Zion National Park
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Zion National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Canyon Overlook Trail
The parking area just east of Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel leads to this highly popular trail, which is about 1 mile round-trip and takes about an hour to finish. From the breathtaking overlook at the trail's end, you can see The West and East Temples, The Towers of the Virgin, The Streaked Wall, and other Zion Canyon cliffs and peaks. The elevation change is 160 feet. There's no shuttle to this trail, and the parking area often fills up—try to come very early or late in the day to avoid crowds. Easy–Moderate.
Utah, 84767, USA -
2. Kolob Canyons Viewpoint
The big payoff for entering the northwestern Kolob Canyons section of the park off Interstate 15, this spectacular viewpoint lies at the end of 5-mile Kolob Canyons Road. You'll be treated to a beautiful view of Kolob’s “finger” canyons from the several picnic tables spread out beneath the trees. The parking lot has plenty of spaces, a pit toilet, and an overlook with a display pointing out the area's most prominent geological features. Restrooms and drinking water are available at the start of the drive, at Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
Utah, 84779, USA -
3. Ranger-Led Hikes
In summer, daily guided hikes along the 1.7-mile Pa'rus Trail provide an overview of the park's geology and natural and other history. Groups meet at 2 pm at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Wear sturdy footgear and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water. Wheelchairs are welcome on this paved trail but may need assistance.
Zion National Park, Utah, 84767, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Ride with a Ranger Shuttle Tours
Once a day, from Memorial Day through September, rangers conduct shuttle tours of points of interest along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. In addition to learning about the canyon's geology, ecology, and history, you'll be treated to some great photo-ops. The two-hour tour takes place in the morning and departs from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Make reservations in person at the visitor center up to three days in advance for up to eight people in your group.
Zion National Park, Utah, 84767, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Oct.–late May, May–Sept., daily at 9 and 6:30 -
5. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Vividly colored cliffs tower 2,000 feet above the road that meanders north from Highway 9 at Canyon Junction along the floor of Zion Canyon. As you roll through the narrow, steep canyon, you'll pass The Court of the Patriarchs, The Sentinel, and The Great White Throne, among other imposing rock formations. From roughly February through November, unless you're staying at the lodge, you can access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive only by riding the park shuttle. The rest of the year, you can drive it yourself.
Off Hwy. 9 at Canyon Junction, Utah, 84767, USA -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Emerald Pools Trail
Multiple waterfalls cascade (or drip, in dry weather) into algae-filled pools along this trail that begins along the Virgin River on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The path leading to the lower pool is paved but is too steep and narrow to be appropriate for wheelchairs, at least not without assistance. If you've got any energy left, keep going past the lower pool. The ½ mile from there to the middle and then upper pools becomes rocky and somewhat steep but offers increasingly scenic views. A less crowded and exceptionally enjoyable return route follows the Kayenta Trail, connecting to the Grotto Trail. Allow 50 minutes for the 1¼-mile round-trip hike to the lower pool, and an hour more each round-trip to the middle (2 miles) and upper pools (3 miles). Lower, easy. Upper and Middle, moderate.
Utah, 84767, USA -
7. Grotto Trail
This level, 1-mile round-trip trail takes you from Zion Lodge to the lovely, tree-shaded Grotto picnic area, traveling much of the way parallel to the park road. Allow 20 minutes or less for this easy stroll through meadows and beneath a light tree canopy. From here, you can cross the footbridge over the Virgin River to connect with the Kayenta Trail, which leads south to the Emerald Pools trails or north to the West Rim Trail and eventually up to Angels Landing (for which a permit is required). Easy.
Utah, 84767, USA -
8. Junior Ranger Program
Educational activities aimed at younger visitors include the chance to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Kids do so by attending at least one nature program and completing the free Junior Ranger Handbook, available at visitor centers.
Zion National Park, Utah, 84767, USA -
9. Pa'rus Trail
This relatively flat, paved walking and biking path parallels and occasionally crosses the Virgin River and offers a great way to take in some of Zion Canyon's most impressive vistas while using a wheelchair or stroller, spending time with your pooch (leashed dogs are welcome), or simply enjoying a relaxing ramble or bike ride. Starting at the South Campground, ½ mile north of the South Entrance, the walk proceeds north along the river to the beginning of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and is 3.5 miles round-trip. Along the way you'll take in great views of The Watchman, The Sentinel, The East and West Temples, and The Towers of the Virgin. Keep an eye out for bicycles zipping by. Easy.
Utah, 84767, USA -
10. Riverside Walk
This 2.2-mile round-trip hike that's also sometimes referred to as the Gateway to The Narrows Trail shadows the Virgin River. In spring, wildflowers bloom on the opposite canyon wall in lovely hanging gardens. The trail, which begins at the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is one of the park's most visited, so be prepared for crowds. Riverside Walk is paved and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though some wheelchair users may need assistance. Round-trip it takes about 90 minutes. At the end, the much more challenging The Narrows Trail begins. Easy.
Utah, 84767, USA -
11. The Grotto
Get your food to go at Zion Lodge, take a short walk to this scenic retreat, and dine beneath a shady oak. Amenities include drinking water, picnic tables, and restrooms, but there are no fire grates. A trail from here leads to the Emerald Pools.
Off Zion Canyon Scenic Dr., at Grotto, Zion National Park, Utah, 84779, USA -
12. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
Don’t miss this short hike at the end of Kolob Canyons Road. Covered with desert wildflowers in spring and early summer, it’s barely a mile round-trip on a sandy, relatively exposed plateau above the surrounding valleys. Get a good look at the Kolob Canyons “skyline,” including Shuntavi Butte in the shadow of 8,055-foot Timber Top Mountain. The last few hundred yards are a little rockier with a 100-foot ascent, but even kids and novice hikers shouldn’t have any trouble with it. At the picnic area at the trailhead, you might spy lizards, chipmunks, squirrels, and the occasional long-eared, black-tailed jackrabbit. Easy.
Utah, USA -
13. Watchman Trail
For a dramatic view of Springdale and a great introduction to the park's landscape, including lower Zion Creek Canyon and The Towers of the Virgin, this moderately taxing adventure begins on a service road east of the Watchman Campground. Some springs seep out of the sandstone, nourishing the hanging gardens and attracting wildlife. There are a few sheer cliff edges, so supervise children carefully. Plan on two hours to complete this 3.3-mile round-trip hike with a 368-foot elevation change. Moderate.
Utah, 84767, USA -
14. Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Learn about the area's geology, flora, and fauna at the outdoor interpretive exhibits next to a gurgling stream. Inside, a large shop sells everything from field guides to souvenirs. Zion Canyon shuttle buses leave regularly from the center and connect with Springdale as well as making several stops along the canyon's beautiful Scenic Drive; ranger-guided shuttle tours depart once a day from Memorial Day to late September. Within a short walk you can also access the small Zion Nature Center, the park's two main campgrounds, and both the Watchman and Pa'rus hiking trails. During busy periods, the visitor center and surrounding plaza can feel like a bit of a zoo (and spaces can be tough to come by in the parking lot); try to arrive very early or late in the day if you can.
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15. Zion Nature Center
In summer, rangers present family programs at this center next to South Campground. There's a nice picnic area where you can feed your kids. When the center is closed, use the restrooms at the campground.
Zion National Park, Utah, 84779, USA
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