10 Things To Do in Zion National Park
Looking to spend a few days in Zion National Park?
Having spent significant time in Utah, I’ve narrowed down the top things to do in Zion National Park. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast (it does help) to enjoy this iconic park.
Be sure to check-in with the Park’s website to see how they are managing entrance reservations. This has changed several times since the Pandemic, so it’s best to check and book in advance. Here’s my list of must-dos for a once in a lifetime trip.
Zion National Park Activities for all Athletic Levels
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy yourself at Zion National Park. There is a wide variety of trails and activities for all activity levels to enjoy.
- Ride along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
This is a great way to start your experience at Zion National Park! The road is closed to shuttles only during peak season (March-November). Be sure to grab a window seat and enjoy the views!
2. Visit Grafton the Ghost Town
Located just 30 minutes from the Zion Park entrance you’ll find Grafton. Grafton is an abandoned village settled by Mormons back in the 1850’s.
3. Hike the Narrows
One of the most “Instagram-worthy” spots in the entire park! The Narrows is a fantastic trail that should be hiked with extreme caution. Take your time and enjoy the views!
Shan’s tip: Check the water levels online prior to your arrival so you can pack appropriately. You will want hiking poles or a hiking stick to keep yourself steady as you hike through the water.
4. Visit Fort Zion
A total tourist trap that is worth the visit! Fort Zion was created to bring folks back to the Old West. There’s a restaurant and shop if you want any Western themed souvenirs.
5. Treat yourself to a spa day at St. George Spa
In between long days of exploring and hiking, treat yourself to a day at the spa. St. George Spa is in downtown St. George and they offer a wide range of services. Their signature package is my personal favorite.
6. Hike to Angel’s Landing
The most popular hike in the park and arguably the Southwest United States. Since the COVID Pandemic, a permit is required to hike to the top. For those of you who are afraid of heights, Scout’s Lookout is an epic stopping point!
7. Walk the Pa’rus Trail
Pa’rus Trail is great for beginners or folks who want to walk at an easy pace. I found this trail to be a great spot to watch the sunset on the canyons and mountains as the colors continued to change.
8. Hike the Canyon Overlook trail
The Canyon Overlook trail has some of the best views of the Towers of Virgin in the park. This is probably one of the hardest trailheads to find parking. I’d recommend utilizing the park shuttle to get to this trailhead.
9. Walk the Riverside Trail
Riverside Trail is my favorite easy trail in the park! It’s parallel to the Virgin River and is nicely paved. This is a perfect trail for folks who are beginners and want to soak in all the park has to offer.
10. Stargaze after sunset
Zion has epic views during the day and at night with incredible views of the stars. You don’t have to be staying within the park to enjoy the views at night as long as the weather is decent. Be sure to search for the moon rise and set time in Springdale, Utah each day to see what the visibility is.
When is the best time to visit Zion National Park?
The spring and fall are the best time to visit Zion National Park, especially if you want to avoid large crowds. The weather is usually comfortable and you can see the waterfalls and wildflowers at their best during those time frames.
The summer is also a great time to visit, just be prepared for larger crowds and very hot weather. The best part of visiting Zion National Park in the summer is the longer days, which means more time to explore.
Shan’s tip: Zion is becoming overwhelmingly crowded during the summer months. If you can make it work with your schedule, try going at the end of summer/early fall when folks are taking their kids back to school. The crowds are much more manageable.
Final Thoughts
Zion National Park has ranked in the top 5 most visited National Parks the past few years, and for good reason. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just like to visit for the views, Zion National Park is worth the visit.
Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
