The 14 Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

Last updated on February 24th, 2026

We’re sharing the 14 best things to do in Zion National Park, based on our three visits to the park!

Zion is one of the most iconic and visited national parks in the United States—and for good reason! In 2024 alone, over 4.9 million people explored this park, making it the 2nd most visited national park in the country. And once you experience it for yourself, you’ll quickly see why it’s so beloved. From towering red rock cliffs to green valleys carved by the Virgin River, Zion is nothing short of breathtaking.

Hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park

Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, Zion is part of the state’s famous “Mighty Five” national parks. Each one has its own unique beauty, but Zion stands out with its dramatic canyons, steep sandstone walls, and iconic views. It’s not only the most popular of the Utah parks, but it’s also one of the best places to visit in Utah.

The park is filled to the brim with trails to explore, views to enjoy, and breathtaking sunsets to take in. However, with so many incredible sights and experiences packed into one park, figuring out what to do can feel overwhelming. But we’re here to help!

We have visited Zion National Park three times, exploring all of the park’s regions. Including some of its lesser visited gems! And in this guide we’re sharing the best things to do in Zion National Park. Whether you’re a hiker, a photographer, or just here to soak in the views, there’s something on this list for everyone!

Map of the Best Things to do in Zion National Park

Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

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Want to Learn More as you explore?

We highly suggest downloading the Guide Along – Zion & Bryce Canyon or the Utah Bundle (totally worth the cost!!) audio tours to navigate you on the road. Even when you don’t have service it knows where you are and provides commentary and history about the area. As well as alerts you when to stop for specific sights. These guides are fun to listen to and the narrator feels like a fun friend in the car with you!

The Best Things to do in Zion National Park

1. Go on a sunrise hike on the Canyon Overlook Trail

Being the second busiest national park in the United States, we cannot stress just how important it is to start your days early. And one perk of an early arrival to the park? You can see the sunrise!

Many of the best hikes in Zion are great for sunrise, but we specifically recommend the Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s a short, 0.9 mi hike in Zion’s Upper East Canyon, which means you don’t have to get there as early.

The trail winds through shaded alcoves, slickrock, and a grotto before reaching an incredible viewpoint. And from the overlook, you’ll spot landmarks like the West Temple, Towers of the Virgins, the Great Arch, and the road snaking below. Which is even more beautiful as the sun starts to illuminate the canyon!

Important note: Since the park shuttle doesn’t stop here, you’ll need a private vehicle to access the trailhead, which is located just past the Mount Carmel Tunnel (if coming from the west). The parking lot is not large, but you can park along the road.

2. Visit the Zion National Park Visitor Center

Stopping by the visitor center is a must for any national park you visit. And Zion National Park is no exception! You will find different educational displays, plus have the chance to attend ranger talks, where you can learn tons about the park.

This is also where you can sign up for the Junior Ranger program, which despite its name, is not just for kids! With this program you will get a booklet to complete, with different games and activities for the park. And at the end, you turn it into the ranger and get a Junior Ranger badge!

We did this on our last visit with friends and it was a lot of fun, plus taught us even more about this incredible park.

3. Explore the Narrows

Easily the most iconic spot in the park is the Narrows. The Narrows is the skinniest stretch of Zion Canyon, with towering 1,000-foot walls and a river that narrows to just 20–30 feet wide. We have been lucky enough to hike it twice over the years. And despite its crazy popularity, it’s hands down one of the best things to do in Zion National Park!

Start your Narrows hike as close to sunrise as you can to avoid the crowds—this trail is super popular and only accessible via the park shuttle (during the majority of the year). We recommend hopping on the earliest shuttle to enjoy the hike with fewer people.

Once off the shuttle, you will walk one mile on the paved Riverside Walk from the Temple of Sinawava. From there, you can (and should) wade into the Virgin River. Whether you go in for a few minutes or make it an all-day adventure is totally up to you! You can go up to 4.5 miles one way (without a permit) and then turn around.

It’s an unforgettable experience, and we’ve got a full guide with all the tips you need to have a safe and fun hike!

Note: The Narrows sometimes closes due to flash floods or high water. Check current conditions before you go!

4. Hike to Observation Point via East Mesa Trail

Hiking to Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail is one of our personal favorite things to do in Zion! We love it so much that we have hiked it multiple times!

The view rivals (and honestly beats!) the infamous Angels Landing, but minus the terrifying drop-offs and heavy crowds. While the original trail is closed due to a rockslide, the East Mesa route still gets you to the same epic viewpoint. Despite being 7 miles roundtrip, this route is pretty easy, although not the most exciting. But trust us, the view at the end is worth it!

To learn more about this hike and what to expect, make sure to check out our full hiking guide before you go.

Note: The East Mesa Trail sits outside the main Zion Canyon area, so be sure to budget a little extra time for getting in and out of the park. The road to the trailhead parking is rough—4×4 or AWD is highly recommended—and the lot itself is pretty small. If your car isn’t up for the drive or you’re arriving later in the day, you can park at Zion Ponderosa Resort and hop on a shuttle to the trailhead for just $7 per person.

