Top Things To Do in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for its stunning rock towers and world-class hiking. Visitors can view the gorgeous slickrock mountains as they drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to the bottom of Zion Canyon.
Hikers can hang on to a chain link for dear life at the top of Angel’s Landing. Or they can wade through the Virgin River on the infamous Narrows Trail. Those who want a more moderate hike can walk the 2.2 mile Riverside Walk alongside the Virgin River.
Zion National Park is located 3 miles from Springdale, 13 miles from Mount Carmel Junction, and 30 miles from Kanab.
Key Takeaways
* The hotels and restaurants in Springdale (South Entrance) are cheaper than in Mount Carmel Junction (East Entrance).
* However, the road from Mount Carmel Junction to Zion Canyon (the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) is a winding road on the side of a mountain. It is not scary in the daytime, but you might not want to drive it in the dark. (Which is 4:45pm in the winter)
* If you stay on the East Entrance side, it is only 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park
* If you stay at the Best Friends Mercantile in Kanab (30 minutes from East Entrance), they will walk your dog while you are out exploring
* The Zion Scenic Drive is underwhelming. Therefore, if you are not hiking I suggest you drive the beautiful Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Then spend the day at nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, which has an amazing scenic drive.
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Zion is a U.S. National Park
Zion is 1 of the 63 U.S. National Parks. (A National Park is a scenic or historically important area protected by the federal government. Its purpose is the enjoyment of the general public or the preservation of land and wildlife).
In addition, 84% of Zion’s 146,000 acres is designated as Wilderness, which is the highest form of protection of any federal wildland.
Designated a National Park in 1919, Zion is 1 of the 5 U.S. National Parks in Utah. The others are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
Why is it called Zion?
Zion is a Hebrew word found in the Bible. It means “a place of peace and refuge.” When the Mormons first arrived in Utah in 1847, they thought they had found heaven on earth. They named the area Zion.
Check out the Mama Kims Salt Lake City blog to learn more!
What is the Closest Airport to Zion National Park?
The closest airport to Zion National Park is St George Regional Airport (SGC), which is 50 miles away. However, the only direct flights to St George are from Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, and a few other cities.
If you are flying from Las Vegas or Phoenix, you can fly into Page Municipal Airport (PGA) in Page, Arizona. It is 116 miles (or about 2 hours and 20 minutes) from Zion.
The closest MAJOR airport to Zion National Park is McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is 160 miles or 2 hours and 30 minutes from Zion. (Note that Utah is on Mountain Time and Las Vegas is on Pacific Time, which is an hour later).
Another option is to fly to Salt Lake City and spend a few days. Then fly to St George and rent a car. Or drive the beautiful 4-6 hour drive from Salt Lake City to Orderville.
How many Entrances does Zion National Park have?
There are 2 entrances to Zion National Park. The East Entrance is in Orderville and the South Entrance in Springdale. They are connected by the 12-mile Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
Visitors coming from Kanab (home of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary) will enter the park through the East Entrance. If you are driving to Zion from Kanab, take Hwy 89 North for 30 minutes then take Hwy 9 West for 15 minutes. You will enter the park at the East Entrance.
If you are driving from Las Vegas, take I-15 North to St. George, Utah. Take Exit 16 and merge onto UT-9 E/W to the South Entrance in Springdale.
How to Visit Zion National Park
Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. No reservation is required for park entry or shuttle use. Passes can be purchased online or at the park entrance.
Admission is $35 for private vehicles, $30 for motorcycles, and $20 for individuals walking or taking the shuttle. It is valid for 7 days. Or you can purchase the Zion National Park Annual Pass for $70. For more information, call the Zion Visitor Information Line at 435-772-3256.
If you plan to visit several national parks or sites, the best value is to purchase a U.S. Park Pass. It costs $80 and is valid for 12 months at over 2,000 federal recreation sites.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
The main road east and west through Zion National Park is UT-9, which is known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. It connects the South Entrance in Springdale with the East Entrance in Orderville. (It should not be confused with the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is the main road in Zion Canyon).
The east side of Zion is much different than Zion Canyon. When you are standing on the floor of Zion Canyon, you are looking up at the mountains. (Side Note: This is different than the other national parks in Utah, where you are looking down at the canyons).
