Is Zion Worth Visiting? [Reasons to Visit & Things to Do 2024]
Are you planning a visit to Utah and are wondering, is Zion worth visiting or should I just skip it?
With its breathtaking canyons, towering red rock formations, and pristine wilderness, Zion National Park has become one of the most popular parks in the United States.
But because of how popular it is, the park can also be very crowded, and some people might even think that it’s overrated.
I visited Zion recently and loved getting to explore this unique park, and have quite a few thoughts on whether or not it’s worth it for travelers.
In this post, I’m going to cover the top reasons why you should visit this park, things to do, and more. Let’s dive in.
Is Zion Worth Visiting?
Zion National Park has earned a strong reputation for being one of the most popular parks in the NPS system.
But just because it’s popular doesn’t always mean that it’s worth it, so asking this question is a must before visiting somewhere.
In my opinion, Zion is absolutely worth visiting, and it should be a place that’s added to every traveler’s bucket list!
The park’s geological features, including the towering red cliffs of Zion Canyon and the mesmerizing slot canyons like the Narrows, are awe-inspiring.
Both hikers and non-hikers will love a visit here since there’s a huge variety of trails to choose from, as well as dozens of overlooks.
It’s the perfect place to experience the desert of Utah, with ease of access for visitors of all ages.
With so many different activities, from wading through the Narrows to scaling Angels Landing and wandering through Springdale, Zion is a stunning destination.
Below, I’ll dive into a few of the best reasons to visit the park.
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Reasons to Visit Zion National Park
Now that you know that Zion is worth visiting, I’ll give you a few of the main reasons why I believe this to be true.
1. Amazing Hiking Trails
One of my all time favorite parts about Zion is the incredible hiking trails that are found in every corner of the park.
From the world-famous Angels Landing and Narrows hikes to shorter and easier trails like Observation Point and Lower Emerald Pool, there are endless options.
With so many options for hikers of all skill levels, the park offers such an incredible experience to really dive deep into the natural wonders of the park.
I saw people of all ages and skills on many of the trails, from toddlers to the elderly, and it was so great to see people getting outdoors and exploring.
2. Activities for Everyone
While hiking is one of the main activities within the park, Zion is also great for others who want to just explore.
For non-hikers, the park provides equally captivating experiences, such as scenic drives along Zion Canyon, with overlooks that offer stunning vistas without strenuous hikes.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, photography, birding, and picnicking around the park.
3. International Dark Sky Park
If you love stargazing, then visiting Zion National Park will be one of the perfect places for you to visit.
Zion National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, meaning that the area has low light pollution and you can easily see the stars.
Getting to see the stars and milky way like this is spectacular, and is one of the best parts of Zion.
4. Close to Other Must-Sees
Another of the great reasons to visit Zion National Park is that it’s within a close proximity of some of the best things to do in the Southwest USA.
Just a short drive away, you can explore 4 other national parks, and even plan a Zion and Bryce Canyon road trip very easily.
Or, explore the rugged beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument as well as dozens of slot canyons, including Antelope Canyon.
Plan a visit to the Mighty 5 in Utah, including the stunning Arches National Park or Canyonlands.
Las Vegas is just under 3 hours away. Plus, the Grand Canyon and Sedona are just a quick drive down into Arizona.
So if you’re searching for a way to see some of the best of the Southwest, then a visit to Zion is a must!
5. Incredible Scenery
Zion’s scenery is nothing short of spectacular. The park boasts towering red rock formations, including iconic cliffs and slot canyons.
The dramatic landscape is something that people come from all over the world to see, being one of the main reasons Zion is worth visiting.
With dozens of overlooks and hiking trails, there are so many incredible opportunities to enjoy this scenery during your visit.
Even just doing the scenic drive was one of my favorite parts of Zion, and I loved our Zion Canyon shuttle ride to see the canyon road!
6. Epic Canyoneering
If you’re up for something a bit more adventurous, checking out Zion’s canyoneering is a must during your visit.
Especially for those who love to canyoneer, to begin with, a visit to Zion will surely be a treat.
Zion has some of the best canyoneering in the country, and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you find your way around the Zion Canyon.
