Zion National Park
RV Guide

This is a hiking trail that is rated as strenuous. Angels Landing climbs to a spectacular view looking over Zion Canyon, but it is one you will work for. The trail follows along a narrow ridge with long drop offs. If you have a fear of heights, it is suggested that you skip out on this one. The hike requires some in-depth planning if you are really thinking of taking it on. It is best to come more than well-prepared.

Biking is a recreation only to be enjoyed on park roadways and on the Pa’rus Trail. All other park trails, any off-road routes, and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel are off limits, but there is still plenty to enjoy on the main roads. Cyclists who are enjoying the scenic Zion Canyon Drive must always yield to and be vigilant for shuttle buses. Remember to be safe and always wear your helmet. Bike paths are quite easy here.

Many choose to explore Zion National Park on the back of a horse. However, it is good to note that many other types of stock animals are permitted, such as mules and donkeys. Quite a few trails allow for their companionship and there is even a stock camp that allows for an overnight stay.

Fishing is a popular water sport here at Zion National Park. Whether you want to do some topwater fishing with a bobber or fly or try bottom fishing for the whoppers like blue or channel catfish, you can find them all here and more. Some of the most popular places to fish here include Aspen Mirror, Duck Creek Pond, Kolob Reservoir, Lake Powell, Mammoth Creek, Navajo Lake, and Yankee Meadows.

Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more southwestern national park adventures, check out our Bryce Canyon National Park road trip guide and explore our Grand Canyon RV camping guide.

This is a great sight with winter’s melt-off freely flowing as spring is warming the earth. The dripping stone overhang offers a close-up look at the hanging gardens that cling to sheer cliff walls. Depending on how much water is flowing, you could encounter waterworks from drips to full-blown falls. Standing at the base of these rocks provides a unique perspective and really lets you embrace the enormity of the canyon’s walls.

The highway, running from the park’s south entrance to the east, is arguably just as scenic as another one of Zion’s famed drives, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It is a much different perspective, though, with views that wind above the valley. The road is not for the faint of heart, as it hugs the cliff wall precariously with the mountain climb. A narrow tunnel makes for some sketchy passageways and traffic is usually held back as RVs make their way through. RVs actually have to pay a fee when entering the park in order to pass through the tunnel. There are roadside pullouts all along the drive, making for some picture-perfect observation areas.

These are daily programs that are offered from Memorial Day weekend through until Labor Day. Nature Youth Programs are held at the Zion Nature Center, located next to the South Campground. The park’s shuttle doesn't make a stop here, but it can be accessed from the Pa’rus Trail. Parking tends to be quite limited, so the shuttle is recommended to help you get around. The programs are designed with kids and families in mind, with most sessions lasting about 30 to 45 minutes.

Learning about Zion National Park is uniquely fun during evening programs. These 45-minute sessions address all sorts of topics and are held at either Zion Lodge or Watchman Campground. Parking is available at both facilities. The programs are a perfect way to wrap up a day full of exploring the park.

The Virgin River is not a recreational setting for everyone. In fact, only highly skilled, expert paddlers are advised to take on its waters. Use of watercraft within the park is only allowed along with a wilderness permit. They are free but must be obtained through the Visitor Center. Watercraft must be specifically designed for whitewater use and paddlers should be able to withstand high classes of whitewater.

You may be thinking “duh, of course swimming is fun during the summer,” but you may be surprised how few people actually do any swimming at the Zion National Park. Whether it is because there are so many other fun things to keep you busy or because the waters tend to be cold and a bit rough, you can find a good swimming hole if you want to. One of the favorites is the Pine Creek Waterfall swimming hole, which is off the beaten path and a bit secluded, perfect for a private day for a couple or a family to spend the day.

From Memorial Day until Labor Day, park rangers provide guided shuttle tours that start at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The tours are 90 minutes long and seats tend to be quite limited, so it is advised to make reservations. Reservations must be made in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and can be done up to three days in advance.

