The 12 best things to do in Zion National Park, USA – just hand luggage

Nestled in a stunning southern region Utah, Zion National Park is a completely wonderful place to visit. In addition to high canyons and emerald pools, Zion National Park has a bunch of the best things to do for every type of visitor. All this makes it the perfect vacation spot to explore the beautiful nature!

Honestly, the park itself is breathtaking and you really shouldn’t miss a few days (or longer) wandering the trails and watching this in its entirety an intact gem in Utah.

With millions of years of geological history, especially around the cliffs of the Virgin River, it is a place that the United States represents to me. Nature is on such a large scale around the world national parks in the United States and Zion certainly showed it to me!

So, to help you get the most out of this great natural wonder, I wanted to share some of the best places to visit in Zion that I hope you will enjoy.

Check out the best things to do in Zion National Park below. Have fun in Utah!

1.) Narrow

Narrows is probably the most famous of the trails to explore on Mount Zion. Well, saying that, Narrows isn’t really a trail at all – it’s the narrowest part of Zion Canyon that can be walked (and sometimes walked).

When you get here, you can jump into Zion Canyon for a 10-day all-day hike, which is pretty hard if you follow the entire route and you’ll always get wet.

That said, it’s amazing and one of the best things in Zion National Park that you just can’t miss.

If you go to ‘hiking from the bottom up‘then you won’t need permission to access The Narrows. This starts from the Temple of Sinawa, and you can simply jump in and start making your way through the Narrows all the way to the Great Spring. It’s beautiful and worth a try; just watch out for a few extra water wandering shoes.

Although, if you decide on ‘hiking from top to bottom‘then you will have to organize a permit before you break through.

Oh, and always check the conditions and flash flood warnings to see if The Narrows is open. After all, no one wants an unscrupulous mountaineer to wander here!

In any case, Narrows will be one of the most memorable mountaineering experiences you will get in Zion National Park.

2.) Willis Creek narrows

One of the biggest things to visit Willis Creek narrows is that it is quite affordable and relatively easy to see.

Unlike many other canyons on the slots on Zion, the type of hiking trail is perfect if you don’t want to toil through the terrain – it’s all so beautiful and easy.

Plus, there’s plenty of parking, so it’s great to do it at any time of the day!

In so many ways Willis Creek Narrow reminds me of Antelope Canyon; which I also loved. I guess it is shaped by the same geological processes because they are relatively close to each other (even if they are in different countries).

3.) Landing of angels

Angels Landing is one of the most adrenaline-fueled walks you can take in Zion National Park! In fact, having said that, it is one of the most exciting but most difficult hikes in the entire world Utah!!

Only for experienced hikers will you need a good level of fitness for Angel Landing as you will be using all four limbs to attempt heavy slopes at certain points.

This is not hiking that they want to take their children on, nor anyone who is afraid of heights or fitness levels that will be dangerous to them (and others). Oh yes, and if you get dizzy, miss this one! The Angels Landings trail has huge stations that can make your feet sway!

Although you will manage to reach Angels Landing at the top, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful view of the valley surrounded by the high walls of Zion Canyon.

4.) Museum of Human History

The Museum of Human History is worth a visit during your trip, as it illuminates the cultural history of Zion National Park.

Along with a bunch of exhibitions, which describe the history of early pioneer settlements, indigenous groups originating from that area, and the beginning and development of the Park itself, the Museum of Human History is a source of knowledge.

It is worth taking a look for a few hours, it is completely easy to visit, because it is the first stop on board the Park.

After that, head to the historical Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel through which you can drive. Yes, it’s one lane and you’ll have to drive carefully, but it’s a historic part of the park that you can’t miss. In addition, once you reach the other side (about a mile), you will park and see Slot Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon overlook.

5.) Canary Creek

Hiking Canary Creek is one of the best things to do in Zion National Park if you want to see an impressive canyon of slots. It is shy only 4 kilometers long, and is most suitable for pedestrians (although it is not too heavy).

Completely beautiful and great to see, you will need hiking permit this route. They usually allow about 150 people to walk the trail every day, so book as soon as possible.

