10 Things You NEED to Do in Zion National Park
- Logan & Audri
- Feb 25
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 25
Zion National Park is one of those places that completely takes your breath away. The towering red cliffs, winding rivers, and unreal viewpoints make Zion not only one of the most beautiful national parks, but also one of the most stunning places in the United States. But with so much to see, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip! After exploring Zion multiple times, we’ve narrowed down to 10 of the absolute best things to do–whether you’re a hiker, road tripper, or just here for the epic views!
What to Know Before Visiting Zion:
Start Early–Like, REALLY Early⏰
Zion gets crowded fast, especially for popular hikes and during peak season
Arrive before 7am if you want parking inside the park
If you’re hiking Angel’s Landing, get on the first shuttle of the day for the fewest crowds
The Shuttle System🚌
You CAN’T drive into Zion Canyon from March to late November, you have to take the shuttle
Shuttle Frequency: Every 6-10 minutes during peak season, but expect LONG lines after 9am
If you are here during off-season, you can drive into Zion Canyon, so no shuttles are necessary!
Don't Underestimate Zion's Heat & Sun🥵☀️
Temperatures can reach over 100°F during Summer, and shade is limited on many of the trails
The Narrows is a great afternoon hike to stay cool during summer months
Bring a hydration pack (NOT just a water bottle) to stay hydrated!
Permits Are REQUIRED For Certain Trails🎟
Some trails in Zion require a permit, like The Narrows (Top-Down), Angel’s Landing, and The Subway
You can apply for a permit here
If you’re unable to get a permit for Angel’s Landing, hike up to Scout Lookout instead!
Where You Should Stay🏨
Springdale, Utah: The closest town to the Zion, located right outside of the entrance with shuttle stops for easy access
Hurricane, Utah: 30 minutes outside of Zion, offering budget-friendly hotel options
Inside the Park: The best way to experience Zion! Stay at Zion Lodge (the only lodge in the park or camp at Watchman or South Campgrounds
Now that you know all of the essentials for visiting Zion, let’s dive into the BEST things to do within the park! From some of the most epic hikes in America to stunning viewpoints, these are 10 experiences you won’t want to miss!
10 Things You NEED to Do in Zion National Park:
Hike The Narrows🥾
The Narrows is one of the most unique hikes in the world–you’re literally walking through a river, surrounded by canyon walls that rise hundreds of feet above you! This trail follows the Virgin River, and depending on the season, you’ll be wading through ankle to waist-deep water.
Most visitors hike from the bottom up which does NOT require a permit and allows you to turn back at any point. For a bigger challenge, the top-down route is a 16-mile trek that requires a permit and usually takes a full day to complete.
📍Best Time to Visit: Summer & Fall
🥾Difficulty: Moderate (depends on water levels)
🎟Permit: YES for top-down route, you can find more information here & NO for the bottom-up route
🩳Waterproof Gear: You can rent waterproof gear at Zion Outfitters in Springdale. Make sure you get a full dry suit (if you’re going close to or during Winter months). We would also recommend renting neoprene socks and trekking poles year-round.
⚠️Flash Floods: BEWARE of flash flooding here! There are signs showing how likely it is for flash flooding to occur each day, please do not do this hike if there is a high chance, it’s NOT worth risking your life!
🪧Trailhead: Chamberlain Ranch (Top-Down) & Temple of Sinawa (Bottom-Up)
Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway🚗
If you want to experience Zion’s breathtaking landscapes without hiking, the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway is the ultimate scenic drive! This 26-mile stretch winds through towering cliffs, unique rock formations, and the iconic Mount Carmel Tunnel (which I’m sure you’ve seen on social media.)
As you drive, you’ll pass must-see spots like Checkerboard Mesa, a massive rock formation with a unique criss-cross pattern, and several pull-off areas with panoramic canyon views. The highlight of this drive has to be the 1.1 mile long Mount Carmel Tunnel, which offers some of the best views in the park!
📍Best Time to Drive: Golden Hour or Sunset (Trust us!)
⛰Best Tunnel View: We thought we were going through the wrong tunnel at first because the views were NOT the same as it looked on social media, but then we realized we were going the wrong way! If you enter the park through Springdale, you will be going through the wrong side, so go through the tunnel, turn around, and then you will get those epic views descending into the canyon!
🚐Important RV Info: If you’re driving an RV you may need to pay an extra $15 fee to be escorted through the tunnel
Hike The Watchman Trail🥾
The Watchman Trail is one of the best trails in Zion National Park–it offers panoramic views without the extreme difficulty of Angel’s Landing. This moderate 3.2 mile roundtrip trail takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking The Watchman, a 6,545 foot peak that dominates the surrounding mountains.
