Last updated August 13, 2026 · Editorial policy
Quick answer: Zion offers 15+ must-do experiences. Here are the top picks, ranked.
Zion’s red rock cliffs, Virgin River, and hiking make it Utah’s most visited park. 3 days covers main hikes.
1. Angels Landing hike
Iconic chains-and-cliff hike. Permit required since 2022.
2. The Narrows
Hike up the Virgin River through slot canyon.
3. Emerald Pools
Family-friendly hike, three tiers of pools.
4. Riverside Walk
Easy paved walk to start of Narrows.
5. Canyon Overlook Trail
Short hike, big view.
6. Observation Point
Higher than Angels Landing, less crowded.
7. Weeping Rock (closed)
Currently closed due to rockfall.
8. Drive Zion Canyon Scenic
Free shuttle Apr-Oct, drive Nov-Mar.
9. Watchman Trail at sunset
Easy, beautiful sunset light.
10. Kolob Canyons section
Less crowded, north section of park.
11. Hidden Canyon
Slot canyon with chains. Currently closed.
12. Pa’rus Trail (paved)
Easy biking/walking, families.
13. Star gazing
Designated Dark Sky community.
14. Springdale town
Restaurants, shops just outside park.
15. Day trip to Bryce Canyon
1.5 hours away, very different landscape.
Planning Tips
- Book hotels and lodges 6-12 months ahead for peak season
- Get your America the Beautiful pass ($80/year, $20/seven-day for one park)
- Arrive at popular trailheads by 7am
- Carry water and snacks – food options inside parks are limited
- Cell coverage is often unavailable – download maps
Plan Your Trip
What’s Overrated, What’s Worth It, and the 6 a.m. Move That Saves Your Day
Angels Landing gets the postcards, but it is the most overrated way to spend a morning here. You apply through a lottery (about $6 per application), then queue on a narrow chain section behind dozens of other hikers. For a higher, quieter payoff, take Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail instead: it actually looks down on Angels Landing, needs no permit, no chains, and skips the shuttle entirely. The original Observation Point route from Weeping Rock has been closed since the 2019 rockfall, so the East Mesa approach on the park’s east side is now the sane way up, roughly 7 miles round trip through ponderosa pines.
The pick most visitors never reach is Kolob Canyons, the park’s northern section about 45 miles from the main canyon. There is no shuttle, so you drive your own car at your own pace, and the short Timber Creek Overlook Trail rewards you with red-rock fins and near-empty parking.
- Beat the crowds: the first shuttle leaves the Visitor Center around 6 a.m.; ride it straight to Temple of Sinawava and you will have the Narrows trailhead almost to yourself before the mid-morning rush arrives.
FAQs
How many days do I need?
3-5 days minimum for highlights. 7+ days for hiking-focused trips.
Best time to visit?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) for fewer crowds and good weather.
Do I need reservations?
Some parks (Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain) now require timed entry permits.
Can I do this with kids?
Yes. Most attractions have short paved trails plus longer optional hikes.
Is it expensive?
Park entry $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days. Lodging inside park books fast.
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Torn between destinations? See our honest, first-hand comparisons: Zion vs Bryce Canyon.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.
