getting one at about 30% or so. If you don’t get one it’s not the end of the world – there are views in Zion that are basically just as good without all the hubbub.
Interested in Hiking? Why I Don’t Recommend Hiking Angel’s Landing
3. Marvel at Canyon Overlook
Canyon Overlook is one of the most spectacular and relatively easy to access overlooks in all of Zion National Park. If you don’t get a permit in the Angels Landing lottery system, this is a great alternative with the added benefit of no deadbolt chains to grip onto for dear life.
The trailhead is located right off the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway on the east side of the park. While this trail is indeed, still quite popular. No permits are required and the views speak for themselves.
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Time: Typically 1-2 hours
The trail itself is about a mile round trip with little elevation gain. Given the bang for your buck, I’d say pretty much everyone should add Canyon Overlook to their list of things to do in Zion National Park.
Interested in visiting all the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks? Read our complete Utah National Parks guide!
4. Explore Pine Creek Gorge
Exploring Pine Creek Gorge offers visitors a way to beat the crowds as one of the least crowded things to do in Zion National Park. This area is beautiful, especially in the fall with cottonwoods roaring golden-yellow and scattered oak scrub turning orange. Located on the eastern side of the park off the Zion Park Boulevard, the creek bed is long, usually dry, and provides lots of great entry points for hikers. I’ve pinned a great entry area in case you’re looking for a good jumping off point.
For the more technically inclined, Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is a popular canyoneering spot making for one of the more adventurous things to do in Zion National Park.
5. Catch the Epic Views from Lava Point
If you’re looking to add an epic sunset to your list of things to do in Zion National Park then I’ve got your spot. Lava Point is hands down the best place in Zion National Park to watch a sunset. Located in the far less crowded (dare I say not crowded at all?) Kolob Terrace section of the park, Lava Point feels very different than the rest of Zion.
At Lava Point, the red rock canyons Zion is famous for are only visible in the distance while the immediate foreground features magnificent scenery of a different kind – volcanic rock and pine forests. This overlook does not require any sort of a hike and is situated next to my favorite campground in Zion National Park, Lava Point Campground (more on that below).
6. Drive the Scenic Zion – Mt Carmel Highway
The Zion – Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive is a 10-mile stretch of highway that comprises one of the most beautiful and impressive drives in the entire national park system. Going from east to west the rolling desert begins to take a more vertical form. With each turn more massive rock formations come into view adding new striking yellows, oranges, and red hues to the desert palette.
The pinnacle of the drive for most folks are the epic tunnels, especially the second one which was carved right through the rock. When the 1.1 mile long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was completed in 1930 it was the longest tunnel of its type in the United States. Due to the tunnel not being constructed to accommodate today’s larger vehicles, oversized autos are required to get a $15 permit at park entrance stations. Rangers man posts at each station to close down one lane of traffic to allow these vehicles to pass through.
The drive is located on the lesser explored (than the main canyon) east side of Zion where the bighorn sheep roam. While you’re on this side of the park be sure to check out Canyon Overlook and Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon. Everyone visiting the park should add this to their list of things to do in Zion.
7. Discover Kolob Canyon
Kolob Canyon is a lesser-traveled but equally stunning unit of the park located near Cedar City featuring towering red rock formations and a tiny fraction of the visitors of Zion Canyon. If you’re looking for lesser traveled areas of the park to visit then Kolob Canyon is a great addition to your list of things to do in Zion. I recommend hiking the Timber Creek Overlook Trail if you only have time for one trail and the Taylor Creek Trail if you can do two!
The road leading into Kolob Canyon is beautiful in and of itself featuring a plethora of pull-offs with great panoramic viewpoints. Whether can be unpredictable so be sure to double check the forecast before visiting. I was here in October when an unexpected flash snowstorm blanketed the canyon in a beautiful white coat of powdery snow. We captured the whole thing on film in our Zion video below.
8. Visit Kolob Terrace
Kolob Terrace is one of the most serene and least visited parts of the park offering a solace that everyone visiting Zion should experience. This area features hoodoos, grassy plains, volcanic lava rock, colorful mesas, & stunning overlooks. Every time I visit this area of the park I am amazed that it hasn’t fallen victim to the masses like the main canyon.
