Zion National Park Sights and Activities
Nestled in the heart of Southern Utah lies Zion National Park, a small yet definite crowd pleaser among National Parks. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, Zion offers a unique combination of towering red rock formations, lush greenery, and vibrant wildlife. With spectacular hiking trails, coveted rock climbs, and mind blowing natural beauty, this place is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Understanding the ins and outs of this remarkable landscape can make your visit truly unforgettable.
Zion has a semi-arid climate, meaning extremely high day time temps in the summers, cooler nights, and cold winters. Despite the heat, summer is the park’s busiest season. October through March is considered off season and provides a less crowded, more peaceful experience. During all but a select couple of months in the winter (usually sometime Jan – Feb) Zion’s main canyon is closed to most passenger vehicles and a free shuttle system offers alternative transportation.
Zion outdoor recreation
Zion is home to a wealth of attractions and things to do that cater to every interest and skill level. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor activities to enjoy in and around the park.
Hiking
Angels Landing
One of the park’s most iconic attractions is Angels Landing. While the hike may push your physical and mental limits, the rewards are unparalleled, including breathtaking views of Zion Canyon and the chance of spotting a rare and majestic California condor. The 5.4 mile round trip trail includes 1,500 feet of elevation gain as well as steep switchbacks, narrow ledges, and sheer drop offs, making it an exhilarating adventure for experienced hikers.
Pro tip: due to its popularity, the final “chains” section of Angel’s Landing requires timed entry permits reserved ahead of time. However, the scenic viewpoint just before this section known as Scout’s Lookout is open to all. It is also a much more amenable option for anyone scared of heights…
Emerald Pools
For those seeking a more leisurely hike, Emerald Pools is a family friendly trail that leads to a series of picturesque pools and waterfalls nestled amidst lush greenery. This 1.2 mile round trip hike is suitable for all skill levels and offers a tranquil escape into Zion’s natural beauty. One of the best ways to explore the park is joining a guided tour with a Zion expert. Join us as we explore the best attractions and activities Zion has to offer.
The Narrows
Another must see attraction is The Narrows, a mesmerizing slot canyon carved out by the Virgin River. Hiking through the Narrows involves wading through the North Fork of the Virgin River for miles, navigating narrow passageways between towering red canyon walls. The Narrows offers a unique and immersive experience unlike any other in the park. Read our tips for how to hike the Narrows, or join this quintessential Zion excursion with our expert guides.
Kolob Canyon/Kolob Arch
Tucked away on the western corner of the park is Kolob Canyon, a lesser visited area of Zion, but a slice of stillness amidst the chaos and crowds of the main canon. The shining jewel of this area is Kolob Arch, one of the the largest arches in the world, at a whopping 287 feet in length. While it may be shorter than Landscape Arch (Arches National Park), many consider it to be more structurally sound and likely to last longer. Persistent hikers will be rewarded with this spectacular natural phenomena at the turnaround point of a strenuous 14 mile round trip hike. Throughout the hike, visitors can soak up the solitude and lush scenery that is Kolob Canyon.
Rock Climbing
In addition to hiking, the park offers a variety of other thrilling activities. Rock climbing is a popular pastime, with the parks towering sandstone cliffs providing a challenging and scenic backdrop for climbers of all skill levels. Mostly showcasing traditional climbs from beginner to expert, the park service requires a permit for this activity. Popular walls include The Great White Throne, the Court of Patriarchs, and Bridge Mountain. Test your climbing skills on popular routes like Ashtar Command, Dost Mitra or Fails of Power.
Pro tip: Rock guiding isn’t allowed in the park but is legal just outside of its perimeter. One can find guiding companies in the neighboring city of Springdale.
Canyoneering
Canyoneering is another adrenaline packed adventure allowing visitors to experience Zion’s intricate network of slot canyons, waterfalls and natural arches. Combining aspects of hiking, rock climbing, route finding, and rappelling, canyoneering makes for an immersive adventure. Exploring the park through this method allows visitors to see the rock formations and viewpoints from a unique perspective inaccessible by hiking alone. You can explore on your own in the park with a permit or choose from the many qualified guiding outfitters in Springdale.
Pro tip: Like rock climbing, commercially guided canyoneering groups are not allowed to operate inside the park proper. However many trips originating nearby or just outside its boundaries are available.
Sightseeing & Other Activities
Encompassing over 229 square miles of pristine wilderness, Zion is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions to explore. From awe-inspiring night skies, to scenic viewpoints and colorful human history, there are no shortage of things to catch the interest.
Sunset & Sunrise
Catching the first or the last rays of sun in Zion is a major draw for visitors. Especially those interested in photography. The dancing light changes an already picturesque landscape into a treasure for the eyes. Fiery reds, bursting oranges, soft pinks, and dazzling purples wash over the rock formations and canyons around. It also provides a moment of serenity and contemplation, often missed in busy modern life. Our top places to view sunset and sunrise are the Canyon Overlook Trail, Checkerboard Mesa, Towers of the Virgin, and Observation Point.
Geology
For geology lovers, Zion is the promised land. Throughout the park, visitors can see a colorful array of sedimentary rock layers, each representing a different geological period in Earth’s history. These layers tell a story of millions of years of deposition, uplift, and erosion, offering insights into the archaic environments and processes that shaped the landscape we now see. From oldest to youngest the seven main rock formations are: Kaibab limestone, Moenkopi formation, Chinle formation, Moenave formation, Kayenta formation, Navajo Sandstone, and the youngest the Moenkopi/Cutler formation. The Navajo sandstone is the most iconic of them all, usually forming the towering cliffs and mesas that make Zion famous. Learn more from the Ranger led programs found in the visitor center.
Stargazing
Zion is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it protects the dark skies by banning artificial light at night. Bring your headlamps and torches, because after nightfall, Zion is dark! It’s an incredible place to view the stars, the milky way, and the depths of the night sky. Plan your trip around a meteor shower or during phases of the new moon for the most optimal stargazing experience. The best spots in the park for stargazing are Pa’rus Trail, Checkerboard Mesa pull-off, Lava Point Overlook, Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, and Timber Creek parking lot.
Dining
There is only one option for dining within the park limits, The Zion Lodge. The Red Rock Grill Dining Room at Zion Lodge is open year round serving American comfort food with a southwestern flair.The Castle Dome Cafe, a seasonal snack bar next to the lodge, also served various snack bar items like hot dogs, burgers, french fries, beers, and coffee when open. Outside of the park, visitors can find numerous restaurants and grocery stores in the gateway town of Springdale.
Zion History Museum
Learn about the park’s colorful and storied past, from geology to human history through informative exhibits at the Zion History Museum. Discover the lengths conservationists have gone to to protect the park for future generations. Explore the indigenous culture of the Southern Paiutes and Ancestral Puebloans with interactive displays and artifacts.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out the free educational programs and events the museum hosts throughout the year, catering to all ages and interests.
Explore Utah with WILDLAND TREKKING
As you wrap up an unforgettable exploration through Zion National Park, carry the spirit of adventure and appreciation for the natural world with you. Take time to sit in gratitude and awe, until next time.
