Exploring Zion National Park Tours

Zion National Park tours offer dramatic and awe-inspiring views of Utah’s beautiful landscapes that often feel like they are out of a movie. National park tours afford visitors the chance to explore hiking trails that take them throughout red and white sandstone cliffs formed over thousands of years of ancient history, now acting as not just a popular tourist destination, but a home to diverse wildlife.

Once home to indigenous culture and European settlers, these canyon trails have been carefully preserved with a name that directly translates to “sanctuary.” Now, it remains home to unique wildlife, breathtaking scenic hikes, and a popular tourist attraction that draws in tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Why is Zion National Park Worth Visiting?

Nature lovers from across the world continue to visit Zion National Park for its visually stunning landscapes, but also to take in some of the most incredible hiking tours found anywhere in North America. Its deep canyons and unique biodiversity offer memorable outdoor adventure experiences, including the world-famous Angels Landing trail.

Here, visitors can take in the sandstone cliffs carved out by thousands of years of erosion by the Virgin River, where natural lights shine across the rock formations, bursting with unique colors that must be experienced for yourself.

Photographs found online do not do this area justice. While many hiking trails challenge tourists, there are even more accessible options catering to all travelers, helping them appreciate the natural beauty of America’s southwest.

Activities For Outdoor Adventure Enthusiasts

Here are some of the top outdoor activities to take part in when visiting Zion National Park:

• Hiking Trails: With an overwhelming amount of hiking options, adventure lovers will find themselves falling in love with the opportunity to take in beautiful landscapes and wildlife along the way:

  • Pa’rus Trail: Known for its striking scenery and accessible trail.

  • Riverside Walk: A paved trail suitable for beginners.

  • Weeping Rock: A short hike suitable for all.

  • Canyon Overlook Trail: A moderately challenging hike that comes with panoramic canyon views.

  • Watchman Trail: More challenging, but famous for its views of Zion Canyon.

Subway Hike: Ofertin requires a permit or guide; this hike requires visitors to wade through shallow waters deep into the park’s canyon floors.

- **West Rim Trail:** A 14-mile hiking marathon rewarding adventurers with some of the most stellar views of the park's landscapes.

- **Angels Landing:** World-famous and known for its steep and narrow hiking trail, explore the depths of the park alongside qualified guides.

• Mountainclimbing: Experienced adventurers can explore permits and even hire qualified guides to help them traverse popular mountain climbing routes. These include:

  • Moonlight Buttress
  • Prodigal Sun
  • Touchstone Wall
  • The Headache
  • **Ashtar Command **

• Horseback riding: A popular option and a unique outdoor travel experience, horseback rides through scenic trails are always a great option for travelers looking for something different. These trips utilize the services of a guide to help you navigate the experience. Popular routes are available outside of the winter months, including:

  • **Virgin River **
  • Sand Bench Trail

• Water-related activities: Many visitors make a point of cooling off from the dry desert heat in a number of different ways, including:

  • Wading through the Narrows hiking trail
  • Tubing down the Virgin River
  • Visiting iconic waterfalls along the Emerald Pool Trails, Weeping Rock, and Lower Pine Creek Waterfall

• Wildlife viewing: Many of the hiking trails in the canyon can facilitate wildlife viewing experiences from a safe distance:

  • Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: Take in wildlife viewing along the Virgin River without ever leaving the comfort of a shuttle
  • Pa’rus Trail: A scenic and accessible trail perfect for catching glimpses of birds and other animals.
  • Emerald Pools Trails: A well-known spot for viewing exotic birds and diverse wildlife.