7. Wildlife Watching
One of my favorite parts of planning a national park trip is seeing all of the wildlife that call the parks home.
In Zion, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, coyotes, mule deer, and more.
I saw a couple of bighorn sheep during my last visit, and it’s so fun to see these massive creatures roam the land.
8. Few Crowds in Winter Months
If you want to visit Zion but don’t want to deal with the crowds, then heading here in the winter months is the best plan!
Between the months of October and March, you’ll find far fewer travelers within the park.
This makes for a pretty incredible time being able to see the stunning Zion Canyon without all of the other people in the park.
9. Year-Round Destination
While some national parks in the United States, such as Mount Rainier, Voyageurs, or Grand Teton get lots of snow in winter, Zion is an amazing year-round destination.
The park is open year-round, and if the road does close due to snow, it doesn’t last very long.
Although the temperatures can get chilly, doing hikes in Zion in November, December, and the other winter months is totally doable.
Or just take some time to do a scenic drive around the park and if you’re lucky, enjoy it under a dusting of snow.
Best Things to Do in Zion National Park
While there are dozens of things to do in Zion National Park, I wanted to list a few of the top activities for your trip.
Climb the Iconic Angels Landing
If you’re looking for an exhilarating adventure in Zion National Park, then be sure to hike Angels Landing.
The trail spans 5.4 miles round trip and is out and back, beginning at the Grotto Trailhead, and takes you to the top of a narrow cliff.
Once you’ve reached the final 1/2 mile, you’ll climb a steep and narrow path that features chains anchored into the rock to help you climb.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River below.
And, you’ll have bragging rights for having defeated one of the most dangerous hikes in the country!
Wade Through The Narrows
The second well-known hike in Zion is the Narrows, which consists of wading through the Virgin River within a towering slot canyon.
You’ll hike through the water as you admire the amazing views from inside of the canyon.
Stop at places like Wall Street, Mystery Falls, and Orderville Canyon for unique viewpoints, which also make for great spots to turn around.
Stop at the Many Overlooks
If you aren’t a hiker, there are still plenty of things to do that make Zion worth visiting, including several scenic overlooks.
Some are reached by just a short, easy hike, while others can be seen by just pulling off onto the side of the road.
A short hike that provides views similar to Angels Landing is the 1-mile roundtrip hike to Zion Canyon Overlook.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway also features roadside pullouts like Checkerboard Mesa and Canyon Junction Bridge, which you can enjoy right from the car.
Take a Scenic Drive
Even just taking a scenic drive can be a great way to get to know Zion National Park and see all of the sights.
Whether you drive on the backroads or hop on the shuttle system and enjoy the ride that way, there are plenty of options for you.
Another choice is to visit during the season where no shuttle is required (shuttle operates May-December) and drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Go Stargazing
Zion’s remote location and limited light pollution create the perfect place to go stargazing after the sun has set for the night.
On clear nights, the dark skies showcase amazing views of the Milky Way, stars, the moon, and outer space.
Since Zion is a certified Dark Sky Park, you know that what you’ll witness after dark is phenomenal.
Try Cycling
Another way to enjoy the park is to go cycling, since you won’t have to wait for the shuttle or wait for traffic.
Cycling is allowed on almost all roads in the park, including the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so you can cruise right past the Springale shuttle in peak season!
You’ll have some pretty spectacular views from a unique perspective that most people don’t experience on their trip.
Wander Through Springdale
If you’ve seen everything that you want to see in the park, then head over to the small town of Springdale to wander around.
In Springdale, you’ll find small shops, restaurants, lodging, and of course, even more views of the towering red rocks.
What is So Special About Zion National Park?
What sets Zion National Park apart is its awe-inspiring geological features carved over millions of years by the Virgin River.
The park showcases towering red rock formations, deep canyons like Zion Canyon, and mesmerizing slot canyons such as the Narrows.
So many people love this park because of its red rocks and amazing scenic overlooks. People also love hiking, so coming here allows them to get out on the trail.
My favorite part, and why I love Zion so much, is because of the blend of lush greenery and desert terrain.
When you put together the red and green of these two natural features, it creates a stunning and dramatic vista, that makes Zion worth visiting.
Is Zion Worth it Without Angels Landing?
