Best things to do in Zion National Park

Quench your thirst for outdoor at Zion National Park, Utah's first national park. The park remains home to verdant river valleys, woodlands, massive sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, natural arches, and dozens of trails, each offering exceptional mountain panoramas. The hiking routes range from easy to strenuous with vertical cliff faces and deadly drop-offs. The popular activities within the park include horse riding and rock climbing. Packed with hotels, vacation rentals, and excellent restaurants, Springdale makes a good base for exploring the wilderness of Zion.

If you're willing to challenge yourself to walk up narrow paths and climb steep ridges at Zion National Park, you can reach Angel's Landing and be rewarded with a majestic view. The trail is considered extremely demanding--especially the final stage. The early part of the hike features plenty of pleasant photo opportunities. As the trail begins to get steeper, any crowds will thin out because most people turn back. Reaching the summit can be dangerous--especially so when wet or icy. It requires scaling some serious heights and using chains anchored in the rocks, so it's not for everyone. This final part of the climb is not intended for children.

In the upper sections of the Zion Canyon, the Virgin River has carved out a 25.7 km (16 mi) gorge, referred to as The Narrows. Hiking through the gorge is an unusual and occasionally challenging experience that rewards with its breathtaking scenery. For approximately two thirds of the route, the river runs the entire width of the canyon--and thus you walk, wade, and occasionally swim. Wearing the proper attire is essential, as the water can be cold, and the rocks underfoot are slippery. Bring a trekking pole, sturdy shoes, and a change of clothes. Put your dry items, valuables, and electronics in waterproof bags to prevent damage.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive features dramatic vistas and an array of hiking trails. See enormous sandstone cliffs, meandering rivers, wildlife, and red and green vastness. Stop at the visitor center and view exhibits before taking the drive, and see the ranger presentations at the Zion Human History Museum. Be aware that the road is open year-round, but private vehicles are allowed only seasonally; organized shuttle buses run the route the rest of the year. You can also get maps and publications from the bookstore inside the visitor center.

Hike Canyon Overlook Trail with the knowledge that you don't have to be extremely fit to admire some of the greatest views of Zion National Park. One of the park's most scenic trails, the moderate incline and roundtrip length of just 1.6 km (1 mi) make it accessible for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Even during this short hike, you'll be able to experience a variety of landscapes and natural features, and perhaps discover some of the park's abundant wildlife. The trail end commands impressive views of some of the park's most famous features. Apart from one shady alcove, most of the trail sits in direct sunlight, so make sure to apply adequate sun protection. Avoid hiking the trail in wet weather, because it can become dangerous when slippery.

offers a scenic driving experience and the opportunity to go through an architectural masterpiece of a tunnel. You'll wind your way through the red rocks along the 40 km (25 mi) long highway, which curves through canyons and cliffs frequently scaled by bighorn sheep. One of the road's most notable features is the 1,711 m (5,613 ft) long, rock-faced tunnel.When it was built in the late 1920s, the tunnel was one of the longest in the United States. You have to pay admission into Zion National Park to drive the road, and an additional fee is required to pass through the tunnel for oversized vehicles. To prevent accidents, park rangers convert traffic to a one-way direction inside the tunnel, allowing large vehicles to pass safely.

Hike and make the steep climb to Observation Point in Zion National Park and be rewarded with spectacular views of the park from high above. The hike is fairly challenging, following a maintained path that climbs steep terrain surrounded with major drop offs at various points. Enjoy the sight of Zion Canyon as you climb through the iconic Navajo sandstone that the region is famous for. Continue through Echo Canyon, a deep gorge where you can appreciate more breathtaking views of the sandstone landscape. Once at the top, look down on the stone walls of the canyon, and notice the other peaks surrounding you.

Kolob Canyons is the northwest section of Zion National Park of Utah, United States. The Kolob Canyons are part of the Colorado Plateau region of the park and are noted for their colorful beauty and diverse landscape. This part of Zion National Park is accessed by a park road about 20 miles south of Cedar City, Utah off Interstate 15.In 1847, Mormon farmers from the Salt Lake area became the first people of European descent to settle the Virgin River region. In 1851, the Parowan and Cedar City, Utah areas were settled by Mormons who used the Kolob Canyons area for timber, and for grazing cattle, sheep, and horses. They prospected for mineral deposits, and diverted Kolob water to irrigate crops in the valley below. Mormon settlers named the area Kolob—in Mormon scripture, the nearest star to the planet where God resides.

Hop on Zion Shuttle for a relaxing and informative trip along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Leaving from the visitor center, the shuttle travels about 10 km (6 mi), with nine stops along the way, and offers beautiful views of the expansive canyon along with relevant commentary of what you’re seeing. Start at the visitor center, complete with exhibits about the canyon and park, to plan your trip. The shuttle departs frequently so you won’t wait long.

Nestled deep within a canyon inside Zion National Park, the pools feature vegetation of moss and ferns that flank the side of the pool, which is fed by the trickling water sprayed from the falls. A 1.6 km (1 mi) trail initially runs along the river, taking you through forests and waterfalls to the lower pool, which is a 45.7 m (150 ft) ascent. From the lower pool, you can choose from a number of more challenging paths that ascend to the middle and upper pools via a looped-track. Be aware that climbing to the upper pool requires a 106.7 m (350 ft.) ascent. The final stretch is hotter and drier, but can take you to cliffs spanning 91 m (300 ft).

The Court of the Patriarchs' is a sandstone cliff on the south face of the Three Patriarchs in Zion Canyon in Zion National Park in Washington County, Utah, United States.