Key Takeaways:
- Stand In Awe Of Zion’s Landscapes: Zion National Park offers experiences that stay with you long after you leave. Every trail and overlook invites you to slow down and savor the spirit of the Southwest.
- Find Your Own Pace Among Peaks And Canyons: Whether you’re cruising scenic roads, tackling challenging switchbacks, or gazing out over red rock vistas, Zion’s raw beauty captures the heart of every wanderer.
- Carry Zion’s Magic With You: Mark each journey with The Wander Club’s handcrafted travel tokens – meaningful keepsakes that help transform every Zion memory into a story you can hold onto forever.
Tucked into Utah’s wild heart, Zion National Park calls to wanderers and explorers who crave that perfect mix of rugged beauty and soulful stillness. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Zion National Park, you’re on the right path. It’s not just about famous hikes or photo ops; it’s about enjoying the sun-soaked red rock walls, the grit in each climb, and the meaningful memories long after you return home.
At The Wander Club, those moments deserve to be remembered. Our handcrafted tokens help capture the spirit of U.S. national parks like Zion, so you can carry each adventure with you – on your keychain, in your pocket, or your heart.
Ready to plan a trip you’ll talk about for years? Here’s your ultimate Zion bucket list, designed for travelers who love to collect memories and keep them close wherever they roam.
Start With Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is one of the top things to do in Zion National Park, and it’s easy to see why. As you wind along this iconic route, massive sandstone walls rise on both sides, the Virgin River flows nearby, and cottonwood trees cast shade across the road. Pull over at the Court of the Patriarchs to admire the towering peaks, or stop at Big Bend for sweeping canyon views that make you feel small in the best way. During shuttle season, you can hop on and off to reach trailheads and quiet overlooks without the stress of driving.
Whether snapping panoramic photos or just taking in the desert air with the windows down, this drive invites you to slow down and see Zion. And when you’re ready to commemorate the adventure, mark the moment with a personalized Zion National Park token from The Wander Club. You can add up to 30 characters on the back through our online tool, so you have the freedom to add a heartfelt message, an important date, or the names of the people you traveled with.
Hiking The Iconic Angels Landing Trail
Angels Landing is easily one of the best things to do in Zion National Park. Starting at the Grotto Trailhead, this challenging trail invites you to test your courage and your legs. The first section winds through shady cottonwoods and switchbacks before you hit Walter’s Wiggles, a memorable set of 21 tight turns that reward your effort with sweeping views at Scout Lookout.
Brave The Final Climb
From there, the final stretch earns its reputation: a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on either side, guided by anchored chains for support. It’s demanding and not recommended for anyone uncomfortable with heights, but the payoff is unmatched. Once you reach the summit, you’re standing 1,500 feet above the canyon floor, surrounded by expansive views that make every hard-earned step worthwhile.
Celebrate The Views And The Moment
It’s less about conquering the trail and more about experiencing Zion’s raw, exhilarating beauty up close. And if you’re drawn to big canyon adventures, you might also love researching things to do at the Grand Canyon – another unforgettable chapter for your travel story.
Journeying Through The Narrows
The Narrows take you straight into the Virgin River, winding between towering 1,000-foot canyon walls. Depending on the day, you’ll wade through clear, chilly water that can reach your ankles, knees, or even waist. As you move upstream, the canyon shifts from broad and open to narrow and intimate – sometimes so tight you can touch both walls simultaneously. You’ll see hanging gardens, mossy rocks, and swallows darting above along the way. It’s a route that encourages you to slow down, pick your steps carefully, and appreciate each corner.
Whether you return after a short stroll or continue for a longer trek, The Narrows offers a rare chance to see Zion from a different perspective. Pause and enjoy the small details that make this place so special.
Wading Through The Emerald Pools
If you're looking for a trail that balances ease, beauty, and a touch of wonder, you can’t miss the Emerald Pools. Starting near Zion Lodge, this path welcomes you with the rustle of cottonwoods and the soft sounds of nearby waterfalls – perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone looking to take things at a gentler pace.
Pause At Each Pool
You’ll find a calm, green oasis at the Lower Pool reflecting the canyon walls above. It’s an inviting spot to enjoy a snack and sit in the peaceful vibe. Head up to the Middle Pool for more wide-open views of Zion’s dramatic cliffs and winding valley below. If you’re up for a little more climbing, continue to the Upper Pool, where a hidden alcove beneath towering rock faces feels like a tucked-away retreat.
Each level offers a different perspective and a chance to explore at your own rhythm – no need to rush. Whether dipping your hands in the water or admiring the hanging gardens, the Emerald Pools trail is all about savoring every moment.
Collect The Memory
For travelers who enjoy turning their favorite trails into lifelong memories, you’ll love adding a travel token from The Wander Club to your backpack for every national park you’ve visited. And if you’re planning more adventures, check out these ideas for things to do in Yosemite, another stunning destination that promises endless stories to cherish.
Taking In The Views From Observation Point
A trek to Observation Point is a serious workout with a serious payoff. This 8-mile round-trip trail climbs over 2,000 feet, leading you through sculpted sandstone switchbacks and narrow canyons before opening up to one of the park’s most breathtaking vistas. From the summit, you’ll look down on Angels Landing and see the Virgin River winding far below, all framed by towering canyon walls.
Up here, you feel a sense of accomplishment and perspective that only comes from earning your view step by step. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your adventure and capture that memory, whether in a snapshot or with a quick sketch in your notebook. It’s even better to know exactly when to see the northern lights in North America.