In contrast, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a windy road down the mountains to the canyon floor. The highway is surrounded by gorgeous “slickrock” mountains that were formed by erosion. There are multiple turnouts with awe-inspiring views.
Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
Motorists on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway drive through the Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel. Opened in 1930, the tunnel is over one mile long and cuts through solid sandstone.
There is a cut out in the middle of the tunnel (below picture). I assume to give motorists a way out if the tunnel catches on fire. Note that oversized vehicles have to pay $15 for one-way traffic control service to get through the tunnel.
Travel Tip: The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel are not lit up and are very dark at night. If you plan to exit the park this way, leave while it is still light out.
Things to Do in Zion National Park
There are a lot of things to do in Zion. Visitors can climb, camp, bike ride, canyoneer, horse back ride, helicopter, or take a jeep tour.
Or you can drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. I love red rock mountains, so in my opinion this is the most beautiful part of the park.
Zion Canyon
The most popular area of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon. The park’s most famous attractions are located there, including Zion Lodge, the Visitor’s Center, The Narrows, Angels Landing, and more.
When you are standing on the floor of Zion Canyon, you are looking up at the mountains. (Note that this is different than the other 4 U.S. National Parks in Utah, where visitors are looking down at the canyons).
The largest canyon in the park, Zion Canyon is 15 miles long and up to 2,640 feet deep in some locations. Its walls are reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone that were eroded by the North Fork of the Virgin River.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
For those who don’t like to hike, you can experience Zion National Park from the comfort of a vehicle. The 54-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive follows the path of the Virgin River along the Zion Canyon floor.
(Note that the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive should not be confused with the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which goes from one end of the park to the other).
To avoid traffic congestion, the scenic drive is only available to private vehicles during the slow season from December to February. From March to November all park visitors have to take the Park Shuttle to get around Zion Canyon.
Travel Tip: Unlike at other national parks, there is not much to see on the Zion Scenic Drive. Therefore, if you are not going to hike and do not have time to see every national park in Utah this is the one to skip.
Zion Canyon Shuttle System
The Zion Canyon Shuttle is a free shuttle that runs the length of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From March to November, the scenic drive is open to shuttle buses only. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Canyon Junction, which leads to the East Entrance.
During winter months, the shuttle does not run and visitors can drive their private vehicles from either the South or East Entrance all the way to the northern end of the park.
For those staying in the town of Springdale, there is a separate free shuttle that picks up at 9 different locations in Springdale and drops off at the Visitors Center shuttle stop inside the park.
Pre-Shuttle Traffic Jams
Before the Zion Canyon Shuttle system was established in 1999, there were 5,000 cars, motorhomes, and tour buses entering the narrow canyon every day competing for 450 parking spaces!!!
The National Park service established the shuttle system to eliminate traffic jams and parking hassles; and to protect vegetation. But the most important result of the shuttle system was the restoration of the tranquility of the early days of Zion Canyon.
Shuttle Stops in Zion National Park
The shuttle starts at the Visitor Center at the South Entrance Springdale side. Visitors can park their cars in the Visitor Center parking lot for free.
It stops at trailheads, scenic features, Zion Lodge, and the Museum before returning to the Visitor Center. Round-trip is a minimum of 90 minutes. Visitors can hop on and hop off as they please. Shuttles come every 8 minutes.
During summer months, the shuttle stops at 9 stops: The Visitor Center, Museum, Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, Big Bend, and the Temple a Sinawava. (Note that the Zion Human History Museum is currently closed for renovation).
You need to take the shuttle to reach most trailheads, including Angels Landing, the Riverside Walk, the Narrows, Emerald Pools, and the West Rim Trail.
Travel Tip: If you stay on the east side of the park in Mount Carmel Junction or Kanab, you will have to drive 1-2 hours to the shuttle. If you stay in Springdale, there are 9 shuttle stops that will take you to the Visitor’s Center shuttle stop where you can catch the Scenic Drive shuttle.
Hiking Trails in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for its incredible hiking trails. You can learn more online or pick up a map at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
There are 16 Hiking Trails in Zion Canyon – 6 Easy, 6 Moderate, and 4 Strenuous. The 2 most popular hikes are Angels Landing and The Narrows. Earthtrekkers has amazing reviews of hiking in Zion.
