Unearth The Voyage
Are you looking for the best things to do near Zion National Park? You’ve come to the right place!
From stunning slot canyons to eerie ghost towns and epic Jeep rides, there are so many amazing things to do around Zion National Park. In fact, you could stay for an entire month straight and never run out of fun things to do and see!
We’ve visited Zion National Park multiple times now and we’re always looking for fun things to do near Zion National Park. Our #1 favorite thing that we did last time we were there was this incredibly fun canyoneering day.
So, if you are planning your vacation out West and are asking yourself “What is there to do in Zion National Park?” continue reading below for our top 25 recommendations of the best places to visit around Zion National Park!
25 Things to Do NEAR Zion National Park
1. Horseback Riding
It’s a well-known fact that Zion National Park is famous for its otherworldly slot canyons. However, did you know that you can enjoy the slot canyons on horseback?
It’s one of the best activities around Zion National Park. This unique one-hour horseback riding tour combines the best of both worlds for the ultimate Southern Utah experience. In fact, it’s the only tour in Southern Utah of its kind!
You’ll start the tour at the stables for a brief safety and riding lesson before taking off on the trails. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced rider – guests with little to no experience will be paired with special horses trained for beginners.
After a 20-minute journey, you’ll dismount and continue up the narrowest part of the canyon on foot. Once you reach the slot canyon you can check it out and then you’ll ride back to the stables. Expect to see no other tourists on this tour making it a super unique experience!
2. Zion UTV Tour
Have you ever wanted to drive a UTV through the desert landscape? If you’re like “Heck yeah!” this is your chance! On this awesome self-driven UTV tour you’ll explore the backcountry and trails and drive through rugged terrain that only a UTV could get you through.
You’ll also get to check out one of the coolest slot canyons in the area, Peekaboo Slot Canyon on this tour!
3. Zion Helicopter Ride
If you’re wondering what to do during your Zion adventure, a helicopter ride is one of the best things to do around Zion National Park!
During this epic 30-minute Zion helicopter ride, you’ll surpass the crowds on the ground to enjoy some of the park’s most iconic landmarks and landscapes. These landmarks include Zion National Park, Kolob Canyon, Smith Mesa, and the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area.
Along the way, you’ll see the incredible landscapes from above while hearing expert insights and historic stories of the dark red rocks of Zion’s Kolob Canyons and the sheer 2,000-foot cliffs of the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area.
4. Go Canyoneering
There are plenty of epic things to do in Zion National Park, but Canyoneering is one of the most unique and thrilling activities you can experience.
One of the best things to do around Zion is to go on a canyoneering tour through Peek-a-Boo Canyon. This incredible half-day slot canyon canyoneering tour will take you on UTVs to multiple different canyons where you’ll get to rappel at 6-7 different locations.
This is a totally unique way to see the different canyons that surround Zion National Park and experience an adrenaline-pumping excursion that is still 100% safe and family-friendly.
5. Hike through Slot Canyons
If Canyoneering isn’t quite your idea of adventure, you can stick to exploring the slot canyons on foot. In fact, hiking through the numerous slot canyons nearby is one of the best things to do at Zion National Park.
With so many different slot canyons to explore near Zion, it can be overwhelming to map out a route. To help you with planning which slot canyon to explore, read more about all the best slot canyons in Southern Utah.
Alternatively, if you’re not into finding the canyon on your own or don’t have a 4×4 to get to the trailhead, you can take a guided tour of popular slot canyons. This Peekaboo Slot Canyon Jeep tour is high on our list for the next time we visit Zion.
6. Zion Jeep Ride
Typically, no off-road companies or vehicles of any kind can enter Zion National Park. However, it’s possible to take a jeep tour of the surrounding landscape with one tour company that’s been given access by the Bureau of Land Management.
Providing a unique small group off-road experience, this Zion Jeep Tour combines sightseeing, and interactive education in one.
You’ll stop at breathtaking spots for photo ops, enjoy local wildlife from a distance, take a bite out of a prickly pear cactus, and reach an elevation of 5,300 ft. elevation throughout 30 miles of trail.
Your professional guide will share stories of the area’s Native American history, unique geology, and pristine high desert. Previous guests even claim the views rival those of the Grand Canyon. Definitely include it on your Zion National Park to-do list!
