Zion National Park blew my mind. Seriously, no photos can prepare you for when you first step off that shuttle and look up—those red cliffs just keep going and going until your neck hurts from staring. When people say it’s like standing in nature’s cathedral, they’re not kidding. The size of this place makes you feel like an ant!
After a week checking out the best things to do in Zion National Park, from splashing through the Narrows (imagine hiking in a river between thousand-foot cliffs) to watching the sunrise lights up Angels Landing. I get why everyone’s obsessed with this place. Let me show you why this park deserves all the hype and then some.
Must-See Attractions in Zion National Park
Looking for the coolest things to do in Zion National Park? Hike the thrilling Angels Landing, explore the stunning The Narrows, marvel at the beauty of Zion Canyon, visit the picturesque Kolob Canyons, and learn about the park’s past at the Zion Human History Museum. Whether you’re interested in adventure, nature, or history, here are the top attractions to visit in Zion National Park.
1. Hike Angels Landing
This one’s for the bold. Angels Landing is Zion’s most talked-about hike—and with good reason. The 5.4-mile round-trip trail winds up steep switchbacks before arriving at a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides. It’s a mix of adrenaline and awe, especially when you’re gripping the chain bolted into the rock and staring down 1,000 feet of open air.
When I tackled it, I almost turned around halfway up the ridge—but the view at the top? Worth every shaky step. From the summit, you’ll see Zion Canyon stretch out below in a panorama of red cliffs and winding rivers. If you go, pack plenty of water, wear solid hiking boots, and start early to avoid the crowds. It’s not for beginners, but if you’re game for a challenge, this hike might be the highlight of your trip.
2. Explore The Narrows
The Narrows isn’t just a hike—it’s a full-on adventure through the middle of a river. You’ll wade upstream through the Virgin River, flanked by canyon walls that stretch up to 1,000 feet on either side. Depending on the season, the water can go from ankle-deep to waist-high, so check conditions before heading in.
I rented water shoes and a walking stick from a local outfitter in Springdale, and I’m glad I did. The riverbed is rocky and slippery, but the scenery is unreal—mossy canyon walls, waterfalls, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into another world.
You can hike in and turn around whenever you like, but even a short journey offers views that feel hidden and ancient. Just be ready to get soaked, stay aware of flash flood risks, and take your time. This is one of Zion’s most unforgettable trails.
3. Take a Scenic Drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
You don’t have to break a sweat to see Zion’s beauty. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the park’s main artery, and it’s filled with jaw-dropping stops. During peak season, you’ll ride the free shuttle, which makes it easy to hop on and off at iconic viewpoints like Court of the Patriarchs and Big Bend.
I took the drive late in the afternoon, and golden hour completely transformed the cliffs. From the shuttle window, I spotted deer grazing and cottonwood trees lighting up like lanterns in the sun. One of my favorite stops was Temple of Sinawava, the starting point for Riverside Walk.
If you’re not in the mood for long hikes, this scenic route still gives you front-row seats to the canyon’s epic scale. It’s peaceful, full of photo ops, and perfect for slowing down and taking in Zion’s dramatic terrain.
4. Discover Kolob Canyons
For a quieter slice of Zion, head north to Kolob Canyons. This lesser-known section of the park has fiery red cliffs, dramatic slot canyons, and barely any crowds. The Kolob Canyons Road is a short five-mile drive, but the views stretch for days.
I hit the Taylor Creek Trail early one morning and had the trail to myself. It leads to Double Arch Alcove, a massive rock formation tucked into the cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass old homestead remains and walk next to a trickling creek. It’s a completely different vibe from the main canyon—still rugged, but way more chill.
If you’re into landscape photography, bring a wide lens; the viewpoints here are some of the best in the park. Don’t skip this area just because it’s out of the way. Kolob is Zion’s quiet showstopper.
5. Visit the Zion Human History Museum
If you want context for Zion’s wild beauty, start at the Zion Human History Museum near the park’s south entrance. It’s a small building with big impact—offering insight into the land’s early Indigenous tribes, Mormon settlers, and the park’s development over time.
I popped in before my first hike and was surprised how much it helped shape my experience. The museum features artifacts, old photographs, and a short film that plays every half hour. You’ll learn about the Ancestral Puebloans, flash floods, and how the canyon was carved by time.
There’s also a huge window that perfectly frames Towers of the Virgin—one of the most iconic views in the park. It’s a great first stop if you’re new to Zion or just want to better understand the landscape around you. Bonus: the Pa’rus Trail starts nearby and is perfect for an easy walk afterward.
6. Explore the Riverside Walk
If you’re not up for a strenuous trek but still want canyon views, the Riverside Walk is a winner. This 2.2-mile round-trip path starts at Temple of Sinawava and follows the Virgin River through a lush corridor of hanging gardens, cottonwoods, and towering cliffs.
When I visited, I saw wild turkeys crossing the trail and stopped to watch rock squirrels dart along the riverbank. The paved path makes it accessible for most people, and there are spots to sit, snack, or just listen to the water rushing by.
