How to Explore Zion National Park

Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park features some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. With towering red cliffs, canyons, and hiking trails, Zion National Park is a nature lover's paradise.

There are plenty of things to do in Zion National Park, so knowing what you want to see and do is essential. In this article, we'll provide some tips to help you make the most of your visit; we'll also give you an overview of Zion National Park and some of the best things to do while you're there.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Preparation is vital to experience the best Zion, Bryce, and Antelope tours. Here are some tips you can follow to enjoy your visit to Zion National Park:

Choose the Right Time to Visit

From December through February, Zion experiences its low season. Zion National Park is at its best from April to November, when the park's free shuttles are in operation and the weather is mild. Although there are fewer crowds, some attractions such as the Narrows and Angels Landing may be too chilly to enjoy this time of year.

Choose Your Activities Wisely

In Zion National Park, there are hiking trails, rivers, and canyons you can explore. Be sure to research each activity ahead to know what to expect and plan accordingly.

If you want a hassle-free trip, it is best to book a guided tour from MaxTour. This way, you don’t have to worry about having fun and can focus on taking in the scenery.

Start Your Day Early

Zion National Park is a popular destination, so ensure you start your day early to beat the crowds. Many trails and viewpoints get crowded later in the day, so getting an early start will allow you to explore without the crowds.

Wear the Right Clothing

Zion National Park is located in a desert, so wearing proper clothing is important. Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses. It's also a good idea to bring layers, as the temperature can vary throughout the day.

Bring Plenty of Water

Drink plenty of water the whole day, even if you are not thirsty. It's also a good idea to pack food so you can keep your energy up.

The Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

Just like there’s no simple answer to what to see in Bryce Canyon on a tour, there are a lot of options when it comes to Zion.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

You can reach the canyon via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, an in-and-out route along the canyon floor with towering cliff walls on both sides. The drive will take you to some of the most popular spots in the park, including a vista up to Angels Landing. The journey ends at the entrance to the park's signature feature, the Narrows. 

Angels Landing

Angels Landing is one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park, leading to the National Park System's most iconic views. The trail is around five miles with approximately 1,500 feet of elevation gain and is quite strenuous. This hiking spot is not advisable for the faint of heart, because the trail includes a narrow trail with only a chain bolted on a cliff side to keep you from a sheer drop.

Experience The Narrows Hike

The Narrows is one of Zion National Park's most spectacular hikes, with twenty-foot wide sandstone cliffs rising 1,000 feet in the air. The Virgin River tumbles underfoot for the entire length of this daring trek, so get ready to get wet!

See the Weeping Rock

This dripping stone overhang is a part of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and gives a close-up view of the hanging gardens that cling to the sheer cliff wall. The amount of water coming from the rockface above Weeping Rock changes with the seasons, ranging from a light drip to a strong stream or even an entire waterfall.

Try Canyoneering 

Zion National Park is a prime canyoneering spot due to its many slot canyons, which provide deep and winding routes. Many people visit here because they want to delve into these formations–stores and outfitters in the area offer equipment rentals.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you choose to explore it, Zion National Park is sure to take your breath away. With its towering cliffs, meandering rivers, and scenic drives, Zion National Park will give you a trip you will remember for a lifetime.

If you’re wondering how far Bryce and Zion are from Las Vegas, we’ve got you covered–check out our latest post.