What to See and Do in Zion National Park

You can easily spend a couple of days in each canyon. On this page, I’ll share my experiences at the locations I visited, as well as some spots I wanted to see but couldn't due to time or weather constraints.

My journey began early on a Saturday in Zion, where I completed two hikes and stayed overnight. The following morning, I enjoyed another hike before heading to Bryce Canyon. At Bryce, I tackled a beautiful loop trail and captured some stunning photos in both canyons.

Let’s start with the best time to visit these incredible canyons. I visited in winter, and while it was cold, the weather allowed for enjoyable walks. I imagine that summer conditions might be less favorable for hiking.

Next, I’ll share details about my visits and highlight other options you might consider!

Best Time to Visit

Zion National Park

Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers make this a great time for hiking. The crowds are manageable, especially in March and early April.
Fall (September to November): Similar to spring, with cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. Crowds begin to thin out after Labor Day.

Worst Time to Visit

Zion National Park

Summer (June to August): Extremely hot temperatures can reach over 100°F (38°C), making hikes uncomfortable. It's also the busiest season, with large crowds at popular trails.
Winter (December to February): While winter can be beautiful, some trails may be icy or snow-covered, and certain areas may be less accessible.

Lets get start with a where to visit in Zion

Angels landing

I think this is one of my favorite hikes from my entire trip: Angels Landing. This hike is a must-do if you’re visiting Zion National Park, but be sure to apply for a permit first. You can get your permit on this page.

The hike is approximately 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 1,488 feet. The trail features a mix of steep switchbacks, known as Walter’s Wiggles, and narrow sections with chains to assist hikers along the final ascent.

Once you reach the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking. You’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon, including dramatic red rock formations and the winding Virgin River below. If you’re looking for a hike that combines challenge with stunning scenery, Angels Landing is the perfect choice!

Zion canyon road

I highly recommend driving along Zion Canyon Road, which is approximately 7 miles long. It offers stunning views of the park's iconic landscapes, making it a worthwhile experience. However, please note that during the summer months, you cannot drive your personal vehicle on this road; you'll need to use the park's shuttle system instead. You can find more information about the shuttle system on this page.

Canyon Overlook Trail

The Canyon Overlook Trail is a relatively short hike, measuring about 1 mile round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 163 feet. Despite its brief length, this trail rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of Zion Canyon from the overlook.

As you drive to the trailhead, the road itself—Zion-Mount Carmel Highway—offers spectacular scenery, including sweeping vistas and unique rock formations. The drive is an experience in itself, with several pullouts where you can stop and take in the breathtaking surroundings. These are the highlights from my visit that I highly recommend. One trail I wanted to hike but couldn’t is The Narrows. This unique hike involves wading through the Virgin River, which can be quite deep and cold in winter. The hike is approximately 9.4 miles long if you go all the way to the Temple of Sinawava, with an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet. It’s not the most enjoyable experience during winter, but if you’re visiting in the summer or on a warm day, I definitely recommend it!

There are a couple of other hikes I didn’t get the chance to explore, primarily because they were closed due to snow or because they didn’t appeal to me based on the photos I saw online. Still, I wanted to mention them so you can make your own judgment:

Observation Point: A strenuous but rewarding hike that offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon from above. It’s about 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 2,148 feet.
Weeping Rock: A short and easy trail leading to a beautiful rock alcove with dripping springs. However, it may be closed at times due to rockfall hazards.
Emerald Pools: A series of short hikes that lead to picturesque pools and waterfalls. The trails vary in difficulty, making it a great option for families.

Shuttle System

Peak Season: During the busy season (typically from mid-March to late November), the main canyon road is closed to private vehicles. Instead, visitors must use the park’s shuttle system to access popular areas, including the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, and The Narrows.
Shuttle Schedule: The shuttles run frequently and are included with your entrance fee. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the day to secure your spot on the shuttle, especially if you plan to hike Angels Landing.

Off-Peak Season

Winter Months: From late November to early March, you can usually drive your personal vehicle into the canyon, as the shuttle system is not in operation. However, be mindful of weather conditions, as snow and ice can affect road accessibility.