7. Grafton Ghost Town
If you’re still searching for more unique things to do in Zion National Park, you’re in for a treat. Just a 20-minute drive from the national park sits the abandoned town of Grafton along the Virgin River.
This former Mormon settlement built in 1859, was last occupied in the 1940s. It’s an important piece of history that features original wood buildings, a well-maintained cemetery, beautiful farmland, and unique relics from the 20th century.
There are a few companies in the area that offer guided tours to Grafton by shuttle, but it’s easily accessible via the town of Rockville if you have a rental car.
8. Kolob Terrace Road
If you’re looking for more of the best places to visit in Zion National Park, The Kolob Terrace deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Between Zion Canyon and the Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace is a 21-mile scenic drive that starts at the town of Virgin and ends at Lava Point – one of the highest points in Zion at 7,890 feet.
This mostly paved trail boasts views of rolling farmlands, residential areas, and red rocks. However, keep in mind that once you pass Lava Point, the route continues for 20 miles on a gravel road toward Cedar City.
Kolob Terrace is beautiful but very remote with no services such as gas, food, or restrooms. Come prepared with bottled water, snacks, a first aid kit, and any other items you might need for the road.
9. Fort Zion
If you’re on the hunt for unique places to visit near Zion National Park that are family-friendly, Fort Zion is your one-stop shop.
This gift shop sits in the town of Virgin along the highway leading into Zion National Park from the west.
It’s important to know that it’s not just a gift shop. The grounds also feature a restaurant serving American fare such as burgers and fries, a mini petting zoo, and an old Western village. It’s one of the best activities near Zion National Park, especially for families!
10. Sand Hollow State Park
One of the best things to do near Zion National Park is to visit Sand Hollow State Park. One of Utah’s newest state parks, it’s brimming with warm, blue waters surrounded by a striking red sandstone landscape.
The reservoir is a popular place for water activities such as boating, fishing, and diving. The 20,000-acre park is also home to 15,000 acres of the red sand dunes of Sand Mountain.
These dunes are a great spot to ride an off-highway vehicle. In fact, it’s one of the most popular parks in the Utah State Park system. Thousands of visitors flock there each year to camp, post up an RV, ride horses, ride bikes, and hike.
Sand Hollow Park is easily accessible if you have a rental car, as it’s only 15 miles east of the town of St George, and just 34 miles from Zion National Park.
11. Belly of the Dragon
If you’re looking for fun activities near Zion and Bryce National Park, the Belly of the Dragon hike is a must.
This short half-mile hike through a manmade tunnel is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. This family-friendly trail is just 20 miles east of Zion National Park, and a short detour if you’re on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Originally created as a water culvert under Highway 89, is now a beautiful rippling tunnel that is one of the most popular hiking trails.
The trail has no elevation gain, but the floor of the tunnel is rocky and uneven, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight to see in front of you.
Getting there from Kanab or Carmel Junction is simple, but does require driving down a short dirt road to a small parking area.
12. Kanab Sand Caves/Moqui Caverns
When crafting your itinerary of things to do around Zion National Park, the Kanab Sand Caves/Moqui Caverns is a must.
Not only are they some of the best things to do around Zion, but visiting it is just a short 20-minute detour if you’re on the way to Bryce National Park.
These man-made caves were once used to harvest sand for glass production in the 1970s. Now, they make the perfect family-friendly adventure from Kanab or Carmel Junction.
Getting up to the caves is relatively easy, with a short 0.25-mile hike up a rock wall with little elevation gain. The total hike is just 0.5 miles round-trip, so as long as you have comfortable hiking shoes with great traction, you won’t have any issues.
Pro tip: Visit an hour before the sun sets for the ultimate glow that is perfect for a photo opportunity!
13. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
If you’re looking to visit other parks near Zion National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park won’t disappoint.
Formed by Navajo sandstone during the Middle Jurassic period, this living sea of reddish-pinkish sand evolves annually, moving as much as 50 feet per year. Due to changing winds known as the Venturi effect, the landscape rarely stays the same for long!
Even at 6,000 feet of elevation, the park is also home to an array of unique wildlife. This includes the Coral Pink Tiger Beetle and salamanders and toads that live in ponds created by melting snow.
If you’re looking for a thrill, take to the dunes in an ATV on your own or as part of a guided tour. Ninety percent of the dunes are designated areas for ATV riding, while the entire park is open to those who prefer to hike or play in the sand.
