Last updated on August 17th, 2016 at 07:48 pm

Zion National Park has everything you can imagine in a dream park.

For most adventurers, the park offers hiking, canyoneering, climbing, off-road, biking, camping, horseback riding, and much more.These adventure facilities are mostly located in the Zion Canyon area.

Interesting Facts

• The park is named after the Hebrew word, “Zion.” This word translates as “a place of peace and relaxation.”
• Zion National Park is the oldest national park in Utah which was founded in 1919.
• For its early settlers, it is described as “a place with beauty too stunning for mere mortals.”
• Zion is the most visited park in Utah. Every year, almost three million tourists come to Zion.
• The world’s longest tunnel is 1.1 miles long. Located in Zion National Park and is known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel.
• In Zion National Park there is an area called Weeping Rock. In this area, the water can be seen oozing from the rock surfaces has taken more than 1,000 years to travel through the stones from its source in a natural, underground spring.

Top Engaging Activities that the Park has to Offer

Hiking

Hiking is a world famous activity in Zion National Park. The Narrows, Subway, and Angels Landing are the popular places to hike and have attracted adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Aside from the three popular hiking trails mentioned, Zion has around thirty more trails available. Awesome, isn’t it?

Easy day family hike is also possible in Zion National Park.The Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk are two trails accessible by wheelchair.

The Emerald Pools Trails and its spring-fed pools, waterfalls, and views of the canyon are also perfect for families with small children in search of easy day hikes.
Awesome tip! Stop in the Visitor Center for information and ask a ranger about environmental and weather conditions before hiking.

Biking

There are routes established for bikers. The most popular bike trails are Pa’rus Trail, Gooseberry Mesa Trail, and Bunker Creek Trail. Of these three, only Pa’rus Trail has an established trail.

Horseback Riding

If you are not a hiking or biking fan, you can go for horseback riding. There is a trail ride specifically set for this adventure. For nature lovers, horseback riding is one of the best ways to get to know the natural wonders of Zion National Park. It lets you be one with nature away from the many tourists who converge here every year.

Canyoneering

Another popular activity in Zion is canyoneering. However, it is a serious activity that often involves rappelling, rafting, waterfall jumping , swimming, and other skills. A permit is needed for this activity.

Awesome tip! Interested in canyoneering? There are guide services that teach canyoneering courses and lead guided trips to the park.

Driving

There are also great 4X4 routes outside the boundaries of Zion, which are mostly forests and deserts. These trails are located on both private and public land near the Park.

Camping

Camping is also popular in Zion National Park. Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point are the three campgrounds available for camp lovers. These camps offer facilities for drinking water, grilling, toilets and dump stations.

Planning for your camping trip

Campgrounds

Watchman Campground is available for camping year‐round. Campers should note that reservations here can be made between March and October.
Location: ¼ mile from the South Entrance
Amenities and Services: Tent sites, Rv sites, Drinking water, Flush toilets
Contact details: 877-444-6777

South Campground is offered from March through October. You do not have to make reservations, but it is on a first come‐first serve basis.
Location: ½ mile from the South Entrance
Amenities and Services: Dump station with potable water
Contact details: 435-772-3256

Lava Point Campground is made available from June to October and is also on a first come‐first serve basis.
Location: Located off Kolob Terrace Road, 25 miles north of the town of Virgin
Campground Amenities and Services: Tent sites, Rv sites, Pit toilets, trash cans, NO WATER

Weather

The weather you will experience in will depend on the part of the park that you will be visiting. The park posts weather report at the Visitor Center, check it before heading out to the slot canyons. Remember, storms can cause a flash flood.

General Travel Tips

• When hiking, hikers are advised to bring a topographical map. There are also trail guides available.
• Plenty of water is also needed as there are trails where drinking water is not available. Also because Zion National Park has a hot, dry climate.
• Remember that some hike trails require permits, particularly for backcountry and overnight hiking.
• Collecting wood for camp fires or whatever purpose is strictly prohibited because Zion is a place that takes environmental issues seriously.
• Bring sun protection as the Park has about 300 sunny days a year.
• Prepare to adjust to the altitude because most attractions in and near Zion National Park are in high elevations.
• Be prepared for wind if you’re camping inside the park. Use a tent with solid walls.
• Bring handy first aid kit for emergency medical needs.

Zion offers suitable adventures for all ages and experience levels available all year round. A day would not be enough to explore the park.

Various lodging facilities can be found in places like Flannigan’s Inn, Driftwood Lodge, Majestic View Lodge, Best Western, Cable Mountain Lodge, and Cliffrose Lodge. There are other hotels and inns available aside from these so make sure you check them out and make the necessary reservations.

Resources:

http://www.zionnational-park.co
https://utah.com
http://www.visitutah.com
https://www.bindlestifftours