It’s also the entry point to The Narrows, so the trail ends with a dramatic reveal of the river disappearing into the slot canyon. Whether you’re easing into your Zion visit or winding down after a big hike, Riverside Walk offers a peaceful, easy way to soak in the park’s atmosphere.
7. Go Canyoneering in Pine Creek Gorge
Ready to level up your adventure? Pine Creek Gorge is where Zion goes full adrenaline. This canyoneering route isn’t for beginners, but it’s pure magic for anyone with experience—or a guide. It involves rappelling, swimming, and squeezing through tight sandstone slots carved by centuries of flash floods.
I booked a guided trip with a local outfitter, and it was one of the most thrilling things I’ve done in a national park. We dropped into pools of freezing water, scaled down smooth rock faces, and scrambled through narrow corridors barely wide enough for a backpack.
You’ll need permits, gear, and a strong comfort level with heights and enclosed spaces. But if you’re up for it, Pine Creek delivers an unforgettable look into Zion’s more secretive, sculpted side. It’s not just about the views—it’s about getting your hands dirty and feeling the canyon from the inside out.
8. Enjoy Wildlife Watching
Zion isn’t just rock walls and epic hikes—there’s a whole world of animals hidden in those cliffs and valleys. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, and over 200 species of birds call the park home, and spotting them adds a whole other layer to your visit.
I saw a herd of bighorn sheep near Big Bend one morning while sipping coffee in the shuttle. They were perched on what looked like a vertical wall—totally unfazed. You’ll also find wild turkeys, gray foxes, and maybe even a California condor overhead if you’re lucky.
The Watchman Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are great for sightings, especially early or late in the day. Bring binoculars or just stay observant; half the fun is the surprise. Wildlife watching slows you down in the best way, helping you tune into the quieter rhythms of the canyon.
9. Visit Checkerboard Mesa
If you’re driving through Zion’s east entrance, you’ll hit Checkerboard Mesa before anything else—and it’s impossible to miss. This sandstone hill looks like a giant grid, with horizontal and vertical lines etched naturally into the rock, giving it a checkerboard-like pattern that’s unlike anything else in the park.
I remember pulling over here just for a quick photo and ending up staying almost 30 minutes just taking it in. It’s not a hike, it’s not an overlook—it’s more of a weird natural puzzle that makes you stop and stare.
There’s a short, informal trail if you want to get closer, but the best views are honestly right from the roadside turnout. It’s one of those unexpected roadside stops that makes you appreciate how varied Zion’s landscapes are. If you’re entering or leaving through the east side, this spot is worth the quick detour.
10. Go Rock Climbing
For a vertical perspective of Zion, you can’t beat the park’s world-class rock climbing. Climbers from around the globe come to test their skills on famous routes like Moonlight Buttress and Spaceshot, both of which tower hundreds of feet above the canyon floor.
I’m not a pro climber, but I joined a guided half-day session near Cerberus Gendarme, and it was an entirely different way to experience the park. With the right guide and gear, even beginners can try some of Zion’s less-intense walls. The sense of scale is mind-blowing—just looking down from the belay point gave me butterflies.
Zion’s sandstone cliffs are no joke, though, so this is one of those activities you definitely want to prep for or do with an expert. If you’re looking for something that’s physically challenging and wildly rewarding, climbing in Zion is an unforgettable way to push your limits.
11. Take a Horseback Riding Tour
Exploring Zion on horseback gives the whole park a throwback feel—like you’re seeing it the way early travelers might have. Guided rides leave from Canyon Trail Rides near the Virgin River, and they’re great for beginners or anyone looking for a slower-paced adventure.
I did a one-hour tour through the Sandbench Trail, and it was such a cool way to cover ground while taking in the views. The horses are gentle, the wranglers know their stuff, and you’ll pass through quiet areas with epic cliff views you might not otherwise see. There’s also a longer three-hour loop if you’re up for more time in the saddle.
It’s a relaxing break from intense hiking, and honestly, it just feels fun to be part of a little riding group heading out into the wild. If your legs need a break but your curiosity doesn’t, this is the perfect Zion experience.
12. Stargaze at Canyon Overlook
When the sun dips behind the cliffs and the crowds head out, Zion shifts into something quieter—something cosmic. Canyon Overlook, located near the east entrance, is a stellar place for stargazing. It’s only a half-mile hike to the overlook, making it accessible even after dark.
I brought a blanket, a flashlight, and my phone’s star app, and ended up staying way longer than planned. With minimal light pollution and clear skies, you can spot the Milky Way, constellations, and sometimes even meteor showers. If you’re lucky, you might catch a ranger-led stargazing program, but even solo, the experience is surreal.
Just make sure you have a headlamp and good shoes for the short trail back. Stargazing here isn’t just about the sky—it’s about feeling totally still in a place that’s usually full of motion. It’s one of Zion’s most peaceful, unexpected highlights.
