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Identified for its dramatic, rocky vistas and slot canyons, Zion Nationwide Park in Southwestern Utah is probably the most canyon nation in america.
From excessive plateaus to deep cave methods, there’s a lot to see and do in Zion Nationwide Park, not simply The Narrows, the well-known slot canyon that put this park on the map.
With its immense crimson and white sandstone cliffs that attain out of the forested river mattress to the good blue of the sky, Zion is probably the most spectacular canyons in Utah.
We visited Zion NP with our daughters and found many hikes, scenic drives, and extra. In the event you’re planning to go to this nationwide park, listed below are a few of our high tips about issues to do in Zion Nationwide Park that we loved doing.
Issues to do in Zion Nationwide Park
Zion Nationwide Park Utah is full of adventures and climbing trails to swimsuit all talents and age ranges.
The excellent news is almost all of the hikes in Zion are family-friendly!
1. Hike The Narrows
There are a number of components to think about earlier than deciding to hike The Narrows, particularly with youngsters.
It will not be a good suggestion if the river is simply too excessive, unhealthy climate is within the space (because it’s vulnerable to flash floods), or the water is simply too chilly.
It was all the above for us once we visited in March, and the Nationwide Park closed the Zion Narrows hike throughout our go to.
You’ll be able to rent wetsuits and booties to put on to maintain you dry and heat…considerably.
The Narrows is a hike centered on wading up the Virgin River, so that you wish to guarantee you possibly can deal with it, and your youngsters can too.
Craig and I hiked a good bit of the Zion Narrows in the summertime of 2006 and LOVED it, so we have been disillusioned we couldn’t do it with the women this time (in March the water was freezing at 42F, and there was a number of snowmelt and rain taking place). It’s positively the worst time of the yr to aim it.
Riverside Stroll
This Riverside Stroll is an excellent straightforward 2.2 mile return stroll beside the Virgin River and one of the common hikes within the park.
It’s the final shuttle cease on the Temple of Sinawava.
The paved path takes you to the beginning of The Narrows, probably the most well-known landmark within the park. This slender canyon is the narrowest level within the park, therefore the title, and measure simply 20-30 toes huge.
The imposing partitions and the river working via it add a component of journey to the hike.
As you hike via The Narrows, you’re wading via water deep into the narrowing canyon, however in the event you don’t wish to get your toes moist, you possibly can simply cease on the finish of the Riverside path and watch others do it.
We noticed a great deal of squirrels on this stroll, and it is extremely fairly. Due to the imposing canyon partitions, a lot of the hike is shady.
2. Hike the Higher and Decrease Emerald Swimming pools Path (Kayenta Path)
The Kayenta Path is a brief 2 mile path to the Higher and Decrease Emerald Pool path and one of many best trails in Zion Nationwide Park.
It follows the Virgin River and has scenic views of the Zion Canyon, and ends on the backside of the waterfalls.
The Higher Emerald Pool Path was closed once we visited as a consequence of rock fall, but it surely’s normally open all yr spherical.
It’s a really family-friendly path too as there are restrooms accessible at The Grotto, on the path head of this hike.
3. Hike the Weeping Rock Path
Weeping Rock is cease 6 on the shuttle bus system and is a really quick 1/2 mile return stroll.
It’s fairly steep, however shouldn’t be an issue for most individuals.
The paved path ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs.
It appears to be like just like the rock is weeping and on the proper time of yr the greenery will carry out a dangling backyard.
The path is usually closed within the winter as a consequence of rock fall, so remember to verify the web site earlier than visiting to see if it’s open if you go.
4. Hike the Canyon Overlook Path
The one-mile return Canyon Overlook Path ends on the view level of Pine Creek Canyon and decrease Zion Canyon Utah.
The path is rocky a lot of the approach, however is tremendous cool because it passes via a few caves and you’ve got a very good likelihood of seeing Bighorn Sheep – one of many well-known wildlife in Zion Nationwide Park!
The views are extraordinary from right here, presumably one of the best views in Zion park you’ll get.
There are some steep switchbacks, however the path isn’t difficult.
It’s positioned within the Higher East Canyon part of the park, so sadly which means the shuttle doesn’t cease on the trailhead and you need to make your personal approach there.
5. Marvel at The Court docket of The Patriarchs
Only some quick steps off the shuttle bus alongside Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and also you’ll be at a beautiful viewpoint for the Court docket of the Patriarchs – that’s the three large sandstone peaks named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
They have been named by the Methodist Minister, Dr. Frederick Vining Fischer, and two boys from Southern Utah, again in 1916.