6.) A crying rock

This is a cry!

Weeping Rock has earned its name thanks to the constantly humid environment. You see, the surface of the rock is eternally moist, water dripping from it that sometimes flows.

One of the coldest things on Crying Rock is that thanks to its water leaking from its walls. All this means that the Rock tends to grow an abundance of plants and that hanging gardens are easy to create.

Plus, it’s really easy to visit if you stop by trailhead lying on the floor of the Valley of the Road.

7.) Checkerboard Mesa

Although equally beautiful, the east side of the park is usually less passable than the west and is quite quieter.

This means it is one of the best things to do in Zion National Park if you are looking for places for less crowds.

With its own car park and information board, this side of the park has a distinct atmosphere and a unique landscape that you really can’t miss.

Be sure not to miss Checkerboard Mesa, the first stop you’ll come across from the park’s east entrance. An interesting pattern of the cross, after which the White Mesa is named, stands out among the pines and amber rocks that surround it, making it completely iconic.

While you can’t hike Checkerboard Mesa, you can enjoy it from afar and it’s pretty easy to join on gander before you join East Rim Trail it’s just shy of Ranger’s station.

8.) Hidden canyon

The hidden canyon offers views that are just as spectacular as Angel’s Landing, but with the added benefit of being much less crowded.

This makes this hike one of the best things to do in Zion National Park for those looking for a little more solitude outdoors.

With similar paths to embrace the cliffs that cause dizziness, the Hidden Canyon is super fun and worth a look. There are a multitude of chains nailed to the rock in many parts, adding extra security to the amazing hiking. Definitely worth the time for hiking to the Hidden Canyon, even if you’ve already done Angel’s Landing!

Plus, it’s really easy to team up with the trail to the Hidden Canyon after you look at the Weeping Rock – they’re right next to each other!

9.) Trail overlooking the canyon

As I mentioned briefly earlier, after driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel there is a short but sweet trail overlooking the canyon. This is one of the ppopular alternatives to more challenging walks in Zion National Park – but still a great reward!

Less than a mile (there and back), the Canyon Overlook Trail takes you to a lookout point providing some dazzling views of the valley that you simply can’t miss.

Most are easily accessible, the trail has a very small slope and is completely easy.

10.) Pa’Rus trail

The Pa’Rus paved trail is the only trail in the entire park where dogs (on lead) are allowed to join their owners for wandering around. Also, the Pa’Rus Trail is the only trail you can go by bike.

It follows the Virgo River for certain segments, and turns for others to take you to famous lookouts that truly show the incredible beauty of Zion National Park.

Join the track on wheels or with a hairy friend? Just be a polite bike rider and keep dogs at an advantage as all hikers and visitors share this relatively narrow trail.

11.) Emerald pools

Hiking through the emerald pool, along with the “Lower” and “Higher” options, are some of the best things to do in Zion National Park, and that’s a pretty easy trail.

Now what makes emerald pools so special are the beautiful waterfalls that flow from the upper pools to the lower ones; it’s amazing.

In addition, due to all the water, the area is especially green, lush and quite stunning to see.

If you want an easier trail, jumping down the Lower Emerald Pools is easier. That said, none of them are classified as strenuous, making it a manageable track for most avid runners. Even the Higher Emerald Pools are hiking and it takes you about 90 minutes to cross under three kilometers (there and back).

Do you want to rest? Sign in to Zion National Park Lodge close.

12.) Riverside walk

At the last stop of the shuttle, the Sinawawa Temple, jump and head along the river. This is perfect for those who don’t want to explore The Narrows more deeply and want a more affordable way to enjoy the canyon.

Easy to complete, this is ultimately the first part of The Narrows route and follows the natural meandering of the Virgin River.

In my opinion, that is not the most dramatic part of Narros, compared to fun walks. That said, it’s certainly easy and worth visiting if you’re with younger kids or need extra support for accessibility.

On just over 2 miles of return journey, most aspiring runners can complete the walk with relative ease.