The road into this area (Kolob Terrace Road) is 25 miles long and climbs 5,000 feet in elevation. As such, Kolob Terrace is situated much higher than Zion Canyon and offers impressive views looking down into that section of the park from afar. Kolob Terrace is a perfect spot to spend a day of solitude away from the crowds making for a great addition to anyone’s list of things to do in Zion National Park.
9. See Big Bend
Big Bend is a breathtaking turn of the Virgin River in Zion National Park that reveals the Great White Throne to the south. A popular rock climbing destination when it’s cool enough and a prime birding sanctuary in the warmer months. During the summer you’ll see folks here with binoculars watching peregrine falcons and California condors.
The Zion shuttle stops at Big Bend allowing visitors to walk down to the river to see the stunning beauty below. During Autumn the leaves on the cottonwoods turn golden creating a dazzling display all along the river. This is a more relaxed activity
10. Court of the Patriarchs
Court of the Patriarchs is a magnificent viewpoint in Zion Canyon where visitors can look up at the towering red & white rock formations named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (by a local pastor in 1916). From this viewpoint you also have great vantages of two other prominent features – Mount Moroni and The Sentinel.
In terms of things to do in Zion National Park, the Court of the Patriarchs is mostly a spot for the discerning photographer as there’s not much to do here other than observe the surrounding beauty. Getting to the viewpoint requires a short but steep walk. Worth noting, Sand Bench Trail can be accessed from here.
11. Checkerboard Mesa
Comprised of Navajo sandstone Checkerboard Mesa is an aptly named mesa near the east entrance of the park. The name comes from the cliff’s unique pattern of numerous intersecting lines in the white sandstone, which resembles a checkerboard. These horizontal lines are remnants of ancient sand dunes, known as cross-bedding. The vertical and sub-vertical lines are created by the sandstone’s response to temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, and alternating wet and dry conditions, leading to expansion and contraction.
This is an easy addition to a list of things to do in Zion that requires no more than a five minute stop off the Zion- Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive.
12. Observe Bighorn Sheep
Any wildlife lovers in the house? If so, spotting Bighorn Sheep is a great Zion activity. I see these regal animals practically every time I visit the park – it never gets old. In terms of things to do on the eastern side of
While desert bighorn have inhabited the region generally speaking for thousands of years the animal was extirpated from the park in the mid 1900s. In 1978 they were reintroduced to the park with an initial herd of fourteen which has since expanded to more than 500. The program was so successful that now the National Park Service is looking at ways to control the population.
Where to See Bighorn Sheep in Zion
The most common place to see bighorn sheep in Zion is near the traffic-heavy Canyon Overlook Trailhead. Drive slowly (not that you’ll have much of a choice) and keep your eyes peeled.
13. Stargazing (at Kolob Terrace)
As an International Dark Sky Park, a designation awarded to only a select few places around the world that meet strict criteria, Zion National Park is one of the best places in the US to observe the night sky. Given it’s wide open meadows and higher elevation, the best place in Zion to stargaze is Kolob Terrace. You’ll also have the added bonus of encountering less cars and fewer people.
I recommend the Hop Valley Trailhead, Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, and Lava Point as three great spots in the Kolob Terrace region of Zion to stargaze. Be sure to check the phases of the moon prior to heading out. Ideally you’ll want a night with as close to a new moon as possible to have the darkest skies and see the most stars. Especially if you’ve never experienced the magic of observing the milky way with the naked eye this is one best things to do in Zion National Park.
14. Scenic Tour on the Zion Shuttle
One of the best ways to soak in the scenery of the park is by riding the Zion shuttle. The Zion Shuttle is also the best mode of transit for visitors to visit the main (Zion) canyon which holds the majority of the most popular attractions in Zion National Park. This is a great activity for everyone and an one of the best things to do in Zion for folks with mobility challenges.
Along the way an audio-tour is played over the speakers on the shuttle which informs you of what you’re looking at as well as some historical facts about the park and its inhabitants. This convenient mode runs daily and no tickets are required to ride. The shuttle makes stops throughout the canyon and gives viewers a unique way of enjoying the park. For more shuttle info visit the NPS website.
