11 Adventurous Things to Do in Zion for First-Timers with Just 24 Hours

Looking out into a canyon of Zion’s red monoliths is a place many of us have seen in movies and computer screensavers. However, nothing beats the real thing, especially when you’ve spent the last hours huffing and puffing to the top of Angel’s Landing.

I’ve retraced my steps from a sweeping months-long expedition across the American West to share the things to do in Zion that most impressed me. I actually visited Zion twice, once to summit Angel’s Landing and another to wade through the Narrows in winter.

Zion’s size and attractions mean you have to pick and choose what to do with your time. Especially for the adventurers, optimize your visit by starting with one of the climactic spots and ending with a scenic drive.

1. Summit the Epic Angel’s Landing

Angel’s Landing is one of the most dangerous hikes in America and will take a solid half a day. You’ll want to start your day as early as you can, as it can be grueling for those who aren’t used to steep trails.

Take the shuttle bus to The Grotto trailhead, and soon enough, the trail will take you through a series of strenuous switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. The final half-mile becomes more challenging for those with vertigo with narrow paths and steep drop-offs. Many hikers stop where the bolted chains start, but the last section to the top is prime.

In recent years, the NPS started requiring a permit to hike Angel’s Landing, which can be obtained through an online lottery. If you don’t get a permit, go for The Narrows hike for your highlight of the day.

2. Wade Through The Narrows

The Narrows is a special hiking experience where you trek through knee-to-waist-deep water in the Virgin River. Start by taking the shuttle bus to the Temple of Sinawava and walking the paved Riverside Walk until you hit the water.

This hike sloshes through a slot canyon the whole way, so check for flash flood warnings before you go, especially if it’s raining. If the water is too cold, we rented a dry suit from an outfitter in Springdale. Most people find 5 miles into the Narrows sufficient.

3. The Riverside Walk

Though often overlooked, the Riverside Walk is the gateway to the Narrows. If you hiked Angel’s Landing and still want a taste of the Narrows, just come to dip your legs to feel the cool water. My guess is that you’ll be pretty tired.

It’s an easy, paved walk along the Virgin River with beautiful views of Zion Canyon, especially if you come in the fall. The walk is about a mile long and culminates at the start of the Narrows.

4. Explore the Emerald Pools

Emerald Pools is a less strenuous alternative hike that leads to three different reservoirs. The Lower Pool is an easy 1.2-mile round trip, while the Middle and Upper Pools are longer and more challenging.

These pools are fed by waterfalls, creating a refreshing oasis in the desert. Allocate 1 to 2 hours for the Lower Pool and additional time for the others. This hike is perfect if you have some energy left after tackling more strenuous trails.

5. Take A Scenic Drive On The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

After a day of hiking, unwind with a scenic drive on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This 12-mile road has sensational views of monoliths, slickrock formations, and colorful canyons. There are several notable stops along the way, including Checkerboard Mesa and the Canyon Overlook Trail.

The highway starts at the East Entrance of the park and continues to the Canyon Junction. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is a highlight, featuring windows carved into the rock to look down into canyon below.

You would think driving would be less physically exhausting, but the route was so beautiful that I stopped many times for mini-hikes on and off-trail.

6. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail

The Canyon Overlook Trail has incredible views of Pine Creek, lower Zion Canyon, and the Beehives rock formations. This one-mile hike begins near mile marker 9 on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. It’s relatively short but includes some narrow sections and rocky steps that are accessible for most hikers.

7. Visit Checkerboard Mesa

Checkerboard Mesa is a uniquely patterned mesa located near mile marker 12 on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The sandstone formation gets its name from the crisscrossing lines etched into its surface. Hop out of the car at convenient pullouts along the highway for a viewing or try to hike up its steep terrain.

Checkerboard Mesa is a fascinating geological contrast to the other formations in Zion. It’s an easy stop on your scenic drive and doesn’t require any hiking. The distinct pattern makes it one of the park’s standout features.

8. Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

This 1.1-mile tunnel was a big deal back in the 1920s because it let cars go through the mountains. As you drive through, windows that have been cut into the rock let you peek at the canyon below.

9. Visit the Weeping Rock Trail

The Weeping Rock Trail is a short, steep hike that ends at a rock alcove with dripping water, creating a lush hanging garden. The trail is only about 0.4 miles round trip, but the constant water flow sustains a variety of vegetation to check out. It’s an easy addition to your itinerary, especially if you’re short on time.

10. Go on a Jeep Tour

For a more adventurous and off-road experience, trade the scenic drive with a jeep tour through East Zion National Park. These guided tours bump around in remote areas of the park that are inaccessible to regular vehicles. You’ll see red rock expanses and get some information from knowledgeable guides.

11. Experience Zion’s Night Skies

With its remote location, Zion National Park is an excellent place for stargazing and a designated dark sky park. The clear night skies offer unobstructed views of constellations and other celestial bodies. Consider staying late or camping overnight in one of the designated campgrounds for this nighttime experience in nature.

Other Places to Visit with More Time

• Observation Point: This is a challenging hike to spectacular views of the entire park.
• Kolob Canyons: Home to Kolob Arch, one of the world’s largest freestanding arches.
• Canyoneering: Zion National Park has some of the best canyoneering routes in the world. Be sure to get the required permits.
• The Subway Hike: A super cool but technical hike that brings you to a slot canyon that resembles a half-pipe. Permits are difficult to obtain.
• Zion Human History Museum: Learn about Zion’s roots to Native American culture.

Popular Places Near Zion

• Bryce Canyon National Park: Land of hikes through hoodoos, or tall, thin spires of rock.
• Kodachrome Basin State Park: Hiking through multi-colored rock formations.
• Capitol Reef National Park: Famous for its Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline extending almost 100 miles with beautiful orchards.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument: A three miles and over 2,000 feet deep natural amphitheater of rock formations.
• Page, Arizona: Home to the famous Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell
• Sand Hollow State Park: Popular for its warm, blue waters and red sandstone landscape.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.