Zion National Park
Things to Do
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Backpacking
Find your way out of the crowds into the park’s tranquil backcountry. Explore Zion’s backpacking camp areas, hiking trails, and preparation resources.
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Camping
End your day under Zion’s internationally certified dark skies at any campgrounds within or near the park. Dispersed, developed and RV campgrounds are all available, but make your reservation early; campgrounds fill quickly during peak travel months.
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Canyoneering
Are you looking to add some adrenaline to your vacation? Explore Zion’s most popular canyoneering routes. Be sure to get the details about permits and local guide services beforehand.
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Glamping
Instead of traditional camping, retreat into a custom Airstream, an elevated treehouse, or a safari-style canvas tent. Glamping near Zion bridges the gap between nature and luxury, offering an off-grid experience without sacrificing modern essentials.
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Hiking
Zion is famous for its remarkable hiking trails. Take an adventurous scramble up to Angels Landing or a family hike on the Emerald Pools Trails, among others. Learn more about hiking in Zion.
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Horseback Riding
Trot through pine forests and red rock views during a horseback riding tour through the park. Local guides offer rides for every experience level, and are available year-round in certain park regions.
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Stargazing
As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Zion's towering Navajo Sandstone cliffs frame the Milky Way, where the universe puts on its best show, and you have a front-row seat. Download our Dark Skies Exploration: A Beginner's Guide here.
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Winter Activities
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Zion National Park is a great place to enjoy sunny skies, fresh air and get a little extra Vitamin D in the winter months. Plan a winter visit to soak up the sunshine while enjoying moderate temperatures and a stunning sandstone kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and pinks. Winter visitors will find plenty to do, including hiking, photography and gazing up at the wonders of the night sky.
The Narrows in winter.
The Riverside Walk
The Day Family at Under Canvas near Zion.
Photo: Tyson Rider
Spring Break Road Trip Brian Head to Zion: Meet the Day Family
"...In less than a 2-hour drive, we traded wide-open ski runs for the wide open sky near Zion National Park to settle in for the night. The ancient stone giants of Kolob Canyon lay dormant under the stars nearby as we cozied up and fell fast asleep next to the wood-burning stove inside our canvas tents at Under Canvas Zion. Glamping as they call it, was a nice way to feel immersed in the park but also ensure our kids got their much-needed sleep and a shower between activities, which kept us all in good spirits." (Read: Brian Head to Zion: Best Spring Break Ever)
"Southern Utah is a great family destination no matter the season, where you can trade screen time for wild adventures and fresh air."
– Shannon Day, Writer & Utah Native
More Zion Inspiration
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How to Visit Zion
Looking for the best way to see Zion? Read our Zion National Park guide for expert advice on planning your visit to one of the most visited parks in Utah.
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Things to Do in Zion National Park
No matter the season, there are many things to do in Zion for all levels of thrill-seekers and nature lovers: hiking, camping, canyoneering, scenic driving and more.
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Zion National Park Hikes
Visiting Zion National Park? Here are the best hikes in Zion for all hikers, from family-friendly trails to multi-day backpacking trips.
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Zion Where to Stay
Looking for places to stay near Zion National Park? Check out our guide to vacation lodging at this magnificent park and book your stay today!
Nearby Basecamps
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Springdale
As the gateway to Zion National Park and nestled along the North Fork of the Virgin River, Springdale is an ideal place to get outfitted for adventure in Zion and numerous other parks, monuments, and recreation areas of the western Colorado Plateau and the desert southwest.
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East Zion
Welcome to the east side of Utah's Zion National Park. Visitors who stay on this side of the park enjoy what is often referred to as the quiet side of the park, and they also have much closer access to other destinations such as Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
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St. George
St. George is perfect for family adventures, luxury spas, extensive shopping, championship golf and nearby outdoor recreation assets.
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Cedar City
Cedar City, Utah offers plenty of great experiences thanks to nearby ski resorts, a national forest, great national parks and a superb arts scene.
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Kanab
Kanab, Utah is classic American West, surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and vistas of sagebrush. Kanab's self-proclaimed title, "Little Hollywood," is fitting for its many abandoned film sets.
Zion National Park FAQs
Where should I stay in Zion?
Within park boundaries, there are a few options. There is the Zion Lodge, and there are also three established campgrounds inside Zion as well as backcountry camping sites (allowed with a permit). Most lodging, camping and glamping options reside in the nearby gateway towns of Springdale, St. George, East Zion and Kanab. (Read more: Best Places to Stay in Zion)Where do I fly in for Zion National Park? How far is Zion from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City?
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest airport, with a one-hour commute time to the South Entrance. Many Zion travelers fly into Las Vegas (3 hours away) or Salt Lake City (4 hours away).
Can I drive through the park?
Yes, you can drive through Zion, but access depends on which road and what kind of vehicle you are driving. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is the main road running through the park, connecting the South Entrance (Springdale) to the East Entrance (Orderville). But beginning June 7, 2026, large vehicle size and weight limits will be enforced on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Kolob Terrace Road provides year-round access for private vehicles. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles from March through November, when the park shuttle is in operation. (Read more: How to Visit Zion)
How many days should I spend in Zion National Park?
Although it's possible to spend two or three hours exploring the park areas around the Zion Visitor Center and the East Entrance, adventure-seekers can opt for multiple days exploring Zion, nearby towns and state parks.
Are dogs allowed in Zion?
Yes, but it’s restrictive. Leashed pets are only allowed along public roads and parking areas, in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, on the grounds of the Zion Lodge, and on the Pa’rus Trail. All public buildings, wilderness areas, trails other than the Pa’rus and the shuttle buses are off-limits to pets. The only exception is that service animals (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) are allowed on shuttle buses.
Feeling Small in Big Country With Stargazing Zion
On an expert-led stargazing tour of Zion National Park, an astronomy guide illuminates the brilliance of the cosmos.
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The Complete Zion Trip
Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park is the centerpiece for a 6-day red-rock vacation that includes a little bit of everything that makes the state such a marvel to experience.
Highlights
- The Watchman Trail
- Grafton Ghost Town
- St. George and Snow Canyon State Park
- Brian Head to Dixie National Forest
- Slot Canyon Adventures Near Kanab
- Grand Canyon North Rim
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The Mighty 5: Ultimate Journey
Grab a national parks annual pass for best access to The Mighty 5®.
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
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A Southern Utah Adventure: The Best Spring Break Ever
Southern Utah, a giant playground from Brian Head to Zion, offers epic outdoor adventures perfect for teens. This road trip lets families reconnect, swapping screens for snow skis and paddleboards.
Highlights
- Salt Lake City
- Great Salt Lake
- Brian Head Resort
- Zion National Park
- Cedar City
- Kolob Canyon
- Wire Mesa Trail
- Quail Creek Reservoir
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A Family Road Trip From Las Vegas to Zion National Park
A three-day weekend is a perfect start in exploring the Wild West of Zion National Park and Southern Utah. This family-friendly road trip pairs a big helping of adventure with new discoveries in Southern Utah’s frontier for a weekend you and the kids won’t soon forget.
Highlights
- Zion National Park
- Kanarraville Falls
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Snow Canyon
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Butch Cassidy's West
For movie buffs, this scenic tour of the state of Utah comes alive with nostalgia for Robert Redford’s iconic film, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and some of Butch Cassidy's real-life haunts.
Highlights
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Grafton Ghost Town
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Sundance Mountain Resort
