Scenic beauty, birdwatching, hiking, camping, canyoneering, and much more — if you are planning for ecotourism, there can’t be a better destination than Zion National Park in Utah! The natural reserve is characterized by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs, hikes, and waterfalls. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River.
Cheapfaremart rounds up the top 10 things to do in Zion National Park.
1. Bicycling
Rent a bicycle and explore the natural diversity of Zion National Park. The Pa’rus Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are accessible to bicycles. The trip becomes more enjoyable as you are in control. Ride at your speed and take rest wherever you want.
2. Birding
A visit to Zion National Park with kids is incomplete without this favorite activity. Zion is home to 291 species of birds. Bird checklists are available at the visitor centers. Mexican Spotted Owl, Common Raven, American Dipper, Hummingbirds, Peregrine Falcon and California Condor are some of the widely found bird species.
3. Camping
Zion has three campgrounds. Watchman Campground, South Campground (remains closed in winter), and Lava Point Campground. There are no campgrounds in Kolob Canyons. From mid-March through late November is the busiest time for camping. The campgrounds remain occupied almost every night.
4. Canyoneering
Canyoneering in Zion has an exhilarating feel. Utah is one of the best destinations for canyoning. New to the adventure? Well, a canyon is a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it. Wade through the valley and its water stream the way you want – walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming.
5. Rock Climbing
Climbing is one of the popular things to do in Zion National Park. You need a permit for overnight bivouacs. The weather is stinking hot by May and it remains through September with the average high temperature hovering around 90°F.
This is also the driest time with rainfall as little as 1.2″. There is about a 3,000 to 4,000-foot vertical rise between the valley floor and canyon rim. The elevation has an impact on the climate too.
6. Hiking
Zion offers many trails ranging from short walks to strenuous adventures. The most popular trails in Zion National Park are located in Zion Canyon. This includes Angels Landing, The Narrows, and many others. The trails are in the range of 0.4 miles to 3.5 miles and gain no more than 100 feet in elevation. Kolob Canyons, the northwest part of the park, is also the favorite of hikers. Keep a watch on the current climatic conditions before starting your trip.
7. Horseback riding
Take any trail and experience the Grand Canyon. A Horseback excursion is one of the favorite things to do in Zion National Park. Make your way through the rocky mountain and falls and capture the wonderful views of flora and fauna.
8. Drive along Kolob Canyons
Welcome to the most panoramic landscape of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons surrounded by 2,000-foot cliff walls. It’s located in the Zion Wilderness on Interstate 15. Drive along the five-mile scenic crimson canyons. Part of the Colorado Plateau, Kolob Canyons has majestic peaks, trails, and scenic viewpoints. The area remains closed during the winter months due to snow or ice.
9. Explore Human History Museum
Witness Southern Paiute culture, historic pioneer settlement dating back to 6,000 B.C.E, and Zion’s growth as a national park. The museum is located one-half mile north of the park’s south entrance on the main park road, or 11 miles west from the east entrance.
10. Sunset and Stargazing in Zion
Zion’s cliffs glow vivid orange when the slanting sunrays fall over its rocky surface. The sunset view of Zion is a treasured possession for visitors. If you are camping, add it to your things to do in Zion and get a rare chance to re-connect with the unspoiled atmosphere of the night sky, watch the star constellations, or get your first view of the Milky Way.