This is a recreation you have likely only heard about if you are the one doing it. Canyoneering is not an outdoor activity for the faint of heart. It is rigorous and combines elements of route finding, rappelling, problem solving, hiking, and even some swimming. This park has easily become one of the premier places to enjoy such a unique recreation.

You may think that you have to go to a popular ski resort to get any good powder in Utah but at Zion National Park there are plenty of places to don those skis and enjoy the cold weather in style. You can enjoy cross country skiing in the higher elevations around Kolob Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, or West Rim Trail with a large selection of routes. You can also choose to get a guided tour from one of the local outfitters or there are always the two most popular ski areas, which are Eagle Point and Brian Head.

Pullouts on this side of the park tend to be rather small and accommodate only a few cars at a time. When you can find a spot, be sure to take the opportunity to grab a look of this area’s scenery. Checkerboard Mesa will have its own parking area and information plaques but getting to experience the view from here is a much different experience than the rest of Zion Canyon to the west. Checkerboard Mesa is the first stop after entering the park from the eastern entrance and is definitely worth a stop to see.

This scenic round-trip path is a little over two miles in length. The paved trail is quite easy to maneuver and runs along the Virgin River. It is the last stop on the Zion Shuttle bus. Some areas are a little nerve-wracking, but all the views along the way make up for any anxieties. It is a perfect location for spotting the area’s wildlife, as well.

Located at the South entrance, just inside the park, the Zion Visitor Center is open all year long. The center offers all sorts of displays, area maps, and in-depth details about the park. You can stock up on all sorts of Zion gear here too, to help spread your love of this National Park.

Lower Emerald Pool is a location rather similar to Weeping Rock, as it features “weeping” walls and pools at its base. The site is accessible via a 0.6-mile round-trip, paved trail. The trail leaves right from the Zion Lodge Shuttle bus stop. While this trip around Emerald Pool is rather short, if you have the time and energy, you're encouraged to continue past this point and walk behind the falls to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools.

The section of the park called Kolob Canyons is home to spectacular crimson walls. The canyons make for a very pleasant five-mile drive and are certainly not a sight you want to miss out on. Kolob Canyon Road also provides visitors with a wide selection of access points for various trails and scenic viewpoints.

Zion’s cultural history is embraced at the Human History Museum. This is the first stop on the park’s shuttle bus and is a destination that features easy-to-read displays and large models of the park and its surroundings. Temporary, as well as permanent displays and exhibits cover a variety of topics that range from pioneer settlements to American Indian culture. A video runs every half hour and park rangers are always available to answer any questions.

The mountainous settings of Zion National Park are picture perfect and definitely worth capturing for all of time. Photographers of every skill level will find plenty to keep them busy clicking the shutter closed. Whether you have set your sights on geologic wonders, the area’s wildlife, or Zion’s beautiful surroundings, the park offers many perfect opportunities to snap a few pictures.

The easiest way to experience this popular part of the park is from the bottom and back. First, you will want to ride the shuttle to the Temple of Sinwava, walk about one mile to the end of the Riverside Walk, and then begin wading up the river. That’s right – you are going to get your feet wet for this one. There is no set, or formal, destination and once you have had your fill, you can continue down and back the way you came. There is no permit required for this hike.

Many people do not even think about caving when they visit Zion National Park, but it is definitely a fantastic way to enjoy nature’s wonders and learn about the area as well. Red Cave is a rugged but magical geological formation that has all the hiking and climbing as well as caving experiences. The upper cave is a 3B II and the lower cave is a 3A I as far as the ACA Canyon Rating is concerned, and you must know how to use a rope and traverse slick rocks.

Zion National Park provides over 90 miles of trails and over 35 designated backpacking sites. If you are one who is looking to brave an overnight out here, you will not be without multiple unique opportunities for travel. The terrain and setting are perfect for really roughing it, but, be sure you come plenty prepared.

The park’s towering sandstone cliffs are widely known for providing big wall climbs. Most rocky routes are not recommended for inexperienced climbers, as they tend to be quite difficult. Avid climbers will even find areas to enjoy both top roping and sport climbing. It's best to avoid climbing in areas that have been dampened by seasonal rains.