11 Awesome Things to Do in Zion National Park All Year Long

It’s Always a Good Time for a Zion Adventure

Zion, Utah’s first national park, welcomes nearly 5 million visitors yearly with its stunning red cliffs and deep canyons.

Whether you love hiking or prefer taking photos, this park has something for everyone. Here are 11 of our favorite things to do at Zion National Park.

Hike Angels Landing

Ready for a challenge? The famous Angels Landing trail takes you up 1,488 feet through a series of tight turns called Walter’s Wiggles.

On the last half-mile, you’ll hold onto chains while walking along a narrow ridge with deep drops on both sides. From the top at 5,785 feet, you’ll see the whole canyon spread out below you, with the river winding through like a green ribbon.

Since April 1, 2022, a permit system has been in place for hikers proceeding beyond Scout Lookout to the summit of Angels Landing.

Walk Through The Narrows

Want to try something different? Wade through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls that reach up to 1,000 feet.

The canyon gets so narrow in some spots that you can almost touch both sides. Stop by Zion Outfitter in town to rent special boots and socks that’ll keep your feet warm and help you grip the slippery rocks.

While some do the full 10-mile hike, the most popular section of The Narrows hike is typically between 3 to 5 miles long.

Drive the Scenic Highway

Take a trip on a road that’s a piece of history.

Built in 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway winds through the park with amazing views at every turn. The road goes through a 5613 feet tunnel carved right through the mountain.

Pull over at Canyon Overlook Trail to see Bridge Mountain rising high above the valley. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep near Checkerboard Mesa. Vehicles over 11 feet wide or 7 feet tall must pay a fee to drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

Note: it’s only accessible by shuttle from March to late November.

Visit Emerald Pools

Three beautiful pools, fed by a small tributary of the Virgin River, create green spots in the desert landscape. The easy Lower Pool trail is perfect for everyone, including wheelchair users.

You might spot lizards, snakes, or frogs near the water sources. If you’re feeling confident, climb up to the Middle and Upper pools.

Spring is the best time to visit when waterfalls cascade down the 300-foot cliffs. Each pool offers a quiet place to rest and enjoy the view.

Explore Canyon Overlook

Don’t miss this short but sweet trail.

Just a mile each way, you’ll see some of Zion’s best views. Unlike other Zion trails, Canyon Overlook is a short hike that often doesn’t get too crowded, even during peak times. The path takes you past interesting rock formations and cave-like spots in the cliff.

From the viewing area, you can see down Zion Canyon. Try to get there for sunrise when the morning light makes the rocks shine like gold.

Bike the River Trail

The Pa’rus Trail is a peaceful 1.7-mile one way paved path that follows the Virgin River. It’s the only trail in the main canyon where you can ride bikes. During spring, colorful wildflowers fill the meadows along the way.

Watch for deer at dawn and dusk, and enjoy clear views of the massive peaks called the Watchman and West Temple.

Best for stargazing and astrophotography, as it offers minimal light pollution and scenic backdrops.

Adventure Through The Subway

The Subway (located in the Zion Wilderness, west of the main Zion Canyon) is literally where the canyon looks like a train tunnel.

You’ll need a permit to visit though, and experienced hikers can do the 9-mile round trip from the bottom. If you know how to use ropes and climb, try the 9-mile top-down route.

It’s a strenuous hike, but worth the dinosaur tracks and geological formations. Don’t forget to take photos of the bright green pools by the red rocks.

Climb The Watchman

This mountain guards the park’s entrance and offers one of the best sunset views in Zion.

The trail is 3.3 miles round trip, a moderate ascent, that leads you to a 6,545-foot sandstone mountain summit. Time your hike to reach the top at sunset. You’ll see the rocks turn bright orange and purple, and later, the town’s lights twinkle below like stars.

The shuttle service here has expanded its hours and there are new interpretive signs along the Watchman Trail.

See the Three Big Peaks

The Court of the Patriarchs shows off three massive peaks named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Rising over 2000 feet above the canyon floor, the peaks were named by Frederick Fisher in 1916 after biblical figures. A quick uphill walk takes you to the perfect spot to see these giants.

As you hike, you’ll pass through a tapestry of creosote bushes, sagebrush, and prickly pear cactus that thrive in the dry, sun-soaked soil while red-tailed hawks soar overhead.

Discover Kolob Canyons

Want to escape the crowds? Head to Kolob Canyons in the quiet part of Zion.

Fall brings golden trees and clear skies perfect for photos. A five-mile drive takes you up 1,000 feet to a viewpoint where striking red cliffs (composed of Navajo sandstone) stretch as far as you can see.

The area includes over 20 miles of hiking trails, including the La Verkin Creek Trail, which leads to Kolob Arch.

Plan Your Trip Beforehand

Book your Angels Landing permits ahead of time. These permits are obtained through an online lottery.

From March to November, free shuttle buses start running at 6 AM (busiest times are typically from 9 AM to 3 PM). The Zion Canyon Village offers lodging within the park, but if you want to stay outside, Springdale, the gateway town, provides plenty of options.

Drop by Oscar’s Cafe, known for its Mexican and American dishes, a favorite for hikers.