Zion is an incredible national park in Utah – home to staggering exposed cliffs, tunnels made of rock, and jaw-dropping views. The word Zion is ancient Hebrew for a place of peace and refuge, and the rust-colored canyons and towering mountains in Zion National Park are certainly that.

The park’s landscape was carved over millions of years by water, ice, and wind. There are more than 146,000 acres worth of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and clear rivers within its boundaries.

The attractions at Zion National Park provide something for everyone. From views that photographers have only conjured up in their dreams to strenuous hikes that will challenge even the most experienced hikers and countless family-friendly activities including short easy hikes at Zion.

Here are 12 things to do in Zion National Park for an epic trip to Utah!

Things to Do in Zion National Park

1. Hike The Narrows

True to its name, The Narrows is the narrowest section of the Zion National Park. At points there are walls of up to a thousand-feet tall on either side. This is a Zion must see site!

You can access this area of the national park with a little stroll along the paved Riverside Walk from the Temple of Sinawava. The path to The Narrows is less than a mile long and wheelchair accessible.

If you want to explore more of the gorge then you’ll have to wade through the river that passes through The Narrows.

Bring water shoes (or rent them at Zion) or prepare to get your feet wet!

The Narrows is a top attraction at Zion National Park.

Hiking through The Narrows at Zion is a big Utah bucket list item

2. Angel’s Landing

If you’re scared of heights, then Angels Landing is definitely not for you! You will never see me on this hiking trail :)

The trail up the mountain formation winds up the side of some of the highest and slimmest rock formations in the park, leading you along a narrow trail on the side of the mountain.

At its highest point, Angel’s Landing is 1,500 feet above the floor of the canyon – the views from up here are unbeatable.

To get to the top you’ll follow the West Rim Trail which starts at the Grotto Trailhead and takes some 3-6 hours to hike.

Angel’s Landing is a strenuous hike, so make sure you are physically prepared for it. And new in 2022 you need to acquire a permit to hike Angel’s Landing.

Angels Landing switchbacks seen from above.

Angels Landing is one of the most popular trails at Zion Park

3. Canyon Overlook Trail

Into hiking but not up for any of the more extreme routes? The Canyon Overlook Trail is great for less experienced hikers and first-time visitors!

It runs through the Upper East Canyon and offers spectacular views of the canyon that extends into the distance.

Marvel at the smooth red rocks that have been carved into wave-like shapes over thousands of years, and the deep gorge below.

The hike to Canyon Overlook takes just thirty minutes to an hour and the difficulty rating for this hike is moderate.

It’s a super popular hike at Zion but parking spots open up regularly since it’s a short hike.

Canyon Overlook Trail offers stunning views at Zion.

Beautiful views await you at Canyon View Trail one of Zion’s best attractions

4. Zion Mount Carmel Highway

Would you rather explore the park from the comfort of your vehicle than by foot? Then come and check out the Zion Mount Carmel Highway.

This 10-mile-long scenic drive leads you along a red asphalt road that takes you from Zion’s main canyon to Mount Carmel.

You’ll pass through the famous Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel which was built in the 1920s and has windows on either side so you can enjoy the best scenic views even from inside the tunnel!

Bear in mind that if you’re driving a big RV you’ll need to arrange for the traffic to be stopped on the other side, the tunnel is narrow.

5. Zion National Park Lodge

The Zion Lodge is the only lodging available in the park itself.

The rustic accommodation blends into the landscape and offers you a comfortable place to rest after a long day trekking in the mountains.

There’s a range of accommodation types to choose from, varying from traditional wooden cabins with log fires to hotel rooms with private porches.

The lodge may not fit within a backpacker’s budget, but it’s well-worth a stay if you can afford it! The location is unbeatable.

If you want to stay in Zion National Park then Zion Park Lodge is the best location

6. Weeping Rock

What else should you see at Zion? Weeping Rock is easy to get to and stunning – the perfect combination for families and less avid hikers.

The bowl-shaped alcove that visitors come to see has water running off it. You can stand on the path below the bowl’s edge and watch the water slowly trickle before you without even getting wet!