Angels Landing
The most popular hike in Zion National Park is Angels Landing. Like most popular hikes, Angels Landing has a panoramic view at its summit. However, the reason for its fame is the terrifying, steep, narrow, chain assisted ridge on the last leg.
The 5.4 mile Strenuous hike is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S.
The National Park Service warns that Angels Landing is “not for young children or anyone fearful of heights.” Despite those precautions, 13 people have died on the hike.
The West Rim Trail
The Angels Landing trail head is located at Bus Stop #6 The Grotto. The first two miles is a steady, uphill climb on part of a paved trail called the West Rim Trail.
Looking at the below picture, it’s hard to believe that this is the easy part of the hike!
Walter’s Wiggles
After the West Rim Trail is Walter’s Wiggles, 21 steep switchbacks that make your legs burn. (A switchback is when a hiking trail cuts sharply from one direction to another while going up a steep hill or mountainside. It is supposed to be easier on the hiker than climbing straight up hill).
There is a shocking 250 foot elevation gain (from 5100 feet to 5350 feet) in a short distance.
Chain Assisted Ridge
Then you arrive at the grand finale – 500 feet of sheer terror! A narrow, steep path made out of sandstone steps and boulders, with sheer drop offs on both sides. The National Park Service has bolted chains into the rock for hikers to hold on to.
Check out this amazing video of a couple conquering their fear of Angel’s Landing!!!
Riverside Walk
Perhaps the most popular beginner hike in the world is the Riverside Walk at Zion National Park. It is a 2.2 mile (round trip) paved trail alongside the Virgin River at the bottom of a narrow canyon. It ends at the beginning of the world famous Narrows Trail.
The Riverside Walk starts at the Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop 9), at the north end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. At the end of the trail, the canyon walls begin to narrow and the trail is covered in water.
If you are not sure if you have the stamina to hike the entire Narrows Trail, start at the Riverside Hike and see how far you get. If you are prepared to get your feet wet and conditions permit, continue on to the Narrows.
Travel Tip: Note Even though the Riverside Walk is paved, wheelchairs may have difficulty on the short steep grade.
The Narrows
After the 1.1 mile paved Riverside Walk, the Narrows Hike begins. It is a trek THROUGH the Virgin River surrounded by high canyon walls. Incredibly, at least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river.
The Narrows is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. And it is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. (Hence the name). In some places, the walls are one thousand feet high and the river is only 20-30 feet wide.
The entire trail is 9.4 miles and takes 8 strenuous hours. Even if you head back before you make it to the end, it will be an incredible experience!
Hiking Gear and Flash Floods
The Narrows hike is rough and slippery in cold, fast flowing water. Therefore, the National Park Service advises use of appropriate equipment and clothing.
At a minimum, most people rent hiking boots to wade through the water. There are several stores in nearby Springdale that rent specialized footwear, dry gear, and walking sticks. For example, the Zion Guru.
Flash floods can be deadly, so the NPS recommends checking the weather and flash flood potential before your hike.
Bottom Up or Top Down
There are 2 ways to hike The Narrows – “Bottom Up’ or “Top Down.” The Bottom Up route starts at the Riverside Walk and does not require a permit.
The Top Down route is a 15.5 mile hike that starts at Chamberlain’s Ranch and ends at the Temple of Sinawava. If you hike the Top Down route in 1 day, you need a Zion Wilderness Permit. And if you hike it in 2 days, you need a Backpacking Permit. You get to choose your campsite at time of purchase.
The Emerald Pools
As the name suggests, the Emerald Pools are pools of water that have been tinted green by the surrounding rocks. Unfortunately for hikers in the hot Utah summers, swimming is prohibited in the pools.
Each of the 3 Emerald Pools has its own trail. The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a 1.2 mile paved trail that leads to the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfall. The Middle Emerald Pool Trail is a 2.1 mile unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge that parallels the lower trail, but at a higher level.
And the Upper Emerald Pool Trail is a 1 mile sandy and rocky trail that climbs to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a cliff.
