Top Things to do in Zion National Park
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Zion National Park, Zion National Park
The spectacular rock formations, rugged canyons, tumbling rivers and pine-blanketed peaks of Zion National Park provide a southwestern wonderland for unparalleled camping, hiking, canyoneering and climbing. Drive Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway or get out and hike. Zion's sandstone monoliths and other geological wonders, like the Great White Throne, Grand Staircase and Checkerboard Mesa, backdrop challenging trails from The Narrows to Canyon Overlook, providing inspiration for artists and dreamers.
1. Zion's Main Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,414 reviews
The most popular route through Zion, which includes the famous top-to-bottom Narrows Hike, Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, and Hidden Canyon.
Reviewed By Hermes_NL - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The main Canyon of Zion is otherwordly beautiful, with its towering red shear cliffs, meandering Virgin river and ethereal vegetation. About half of it is car-free but can be visited by the excellent shuttle which comes every 5 minutes or so. A number of key hikes were closed due to recent rockfall -erosion is going on at a high pace- but we enjoyed ourselves hugely on the Kayenta trail to Upper Emerald Pool, and likewise on The Riverside walk to the Narrows. Exceptional if not unique in the world.
2. The Narrows
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,489 reviews
Zion's most popular hiking trail is also its most dangerous due to occasional flash floods.
Reviewed By erinmarina - Sioux Falls, United States
Awesome hike!!! Definitely spend the extra $25 to rent the wooden hiking stick and water shoes/neoprene socks from Zion Outfitters (located right outside the pedestrian entrance to the park). The stick actually provided a lot of stability when hiking through the water and the water shoes were NOT waterproof by any means, but helped support my ankles and give me better grip than my hiking shoes or tennis shoes would have. We went on October 1st, VERY EARLY in the day and we didn't encounter many people until our way back around 11. We hiked through Wall Street and then returned, Definitely recommend this hike!!
3. Angel's Landing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,899 reviews
Angel's Landing is one of Zion's most spectular scenic outlooks; it can be reached only by a very demanding hike on the West Rim Trail.
Reviewed By 322bobg - North Carolina, United States
The final ascent to Angels Landing is quite the thrill and a little scary - don't attempt if you are afraid of heights. It is also an amazing view of the Zion valley. I am over the hill age wise but I did the hike from start to finish in three hours and fifteen minutes so it is not a large investment of time but it is worth every minute. Walters Wiggle (the series of 20 some steep switchbacks) is a good cardio workout. The best part of the hike is from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing. There are numerous sections where you really need the chains that are installed. When I visited in October there was a waiting line at the base of the West Rim Trail that you need to take to get to Angels Landing and the rangers were handing out passes that you needed to ascend Angels Landing from Scout Lookout. The rangers only allowed about 10 hikers at a time to start the hike in order to control the crowds at Angels Landing.
4. Orderville Canyon
5. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,626 reviews
A popular drive within Zion National Park.
Reviewed By jesseo582 - Jackson, United States
Most of the year, this is a road you can’t drive your own vehicle on unless you’re staying at the Zion National Park Lodge! The road winds along the Virgin River beneath towering cliffs and buttresses of stupendous sweep and colour. The free shuttle bus from the park main visitor centre just north of Springdale Utah goes to the end of the canyon and back all day affording convenient access to each of the trailheads. Helpful taped interpretation/narration aids visitor’s appreciation of this amazing park and the road you’re on.
6. Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 853 reviews
This scenic highway offers interesting curves and tunnels.
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Fun drive with some spectacular scenery. The drive out of Zion Canyon as it ascends to the tunnel offers some spectacular views with a number of pull outs to get a closer look and some great photos. The 1 mile long Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel is both historic and cool. Don't miss hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail which begins right after the exit of the tunnel when heading east. The drive east of here is not as spectacular nor does it have the grandeur of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive but it is still beautiful. You additionally may have an opportunity to spot some mountain goats as I did if you drive slow and keep your eyes peeled. I drove out to Checkerboard Mesa and turned around there. Probably the best experience would be arriving at Zion from the East Entrance as the scenery will continue to get more spectacular until you finally exit the west side of the tunnel and Zion Canyon explodes in front of your eyes.
7. Observation Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 746 reviews
This overlook provides a great view of southern Zion Canyon if you're willing to climb the 2200 feet of elevation to get there.
Reviewed By ankitg445 - Vienna, United States
The main trail was closed when we visited due to landslide/rockfall but we did not want to miss this point, so we visited it though East Messa trail. The drawback of East Mesa trail is that the views are left to the last and the advantage is that the hike is pretty much flat. There is some altitude change towards the end. The canyon was overcrowded when we visited due to Memorial day weekend, however, to our delight, this place was largely empty. You can see Angel's landing down below, along with the road in the canyon. Beautiful views and photo taking opportunities.
8. Canyon Overlook Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 911 reviews
This one-mile hiking trail starts just outside the east entrance to the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, and leads to a dramatic observation point that provides impressive views of Zion's rugged landscape.
Reviewed By W2076UIrhondam - Richmond, United States
This was our first hike of our trip. Definitely a great one. The end view of the canyon will take your breath away. We saw mountain goats and mule deer along the trail as well. Very nice!
9. Many Pools Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By BruceM147 - Carlsbad, United States
Highly rated in both my hiking guides, the Many Pools Trail is stunning, far less crowded, and a different yet very Zion-esque experience. This trail is not in Zion Valley but rather starts on the East Zion Road. Unmarked, it leads north up a wash of beautiful eroded sandstone through a majestic valley. The "many pools" are eroded in the sandstone bottom. They usually have water but I understand that after a rainstorm, the water features come alive. As an out-and-back walk, you can go as far as you want, and make the the hike moderate or more strenuous depending on distance and whether you explore up the sides of the valley. We spent a leisurely four hours. To find the trail, look for the pullout on the south side of the road that has a "restroom" (long drop) about .8 miles east of the second tunnel (the short one). While you can cross the road and find a path north to the wash, I recommend dropping down from the parking area to the east and taking the tunnel under the road. If you are lucky, there will be roosting bats. In any event, we find this simpler. Once at the wash, as an old-timer suggested, follow the bottom to go in or out, and explore the sides if and when you feel like it.
10. Kolob Terrace Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
A winding road that climbs to a high elevation with beautiful scenery and very few visitors
Reviewed By terri19712020 - Baton Rouge, United States
If you are looking for a less touristy way to go to Zion and avoid the heavily congested entrance this is it. The scenery is beautiful and when you get to the end you get to the reservoir. Lots of kayaking and fishing going on. We went to the Wildcat Canyon trailhead which joins up with the Northgate Peaks Trailhead. The views from this trail were unreal. Absolutely stunning. We stayed at Zion Wildflowert in a “glamping” tent located at the bottom of Kolab Terrace Road. At night we saw meteor showers since there is very little light pollution in this area. Beautiful area to explore without all the people.