15. Spend the Night at Lava Point Campground
Zion National Park has 3 campgrounds with over 300 campsites offering a variety of camping options. The campgrounds are Watchman Campground, South Campground, and my personal favorite – Lava Point Campground. Lava Point Campground is the smallest (by far), most serene, and most remote campground in Zion National Park with only 6 sites available on a first come first served basis.
This campground is located in the Kolob Terrace section of the park and situated next to the stunning Lava Point Overlook.
16. See the Watchman
One of the most iconic photo spots in Zion National Park is the Canyon Junction Bridge looking toward The Watchman. This is an EXTREMELY popular spot to take photos for sunset so be aware that you will not be alone.
If you’re trying to see the sunset here, I recommend getting to the bridge at least 30 minutes prior to the sunset if not an hour. Light leaves the canyon more quickly than you think! This spot is beautiful any time of day so if you’re not in the mood to brave the hoards of photographers angling for position you may want to check it out prior to sunset.
17. See the Hoodoos in Zion
That’s right! Bryce Canyon is not the only Utah national park with hoodoos. Located in the much lesser visited Kolob Terrace region of Zion National Park are all sorts of amazing sites, including hoodoos!
To get to one of the most popular spots for hoodoos, park at the Hop Valley Trailhead. On the same side of the road as the trailhead you’ll see a red rock plateau. All over this plateau you’ll find amazing (and fragile) hoodoos. Please do not touch the hoodoos as they are more fragile than they look!
18. Hike the Hop Valley Trail
The Hop Valley Trail is one of Zion’s best hikes starting in the Kolob Terrace region of the park and taking hikers into the spectacular Kolob Canyon. Along the way you’ll see beautiful valley scenery transform into breathtaking red rock canyons. The round trip hike back to the Hop Valley Trailhead is over 13 miles so make sure you have a plan for someone to pick you up if you’re doing the point to point hike!
Distance: 6.6miles (point to point)
Time: 3-4 hours
Given its length, this hike is definitely one of the more adventurous things to do in Zion National Park and should not be attempted without proper preparation including biblical amounts of water.
19. Visit Historic Zion Lodge
Located in the main Zion Canyon, Zion National Park Lodge is one of the most picturesque lodges in the entire national park system. Dating back to 1924, the original lodge was designed by famed park architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood featuring the national park rustic architecture. That lodge actually burned to the ground in a 1966 fire but was rebuilt in an astonishing 100 days!
Rooms will run you between $250 – $350 (which is sadly a decent deal for national park hotels), depending on which type you select. Beyond the rooms, the lodge is one of the best things to do in Zion to escape the sun, relax, and grab a bite to eat during a long day at the park! If the lodge is booked up or you’re not feeling the rustic vibes, here’s my favorite hotel for Zion.
20. Grab the Binoculars & Go Birding
With 291 species of birds calling the park home, Zion is a birder’s paradise. Whether you’re an expert ornithologist or a casual birdwatcher, you’ll be enchanted by the variety of bird species you can spot in the park. Zion’s diverse habitats—from its soaring cliffs to its quiet riverbanks—are teeming with avian life.
Some of the most interesting, beautiful, and rare species found here include the blue grosbeak, golden crowned kinglet, hooded oriole, indigo bunting, ruby crowned kinglet, vermillion flycatcher, ruddy duck, and so many more.
Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers, making it easy to track your sightings and identify different species. So grab your binoculars and let the birdwatching begin! Check out the Audobon Society’s page for all the incredible bird species you can spot in Zion.
Watch Zion National Park in 8K
For those interested, here’s the award-winning film we created on Zion National Park.
About My Travels to Zion National Park
I visited Zion National Park for the first time back in the Fall of 2015 (with my brother to film it – see below) and have returned many, many times since. It’s just one of those parks (if you know how to avoid the crowds) that keeps calling you back. Most folks only visit the main canyon, which is full of incredible beauty, but I encourage visitors to seek out the other breathtaking sections as well.
An added bonus to seeing these other parts of the park is that you’ll be one of the very few people who ever do. Over several weeks, we documented all of the most amazing parts of the park (including an insane flash winter storm that we captured in our Zion Film) and have recommended our favorites here for you.