Travel Tip: The paths to the Lower and Middle Pools are wide sidewalks that are wheelchair accessible. In ctontrast, the trail from the Middle Pool to the Upper Pool has an uneven sand and rock surface, and a moderate to strenuous grade.
Court of the Patriarchs
The Court of the Patriarchs Trail is only 40 feet long!!! It ends at an overlook with stunning views of Birch Creek Canyon and its towering sandstone walls. From the overlook you can see the Streaked Wall, the Sentinel, the 3 Patriarchs and more.
The Court of the Patriarchs got is name In 1916 from a Methodist Minister named Frederick Fisher. He named 3 of the peaks Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob after the Old Testament patriarchs.
Travel Tip: The Court of the Patriarchs Trail is paved, but it is too steep for wheelchair access.
The West Rim Trail
The West Rim Trail is a long distance hike through Zion National Park.
With amazing views, very few hikers on the trail, and a chance to walk the length of the park, this hike rewards your efforts. The West Rim Trail can be hiked as a long day hike or as a two day backpacking trip.
Weeping Rock Trail
The Weeping Rock Trail is a .4 mile hike to a natural alcove eroded into a cliffside. Expect to get wet! Weeping Rock gets its name from the continuous “weeping” of water that drips from the cliffs above.
The perpetual spring has created a hanging garden, which is a plant community that lives on a sheet rock face. In the spring this includes flowers.
Weeping Rock Trail is short, but steep. The payoff is views of the Great White Throne and Angels Landing.
Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is located in the northwest corner of Zion National Park. It is 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City. Take Exit 40 on Interstate 15.
Things to do in Kolob Canyons includes driving the scenic drive, hiking into one of the canyons, or taking a multi-day adventure into the Zion Wilderness. There aren’t big crowds in Kolob, so it is a great place to explore if you are seeking solitude.
The 5-mile Kolob Terrace Road features the same desert landscape as Zion Canyon, which is the main section of the park:. This includes towering colored cliffs, narrow winding canyons, forested plateaus, and wooded trails along twisting side canyons.
The Kolob Terrace Road (and the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center) are usually closed from late November to April because of snow.
Wildlife in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is home to a wide variety of Wildlife. This includes 78 species of mammals, 291 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 8 species of fish. All are protected by the National Park designation.
The most frequent mammal sightings are Mule Deer, Fox, Bats, Bighorn Sheep, and Rock Squirrels. The park bird list is available at the Visitor Center.
Mule Deer
Mule Deer are one of the most commonly seen animals in Zion National Park. (I saw some by the Visitor Center!) They are easily recognizable because of their ears, which are large like the ears of a mule. (Hence their name).
Native to arid, rocky environments in western North America, Mule Deer feed on plants including shrubs, trees, grasses, and grass-like plants. Sadly, they are losing suitable habitat in Zion.
Desert Big Horn Sheep
In the 1960s Desert Big Horn Sheep dyed off in Zion National Park due to disease. They were re-introduced in the 1970s.
Desert Big Horn Sheep are shy and prefer isolation. Therefore, unlike Mule Deer which are a common site in Zion Canyon, the sheep are rarely seen.
Canyoneering
Zion National Park is known for Canyoneering, which is the sport of exploring a canyons. It combines route finding, rappelling, problem solving, swimming, and hiking.
A Wilderness Permit is required for all technical canyoneering trips. With dozens of different canyons to explore, some barely wide enough for a human to squeeze through, the park offers opportunities that range from trips for beginners to experiences requiring advanced technical skills.
Zion National Park Helicopter Tours
The best way to enjoy the beauty of a national park is to fly over it. Zion Helicopters offers helicopter tours over Zion National Park. Admire the astonishing beauty of Zion as you soar over cliff tops and through canyons.
You can even fly over both Zion National Park and nearby Bryce Canyon National Park in one trip.
Is there a Hotel inside Zion National Park?
Zion Lodge is the only lodging located inside Zion National Park. It offers motel rooms, cabins, and suites. To make a Reservation, call 1-888-297-2757 or go to www.zionlodge.com.
The Lodge has 2 restaurants – the Red Rock Grill Dining Room and the Castle Dome Café. They are the only place to eat inside the park. You can sit outside at both restaurants and enjoy the scenery. Zion Lodge also has a gift shop and post office.
