Zion National Park Guides and Outfitters

There are numerous activities to enjoy in and around Utah's Zion National Park. In fact, some of the most interesting Zion National Park things to do are right outside the west or east sides of the park.

 

Hiking: Zion National Park is renowned for its stunning trails. Some popular hikes include Angels Landing, The Narrows, Observation Point, and Emerald Pools. Each trail offers unique views and challenges. The Riverside Walk is an easy, paved trail along the Virgin River that is suitable for all ages and provides stunning views of the canyon walls, on a trail that leads to the Zion Narrows. The lesser-known Kolob Canyons section of the park offers some excellent additional hiking opportunities. In addition to these great trails in the park, there are trails such as Eagle Crags near Rockville, Checkerboard Overlook at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Kanarraville Falls, Water Canyon, and many other trails all around Zion National Park

 

Canyoneering: Carefully explore the narrow slot canyons within the park such as The Subway, Orderville, and Mystery Canyon, whicih are popular choices.  These activities may require permits and technical skills. Outside the park, companies such as East Zion Adventure can take you to some incredible slot canyons for rappelling or walk-in tours

 

Scenic Drive: Take a scenic drive through the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on the park shuttle, but don't miss out on other scenic drives such as the Kolob Terrace, the Kolob Fingers, and even some scenic backcountry drives that travel on dirt roads.

 

Wildlife Viewing: Zion is home to diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and a variety of bird species such as eagles, hawks, and California condors. Bring binoculars or your camera, and take a leisurely stroll along some of the easier trails to spot wildlife.

 

Photography: Capture the breathtaking scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset. The play of light on the canyon walls of Utah's Zion National Park is truly magical. Scenic areas outside the park offer great viewpoints for sunrise and sunset settings.

 

Ranger Programs: Join ranger-led programs and guided walks inside Zion National Park to gain insights into the park's geology, flora, and fauna. Check the visitor center for the seasonal schedule for these activites.

 

Stargazing: Experience the dark skies, particularly in the main canyon or on the upper east side. Zion National Park stargazing opportunities are quite spectacular as the area is often cloud free, and many locations are not near light pollution sources. Check for ranger-led stargazing events or enjoy stargazing tours at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

 

Biking: Explore Zion Canyon on a reqular or electric bicycle. The Pa'rus Trail is a paved path that offers a great biking experience with scenic views. Bikes may also travel up the main canyon. World-class mountain biking trails abound all around Zion National Park.

 

Zion Human History Museum: Learn about the cultural history of the area through interpretive exhibits at the Zion Human History Museum, including the life of early settlers and the indigenous Native American people.

 

Ghost Town of Grafton: Just west of the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park is the historic and well-preserved Grafton ghost town. It's a fascinating glimpse into the region's pioneer history and offers insights to the difficulty of life along the frequently flooding Virgin River. The road to Grafton crosses the historic Rockville Bridge which is a picturesque structure that spans the Virgin River.

 

Remember to check current conditions and regulations, as some activities may require permits or have seasonal restrictions. Enjoy your time in and around Zion National Park!