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Things to do in Zion National Park

UT · 16 vetted places · national park

A sandstone canyon park of towering red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, hanging gardens, desert mesas, and the Virgin River.

Best months: March, April, October, November

What is worth your time in Zion National Park

  • Angels LandingDo not miss

    Zion's most famous hike climbs to an exposed fin with huge canyon views and a serious permit-controlled chain section.

    Hike · 5 hr4.9

  • The NarrowsDo not miss

    Walking through the Virgin River between soaring canyon walls is Zion's signature water-and-stone experience.

    Hike · 5 hr4.9

  • Canyon Overlook TrailDo not miss

    A short, high-payoff hike above the tunnel gives a classic view into lower Zion Canyon without using the shuttle.

    Hike · 1.5 hr4.8

  • Emerald Pools TrailDo not miss

    A flexible canyon hike links alcoves, seasonal waterfalls, and pools directly from the lodge area.

    Hike · 2.3 hr4.4

  • Scout Lookout

    The climb through Walter's Wiggles reaches the dramatic saddle below Angels Landing without requiring the final chain permit.

    Hike · 4 hr4.9

  • Timber Creek Overlook Trail

    A short ridge walk at the end of Kolob Canyons Road gives a huge view over finger canyons and distant plateaus.

    Hike · 1.1 hr4.9

  • Observation Point

    This high overlook looks down on Angels Landing and the canyon, making it one of Zion's grandest viewpoints when access is open.

    Hike · 4 hr4.8

  • Zion Canyon

    After the canyon quiets down, dark skies and cliff silhouettes make Zion a memorable place for night-sky viewing.

    Stargazing · 1.4 hr4.8

  • Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

    The switchbacks, tunnel, slickrock, and checkerboard formations make the east-side road one of Utah's great park drives.

    Scenic Drive · 1.8 hr4.8

  • Court of the Patriarchs

    A very short stop frames three named sandstone towers and gives an easy classic canyon photo.

    Viewpoint · 30 min4.7

  • Checkerboard Mesa

    The crosshatched sandstone dome is an easy roadside stop that shows Zion's east-side geology at a glance.

    Viewpoint · 30 min4.6

  • Pa'rus Trail

    The paved Virgin River path is Zion's easiest bike- and wheelchair-friendly walk with Watchman views.

    Hike · 1.4 hr4.6

  • Watchman Trail

    A convenient hike from the visitor center climbs to views over Springdale, the Watchman, and lower Zion Canyon.

    Hike · 2.5 hr4.6

  • Riverside Walk

    The paved riverside path is the accessible gateway to The Narrows, with hanging gardens and canyon walls closing in.

    Hike · 1.5 hr4

And 2 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.

Worth knowing

  • Zion is famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows, shuttle-served Zion Canyon, and dramatic cream-pink-red sandstone walls rising above the river.