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Utah, United States

Zion NP

Give Zion two full days: one for the shuttle-served main canyon hikes, one for the Narrows or east side. This guide pulls together 1 sight, 4 activities and 2 outdoor spots from our curated routes.

Plan Zion NP with friendsBrowse 10 places
Zion NP, Utah, United States
Places
10

1 See · 4 Do · 2 Outdoors · 1 Eat · 1 Drink · 1 Shop

Curated routes
1

Las Vegas & National Parks

Best season
Mar – May

from our route notes

Warmest month
July

32°C / 89°F avg high

Coolest month
December

5°C / 41°F avg high

Wettest month
February

about 36 mm rain

Climate: NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages for Zion, the nearest city we track.

Things to do in Zion NP

10 places from our curated routes, grouped by what you will do there. Each one has its own page with the address and full notes.

See

1 sight worth building a day around in Kolob Canyons.

  • Kolob Canyons Road in Zion NPPhoto: Noor · Google
    See

    Kolob Canyons Road

    5-mile drive in the park's quieter northwest section to finger canyon viewpoints.

    Tip Separate entrance off I-15 exit 40.

    • Kolob Canyons
    • Free
    • 2 hr
    • Afternoon

Do

4 activities for when the group wants to do more than look across Zion Canyon, The Grotto and Temple of Sinawava. All 4 are free to visit.

  • Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in Zion NPPhoto: Mercedes F · Google
    Do

    Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

    Main canyon road served by the free park shuttle, stopping at every major trailhead.

    Tip Private cars are barred most of the year; catch an early shuttle from the visitor center.

    • Zion Canyon
    • Free
    • 2 hr
    • Early morning
  • Angels Landing in Zion NPPhoto: Óðinn · CC BY-SA 2.5 ca
    Do

    Angels Landing

    Chain-assisted climb along a narrow fin to a summit 1,500 ft above the canyon.

    Tip Permit required via lottery on recreation.gov; Scout Lookout needs no permit.

    • The Grotto
    • Free
    • 5 hr
    • Early morning
  • The Narrows in Zion NPPhoto: Becca · Google
    Do

    The Narrows

    Wade the Virgin River between thousand-foot walls from the end of Riverside Walk.

    Tip Check flash-flood forecasts; rent canyoneering boots and poles in Springdale.

    • Temple of Sinawava
    • Free
    • 5 hr
    • Jun–Sep
  • Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion NPPhoto: Sujeeth P · Google
    Do

    Canyon Overlook Trail

    1-mile round trip on the east side to a view straight down Zion Canyon.

    Tip Small parking lot past the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel fills fast.

    • East side
    • Free
    • 60 min
    • Late afternoon

Outdoors

2 outdoor spots for fresh air across Zion Lodge and Visitor Center. All 2 are free to visit.

  • Emerald Pools Trail in Zion NPPhoto: Alison Carter · Google
    Outdoors

    Emerald Pools Trail

    Short trails to pools and seasonal waterfalls below Red Arch Mountain.

    • Zion Lodge
    • Free
    • 2 hr
    • Morning
  • Watchman Trail in Zion NPPhoto: BJL · Google
    Outdoors

    Watchman Trail

    Moderate 3-mile loop from the visitor center to a viewpoint over Springdale and the Watchman.

    • Visitor Center
    • Free
    • 2 hr
    • Sunset

Eat

Where we would book a table in Zion NP in Springdale.

  • Oscar's Cafe in Zion NPPhoto: Ira Porter · Google
    Eat

    Oscar's Cafe

    Springdale standby for big breakfast burritos and Mexican plates on a shaded patio.

    • Springdale
    • $$
    • 60 min
    • Breakfast

Drink

Our picks for a drink in Zion NP in Springdale.

  • Zion Canyon Brew Pub in Zion NPPhoto: Zion Canyon Brew Pub · Google
    Drink

    Zion Canyon Brew Pub

    Brewpub at the park's pedestrian entrance with a patio facing the Watchman.

    • Springdale
    • $$
    • 75 min
    • After hiking

Shop

Markets and shops worth the detour in Springdale.

  • Zion Outfitter in Zion NPPhoto: Thanh Nguyen · Google
    Shop

    Zion Outfitter

    Rents dry suits, neoprene socks and walking sticks for the Narrows, next to the park entrance.

    Tip Pick up gear the evening before to start early.

    • Springdale
    • $$
    • 30 min
    • Evening before

How to fit Zion NP into a trip

Zion NP is stop 2 of 3 on our Las Vegas & National Parks route. Follow it as-is or lift Zion NP into your own plan.

Getting here and onward

Distances are straight-line estimates between destination centers, not road distances.

Weather by month, based on Zion

Our climate figures for Zion NP come from Zion, right next door. Average daily highs run from 5°C / 41°F in December to 32°C / 89°F in July. February is the wettest month, with about 36 mm of rain. Outlined months fall in the best season on our routes.

Average daily highs, NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages for Zion. Zion weather (covers Zion NP) →

Near Zion NP

8 other destinations from our guides within about 300 km (186 mi), measured in a straight line.

Zion NP questions, answered

How many days do you need in Zion NP?

Our route notes suggest 2 days in Zion NP. On our Las Vegas & National Parks route it is stop 2 of 3 in a 5-day trip. The listed visit times for our 10 places add up to roughly 22 hours, before travel between them, so you will need to choose.

What is Zion NP best known for?

Give Zion two full days: one for the shuttle-served main canyon hikes, one for the Narrows or east side. Standouts on our list: Kolob Canyons Road (5-mile drive in the park's quieter northwest section to finger canyon viewpoints); Emerald Pools Trail (Short trails to pools and seasonal waterfalls below Red Arch Mountain); Watchman Trail (Moderate 3-mile loop from the visitor center to a viewpoint over Springdale and the Watchman).

When is the best time to visit Zion NP?

Our Las Vegas & National Parks route is best Mar – May. NASA POWER 2001–2025 averages for nearby Zion put the warmest highs in July (32°C / 89°F), the coolest in December (5°C / 41°F) and the most rain in February (about 36 mm).

What are the best things to do in Zion NP?

Start with Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, Emerald Pools Trail, The Narrows and Canyon Overlook Trail. Our guide lists 10 places in all, from 1 sight, 4 activities, 2 outdoor spots, 1 place to eat, 1 bar or café and 1 shop.

What is near Zion NP?

The closest destinations in our guides are Zion (about 0 km / 0 mi), Bryce Canyon (about 81 km / 50 mi) and Grand Canyon (about 155 km / 97 mi). Distances are straight-line estimates, not road distances.

Plan Zion NP with your crew

Open the Las Vegas & National Parks route in TripsCircle, invite friends with a link, settle which of these 10 places make the cut with a quick poll, then split costs and share one packing list.

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