To get there you’ll just need to take a short 10-minute walk from the Weeping Rock Trailhead, so if you’re exploring the park with little ones this is a great family adventure.

The trailhead is practically next door to the 7th stop of the Zion Canyon Shuttle.

7. Emerald Pool Trail

The Emerald Pool Trail takes you to the Emerald Pools, a collection of little pools that are formed in dips in the canyon’s rocks and are fed by a stream of crystal clear water.

The best time to visit is between March and November when the weather is good and the pools are full.

How long the trail takes depends on which pools you want to visit. It’s just a 1.2 mile round-trip to the Lower Pool.

You don’t have to go much further, just 0.8 miles overall, to get to the Middle Pools. If you want to see the Lower, Middle, and Upper pools it’s a 2.5 mile round trip.

Hikers on Emerald Pool Trail Zion National Park.

Emerald Pool trail is a short easy hike you shouldn’t miss at Zion

8. Observation Point Trail

This trail is for the more serious hikers at Zion. Observation Point trail is an 8 mile long hike that climbs 2,300 feet up to a stunning viewpoint.

The effort is worth the reward, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Feel like you could walk more? Then start at the East Rim Trailhead and take on the 20 mile round-trip!

From the top, you’ll be met with stunning views over the best canyons in Zion National Park as well as the Angels Landing mountains.

Bring your camera, you won’t want to forget these views anytime soon.

9. Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons is a less touristy and barely explored area of Zion National Park.

It’s the best spot in Zion for those who want to escape the crowds and explore the rocky and rust-colored canyons in solitude.

The canyons stand at 6,000 feet and are usually a fair bit cooler than the Zion Canyon which is 2,000 feet lower down – if you don’t like the heat then this is your happy place at Zion.

Take the scenic drive then catch the views at Timber Creek Overlook – a short easy hike with spectacular views!

More than 20 miles worth of trails wind through the Kolob’s finger canyons and the La Verkin Creek’s wide gorge, so pack your backpack and come on an adventure in the Kolob Canyons.

Get more info about hiking Taylor Creek Trail in Kolob Canyons.

Kolob Canyon Zion is the less crowded side of Zion.

To escape the crowds head over to Kolob Canyons for beautiful views and hiking trails

10. Pa’rus Trail

This modern and easy trail was named from the Paiute word meaning “bubbling water”.

Pa’rus is a wide asphalt trail that is wheelchair accessible and simple to navigate. It runs along the Virgin River to the Canyon Junction in the Zion Canyon.

Other perks of the Pa’rus Trail? It’s the only trail open to cyclists and furry pets! Keep a lookout for mule deer, they’re always close by.

Pa'rus Trail Zion with view of Watchman.

Pa’rus Trail is paved – walk or cycle from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Canyon Junction

11. Ranger-led Activities

Looking for something fun to do at Zion with kids? Check out the ranger-led programs.

Even if you’re on your own at Zion, maybe you want to get to know Zion National Park accompanied by an expert, then go on one (or lots!) of the ranger-led activities.

They have something stimulating and adventurous on offer for every age group, so if you’re coming as a family or a big group you’re sure to find something for everyone.

They run bus tours that stop at the park’s most popular attractions, guided hikes to some of the more remote regions of Zion, a storytellers program aimed at little ones, and intriguing nature and wildlife talks.

12. Camping at Zion

There’s so much to do and see in Zion National Park that you’ll likely want to make it a multiple-day trip, and camping will only make it more of an adventure!

There are three campgrounds in the park:

Watchman Campground in Zion Canyon
South Campground
The Lava Point Campground

The last two close in winter but camping at Watchman is open year-round.

Get there early, the campsites fill up quickly, and pitch up your tent. Explore during the day and spend the evening cooking on a BBQ and looking up at the stars.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Zion

With a variety activities to do at Zion there’s always something fun and adventurous available or relaxing and meditative to suit everyone’s needs. From spectacular hikes to scenic viewpoints and jaw-dropping panoramic views you’ll have an amazing time at this most visited Utah national park.