Absolutely, Zion National Park is still worth visiting even without experiencing the Angels Landing trail.
While Angels Landing is a popular and iconic hike, there are numerous other stunning attractions and activities within the park that make it a worthwhile destination.
Because of how strenuous of a hike it is, it may not be ideal for some people, but there are a few other viewpoints that are similar.
Check out Zion Canyon Overlook, which is similar, but is only 1 mile long with much less elevation (and no Walter’s Wiggles!).
Is Zion Worth it Without The Narrows?
Although the Narrows are one of the most iconic parts of Zion, you definitely can check out the park without doing this hike.
Whether it’s because you don’t have time, can’t do the hike, or any other reason, there is still plenty to do without the Narrows.
Another option is to just take the short Riverside Walk, which is the paved path that leads from the Temple of Sinawava to the entrance to the Narrows.
This trail is wheelchair accessible and makes for a nice way to see some of the canyons, but without going too far and without needing special footwear to hike The Narrows.
Is Zion Worth Visiting for Non-Hikers?
While many people think of national parks, including Zion, as a place to go hiking, there is still plenty to do for non-hikers!
So yes, I would say that absolutley, Zion is worth visiting for the non-hikers too, as you can definitely fill an itinerary.
Start with stopping off at some of the best overlooks including Checkerboard Mesa, Lava Point, and Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint.
You can also do things such as go horseback riding, biking, stop into the visitor centers, and wandering through Springdale.
Tips for Planning a Visit to Zion National Park
Before planning your visit, there are a few things you should know to make sure that your visit goes smoothly. Here are my top tips.
- Be Ready for the Shuttle: From May to December, you need to take a shuttle onto Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Be prepared for this and arrive early, as it can fill up quickly and then you’ll have to wait in line.
- Book Any Lodging Ahead of Time: With how popular the park is, lodging fills fast in peak season. Book your accommodations well in advance.
- Know Which Permits You Need: Certain hikes, such as Angels Landing, require a permit. Be sure you have this!
- Check for Closures: The Narrows and other parts of the park may close from time to time due to rockfall, flash floods, or other reasons. Check the National Park Service website for closures.
- Visit in the Off-Season: If possible for you, visit in the off-season to avoid some of the crowds. I’d recommend planning a trip between October and March!
- Visit in the Morning or Afternoon: Avoid some of the crowds by visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You’ll also avoid some of the heat this way!
- Use Sun Protection: The summer sun can be very hot in Utah, so always use sun protection such as sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and stay cool on the trail.
- Leave No Trace: As with any other visit to the outdoors, always practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your trash, leave wildlife alone, don’t take any nature home, and stay on the trails.
FAQs
How Busy is Zion National Park?
Zion National Park can become very busy, especially in peak season. The park sees between 2 and 5 million visitors per year, depending on the year.
How Many Days For Zion National Park?
I would recommend having at least 3 days in Zion to make sure that you can really take advantage of the whole park. With just one day or two, you won’t be able to see as much and will need to make choices.
Is the Grand Canyon Better Than Zion?
I personally think that Zion is better than the Grand Canyon, but both parks have their differences and unique aspects.
Is Bryce Canyon Better Than Zion?
Both of these parks are unique. Bryce Canyon has hoodoos and stunning bright oranges, while Zion is a canyon and is more red. I personally prefer Bryce to Zion.
Is Yosemite or Zion Better?
These two parks are similar, but different. Both have a large canyon and valley but the hiking and views are quite different.
What Things Make Zion National Park Unique?
The bright red rocks and unique hikes are what make Zion National Park so special and different.
Why Do People Love Zion?
People love Zion for its unique hiking, views, and ease of access.
What is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park?
Planning a Zion National Park trip in the off-season is in your best interest. Plan to go between October and March for fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and nice weather.
Wrap-Up: Is Zion Worth Visiting?
In conclusion, the question “Is Zion worth visiting?” can be answered with a resounding “Yes” from me.
While the park is busy and can sometimes be hard to get to or plan a visit to, you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty within the park.
From the awe-inspiring landscapes, majestic red rock formations, and diverse ecosystems to the challenging hikes and amazing overlooks, Zion is worth it for all nature lovers.