14. Sand Dune Arch
For an adventurous yet easy hike, Sand Dune Arch is one of the best things to do around Zion. You’ll hike a short distance through deep sand with no elevation gain to discover a hidden arch between towering sandstone walls.
The total round-trip hike is just 0.4 miles, though you can choose to continue on to explore Broken Arch, which lengthens it to a 2-mile loop trail returning the same way.
15. Red Canyon/Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Perhaps more widely known as “Peekaboo Slot Canyon,” Red Canyon is one of Southern Utah’s most famous slot canyons. Just a few miles north of the town of Kanab, Red Canyon is a lot less crowded than the nearby Narrows in Zion National Park but is no less stunning.
The most appealing aspect of this slot canyon is that once there, you can access it without repelling into it. It’s a family-friendly adventure of swirling sandstone walls that almost anyone can enjoy.
However, it’s important to note that you will need a vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive to get up to the slot canyon itself. If not, you’ll have to hike the 4 miles of deep sand up to the entrance.
If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle and still want to visit the slot canyon, you can take a tour to the canyon easily.
16. Snow Canyon State Park
This one is for all the outdoor enthusiasts! If you’re searching for epic landscapes and things to see near Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park is sure to wow you.
This 10,000-year-old, 7,400-acre scenic park finds a home amid lava flows and soaring, colorful sandstone cliffs. The remote desert environment boasts majestic views of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Ranging in elevation from 3,100 to 4,100 feet, it’s a popular spot to hike, view wildlife, camp, attend ranger talks, or practice nature photography.
In fact, there are more than 38 miles of hiking trails – three miles of which are paved for walking and biking, and more than 15 miles that exist for equestrians.
17. Toquerville Falls
To experience one of the best outdoor activities near Zion National Park, head to Toquerville Falls. This desert oasis can only be reached by a vehicle with 4WD such as a truck, SUV, or off-road vehicle.
While parts of the journey there might be a bit rough, it’s well worth it! First, the views along the route to the falls are simply stunning. Once you arrive at the falls themselves, you’ll quickly discover they are peaceful and clean – perfect for swimming or admiring.
To get there, it’s best to head north on I-15 from St. George. The total drive is about 30 miles but takes you directly to a parking spot a short distance from the falls.
18. Bryce Canyon National Park
One of the most popular attractions near Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park is a sight to behold. Famous for the largest collection of hoodoos in the world, it’s one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.
In addition to the hoodoos, it’s also known for horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, starry night skies, and otherworldly landscapes. The landscapes are perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the park: three different zones span the park, including the fir forest, Ponderosa Pine forest, and juniper forest environments.
Millions of tourists visit the park each year to hike, camp, attend the annual Prairie Dog Festival, and participate in educational nature or ranger programs.
Due to its popularity, if you want to avoid the crowds at Bryce, visit during a shoulder season in fall or spring. The best months for a shoulder season trip are mid-October to late November, and early March to late April.
19. Kanab Dinosaur Tracks
Looking for fun things to do outside of Zion National Park that the kiddos will love, too?
The Kanab Dinosaur Tracks Trail is truly out of this world. Just three miles from Kanab, a short but steep 0.7-mile hike leads up to a plateau with stunning views of the city of Kanab below… but that’s not all. Along the way, be sure to look down.
You’ll notice a series of several dinosaur footprints from nearly 185 million years ago. Talk about history!
It’s important to note that the trail is mostly unmaintained, with loose dirt and small stones along the way. You’ll want to give yourself extra time to hike it and wear shoes or hiking boots with plenty of traction.
The parking at the trailhead is free but can be a bit difficult to locate. Look for a brown porta-potty and you’ll also locate the start of the trail.
20. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
If it’s a hiking adventure you’re seeking, The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in southwest Utah is where you’ll find just that. With 45,600 acres of ecologically diverse landscapes, Red Cliffs mark the meeting point of the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin.
More than 130 miles of trails support horseback riding, hiking, walking, and biking throughout the park.
Not only is this area great for hiking, but it’s also prime for wildlife spotting, too. The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is home to a number of threatened species including the Mojave Desert tortoise, endangered native fish, and migratory birds.
Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the landscape – there are remnants of the Jurassic era everywhere from dinosaur tracks and trackways, to bone beds, plant fossils, and petrified wood.
