Zion National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the United States. Check out all these incredible things to do while you’re there!
Go Hiking
The most popular activity in Zion National Park is hiking! While Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are the most well known, the park offers a variety of trail options for all skill levels.
Angel’s Landing: The approximately 5.5 mile round trip trail leads adventurers to the top of a nearly 1,500 foot tall rock formation that overlooks the canyon. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart! The last half mile or the ‘chain section’ is extremely narrow with sharp drop offs and two way traffic. To limit trail traffic, a permit is required to hike any further than Scout’s Landing. You can get details on the hike itself and how to obtain a permit here.
The Narrows: The Narrows is another very popular hike in the park and involves walking in the Virgin River with the cliff walls on either side. While a ‘bottom up’ hike (leaving from the Temple of Sinawava) does not require a permit, you may want to rent some special equipment such as a walking stick (preferred over hiking poles for this hike), neoprene socks, or even a waterproof bib. All equipment can be rented from suppliers outside the park gate. Be sure to keep an eye on the river conditions…the Narrows can be dangerous depending on the river’s flow rate and risk of flash floods.
Other hikes: Don’t worry if you’re not up to either Angel’s Landing or The Narrows! Zion offers a wide selection of hikes for all skill levels. From the easy, paved Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk to moderate options such as Watchman Trail, Canyon Overlook, and the Emerald Pools. Check out this website which details available hikes within the canyon by skill level.
Rent a Bike
Don’t want to take the shuttle into the canyon? Then rent a bike and go at your own pace! Traditional and e-bikes are available for rental and are allowed on both the main road as well as the Pa’rus multi-use trail. Make sure that you are aware of the rules regarding bike riding within the park. Shuttles have right-of-way and bicyclers must pull over and stop for the shuttles to pass.
Look for Condors
Approximately 70 majestic wild California Condors call Utah and Arizona home…which includes Zion National Park. One of the best places to watch for these incredible birds is the Big Bend shuttle stop. Be sure to bring binoculars! Each bird is tagged and can be identified through their unique numbers and symbols. Check out this website to learn more about each tagged bird.
Enjoy the Views
You don’t have to get out on the trail to appreciate the beauty of the canyon. The free canyon shuttle travels through breathtaking scenery all the way to the Temple of Sinawava…and it even offers narration along the way to explain what you’re seeing! Consider getting off for a few minutes at the Big Bend shuttle stop to watch for Condors…and the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop to get the best view of the peaks.
Learn about the local area
Check out great educational exhibits covering the area’s natural history at both the Zion Human History Museum and the Zion Nature Center.
Attend a Ranger Talk
The Park Rangers offer multiple talks throughout the park each day on a variety of topics. Check out this schedule to see where you can catch an educational program.
Earn a Junior Ranger Badge
Travelling with kids? Make sure to pick up their Junior Ranger book so that they can earn their Zion National Park badge!
Stamp Your National Parks Passport
Have a National Parks Passport? Don’t forget to get your stamp! (Don’t have a National Parks Passport? Check out this blog post on this great program!)
Go Horseback Riding
Trail rides are available right within the park. Check out Canyon Trail Rides for more information.
Have your own horse? Horses are allowed on a number of trails within Zion National Park and there’s even an overnight stock camp. Check out this website for more information on how to ride your horse in Zion National Park.
