Things to do in Zion National Park
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The Narrows
If there's one hike that's made Zion famous, it's this 26km/16mi waltz down the Virgin River, through the thousand-foot sheer gorge known as the Narrows. Overnight camping promises the best experience, though you can hike from the top in one very strenuous, long day. (You can also day hike the Narrows from the bottom, the only approach that doesn't require a permit.) This is the easiest and busiest of the backcountry hikes, and is unforgettable.
Plan on getting wet: about 50% of the hike is in the river. The trip takes 12 hours; split it into two days, spending the night at one of the designated campsites. This hike is possible between June and October, and may close betw…
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Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Zion's three main roads - Kolob Canyons Rd to the northwest, Kolob Terrace Rd in the middle, and Hwy 9 to the south - pass through fabulous scenery. But the most spectacular is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which pierces the heart of Zion Canyon. This is most visitors' primary destination; if you've time for only one activity, tour this road (only possible by park-operated shuttle from April to October; cars permitted November to March).
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Zion Human History Museum
A half-mile from the park’s southern entrance station, the Zion Human History Museum presents the geological and human history of Zion and its birth as a park. A good introductory video is shown every half hour. The paved Pa’rus Trail parallels the road for 2 miles from South Campground to the main canyon junction, passing the museum on the way.
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Canyon Trail Rides
Zion’s official horseback-riding concessionaire, Canyon Trail Rides, operates across from Zion Lodge. Take a one-hour ($35) or three-hour ($60) ride on the Sand Bench Trail along the Virgin River. Minimum-age (7 years) and weight-limit (220lb) requirements apply.
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Spotted Dog
For dinner, you don't have to gussy up too much for the Spotted Dog but it might be nice to look fresh while people-watching on the patio. The seasonal, mostly regional menu has included wild game meatloaf and golden rainbow trout. There's also a breakfast buffet.
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Red Rock Grill
Settle into your log-replica chair and peer out of the window-lined dining room or relax on the big deck with magnificent canyon views. Breakfast is a buffet ($9). At dinner, expect solidly good, but not great, prime rib, grilled trout etc. Make reservations.
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Zion National Park
If possible, enter Zion from the east, following Hwy 9 west from Hwy 89. The route is jaw-droppingly scenic as it rolls through colorful red rocks and a gallery-dotted tunnel before switchbacking 3.5 miles into the canyon.
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Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau
The Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau offers comprehensive accommodations listings of family-friendly motels and hotels, as well as boutique inns and B&Bs, in the gateway town of Springdale, on UT 9 west of the park.
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Mean Bean
Grab a coffee, breakfast burrito or turkey panini at scruffy Mean Bean, a hiker-and-biker haven in the heart of downtown. Unless it's really busy, the place closes by noon on weekdays, and lunches are made to go.
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Zion Adventure Company & Zion Outdoor Center
Leads rock-climbing and canyoneering trips and classes and guided cycling tours. Pre-trip planning info and shuttle service for The Narrows. The shop sells outdoor-activity gear, clothing, guidebooks and maps.
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Cafe Oscars
Rastafarian hangout with friendly staff. Try the garlic burger with sweet-potato fries or veggie-friendly Mexican fare.
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Castle Dome Café
Looking for something fast? The café serves sandwiches, pizza, salads, soups, Asian-ish rice bowls and ice cream.
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Zion Natural History Association
Nonprofit organization; runs field institute classes and sells maps, books and gifts at the visitor center.
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Zion Pizza & Noodle Co
Utah microbrews and fully-loaded pizzas, calzones, salads and pasta bowls for hungry hikers.
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Cafe Soleil
Southwestern wraps, salads, panini sandwiches, espresso drinks and fresh-fruit smoothies.
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