From hiking to fishing to winter sports, there are plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast in Zion National Park.
Adventure & Rec.
From hiking to fishing to winter sports, there are plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast in Zion National Park.
Backpacking
From the popular Zion Narrows route to trips on the East and West Rim, there are many backpacking routes in Zion National Park. Permits are required for all overnights and technical trips. Nearby Grand Canyon National Park is also a popular backpacking destination. Read More...
Biking
Gooseberry Mesa, JEM Trail, and Thunder Mountain offer singletrack (and slickrock) fans plenty of fat tire options. Read More...
Camping
Zion offers several excellent camping experiences, from primitive backcountry camping to designated camp grounds within the park. Read More...
Canyoneering
The Zion Narrows may be the birthplace of canyoneering. The Subway is another popular place to scramble and rappel into and through the Zion canyons. Read More...
Fishing
The Virgin River through Zion is considered a wild river and has six species native to the Virgin River basin, four of which reach into the Zion headwaters. All fish in Zion are catch-and-release, with the exception of trout. Read More...
Hiking
Zion offers hikers and backpackers an exceptional variety of lovely trails that meander across rivers and streams, pass by striking waterfalls and end in magnificent geological formations like hidden canyons and soaring arches. Read More...
Horseback
In-park trail rides follow the course of the Virgin River or expand out into Sand Beach Trail. Backcountry permits allow horse camping in some of the most remote and scenic locations Read More...
Rafting
Although Zion is pretty temperate compared to the surrounding desert, hiking along steep canyon walls can get a little brutal. That’s why we recommend indulging in at least one Rafting/River Trip during your stay. Zion is on the Virgin River, but it is also close to the Colorado and the Green rivers, which offer great white water as well as chances to take a relaxing float and enjoy a relief from the desert heat. Read More...
Winter Activities
The canyon is not normally subject to heavy snow, so hiking, biking and canyoneering (with a wetsuit!) are popular throughout the winter. Roads generally remain passable, although some trails get icy so check with the rangers. Read More...
Top Ten Things to do in Zion Park
1. Explore a Slot Canyon
Zion possesses one of the areas richest treasure troves for intrepid explorers willing to match their wits, their legs and their fingers against Mother Nature. Read More...
2. Delve into Zion History
There are tens of thousands of ruins, artifacts, petroglyphs and pictographs throughout the region. One of the most fun things you can do is find an ancient artifact on your own. Read More...
3. Look for Arches
These geological phenomena are formed through a deceivingly simple process of erosion. Water percolates through the cracks in the rock, and in the winter it freezes and expands, cracking and carving bits and pieces of the rock into natural arches. Read More...
4. Listen to the Experts
Varied ranger-led programs are meant to inspire and educate visitors of Zion National Park. These varied programs can feature film, slides, and other forms of presentation. Read More...
5. Explore The Narrows
The Narrows are easily accessed by everyone. The hike begins at Temple of Sinawava, then winds along the paved pathway of Riverside Walk to the beginning of the area where the canyon walls narrow. Read More...
6. Watch Wildlife
Utah has some amazing animal populations– big cats, buffalo, bears, and more. With a little persistence you can catch a glimpse of many of Utah’s native residents. Read More...
7. Drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
With switchbacks, slickrock and sweeping views with seasonal waterfalls, the approach has numerous spots where you can pull off the road for a better view or to take a short hike, encapsulating many of the highlights seen elsewhere in this most scenic of areas. Read More...
8. Soak in fabulous scenery
Utah is know for its striking scenery, but Zion stands above the rest. With breathtaking waterfalls, towering cliffs, narrow canyons and numerous water features, it is hard to image a place more beautiful. Read More...
9. Visit a Museum
The Southwest is dotted with small museums set up by an individual or a small group who really wanted to tell people about something. These mini-gems of museums are worth the time and money. Read More...
10. Go Where the Locals Go
With 15 miles of trails through coral-colored Navajo sandstone interspersed with snow white cliffs, dark lava flows and bright red sand dunes, the five-mile Snow Canyon Park draws rock climbers, photographers, spelunkers, RVers and hikers. Read More...
