Established in 1919, Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular destinations in the American Southwest, famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, scenic drives, and world-class hiking trails. Driving the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway (Highway 9) is an unforgettable experience, featuring massive red rock walls, the striking Checkerboard Mesa, the historic 1.1-mile Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel carved through solid sandstone, and frequent opportunities to spot desert bighorn sheep. The sheer size of Zion's cliffs is something you truly have to see to appreciate.
In this travel guide, I'll share my 7 must-do adventures in Zion National Park, from scenic overlooks and breathtaking hikes to unforgettable canyon experiences. Whether it's your first visit or you're returning to explore more, these recommendations will help you make the most of your time in one of America's most iconic national parks. Be sure to read all the way to the end—#6 and #7 are my personal favorites!
7 Must-Do Adventures in Zion National Park
Published: 2026
#1: Drive Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
The Zion–Mount Carmel Highway (Highway 9) is one of the most scenic drives in Zion National Park and a historic engineering marvel. Completed in 1930, the 25-mile route winds through towering sandstone cliffs, dramatic switchbacks, and the iconic 1.1-mile Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel carved through solid sandstone. Built to promote tourism, the highway shortened travel between Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon by nearly 70 miles, making these incredible destinations far more accessible.
Why I love it: Slow down and take in the breathtaking scenery. Massive sandstone cliffs rise thousands of feet above the road, and around nearly every bend you'll discover another unforgettable view. One of the highway's most recognizable landmarks is Checkerboard Mesa, a towering white sandstone formation famous for its remarkable crisscross pattern created by thousands of years of weathering.
#2: Drive through the Historic Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel
The Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel is one of Zion National Park's greatest engineering achievements and one of the most memorable parts of driving Highway 9. Completed in 1930, the 1.1-mile tunnel was carved through solid Navajo sandstone, transforming access to what was once a remote and isolated national park.
Building the tunnel was an incredible feat. Workers blasted through the mountain from multiple directions, creating several large openings known as galleries, or windows, along the canyon wall. These openings allowed crews to remove rock and debris while providing natural light and ventilation during construction. Today, as you drive through the tunnel, sunlight pours through these galleries, offering dramatic glimpses of Zion's towering cliffs and reminding visitors of the remarkable craftsmanship that made this historic route possible.
Why I love it: As your eyes adjust to the darkness, beams of sunlight stream through the galleries, briefly revealing the towering canyon walls before you emerge into an entirely new landscape.
#3: Find Zion's most fascinating creatures
One of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Zion National Park is spotting desert bighorn sheep. Keep an eye on the steep cliffs and rocky slopes east of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel, where these remarkable animals are frequently seen. With incredible balance and specialized hooves that grip the rock, they effortlessly navigate terrain that seems nearly impossible, often grazing, resting, or standing watch from ledges hundreds of feet above the canyon floor.
Why I love it: One moment they're standing perfectly still on a narrow ledge, and the next they're effortlessly bounding across the rocks as if gravity doesn't exist.
#4: Trek the Canyon Overlook Trail
The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the best short hikes in Zion National Park, offering spectacular panoramic views with relatively little effort. This easy 1-mile round-trip hike begins just east of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel and climbs to a breathtaking overlook above the lower Zion Canyon.
The trail is an adventure in itself, winding through slickrock, passing beneath sandstone overhangs, crossing metal footbridges, and following sections carved into the canyon walls. Be sure to watch your head under the rock overhangs and take your time—there are incredible photo opportunities along the entire route.
Why I love it: This trail delivers one of the biggest rewards for the least amount of hiking, ending with an incredible panoramic view of Zion Canyon.
Planning Tip: Parking is very limited at the Canyon Overlook Trailhead just east of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel. My advice is to be patient and hang out in the parking lot waiting for returning hikers.
#5: Rent an eBike and Explore Zion Canyon
Zion's most prominent feature is Zion Canyon, a spectacular 15-mile-long canyon with towering sandstone walls rising up 2,600 feet above the Virgin River. During most of the year, private vehicles are not permitted on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy a peaceful ride without the distraction of car traffic. While the free shuttle is a convenient option, an eBike gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want for photos, scenic overlooks, or hikes. Popular stops along the route include The Grotto for hikes to Scout Lookout and Angels Landing, Weeping Rock, and the Temple of Sinawava, where the trail to The Narrows begins.
Local rentals include Zion Guru eBike Rental and Outta Here eBike.
Why I love it: There’s something incredibly peaceful about riding through the canyon, where you can stop anytime to enjoy the river or the quiet at your own pace.
#6: Hike to Scout Lookout or Angels Landing
If you're looking for one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park, head to Scout Lookout or continue to Angels Landing if you have a permit. This challenging 4-mile round-trip hike to Scout Lookout begins near the Temple of Sinawava shuttle route and follows the West Rim Trail, climbing more than 1,000 feet through some of Zion's most spectacular scenery.
One of the highlights is Refrigerator Canyon, where the towering canyon walls provide a cool, shady break before the trail reaches the famous Walter's Wiggles—21 steep switchbacks that zigzag up the canyon wall. Take your time on the climb. It's a workout, but every step brings even better views.
At the top of Walter's Wiggles, you'll reach Scout Lookout, where you'll have climbed approximately 1,050 feet and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon. For many visitors, this is the perfect turnaround point and one of the park's most rewarding viewpoints.
If you've obtained an Angels Landing permit, you can continue another half-mile along the famous narrow sandstone ridge, using chains for support. This thrilling section is one of the most famous hikes in the world, but it's not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Check nps.gov for more information on the current permits.
Why I love it: The climb up Walter's Wiggles will definitely get your heart pumping, but each switchback brings you closer to one of Zion's most spectacular views.
Planning Tip: A permit is not required to hike to Scout Lookout. However, a permit is required to continue on to Angels Landing from Scout Lookout.
#7: Wade The Narrows!
Feeling adventurous? Then the Narrows is an unforgettable Zion experience!
The Narrows is the Virgin River flowing through a spectacular slot canyon, where colorful sandstone walls rise more than 1,000 feet overhead while the canyon narrows to just 20 to 30 feet wide in places. The only way to experience this incredible landscape is by hiking up the river, making it one of the most unique hikes in any national park.
Your adventure begins at the Temple of Sinawava, the final shuttle stop in Zion Canyon. From there, follow the paved Riverside Walk for one mile until the trail ends and the river becomes the trail. Most hikers continue 2.5 to 3 miles upstream before turning around, making the outing approximately 5 to 6 hours round trip. One of the most famous sections, 3 miles in, Wall Street features canyon walls that soar nearly 1,500 feet above the river before narrowing to just 22 feet across.
Because you'll spend much of the hike walking in the Virgin River over uneven, slippery rocks, proper gear makes all the difference. At a minimum, wear sturdy hiking boots, neoprene socks to keep your feet warm, and use a walking stick for balance. Outfitters such as Zion Adventures Company rent river-hiking gear and offer guided trips if you'd rather leave the logistics to the experts.
Planning Tip: Always check the current water level and flash flood forecast before entering The Narrows. The hike may be closed due to high water or flash-flood danger, especially during spring snowmelt and summer thunderstorms.
Why I love it: Where else can you hike through a river while towering sandstone walls rise so high above that only a narrow ribbon of blue sky is visible? Every bend reveals another breathtaking section of canyon, making The Narrows one of the most unforgettable adventures in Zion National Park—and one of my favorite hikes anywhere!