5. Experience the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main road that runs through the canyon and along the Virgin River. There are tons of beautiful stops along the way, so driving (or riding a bike) along this road is one of the top things to do in Zion National Park.

The shuttle stops at nine different places along the 11 mile loop. Some of the best stops include the Court of the Patriarchs, Canyon Junction Bridge, and the Great Arch. This road is also how you access the Narrows and Angels Landing.

The important thing to note is that this road is closed to private vehicles from March to November each year. Since most people will be visiting during that time, you’ll have to ride the park shuttle to see this road instead. Which might be a little inconvenient, but it makes for a much more relaxing experience!

However, an alternative way to experience this road is by ebike! Rent ebikes in Springdale and hit the road, stopping as much as you’d like along the way. Bikes are allowed on all park roads, plus the Pa’rus Trail. Just keep in mind that on the scenic drive, you will share the road with the park shuttles. And cyclists are required to pull over and stop for them.

6. Watch the sunset on the Pa’rus Trail

Not only is Zion National Park beautiful at sunrise, but it is also stunning at sunset. And one of our favorite places to see the sunset in the park is from the Pa’rus Trail. This easy 3.3-mile round-trip paved trail follows the Virgin River and doesn’t require the park shuttle to reach the trailhead which makes it super convenient! Bringing your pup? This is the only dog-friendly trail in Zion, so they’ll be able to enjoy it with you!

7. Hike to the Emerald Pools

One thing we love about Zion is that even in the desert, you’ll still find gorgeous water features. And the Emerald Pools Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy them! We finally got to hike it on our third trip, in April 2025, and while it’s family-friendly, don’t be fooled. It includes some uphill climbs and narrow rock sections.

On this hike explore both the lower, middle, and upper pools, where you might even walk behind a waterfall if water is flowing enough!

Even after a light rain when the falls weren’t roaring (but had some water), we still loved the hike for the views and the cool rock alcoves. That said, if seeing water is a must for you, definitely check the recent reviews on AllTrails before you go!

8. Conquer the Famous Angel’s Landing

Angels Landing is one of Zion’s most iconic and intense hikes, known for its steep drop-offs, chain section, and jaw-dropping views of Zion Canyon. For some, it’s one of the best things to do in Zion National Park. While for others (like us), it’s their worst nightmare. 😂

But if you’re one of the ones eager to do this hike, keep in mind that it requires a bit of planning and luck. Because it’s so popular, a permit lottery system was introduced in 2022 to manage the crowds, with applications open months in advance or the day before your hike. And these are tough to get!

If you don’t snag a permit or aren’t a fan of heights, don’t worry! You can still hike to Scout Lookout, about 2.25 miles in, without a permit. It’s a tough climb, but the views are incredible and totally worth the effort. Or you can hike to Observation Point instead, which has higher views, without permits required or sketchy drop-offs.

While this hike is famous, there’s no shame in deciding it isn’t for you! Even though we have visited the park three times, we have yet to attempt it. We only recommend this hike for those physically able and if you’re not afraid of heights.

9. Explore the Kolob Canyons Area of the Park

If you’re looking to avoid some of the crowds, we highly recommend heading to one of the less-visited sections of Zion National Park, like Kolob Canyons. Here you can hike the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail, Timber Creek Overlook Trail, or visit Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail.

They offer a variety of lengths and difficulties, so find the one that makes the most sense for you. But we personally enjoyed the Timber Creek Overlook Trail for a super fast and easy hike for stunning canyon views. It’s pretty much doable for any visitor!

10. Hike the Watchman Trail

At 3.1 miles long, the Watchman Trail is one of the best shorter hikes in Zion. But it still delivers beautiful views! Since it starts right near the visitor center, there’s no need to hop on the shuttle, which makes it super convenient.

On this hike you hike up to an overlook of the Watchman, one of the park’s iconic rock formations. As well as have views into the canyon! And compared to some other hikes in the park, we have never found it to be too busy. Especially around sunrise and sunset! It’s also fairly shaded in the morning, which makes for a more comfortable hike.

11. Go for a Hike in the Kolob Terrace Section

The Kolob Terrace section of the park is another hidden gem! Similar to Kolob Canyons, it’s much less frequented by visitors than the canyon, while still offering beautiful views and fun hikes.

We loved the Northgate Peaks Trail for its unique views compared to the rest of the park. The trail is 6 miles and takes you through the forest, before ending at a rocky area with sweeping views of the area’s white rocky peaks. A nice contrast from the park’s otherwise dark orange scenery!

12. Experience the Subway Trail

The Subway Trail, also called the Left Fork of North Creek, is a challenging slot canyon hike that involves scrambling, wading through water, and navigating without a clear path. It’s an adventurous obstacle course and totally worth it if you’re up for the physical challenge! The trail ends at a stunning tunnel-like formation that looks just like a subway.