6. Bike the Pa’rus Path
We didn’t get an opportunity to bike the Pa’rus Path because the climate turned on us. In any other case I might have liked to expertise biking in Zion.
The path is 3.5 miles spherical journey and follows the Virgin River from the campground to the Canon Junction. You’ll be able to cease off on the Human Historical past Museum alongside the best way.
It’s the one path that enables biking inside the park.
7. Tackle the Angel’s Touchdown Problem
OMG! Are you prepared for epic adventures and to tackle probably the most thrilling hike in Zion Nationwide Park? That is probably the most well-known and most difficult hike within the park, and one you is perhaps questioning whether or not to do with youngsters or with out?
That could be a absolutely loaded query and is determined by varied components such because the age of your kids, their climbing talents, concern issue means, willpower, crowd management, and YOUR talents!
You’ll be able to positively take your youngsters to the highest of the switchbacks, which is the place the precise Angels Touchdown Path begins.
Up till that time it’s the West Rim Path.
That is the straightforward half to the hike and is simply over 1.5 miles lengthy. The switchbacks take a number of the strenuous out of the stroll. In the event you’re not used to climbing chances are you’ll have to take it sluggish and relaxation a bit.
My ladies (aged 11 and seven) did this a part of the stroll straightforward, however they’re used to climbing.
The tough a part of the Angels Touchdown Path is from there onwards.
The warning signal informing you of the seven deaths since 2007 of climbers falling of the edges of the cliff will scare you!
However, when you consider it, that is good odds, contemplating Zion NP is the fourth most visited Nationwide Park within the nation topping 4 million a yr, and Angel’s Touchdown is the preferred of the Zion Nationwide Park hikes!
However, you’re a Momma bear and it will likely be a very completely different perspective.
In 2006, Craig and I hiked to Scout’s Touchdown, which is the half earlier than the actually steep, slender and difficult climax to the Angel’s Touchdown.
Craig has a concern of heights so we stopped right here. I actually remorse not going all the best way to the highest by myself.
However, again then, the path was very quiet, so I believe I used to be a bit nervous to go up by myself in case one thing occurred and there wouldn’t be anybody round.
We weren’t confronted with that have this time.
I used to be gobsmacked on the distinction! It was the crowds this time that held me again from going all the best way to the highest.
I believe the Zion Nationwide Park Service system must introduce some form of allow system. Fortunately everybody on the path was effectively behaved, cautious, thoughtful, and serving to one another out.
We unknowingly ended up there throughout the begin of Spring Break, which I believe intensified the variety of guests considerably – there have been a great deal of school college students doing the hike.
So we determined to go as much as Scout’s Touchdown with the women which is a few 1/4 mile onwards from the highest of the switchbacks.
I discovered this problem exhilarating and enjoyable when Craig and I did it in 2006, though as talked about we have been sharing the path with simply ourselves.
This time I used to be petrified. Solely as a result of I used to be with the women and, in fact, may solely envision disaster as they held onto the chains and walked across the fringe of the cliff on slippery sandy floor with solely a drop off to their demise at their again.
What was I considering?
I held onto Savannah’s sweater with one hand and the chain with the opposite. Kalyra was scaring me holding on the chain together with her hand enclosed within the sweater as her arms have been chilly.
We bought to Scout’s Touchdown and sat to benefit from the views over Zion Valley and take some deep breaths.
Had the crowds not been as intense, we might have gone as much as the highest of Angels Touchdown with the women, however I can’t say for certain.
It’s very slender, steep and scary.
However what a thrill.
The solar was shining shiny and had washed all of it out and the bushes beneath have been stripped of their leaves so the vivid inexperienced carpet of the canyon flooring was gone.
I keep in mind in 2006 it being overcast and so gave us one of the dramatic and beautiful views on the planet and that crimson rock actually stood out.
I’d advocate climbing Angels Touchdown early within the morning after dawn to keep away from the crowds and maybe get higher gentle, or an overcast day.
With the route the solar strikes in I believe it could be fairly washed out at any time of the day.
Let me know within the feedback in the event you’d hike Angel’s Touchdown with youngsters, or in case you have performed it earlier than?
Each my ladies did a rare job, however each are adventurous and skilled hikers and infrequently do mountaineering summer season camps.
Subsequent time they put on a harness up there!!