21. Red Reef Trail
Hiking is one of the best things to do near Zion National Park, and The Red Reef Trail in Reef National Park is definitely known for hiking.
The first trail option is a 1.5-mile out-and-back route that begins at the lower level and continues up to the pools. The second is the full 5.9-mile trail that lies along the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness trail.
The latter is more challenging, but if it’s a challenge you’re looking for, you’ll find it. While this trail is accessible and beautiful year-round, it’s best to hike it in the spring when rainfall is the heaviest.
This way, you can see the pools in all of their glory. You can access the park and trail with a national park pass, or by paying $5 for a day pass.
22. Water Canyon Trail
What if we told you that water drainage was one of the most stunning hikes in Southern Utah? It’s true! The Water Canyon trail is a popular trail that is a narrow-like ravine with an active stream, surrounded by towering slot canyon walls.
These narrows are short but beautiful — interrupted by wider sections, small waterfalls, and sections where the water flows at a faster pace.
In total, the trail is 3.3. miles round trip and takes up to two hours to complete. During seasons of high rainfall, water flow can be dangerous, so avoid taking to the trail during storms to avoid flash floods.
23. Kanarra Creek Trail
One of the best outdoorsy things near Zion National Park you can enjoy is the Kanarra Creek slot canyon trail. It’s an extremely photogenic and moderate hike just outside the Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park, just east of the town of Kanarraville.
Accessing the trail is easy. From the center of town, drive or walk four blocks east where you will find a parking lot. You will need advanced reservations to hike this trail, so be sure to get those before heading to the trail.
The 3.5-mile trail can be customized to be as easy or as challenging as you want. The reason for this is the series of waterfalls you will likely encounter along the way.
The section of the trail leading to the first waterfall is easy. After that, you’ll need to rely on ropes, ladders, and tree limbs to ascend to the other levels of the canyon. It’s best to stick to dry trails where possible, but if you insist on continuing up the canyon, check the ropes and tree limbs for breakage or damage.
24. Zion Human History Museum
If you’re looking for other things to do near Zion National Park that don’t involve the outdoors, explore The Zion Human History Museum.
Here, you’ll find interesting exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials from the park that explain the role water has played in the park. You’ll learn how water has crafted the current landscapes and the importance of the element for both travelers and settlers.
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
There are a ton of great options for places to stay near Zion National Park, but we have gathered a couple of our absolute favorites below.
⭐️ Rating: 8.3 |📍 Location: Mt. Carmel Junction | 🏩 View on Booking.com
If you’re looking for the best hotel between Zion and Bryce Canyon, check out the historical Zion Mountain Ranch! A true Western experience, the ranch is an on-site buffalo preserve and greenhouse.
It also features an on-site restaurant, Cordwood Restaurant, that serves organic American cuisine. After you savor the cuisine at the ranch, head out to one of the 17 outstanding Zion restaurants we recommend in our recent guide for other meals!
⭐️ Rating: 8.5 |📍 Location: Mt. Carmel Junction | 🏩 View on Booking.com
If you’re looking for an amazing hotel near Zion you can’t go wrong with Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. This incredible property is just 17 miles from Springdale, Utah and situated upon a 4000-acre ranch.
Guests will find spacious Western-style rental homes, each with a kitchen, TV, fireplace, washer and dryer, and an outdoor BBQ.
The pool area is of course the highlight of this ranch and is a perfect place to stay if you have kiddos and plan to visit in the heat of the summer.
When to Visit Zion National Park
Zion National Park is beautiful any time of year, but deciding the best time to visit the park depends on your interests and preferences. If you plan on hiking a lot, visit in the fall.
The fall season brings fewer crowds, drier conditions, and more comfortable temperatures. The summer months can often be crowded and extremely hot making hiking difficult.
The winter months can bring snowy, wet, and slippery conditions. Regardless of when you decide to visit, accessing Zion National Park is easy with the 4 airport options to choose from surrounding the park.
Wrap-up: Things to do Near Zion National Park
Now that you know all the best things to do in and around Zion National Park, you can create a flawless itinerary to enjoy a stress-free vacation out West!
From epic slot canyons to thrilling off-road adventures and unforgettable aerial views of the park, it will be a vacation you won’t soon forget.
In the midst of doing all the things near Zion National Park and enjoying one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, just remember to respect mother nature. Never approach wildlife, always assess safety conditions while exploring, and leave trails better than you found them.