You’ll need a permit to hike it, so be sure to plan ahead. It’s a lottery system, so you will need to have the luck of the lottery Gods on your side. And most importantly, never attempt this hike if there’s rain in the forecast. Flash floods can happen fast and are extremely dangerous!

13. Eat at Local Restaurants in Springdale

While you’re enjoying all of these fun things to do in Zion National Park, you’ll likely be getting very hungry. And while we definitely recommend bringing in your own food when you can, we also recommend you enjoy some of the local restaurants in Springdale.

A few places we recommend are Oscar’s Cafe, Whiptail Grill, Camp Outpost, King’s Landing Bistro, or MeMe’s Cafe. For coffee and breakfast, we love Deep Creek Coffee Company, but Perks or Canyon Coffee are good too!

And if you’re worried about losing a highly coveted parking spot, you can take the free Springdale shuttle to not lose your parking inside Zion.

14. Check out the Zion Human History Museum

One of the lesser known things to do in Zion National park is to visit the Zion Human History Museum, but it is definitely worth adding to your Zion itinerary!

The Zion Human History Museum highlights the cultural and natural history of Zion National Park through artifacts and exhibits. It tells the story of how water has shaped both the landscape and the lives of the people who’ve called this area home for thousands of years, creating and reshaping Zion over time.

The displays cover a range of topics including geology, wildlife, plant life, survival, and community. It’s a great stop to get a deeper understanding of the park’s past and the forces that continue to shape it. Plus, you can watch the park film here as well!

Things you Need to Know Before Visiting Zion

When to Visit Zion National Park

Zion National Park is open year-round, and many of the best things to do in Zion can be enjoyed in any season, but timing your visit can make a big difference!

Summer and school holidays are the busiest times by far. Zion draws huge crowds during these peak seasons, which can make trails feel a bit like Disney World.

Winter brings a quieter, more peaceful vibe, but you might encounter snow. So pack microspikes for any higher-elevation hikes.

For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, aim for early spring (late February-early March) or late fall (October–November). As a bonus, you might even avoid the shuttle system during these shoulder seasons!

How to get to Zion National Park

Zion Canyon, the main area of Zion National Park, is located in Springdale, Utah—about 2.5 hours northeast of Las Vegas. Springdale is a charming little town with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and gear shops, making it super convenient for park visitors.

If you’re flying in, we recommend flying into Las Vegas and renting a car. If you go this route, we highly recommend making a pit stop in St. George to stock up on groceries and snacks for your hikes. You can also fly into Salt Lake City (about 4.5 hours away), which works well if you’re planning a full Mighty Five road trip!

Be sure to at least visit Bryce Canyon while you’re so close to another amazing national Park! We have a perfect 3 day itinerary that visits both parks.

Getting around Zion National Park

Getting around Zion is pretty straightforward and any type of vehicle is sufficient. But from March to November, private vehicles aren’t allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the road to Angels Landing and the Narrows). Instead, you’ll need to use the free park shuttle, which picks up at the Visitor Center. Lines for the shuttle can get long, so plan to arrive early!

Visitor Center parking fills up quickly, so if it’s full, you can park in Springdale (for a fee) and hop on the free town shuttle to the entrance. We also used that shuttle to grab food or coffee without losing our spot!

Driving a large vehicle? If your vehicle is over 11’4″ tall, 7’10” wide, heavier than 50,000 pounds or longer than 35ft 9in, you will not be allowed to drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Studies have concluded that large vehicles over these limits cannot safely traverse this road. Unfortunately you’ll have to take alternative routes. Visit the NPS website for more information.

America the Beautiful Pass

A lot of visitors (us included!) stop at Zion National Park as part of a bigger Utah National Parks road trip, and you definitely should too! Utah’s Mighty 5 are stunning and easy to combine multiple (or all) into one epic adventure.

If you’re visiting more than one park, grab the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time. It’s $80 for the whole year and gets you into all US national parks. Which is way more cost-effective than paying about $35 per park. Use it as much as you can and make the most of those next 12 months!

Where to Stay in Zion National Park

There are many different options for lodging at Zion National Park. Springdale offers many hotels and vacation rentals. Plus unique options, like Under Canvas, a glamping spot with stylish, safari-style tents—some even have private bathrooms—and an on-site chef!

Inside the park, you’ll find two main campgrounds: South Campground and Watchman Campground. They book up quickly, so be sure to reserve early. For even more options like hotels, vacation rentals, FREE dispersed camping, and other campgrounds, check out our full Zion guide!

Reservations and Permits

Even though Zion is one of the busiest national parks, you don’t need a reservation to enter and you’re free to come and go as you like! The only hikes that require a permit are Angels Landing and The Subway, and we’ve included all the details you need for those in the sections above.

What to Bring to Zion National Park

As always, we recommend that you pack the 10 essentials when exploring these things to do in Zion National Park.

A few other key items that are important to have on the hikes in Zion National Park are hiking shoes, layers, sunscreen, plenty of water, and AllTrails maps! We highly recommend the AllTrails Plus membership so you can download the map (use our code aplusk30 for 30% off!). There’s not usually great service on the trails!

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