Things to do in Zion National Park

There are a host of activities in and around Utah's Zion National Park. For some of the most interesting Zion National Park type activities, be sure to know the surrounding areas, some of the most interesting are right outside the park itself—whether that is on the west or east side of the park. This area of Utah and the areas immediately surrounding Zion offer something different and something worth checking out. 

Hiking: There are numerous incredible hiking trails inside Zion National Park. The Riverside Walk is a level, easy, and paved trail, perfect for the young, the elderly, and those with disabilities, allowing them to have exquisite views of the canyon walls and watery hanging gardens on a trail leading to the Zion Narrows. Low on crowds and high on beauty, the lesser-known Kolob Canyons section of the park offers some excellent extra hiking opportunities. For the best hikes in Zion, see our hiking trails page. Outside of the park has no shortage of beauty and interest: Eagle Crags near Rockville, Checkerboard Overlook on top of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Kanarraville Falls, Water Canyon and many other trails all around Zion National Park are all experiences of a lifetime. 

Canyoneering: The canyon experience is quite unique to Southern Utah. Slot canyons occur in only a few places around the world. In this part of Utah, the area is filled with them. The park itself has no shortage of incredible slot canyon experiences: The Subway, Orderville, and Mystery Canyon. Slot canyons often require permits and differing technical skills. Some companies can provide canyoneering services, such as East Zion Adventure, with their canyon-specific knowledge and expertise. 

Scenic Drive: Both inside and outside the park, there are plenty of good options for an incredible scenic drive. A great scenic experience that allows for full attention on the sites around you is the free shuttle bus through the park during peak season, it is the only way to get roadside views of some of the most iconic landmarks in Zion. The Kolob section of the park is renowned for a beautiful 5 mile scenic drive. The switchbacks, tunnel, and views from Highway 9 as you travel between the east and south entrances of the park is also a visitor favorite. 

Wildlife Viewing: Zion boasts an amazing array of wildlife. Animals to look out for range from bighorn sheep to mule deer and various bird species, including eagles, hawks, and California Condors.

Ranger Programs: The visitor center offers ranger programs that can take the form of guided walks with information on the area's geology, flora, and fauna. Check in with the visitors center to learn more about ranger programs.

Stargazing: The dark skies around Zion provide stunning views at night. The skies in and around Zion are stunning due to the lack of light pollution and clouds. If you want to learn more about the night skies, guided stargazing programs with rangers and tours can be arranged from places like Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

Biking: If you care to peddle or rent an e-bike, bicycles are a fine way to experience Zion National Park. For most of the year, access to the main canyon of the park is allowed only by a shuttle bus and bicycles. The paved Pa'rus Trail makes for a wonderful ride with really nice scenery. The mountain biking in Utah and in the areas surrounding Zion is world class. St. George for example is a very popular mountain bike destination.

Zion Human History Museum: This is one museum which no history and culture enthusiast should miss viewing. Inside the walls of this museum, one can have a look at exhibits that detail the lives of early settlers and the indigenous Native American people. 

Ghost Town of Grafton: A few miles south of the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park is the Ghost Town of Grafton. This historic ghost town, one of the best-preserved in the West, gives an idea of pioneer life in the region and the hardship of life along the Virgin River, which flooded frequently. One of the highlights of the stop in Grafton will be the chance to cross the historic Rockville Bridge over the Virgin River. 

Note that some of these are seasonal, while others require service permits. Check current conditions and regulations for any activities planned. Oh, and have a good time, in and around Zion National Park.