Top 10 Things to Do in Zion

Our Local Expert Says:

Showcases the most classic Zion scenery: intricately carved slot canyon, towering sandstone walls, nature's grand presence.

Description:

The most famous hike in Zion, the Narrows are world-famous for water, stunning gorgeous cliff walls, and the feeling of hiking deep in the belly of Mother Earth. The Virgin River carved a ridiculously narrow trench through the Navajo rock formations, creating what today beckons to fit adventurers. Bring your trekking poles, water shoes, and waterproof camera for this experience. Stepping into the cool, rocky pull of the Virgin River as you make your way upstream leads you into another world, far from the gaggles of people attracted to Zion every year. The Zion Narrows is an unforgettable hike, designed for permanent capture in breath-taking pictures. If you can hack it, don't miss it.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can't visit Zion without doing this deservedly classic hike, even if you stop short of the very skinny, very high up final push.

Description:

This is of course the not-to-be-missed hike of Zion. Angels Landing is famous for its views, its drop-offs, and its thigh-blasting climb. It's easy to find a picture spot at the top that makes it look like you're about to step back into sheer nothingness, although you'll be yards away from the edge during your photo shoot. Early mornings and late evenings are best during the blazing and crowded summer months. Remember to seriously check your fear of heights before you tackle this climb; many hikers call it a day at "Chicken-Out Point" (officially Scout Lookout) which still offers nice views without the gut-wrenching proximity of a thousand-foot fall from the aptly-named Angels Landing. Bizarre but true: you can get cell service on top. Please respect your fellow hikers and maintain outdoorsy silence by texting only!

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful and worth it

Description:

Ah, cool and lovely, these pools make a great trek. Consisting of Lower, Middle, and Upper, the Emerald Pools can get crowded, so consider an early start. Sheer drop-offs on the trail make it iffy if you suffer from vertigo or have little children. If you want shade and ease of access, stick to the Lower Pools trail. When to see the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools at their best: after a storm. Mind slippery edges and enjoy the cool gorgeousness of this signature hike.

Our Local Expert Says:

Spectacular views from overlooks, deep inside canyons, and sparsely-traveled.

Description:

This is considered the Zion trip if you're a backpacker. You see all the geology Zion offers along the West Rim Trail, as well as all the ecology. Keep your peepers peeled for colorful wildflowers and some of the park's 292 bird species. This is also a shuttle trip, so you either need two cars or, more likely, to hire a shuttle from one of the local guiding companies. 

Description:

Along the trail, there are drop-offs a la Angels Landing that afford great views, if viewed from a safe distance! This is a wonderful summer hike, since it's sheltered from that crazy hot sun. Try to avoid winter or spring, because you'll be slogging through wet muck from snow or snow melt. The trick of this hike is to explore up-canyon when you reach the Hidden Canyon itself to find even more treasures...such as a sweet natural arch. Another bonus is that the further you explore, the fewer people you run into. Ahh....

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best views in Zion, hands down

Description:

A perfect name for the stunning view of Zion, Observation Point is a must-see. It's long, it's hard, it's hot, and it is so, so worth it! Zipping along the East Rim Trail and through Echo Canyon, the way to Observation Point is so full of camera-worthy angles that after a while you might almost forget how spectacular it is—because everywhere you turn, the views are stunning. Nowhere more so at the end, when all you get is the deep blue sky and and red-and-cream of the jutting cliff walls.

Description:

You could do this trail fast. Half an hour is all it takes to go up to the overhanging cliff face and back. If you're a grinder, you can skip the signs and do it even faster...

Our Local Expert Says:

Amazing views for such a short hike -- only one mile roundtrip. Great for kids.

Description:

It's short but a bit strenuous, and the views you're rewarded with are fantastic. Great kid hike or for those with less stamina or little time who still want to see Zion's best. Make sure to pick up a trail guide at the hike's start so you can find out all about plants, animals, and geologic features along the way. Have fun checking out the hoodoos close to the top and imagining them to be funky creatures from outer space. At the lookout end of the Canyon Overlook Trail, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep—bring binocs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Considered one of southern Utah's most scenic drives.

Description:

The drive along Mt. Carmel Highway costs $25 (for the entrance fee), but is priceless in terms of beautiful vistas and scenic overlooks. Don't forget your camera for this winding road, as you'll want to stop often so you can peer into canyons and admire the rock formations from multiple lookout points. Prepare your jaw for dropping.

Description:

Want to see Zion, rather than all the other people who want to see Zion? Head to the "upper" part of the Park, Kolob Canyons, and hike in to see Kolob Arch for yourself. This section is as glorious as the far more visited southern section of Zion, and Kolob Arch offers something better: beauty without all the people. This is a hiker's hike, so be prepared for anything from blisters to tarantulas to raincloud bursts as you explore the trail to one of the Northern Hemisphere's largest freestanding arches. Totally worth the effort if you're prepared.