• Stargazing: Zion National Park remains one of the darkest national parks in the country, offering incredible views of the night sky, almost entirely clear of light pollution. Many tourists visit just for the opportunity to view the stars. Consider guided stargazing tours of:

  • Kolob Canyons
  • Lava Point Overlook
  • Canyon Junction Bridge

Simple Tips For Enjoying Zion National Park

Make the most of your trip to Zion National Park with these travel tips:

• The Early Bird Gets The Worm: Keep in mind that Zion National Park is an incredibly popular tourist destination, and the peak summer travel months of June, July, and August can be incredibly busy. Show up early to beat the crowds and take in the beautiful sunset and quiet landscapes before the crowds arrive.

• Bring Along More Than Traditional Hiking Gear: Some hiking trails require tourists to wade through shallow waters, requiring waterproof hiking gear. Be prepared to get wet, but also consider bringing along a fresh set of clothing to keep you comfortable and dry. Some tour providers can rent you waterproof hiking gear.

• Use the Free Shuttle Service: Navigating parking and finding your way into the park can be complex, especially if you arrive after 8:00 am. Use the park’s shuttle system for a stress-free experience.

• Safety First: Consult with a park ranger or tour guide to better understand the levels of difficulty for each hike. Inexperienced hikers may want to opt for a horseback ride or a trail that is fully paved.

• Weather Dependent Activities: Check the forecast and stay updated on changing weather conditions. Some trails may close due to the risks of rain and flash floods.

The Best Time Of Year To Visit Zion National Park

The best time of year to visit Zion National Park is likely dependent on what you want to experience. Use the table below to learn more:

Spring

• Appreciate the arrival of Spring and take in wildlife as it begins to emerge from cooler weather. Expect some rain but generally comfortable weather, with April being a great month of balance between the seasons.

Summer

• Feel the heat with scorching temperatures. Expect larger-than-usual crowds as summer tends to be the peak of travel season. Beat the heat by hiking early in the morning or early evening.

Fall

• With reduced crowds, cooler temperatures, and stunning fall colors, Zion National Park remains a great destination for travel from September to December.

Winter

• Winter months offer a quiet experience for visitors, especially with reduced crowds. However, winter weather can impact trails and even prompt visitors to bundle up during their adventure.

Going Solo or Visiting as A Travel Group

With so many exciting things to do and unique hiking trails, many visitors look to guided tour groups for their expertise and guidance. While the park remains open to the public, some trails and experiences require the services of a guide or a permit. Many group tours help visitors navigate the complexities of booking an exceptional trip to Zion National Park, leaving the details of accommodations, ground transportation, and food to the experts.

Zion National Park Accessibility

Many of the visitor centers and shuttle buses within Zion National Park cater to visitors with different mobility levels, including wheelchair accessible offerings. Some scenic trails and viewpoints are fully paved, allowing anyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Some trails are not wheelchair accessible. Always speak with a park ranger or our tour guide before embarking on any hiking trail to ensure it is appropriate for you.

Have Caravan Lead The Way

Caravan continues to offer exceptional group travel offerings of not just Zion National Park, but instead, a multi-day excursion of America’s southwest. Explore this incredibly beautiful part of North America alongside group tours that are abundantly safe and exciting. Never worry about a detail of travel, but instead, have a guide lead the way, sharing their own experiences and knowledge about Zion National Park, and so much more.

Caravan’s guided tour of the Southwesthelps visitors experience all the natural and scenic beauty of some of the most stunning landscapes in North America. Instead of having to book accommodations and craft an elaborate tour, have Caravan show you the way. This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who are ready to explore the world alongside like-minded individuals. Having a guide by your side can take away the stress of such a trip, where our team handles the logistics while you focus on having the best possible time.

Suitable for travelers from all walks of life, including families, solo travelers, and couples, we are excited to show you Zion National Park with exceptional activities and experiences that are designed to make the experience all the more memorable.

Ready to book?

Call Caravan directly and speak to one of our representatives at 1 (312)-321-9800, or 1-800-CARAVAN. We continue to plan for a busy travel season, and we encourage our guests to book several months in advance for the best possible time slot.

Explore our long line of group travel offerings across the world by visiting Caravan online.

Contact us directly for more information.