8. Hike the Commentary Level & Hidden Canyon Trails
As a consequence of climate, Commentary Level Path and Hidden Canyon trails have been closed. In truth, the Hidden Canyon path remains to be closed as of February 2025 as a consequence of rock fall.
If these trails are open if you go to, you’re very fortunate!
I’ve performed Hidden Canyon earlier than and it was superior. It’s reverse the Weeping Rock Path winds alongside a cliff face into the mouth of a slender slot canyon between Cable Mountain and the Nice White Throne.
9. Drive the Zion-Carmel Tunnel Scenic Drive
In Zion Nationwide Park, there are a selection of scenic drives. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the principle one, which is the street the shuttle service takes, however our favourite is Zion-Mount Carmel Freeway, working east to west via the park.
It’s a 40-mile street and goes via the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and finishes on the East entrance to the park.
It is a nice street to take in case you are persevering with your Utah journey to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park – which we extremely advocate because it’s among the best locations to go to in Utah!
The tunnel is a mile lengthy and slender so in case you have a big RV, you will want a particular allow and an escort to get you thru the tunnel.
Once we visited it was closed to bigger autos as a consequence of upkeep points with the tunnel. It had solely simply reopened after a collapse.
We spent a morning having fun with the drive. The surroundings on the japanese facet of the park could be very completely different as it’s increased.
The cliff faces and rocks will likely be extra orange and yellow in shade and also you’ll discover extra pine bushes and animals like bighorn sheep as a consequence of its increased elevation.
The views in the principle Zion Canyon as you head up in direction of the tunnel are beautiful. You get the complete impact of the valley inexperienced and jagged crimson mountains of Zion Canyon Nationwide Park.
Don’t miss the statement level at Canyon Overlook, it’s a Zion Nationwide Park should see!
10. Take pleasure in a Picnic at Zion Lodge (+ native craft brew for the Mum and Dad)
Within the middle of Zion Park is Zion Lodge a terrific place to cease and relaxation for some time.
It’s additionally the start line for the Decrease and Higher Emerald Path.
There’s a giant grassed space with a beautiful gigantic tree in the course of it. Convey your personal picnic lunch and benefit from the sunshine and views of the canyon partitions.
There may be additionally a cafeteria right here and a restaurant with an out of doors deck overlooking the canyon.
We had fairly a beautiful veggie burger right here.
You could even wish to seize an area craft brew from the surface bar. We had a scrumptious IPA from Springdale. It went down effectively after a day of climbing.
11. Take the youngsters on the Junior Rangers Program
The women have been so excited once we cycled via the gates of Zion Canyon Nationwide Park for the Junior Rangers Program.
I LOVE the Junior Rangers program. It’s the easiest way for youths to hook up with the Nationwide Park expertise and be taught with out realizing they’re studying.
The women take each break they will – whereas we’re consuming lunch, within the automotive, once we come residence after a day of exploring, to finish all of the actions.
I LOVE it as a result of it takes care of my science curriculum for homeschooling.
I don’t educate science in any respect. They be taught a lot from interacting with life day by day and doing actions like this which additionally maintain many literacy abilities.
Savannah and I have been even evaluating peak heights the opposite day so math was a part of the expertise. Whoop Whoop.
You should definitely decide up your Junior Ranger books from the Zion Canyon Customer Heart.
Full the required actions then pop again to see a ranger and get your Junior Ranger badge. The children will pledge they’ll maintain the setting (so necessary!).
The women are decided to get one badge from each nationwide park we go to.
12. Attend a Ranger Discuss
This is among the necessities in your Junior Ranger Badge and is a superb alternative to be taught extra in regards to the natural world of the park.
We attended a park ranger discuss on the biodiversity of Zion Park Utah which was actually informative and fascinating.
It has an elevation starting from 4,000 – 8,700 toes, which suggests there are a lot of varieties of habitats (grassland, desert, wetland, riparian, and forest) and plant and animal species.
I even realized fairly a bit and it was fascinating to find the completely different ecosystems and crops and animals inside the completely different components of the nationwide park.
14. Drive via the Kolob Canyons
The Kolob Canyons are positioned 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar Metropolis.
They’re seen by driving alongside a five-mile scenic drive alongside the aptly named Kolob Canyons Highway, and are famed for his or her startling crimson shade and craggy options.
You may as well discover some slender, parallel field canyons on this part of the park. A few of them, together with Colorado Plateau, have 2,000 foot cliff partitions.
In the event you’re visiting within the winter, this street could also be closed as a consequence of snow and ice.
