Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

Zion is the ultimate playground for active travellers and photographers, where every trail puts you inside or on top of towering Navajo sandstone cliffs. Here are the ten experiences that define a visit.

1. Wade up the Virgin River into the slot canyon of The Narrows ('Wall Street'). Rent neoprene socks, canyon boots and a wooden staff in Springdale to walk straight up the river where 300-metre crimson walls narrow to 6 metres wide.
2. Climb the 21 switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout (and Angels Landing). Ascend the historic 1926 rock-cut switchbacks for a bird's-eye view down Zion Canyon, and if you win a lottery permit, tackle the final chained spine of Angels Landing.
3. Hike the 1.6-kilometre Canyon Overlook Trail & drive the 1930 Mount Carmel Tunnel. Just outside the east portal of the historic rock tunnel, follow a thrilling 30-minute sandstone ledge trail to a cliff viewpoint over Pine Creek slot canyon.
4. Rent an e-bike in Springdale to ride the car-free Zion Canyon Scenic Drive & Pa'rus Trail. Skip every shuttle bus line by pedalling 26 kilometres round-trip beneath the Court of the Patriarchs and Big Bend with 360-degree open views.

5. Walk the paved Riverside Walk & hike to Lower, Middle and Upper Emerald Pools. Stroll behind a weeping sandstone waterfall alcove at Lower Emerald Pool and follow the hanging cliff path of the Kayenta Trail.
6. Hike the Watchman Trail at Sunset or Observation Point via East Mesa. Look down on Angels Landing from 215 metres higher up at 1,983-metre Observation Point.
7. Explore the crimson finger canyons of Kolob Canyons (Timber Creek Overlook). Forty minutes northwest off I-15, drive an uncrowded 8-kilometre red-rock ridge road.
8. Photograph sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge & stargaze in an International Dark Sky Park. Watch the Watchman spire glow fiery orange over the Virgin River cascades.

9. Try guided Slot Canyoneering in East Zion or visit Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Rappel into narrow Navajo sandstone slots or tube down the Virgin River in Springdale.
10. Take a 90-minute day trip east to Bryce Canyon National Park. Walk among thousands of orange-and-white limestone hoodoo spires on the Navajo and Queen's Garden loop.