Things to Do in Zion National Park

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Court of the Patriarchs

Court of the Patriarchs in Zion Canyon is an iconic spot long praised for its cathedral atmosphere. Nearby Sand Bench Trail offers a 3.9-mile (6.3 km) loop with about 1,038 ft (316 m) elevation gain and sandy stretches, or a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) one-way connector to Zion Lodge with moderate grades, bridges and occasional rock steps; expect soft sand and uneven tread.

Canyon Overlook

Perched near the east entrance of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel, Canyon Overlook offers a short, dramatic panorama of Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon, a quintessential East Rim viewpoint. The 0.5-mile one-way (1.0-mile roundtrip) trail gains about 150–163 ft, is rocky and uneven with long, mostly fenced drop-offs, staircases and narrow tread in places, and parking is extremely limited; allow about an hour.

Lava Point Overlook A

Perched on the Kolob Terrace at 7,890 feet, Lava Point Overlook shares the remote high‑country setting of Lava Point Campground within the Zion Wilderness. The nearby campground is typically open May–September, 25 miles (about 45 minutes) north of Virgin and roughly 1 hour 20 minutes from Zion Canyon’s South Entrance; it offers six primitive sites with pit toilets (no potable water), requires advance reservations on recreation.gov, and has very limited cell service.

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Scout Lookout

Scout Lookout offers commanding views over Angels Landing and the sweeping walls of Zion Canyon, making it a popular and natural turnaround for many hikers. You do not need a permit to reach Scout Lookout (permits are required only to continue onto the Chains to Angels Landing); the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout is 1.9 miles one way with about 1,187 feet of elevation gain, mostly concrete tread, so it covers most of the hike's distance and elevation.

Mystery Canyon Falls

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Checkerboard Mesa

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The Subway

The Subway is a dramatic, tube-like slot carved into Zion's slick sandstone with steep canyon walls and brush, offering one of the park's most iconic wilderness experiences. Routes include the strenuous 9.0-mile bottom-up (6–10 hours) and the technical 9.5-mile top-down (6–12 hours, 2,400 ft elevation change); both require wilderness permits year-round, with the bottom-up off-trail involving creek travel and boulder scrambles (no pets), while the top-down requires ropes, harnesses, rappels, cold-water swims and wetsuits or drysuits, and guiding is prohibited.

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Jolley Gulch

Sheep, Mountain Zion

Big Bend Viewpoint

Lava Point Overlook B

Lava Point sits at 7,890 feet on Kolob Terrace Road within the Zion Wilderness, offering visitors a distinct high-elevation character. Nearby, Lava Point Campground typically operates from May to September and is located approximately 25 miles north of Virgin, about a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Zion Canyon's South Entrance. The campground features six primitive sites, pit toilets, and limited cell service, but does not provide potable water. Advance reservations are required for camping here.

Watchman Overlook

Perched above lower Zion Canyon, Watchman Overlook rewards hikers with expansive views of the canyon and a dramatic vantage with high drop-offs and no guard rails. The moderate Watchman Trail is about 1.4 miles one-way with 479.4 ft of elevation gain on rocky, uneven tread and steps; ranger-led hikes are offered but require free in-person registration at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center up to three days in advance, and the park's Trail Access Information covers accessibility details.

Kolob Arch Viewpoint

Kolob Arch Viewpoint offers dramatic panoramic views where crimson box canyons, 2,000-foot cliff walls and sandstone domes rise above fields of wildflowers visible from the Kolob Terrace Connector Trail. A five-mile scenic drive leads to the viewpoint; check with the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center for 30-minute ranger talks and limited seating, and be aware the Kolob Canyons Road may close in winter due to snow or ice.

Lower Emerald Pool

Lower Emerald Pool offers a short, scenic stroll from Shuttle Stop #5; the one-way trail is 0.6 miles (1.0 km) with about 131 ft of gain and 96 ft of loss. The path is mostly hard concrete with typical tread around 62 in, a 30 in minimum, a bridge and occasional gaps up to 2 in, and during current park advisories visitors are warned against swimming or submerging their heads in the pools.

Middle Emerald Pool

Middle Emerald Pool is a stunning feature within Zion Canyon’s Emerald Pools system. The trail leading to it is a one-way 0.9-mile route starting from Shuttle Stop #5, gaining about 333 feet in elevation. This path features a typical grade of around 10%, with some sections up to 38%, and offers a tread width of 57 inches at its widest. The trail consists of mostly firm soil and hard rock surfaces, with obstructions such as a bridge and staircases that include steps up to 10 inches tall.

House Rock

House Rock is an impressive landmark nestled among Zion’s dramatic cliffs, making it a prime location for rock climbing and canyoneering adventures. The towering walls and stunning scenery provide a backdrop for both seasoned climbers and adventurous visitors looking to explore the rugged landscape. As you enjoy the breathtaking views, be mindful of your surroundings to fully appreciate the beauty and challenge that this remarkable site offers.

Floating Rock

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a six-mile route framed by towering sandstone cliffs rising 2,000–3,000 feet, offering dramatic viewpoints and opportunities to see raptors such as peregrine falcons and the habitat-favored California condor. The road is shuttle-only most of the year; shuttles (stops include Court of the Patriarchs; Zion Lodge/Emerald Pools; The Grotto; Big Bend; Temple of Sinawava) run daily March–November and near the December holiday, while private vehicles can access the canyon in winter or you can bike it.

Upper Emerald Pool

Upper Emerald Pool is reached via the short Upper Emerald Pools Trail (0.3 mi / 0.4 km one-way), a compact but physically demanding approach that gains about 75.8 ft (23.1 m) and includes pitches as steep as 37%. Expect mixed surfaces (≈45% hard rock, 36% soft sand, 19% firm soil), narrow tread down to 12 in (30.5 cm), an 11.3 ft overhang, and staircases with steps up to 30 in, so wear sturdy footwear.

The "North Pole" Log

Big Spring

Big Spring is the farthest that Narrows hikers can go from the bottom up without a permit, which is 9.4 miles roundtrip. It is a reliable natural source where visitors can obtain water while exploring Zion Canyon. However, as with all park springs the flow can vary and water should always be properly treated before drinking; springs are intended as emergency or supplemental sources rather than a primary supply, and overnight camping is not permitted within a quarter mile of any spring.

Hidden Canyon

Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park is an exhilarating hike featuring steep ledges and handholds with chains for support. As you navigate through this cliff-hugging scramble, you'll discover a narrow side canyon that includes a small arch, perfect for exploration. The trail traditionally concludes at the mouth of this side canyon, providing stunning views and a memorable experience.

Riverside Walk Trailhead

The Riverside Walk Trail at the Temple of Sinawava is the gateway to the Virgin River Narrows, a unique hike where much of the route requires wading, walking, and sometimes swimming, and the canyon’s beauty unfolds along the journey rather than at a single viewpoint. The paved, concrete trail is about 1 mile one-way with some slippery sandy sections and overhanging rocks; check weather and flash‑flood forecasts, carry appropriate gear; there are no water filling stations or restrooms.

Kolob Canyon Scenic drive

Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive showcases narrow parallel box canyons and crimson sandstone peaks with 2,000-foot cliff walls carved into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau. Located at Exit 40 on I-15 (40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City), the five-mile drive offers panoramic viewpoints and trail access; the road may close in winter for snow or ice, pedestrians are prohibited during snow-plow operations, and ranger talks are offered at the viewpoint (limited seating).

Walter's Wiggles