Although The Watchman Trail is a popular hike, it remains peaceful and accessible year-round. It’s a fantastic sunrise or sunset hike, plus it’s one of the few trails in the park that starts right near the Visitor Center, making it easy to fit into your itinerary!
📍Best Time to Hike: Sunrise or Sunset for golden hour views
🥾Difficulty: Moderate
⏳Distance: 3.2 Miles Roundtrip
⏰Total Time: 1.5-2 Hours
🪧Trailhead: Park at the Visitor Center, from there you will see signs leading you to the Watchman Trail
Sunrise at Canyon Overlook🌄
If you’re looking for one of the best sunrise views in Zion, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a must-do! This short, but rewarding 1 mile roundtrip hike leads to an epic viewpoint of Zion Canyon and sunrise makes these views even more unbelievable!
Unlike other popular sunrise spots that require a long, strenuous hike, Canyon Overlook is an easy 20-30 minute walk. This means you won’t have to wake up at 3am to see the sunrise–just arrive 30-45 minutes before the sun goes up!
📍Best Time to Hike: Sunrise
🥾Difficulty: Easy–a short 1 mile roundtrip hike with mild elevation gain
⏳Hiking Time: 20-30 Minutes (Roundtrip)
💡Gear: Bring a headlamp or flashlight if hiking up for sunrise
🪧Trailhead: Canyon Overlook Trail (Parking is EXTREMELY limited, but there are lots further down the road)
Find Petroglyphs🪨
Most visitors to Zion focus on the cliffs and breathtaking hikes, but hidden within the park are petroglyphs that date back hundreds–possibly thousands–of years! These rock carvings can be found in a lesser known area of the park, just a short walk from the main road. Unlike Zion’s more popular hikes, this spot is quiet, easy to reach, and often overlooked by visitors.
To reach Secret Petroglpyh Canyon, drive east on UT-9 from the Zion Visitor Center. After passing through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, continue for 1.3 miles and lookout for a small pulloff on the right side near a wooden fence. The trail is not marked, but from the parking area, follow the sandy wash, walk through the stone culvert under the road, and continue until you see the fenced off petroglpyhs on the canyon walls!
📍Best Time to Visit: Morning or Late Afternoon
🥾Difficulty: Easy–a short 0.6 mile roundtrip walk
⏳Hiking Time: 15-30 Minutes (Roundtrip)
🪧Trailhead: Unmarked (Use the Directions Above or ask a ranger)
Stargaze at Lava Point Overlook🌟
Zion National Park isn’t just beautiful during the day–it’s equally stunning at night! Lava point Overlook, one of the highest points in the park, offers some of the clearest and darkest skies for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, and a wide, open view of the sky, it’s the perfect place to see the Milky Way and constellations.
Lava Point is located along Kolob Terrace Road, about 1 hour from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The road to the overlook is paved, but closes seasonally due to snow, so check for closures before heading out. There are no official facilities here, but the high elevation and remote setting make for one of the best stargazing experiences in Utah.
📍Best Time to Visit: Around new moon phases for the darkest skies
⏳How Long Should You Stay? Make sure to stay for at least 30 minutes to let your eyes adjust to the darkenss
🥾Difficulty: Easy–NO hiking required!
💡Gear: Bring a red light flashlight instead of a white light flashlight to preserve your nightvision while stargazing!
Bike The Pa'rus Trail🚵🏼♀️
If you’re looking for an easy and scenic ride in Zion, the Pa’rus Trail is the perfect option. As the only trail in the park where bikes are allowed, it offers a smooth, paved path with views of The Watchman, the Virgin River, and open meadows. The 3.5 mile roundtrip trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for all skill levels, whether you’re biking solo, with friends, or as a family.
The trail begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and follows the Virgin River to Canyon Junction. Along the way, you’ll cross several bridges, ride past wildflowers and cottonwood trees, and likely spot mule deer grazing in the meadows. At Canyon Junction, you can either turn back or continue biking along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive if you want a longer ride.