The way to get to Zion Nationwide Park?
Zion Nationwide Park is positioned on State Route 9 close to St. George and Springdale Utah.
It’s 30 miles in size and 15 miles throughout at its widest level, totaling 148,000 acres of magnificence and adventures.
Driving distances to Zion from main cities
Las Vegas to Zion:
- Distance: 160 miles
- Time: approx 2.5 hours
Salt Lake Metropolis to Zion:
- Distance: 308 miles
- Time: approx 4.5 hours
St George to Zion:
- Distance: 41 miles
- Time: approx 1 hour
In the event you don’t have your personal car, beneath are hyperlinks to seek for rental vehicles:
Getting round Zion Nationwide Park
For a lot of the yr, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is simply accessible by the park’s shuttle system.
The buses run ceaselessly (departing from the Customer’s Heart) and also you’ll by no means have to attend greater than quarter-hour. The shuttle bus is free.
There may be room for a minimum of three bicycles on the shuttle in the event you select to cycle alongside the principle street via the canyon and get too drained and need assistance getting again,
There may be additionally a shuttle that runs from the close by city of Springdale into Zion Nationwide Park.
For Zion Nationwide Park parking, both depart your automotive at your lodge, park in one of many permitted parking areas in Springdale, or on the Customer’s Heart.
We rode our bikes in from our campground, which was a mile away.
The place to remain in Zion Nationwide Park
Zion Lodge is the one Zion Nationwide Park lodging “inside” the park. It’s three miles north on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and open year-round.
In any other case, your solely different alternative to remain within the nationwide park is to camp.
There are three campgrounds in Zion, Lava Level Campground (1-hour drive from Zion Canyon), Watchman Campground (open year-round), and South Campground which is closed for a long-term rehabilitation mission.
You normally have to order your tenting spot a minimum of 6 months to at least one yr prematurely. If you’re planning quick discover, then chances are you’ll want to remain exterior the park…
Locations to remain close to Zion Nationwide Park
For lodging close to Zion Nationwide Park, however not really within the park, your greatest guess is the city of Springdale in Utah.
We stayed on the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park one mile from the Zion Nationwide Park south entrance.
It was a terrific for tenting close to Zion Nationwide park with a lot of shade and by the river. It’s strolling distance to many retailers and eating places.
And it’s a great spot in the event you’re in search of Zion Nationwide Park RV tenting.
Excursions to Zion Nationwide Park
In the event you can’t get your self to discover Zion Nationwide Park by your self, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate the next excursions:
From the Golden Gate Bridge to glowing canyon partitions at sundown, this G Adventures Nationwide Parks and Brilliant Lights tour captures the fantastic thing about the cities and wilderness of the western US, incorporating Zion Nationwide Park.
Greatest time to go to Zion Nationwide Park
The perfect time to go to Zion Nationwide Park is within the Autumn, from September to October).
That is when the climate is okay however not too scorching for climbing, there’s little likelihood of rain, and the injury from winter rock falls needs to be cleaned up so extra trails will likely be open.
The summer season is probably the most crowded time to go to Zion, and the solar can get scorching scorching, so in the event you go to in the summertime put together for crowds and put on solar safety.
The winter is the worst time to go. Many trails and roads are closed as a consequence of snow, which may put a dampener in your journey – pun supposed.
Though, seeing the canyons dusted in snow does supply a novel perspective.
Spring could also be okay, however you would possibly discover path closures as a consequence of rock falls and injury brought on by the winter.
Remaining Ideas
Zion Nationwide Park has among the greatest hikes, scenic drives, and kid-friendly actions of all of the nationwide parks within the USA.
Zion’s towering sandstone monoliths, slot canyons, rock formations and hanging gardens attracts out of doors adventures and intrepid vacationers from everywhere in the globe.
Not solely will Zion’s magnificence seize your coronary heart, however its epic adventures will provide you with reminiscences to share across the campfire for the remainder of your life!
Our children now say that visiting Zion Nationwide Park presently sits alongside the Grand Canyon as their favourite nationwide park within the USA.
And so they like to share the story of how they tried the terrifying Angels Touchdown hike.
It’s potential to go to Zion Nationwide Park in 24 hours, nevertheless as you possibly can see, there’s a lot to do, we advocate staying for a minimum of two days.
Watch our Zion Nationwide Park Video
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I hope this Zion journey information helped you determine on what to do in Zion Nationwide Park. In the event you nonetheless have questions on what to see in Zion, depart a remark beneath.