Strolling Along The Riverside Walk
If you’re looking for a peaceful, accessible way to enjoy the canyon, the Riverside Walk is a great choice. This easy, two-mile round-trip trail follows the Virgin River, shaded by cottonwoods and framed by soaring sandstone walls. It’s perfect for families, casual wanderers, or anyone wanting a leisurely adventure that still captures Zion’s wild spirit.
As you walk, watch for hanging gardens, small wildlife like tree frogs and dragonflies, and the first hints of The Narrows up ahead. It’s a chance to slow down, listen to the water, and simply take in the moment – one you might want to mark later with a Zion National Park token from The Wander Club as a reminder of your time exploring this canyon oasis.
Experiencing Weeping Rock
Weeping Rock is a short, rewarding stop that feels like stepping into a hidden corner of Zion. Just a brief walk from the trailhead, this natural alcove features a curtain of water seeping through sandstone cliffs – an ongoing process that has shaped the lush hanging gardens clinging to the rock face. It’s cooler here, with fresh mist in the air and green moss and ferns thriving in the constant drip.
Stand close to feel the fine spray on your skin, or watch the water trails above from afar. Weeping Rock offers a chance to appreciate how even the smallest water trickles can create lasting beauty.
Camping Under The Stars In Zion
There’s nothing like drifting off to sleep under Zion’s endless sky. Whether you pitch your tent by the Virgin River at Watchman Campground or settle into the more extraordinary heights of Lava Point, each site offers a front-row seat to some of the best stargazing in the Southwest. With minimal light pollution, you might be able to see the Milky Way and constellations that feel close enough to touch. It’s a scene that rivals even the best spots from this guide on where to see Northern Lights in North America.
What To Expect When Staying At Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is a favorite home base for Zion explorers, located right next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and just a quarter mile from Springdale’s South Entrance. Open year-round (with group sites available March through November), it offers both tent and electric campsites. However, keep in mind that you’ll need a reservation, as no walk-up spots are available and it often books out months in advance.
Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring (check seasonal fire restrictions), and a place for your tent or RV. While there are no showers or food storage lockers, you’ll find a year-round trash and recycling collection, an on-site dump station, potable water, and flush toilets. Generators aren’t permitted, but 95 sites have electric connections if you need power. With its unbeatable proximity to the canyon and modern amenities, Watchman makes it easy to wake up surrounded by red cliffs and step right into your next adventure – no long morning drive required.
Practical Tips For Lava Point Campground
Lava Point Campground offers a more secluded Zion experience. It is set at 7,890 feet on Kolob Terrace Road, about 45 minutes north of Virgin. Typically open from May through September (depending on snow conditions), this primitive campground has just six tent-only sites available by reservation.
You’ll find pit toilets and trash cans but no water or other amenities, so come prepared to pack in your supplies and pack out your memories. Vehicles longer than 19 feet aren’t allowed, and with no cell service or hookups, it’s all about unplugging and embracing cooler mountain nights under a sky full of stars. Check current fire restrictions, bring extra layers (temperatures swing widely at this higher elevation), and prepare for a true back-to-basics stay.
Final Thoughts
Every moment in Zion National Park becomes part of your personal story – sunrise hikes, red rock views, and the steady rush of the Virgin River. From the challenge of Angels Landing to the strolls along the Riverside Walk, each adventure stays long after you leave the canyon. But as time passes, those vivid moments can start to blur.
That’s why The Wander Club offers handcrafted travel tokens to help you hold onto the memories that matter most. Each token is a simple, meaningful way to commemorate a hike, a view, or a shared moment so your favorite places stay close wherever life takes you.
Whether you’re planning your first Zion trip or celebrating a past journey, these keepsakes make thoughtful reminders and gifts for fellow adventurers. Collect your travels, keep your memories close, and support the places that inspire you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Zion National Park
What wildlife can I expect to see in Zion?
Zion National Park is home to a lively mix of wildlife. Look for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, rock squirrels, and bluebirds. With a little patience, you might also spot turkey vultures soaring above or see a collared lizard dart across the trail. Remember to observe all wildlife from a safe distance – sharing space respectfully is part of the adventure.
Are there guided tours available in Zion?
Of course! Zion offers a variety of guided options, from bus tours and ranger-led walks to canyoneering trips and stargazing experiences. Local guides help bring the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history to life, adding depth to each moment and giving you stories worth commemorating with a travel token.
How many days do I need to explore Zion National Park?
The simple answer? As many as you can spare! Ideally, it’s a good idea to spend two to three days to experience Zion’s highlights – like The Narrows, Angels Landing, and the scenic drives – without rushing. If you only have one day, you can still enjoy key trails and viewpoints. However long you stay, slow down and soak in the red rock landscapes.
What should I pack for a trip to Zion?
Pack sturdy hiking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight layers to handle changing temperatures. A camera or journal is excellent for capturing favorite moments. If you collect The Wander Club tokens, don’t forget your Wanderchain – it can hold up to 70 tokens (with a second split ring) to reflect your travels.
Can I visit Zion with the children?
Definitely! Zion has plenty of family-friendly trails like Riverside Walk and Weeping Rock, and the Junior Ranger program is a fun way to engage young explorers. With shuttle access, picnic areas, and comfortable lodging nearby, it’s easy to enjoy Zion together as a family.
Do I need a permit to hike in Zion?
Most trails don’t require permits. However, permits are necessary for popular hikes, such as Angels Landing and The Subway, to help protect these special areas and manage crowds. Check current requirements before you go so you’re prepared for your chosen adventure.