Bonus fact:: There is a major trail head to Emerald Pools at the Zion Lodge Shuttle Stop. Connecting trails lead to Angels Landing and the West Rim.
Where to Stay near East Entrance
Zion National Park has 2 main entrances. The East Entrance is 12 miles from an unincorporated community called Mount Carmel Junction. It is located at the intersection of Hwy 89 and Hwy 9, 17 miles north of Kanab. There is a Shell gas station and a golf course.
The Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge is the largest hotel in Mount Carmel Junction. It is home to the Thunderbird restaurant which is well known for its “ho-made” pies.
I have a theory that there is a Subway sandwich shop outside every U.S. National Park. Zion is no different – there is one near both of the main entrances – Mount Carmel Junction and Springdale.
The Golden Hills Motel looks like a dive, but its restaurant is delicious!!!
Ranch Resorts near Zion’s East Entrance
There are a few hotels and restaurants located on Hwy 9 that are only 3 miles from Zion’s East Entrance. (They are 10 minutes closer to the park then the more well known Mount Carmel Junction).
Zion Mountain Ranch is a working ranch on 8,000 acres. It has horses, bison, and farm animals. Visitors can stay in a cozy cabin or at the lodge. The Cordwood restaurant sources organic ingredients from the property and is absolutely delicious.
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers a wide range of housing options including tent camping, glamping, cabins, and vacation homes. You can even sleep in a covered wagon like the pioneers did!
Zion Outpost
There is a store right outside of the Zion East Entrance (on the north side of Hwy 9) that I really like, Its called Zion Outpost. They sell snacks, crystals, stuffed animals, and more.
Where to Stay near South Entrance
Immediately outside of the Main/South Entrance of Zion National Park is the town of Springdale. It has several restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and laundromats. As well as a post office.
There is a free shuttle to and from Zion National Park that stops at 9 locations in Springdale. (Which is really helpful since it is sometimes hard to find parking in the park).
The 2 cheapest motels in Springdale are the Zion Park Motel and the Bumbleberry Inn. I stayed at the Bumbleberry Inn; it was nice enough since I only used the room to sleep.
Travel Tip: Hotels in Springdale are very expensive. There are cheaper hotels 21 miles west in the town of Hurricane.
Should I stay in Mount Carmel Junction or Springdale?
The hotel rooms in Mount Carmel Junction are cheaper then those in Springdale.
However, the road from Mount Carmel Junction to Zion Canyon (the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) is a winding road on the side of a mountain. In the daytime it is a beautiful drive. (Not scary). But if you find yourself still in the park when the sun goes down (which is 4:45pm in the winter) you will have to drive back up the mountain to Mount Carmel Junction in the pitch dark.
Therefore, you might want to pay more to stay in Springdale. (Which is located on a flat road just outside the south entrance to the park).
Zion National Park History
Southern Paiute Indians believe they have lived in the Zion area since the time of creation. The traditional Paiute name for Zion Canyon is Oawingwa.
In 1862 Mormon pioneers settled in Springdale and other communities along the Virgin River.
Taking advantage of the natural water resources available on the canyon floor, they dug irrigation systems and planted corn, vegetables, fruit, and tobacco. Timber was harvested from the top of Hutto and livestock grazed in the canyons and on the surrounding mesas.
Zion became a National Park in 1919
Zion became a National Monument in 1918 and a National Park in 1919. However, due to its remote location at first Zion received limited visitation.
That changed in 1923 when the Union Pacific Railroad brought service to Cedar City, and the state of Utah built a road into Zion Canyon. Visitation increased again in 1930 when the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway and Tunnel were completed.
How do you drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park?
Zion National Park is only 65 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park. It is a beautiful, scenic drive.
From the South Entrance of Zion at Springdale, take State Route 9 east through the windy Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. As you ascend the mountain, you will see beautiful rock formations on both sides. There are several turnouts to pull over and admire the view. Then you will drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Once you reach the East Entrance of Zion, drive a few miles and then turn left (north) on Hwy 89. Continue for 43 miles. Then turn right (east) on State Route 12. You will reach the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park 13.6 miles later.