Map of Things to Do in Zion National Park
Top 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
- The Narrows
- Angels Landing
- Canyon Overlook
- Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon
- Lava Point
- Zion Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive
- Kolob Canyon
- Kolob Terrace
- Big Bend
- Court of the Patriarchs
- Checkerboard Mesa
- Bighorn Sheep
- Stargazing
- Zion Shuttle
- Lava Point Campground
- The Watchman
- Zion Hoodoos
- Hop Valley Trail
- Historic Zion Lodge
- Birding
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
The best time of year to visit Zion National Park is September and October as visitation wains, temperatures cool off, and fall foliage (yes, foliage in Utah!) is dazzling. The best season to visit Zion National Park is Autumn with stunning foliage, cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds.
Spring is also a lovely time to visit with smaller crowds and bright spring greens filling the canyons. With that being said, each season brings something different and beautiful to Zion National Park.
Zion National Park Driving & Transportation
Zion National Park has a few different transportation options that add convenience for the visitor. Visitors can experience the park on foot, by bike, by car, or by shuttle. Visitors should know that no cars are allowed inside the main canyon unless you have reservations at the Zion Lodge.
Zion Shuttle System
The Zion Shuttle is a great way for visitors to visit the main (zion) canyon which holds the majority of the most popular attractions in Zion National Park. This convenient mode runs daily and currently visitors must acquire $1 tickets prior to boarding. The shuttle stops at all of the most popular spots in the canyon and gives viewers a unique way of enjoying the park. For more shuttle info visit the NPS website.
Zion National Park Driving
Driving in Zion is limited to all the areas outside of the main canyon including:
- Zion Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway
- Kolob Terrace Road
- Kolob Canyon
Gas is available in Springdale, Cedar City, Mt. Carmel Junction, and beyond.
Planning a trip to Zion? Learn how to do it right with our comprehensive Zion National Park Guide that covers what to see, campgrounds, lodging, dining, seasons & weather, and so much more.
Getting to Zion
There are many ways to get to Zion National Park. One of the most popular is flying into Las Vegas and making the 2.5 hour drive to the park.
The second closest major city is Salt Lake City at 4.5 hours away.
FAQ – Things to Do in Zion National Park
The best time of year to visit Zion National Park is September and October as visitation wains, temperatures cool off, and fall foliage (yes, foliage in Utah!) is dazzling.
The best things to do at Zion National Park are hiking the narrows, angels landing, canyon overlook, and kolob canyons.
Photos of Zion National Park
Tips for Visiting Zion National Park (or any national park)
Permit Systems and Reservations
Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.
Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.
Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!
Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.
For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.
Practice Safety, Seriously
National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:
- Sticking to trails
- Checking the weather before going out on a hike
- Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
- Avoid ledges with steep drop offs
Pin Things to Do in Zion National Park
More Helpful Zion Articles
Angels Landing: Complete Guide to Hiking Angels Landing
The Narrows Hike in Zion: The Narrows Hike in Zion Isn’t For You. Here’s Why.
Zion National Park Guide: Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park
Best Hikes in Zion: 16 EPIC Hikes in Zion National Park
Explore More of Utah
Best Hikes in Arches: 12 Best Hikes in Arches National Park
Things to Do Canyonlands: 20 Epic Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
Things to Do Bryce Canyon: 20 Epic Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Things to Do in Capitol Reef: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park
Things to Do in Arches: 16 EPIC Things to Do in Arches National Park
Utah National Parks Guide: 14 MIGHTY Utah National Parks Guide
Utah National Parks Road Trips: 5 Best Utah National Park Road Trips
Utah’s Manti-La Sal National Forest: Manti-La Sal National Forest: The Forest As Beautiful as Utah’s Parks
This is great! I didn’t realize Kolob Canyon & Kolob Terrace were a part of Zion before checking out this article. Those seem like really nice “hidden gems”. Is there an entrance station to access those as well? Also is Lava Point the only campground for either of those units?
Thanks so much for this!
Hi Tony,
Thanks for the note! There is an entrance station for Kolob Canyon but not for Kolob Terrace. Kolob Terrace is the least crowded of any of the Zion entrances FYI.
Have a great trip and don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with 🙂
Best,
Will