Summary
Located near Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park is the oldest national park in Utah, designated in 1919. Moreover, it holds the title of the most visited national park in the state, attracting over 3 million visitors annually.
Zion National Park sits at the convergence of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert. Visiting Zion National Park offers a unique experience of exploring four different life zones: deserts, wetlands, woodlands, and coniferous forests. Additionally, the park showcases numerous geological wonders, including mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches.
Discover several must-do activities that enrich your visit to this historic park.
01. Hiking
Known as a hiker’s paradise, Zion features seven distinctive hiking trails, ranging from half-an-hour to a full 12-hour trek for expert hikers. Popular trails include Weeping Rock, Angels Landing, Taylor Creek, Kolob Arch, West Rim, and LaVerkin Creek. Some trails require permits, and certain sections may be off-limits due to hazardous conditions.
02. Camping
While hotels and cabins are available year-round, camping remains popular during spring and summer. South and Watchman campgrounds are the most frequented; however, Watchman is the only campground where reservations can be made, and spots fill quickly, necessitating early arrival. Lava Point offers primitive camping but is accessible only from June to October.
03. Rock Climbing and Canyoning
Zion Canyon, stretching 15 miles long and up to half a mile deep, makes it an ideal location for rock climbing and canyoneering. Moving through the canyon involves jumping, rappelling, and scrambling; therefore, it’s advisable to contact guide services for participation in these activities.
04. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is an excellent way to observe United States wildlife, as horses are less likely to scare animals than pedestrians. Horseback riding opportunities are available within Zion and surrounding areas, ensuring year-round enjoyment.
05. Birding and Wildlife Watching
The diverse life zones within the park create a rich habitat for flora and fauna. Over 200 bird species, 75 mammal species, 19 bat species, 32 reptile species, and more than 1,000 plant species are flourished in Zion. Among them are notable birds such as the Peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and California condor, nesting in their natural habitat.
06. ATVing
While ATVs are rarely allowed within the confines of Zion Park, adjacent areas like Sand Hollow and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Parks provide excellent opportunities for this activity.
07. Scenic Driving
You don’t need to rough it to enjoy your visit to Zion National Park. If your preference leans toward seeing the park from the comfort of your vehicle, explore the three must-visit scenic routes: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Zion Park Scenic Byway, and Kolob Fingers Road Scenic Byway for a less crowded experience in the Kolob Canyon region.
08. Junior Ranger Program
For families, Zion National Park offers a Junior Ranger Program where children can explore the park using specially designed booklets to discover various elements of the park’s landscape and wildlife. Kids can earn badges as they complete guided or self-guided activities, fostering a sense of adventure and learning.
09. Biking
Similar to scenic drives, those looking to bike in Zion should adhere to park traffic regulations. However, biking provides a unique way to cover ground and take in the breathtaking Zion landscapes. The Pa’rus Trail is particularly popular among cyclists who take the shuttle to the top of Zion Canyon and ride back down.
10. Helicopter Rides
To fully appreciate the grandeur of Zion National Park, consider taking a helicopter ride, which offers stunning aerial views of the canyon and its diverse ecosystems. These excursions can often be combined with visits to nearby parks and lakes, providing an unforgettable experience.