📍Best Time to Visit: Early Morning or Late Afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler weather
🚵🏼♀️Difficulty: Easy–flat, paved path
⏳Distance: 3.5 Miles (roundtrip)
💡Gear: Rent a bike here
🪧Trailhead: Park at the Visitor Center, from there you will see signs leading you to the Pa’rus Trail
Hike Angel's Landing⛰
Angel’s Landing is one of the most dangerous hikes in America, but also one of the most thrilling! This 5.4 mile roundtrip trail climbs nearly 1,500 feet in elevation and leads to panoramic views of Zion Canyon. The final section of the hike is what makes it so famous–a narrow ridge with steep drop offs on both sides with only chains to support you. If you’re up for the challenge, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the park!
This hike begins at The Grotto and follows the West Rim Trail up a series of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles, leading to Scout Lookout. Only hikers with a permit can continue along the chained section to Angel’s Landing. The final 0.5 miles involve gripping chains, scrambling over rocks, and navigating steep drop offs, but the view at the summit is absolutely worth it!
📍Best Time to Visit: Early Morning so you’re able to get back down before dark
🥾 Difficulty: Strenuous–very steep inclines and exposed ridges; only recommended if you have prior hiking experience
⏳ Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
🎟️ Permit Required: Yes, you can apply here.
💡Alternative: If you are unable to acquire a permit, hike up to Scout Lookout instead!
🪧Trailhead: The Grotto
Canyoneering Pine Creek Canyon🧗🏻♀️
Pine Creek Canyon is one of Zion’s best technical canyoneering routes, featuring multiple rappels, narrow slot sections, and deep pools. The route’s highlight is the stunning Cathedral Chamber, a massive double-arch formation hidden deep within the canyon. Though only 1.5 miles long, this adventure requires experience with rappelling, down climbing, and swimming through cold water.
Your journey will start by the Canyon Overlook Trail parking lot with an immediate drop into a pothole rappel. From there, expect five major rappels, tight passageways, and icy pools (even during summer). The exit of this route is near the second switchback on Route 9, so make sure to plan a short hike back to your car.
📍Best Time to Visit: Late Spring to Fall
🧗🏻♀️Difficulty: Strenuous–do NOT try this as a beginner!
⏳ Duration: 3-6 Hours
🎟️ Permit Required: Yes, find canyoneering permit information here.
💡Gear: A wetsuit is recommended year round due to the canyon’s cold water temperatures!
Go Horseback Riding🐎
Yes, you’re reading that right–you can go horseback riding in Zion! It is one of the most unique ways to take in the park’s scenery. Unlike hiking, you’ll get to sit back and enjoy the view as you ride along the Virgin River surrounded by the massive red rocks. This experience gives you a glimpse of how early pioneers once travelled through the rugged landscape of Zion, making it a must-do for anyone looking for a different way to explore the park.
Riders can choose from shorter rides along the Virgin River to longer rides that climb up into the mountains. Along the trail you might spot mule deer or even wild turkeys making it an immersive way to explore the beauty of Zion. Most tours usually run from March to October and we would recommend to book in advance since spots can fill up quickly!
📍When to Experience: March-October
🐎Difficulty: Easy–NO experience needed!
🎟️ Reservations: Yes, make sure to book in advance and choose a company that operates within the park!
💡Gear: We recommend wearing long pants and closed toe shoes for comfort
Final Tips for Your Trip to Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Whether your wading through the Narrows, hiking up to Angel’s Landing or seeing an unforgettable sunrise at Canyon Overlook, every experience here feels like a once in a lifetime moment.
If you’re planning a bigger roadtrip through Southern Utah, be sure to check out our Southern Utah Roadtrip Guide–it’s full of detailed itineraries, hidden gems, travel tips, packing lists, and so much more to help you make the most of your trip!
If you have any questions drop a comment or DM us on Instagram and we’d love to help! If you found this guide useful don’t forget to save it for later and share it with your travel buddies!
Zion National Park FAQ
Do I need a permit for Angel's Landing?
Yes, you need a permit for Angel’s Landing due to its popularity. You can apply for a permit through the Zion Lottery System here. You have a 43% chance of getting the permit, but applying to go during the off-season can give you a better chance!
When is the best time to visit Zion National Park?
The best time to visit Zion is in the Spring and Fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Summer is the busiest, but also the hottest, while Winter offers fewer crowds but can bring snow to higher elevations.
Can I drive my car into Zion Canyon?
Private vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon from March to late November. You must take the Zion Shuttle system to reach the main hiking areas. However, in the off-season (late November-February), you can drive in with no restrictions.
How many days do I need in Zion?
For a quick visit, 1-2 days is enough to see some of the main highlights. If you want to hike more challenging trails or explore off the beaten path spots, 3-4 days is ideal.
Still have questions about Zion National Park? Drop a comment below or send us a message on Instagram–we’d love to help!
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