Best things to do in Zion National Park

Zion is home to some of the USA's most famous trails, like the heart-pounding Angel's Landing and the unique (and wet) Narrows. There are hikes for all levels and abilities scattered throughout the park, but these are just some that we recommend.

Virgin River Narrows

The Narrows is one of Zion's most popular hikes, and a lot of that has to do with how unique it is. It takes you right into the narrowest section of the canyon, where 300 m walls rise around the river. You'll start on the easy paved River Trail before stepping right into the water and walking upstream. Hiking in moving water can be a new and exciting experience, so you'll have time to get your 'stream legs' before you walk for another 2.4 km to the turnaround point in Orderville Canyon.

It's a fun and immersive hike, but the river conditions can change, so it's one to do with local guidance and a safety check first – things like rainfall and snowmelt can alter conditions, but your leader will let you know if it's safe to go.

Canyon Overlook Trail

Canyon Overlook Trail is a short but moderate hike with big views. It's only about 1.6 km in length, but you'll climb sandstone steps, follow railings over rocky sections and pass above a narrow slot canyon before the landscape suddenly opens up. At the end, you'll catch sweeping views of Zion's red-and-cream coloured slickrock, the Towers of the Virgin and, if you're lucky, a bighorn sheep or two.

West Rim to Scout Lookout

The West Rim to Scout Lookout hike is great for those wanting to do Angel's Landing minus the permit-needed scary bit. It's a steep 6-ish km hike that crosses the Virgin River, winds through Refrigerator Canyon and climbs the Walter's Wiggles switchbacks before opening up to views over Zion Canyon and its 270-million-year-old rock layers. At Scout Lookout, you can take in the scenery and see the junction to Angel's Landing, but continuing that final exposed section requires a permit (and a lack of fear of heights).

National parks aren't just for avid hikers, they're also for people who just simply like being surrounded by natural wonders. You don't have to break a sweat for great views in Zion, like the Towers of the Virgin, which are some of the most iconic features of the park. You can see the sandstone monoliths easily from the viewing deck right behind the Zion Human History Museum, plus there's even seats, so you can just sit down and take it all in. Easy peasy.

Another quick option for an epic viewpoint is the paved Pa'rus Trail that you can take right from the Visitor Center. Cross the Virgin River bridge and within a few steps, you’re surrounded by towering cliffs on a flat, paved path. You'll also get a great view of Watchman Tower. Some say to 'look north,' but you can just spin in circles and take it in from all angles.

For a bunch of viewpoints bottled up into one hike-less activity, hop on the free Zion Canyon Shuttle where you can get on and off at your leisure. Hop off, snap a pic, then jump back on and keep going. It's an hour and 45 minute roundtrip, so sit back, relax and take in the landscapes of Zion.

As a designated International Dark Sky Park, this is a spot you definitely want to look up at the night sky. With practically no light pollution, stargazing is a must and going on a camping trip ensures you'll be in the park after dark. Sit back and watch the show as thousands of stars shine overhead – on a clear night you might even see the Milky Way across the red rock cliffs.

Some of the best viewing spots are right from the Visitor Center along the Pa'rus Trail, Kolob Terrace Road and the Kolob Canyons, Lava Point Overlook and Timber Creek Parking Lot – but honestly, anywhere is a good spot as long as you have a good view of the sky, which is pretty much the whole park.

If you're looking for another type of adventure, there are many ways to explore the park.

Rock climbing: a great way to get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing with wild views. Imagine climbing to the top of one of Zion's soaring sandstone cliffs, turning around and seeing the canyon far below you – epic, right? Top areas include the upper and lower Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons and bouldering along the Watchman Trail, but this activity is best suited for experienced climbers.

River tubing: Both relaxing and exciting with no skills necessary, tubing down the Virgin River is a chill way to see the park from a different angle. It's typically done on a deeper section of the river and is recommended to go with an outfitter rather than going full DIY, so that you can have the rentals, safety gear and shuttle services at your disposal. Plus, the river can be unpredictable.

Canyoneering: Combine hiking, rock climbing, rappelling and swimming into one activity and you've got canyoneering. Zion has become one of the premier places in the country to do this, but a Wilderness Permit is needed for all technical trips. For an intro to the slot canyons of Zion, head to the lower end of the Narrows. For more experienced canyoneers, the Subway and Orderville Canyon should be on your radar.