There’s a reason why Zion National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Utah. It’s a gorgeous place with incredible views and plenty of things to do—and even more so during the summer, when the weather is warm and the crowds are thinning out.
Here are five things we think you should do when you visit:
1. Take a hike on one of the many trails through Zion Canyon. You can choose something as short as 15 minutes or as long as several days—there really is something here for everyone!
2. Go rafting down one of the rivers that runs through Zion Canyon. The Virgin River is world-famous for its white water rapids, which are perfect for experienced rafters ready to get their adrenaline pumping!
3. Visit Kolob Canyons, a lesser-known part of Zion Nation Park that offers fantastic hiking opportunities and amazing views of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and Cedar Breaks National Monument in Nevada (which makes it perfect if you’re traveling through the area).
4. Go horseback riding at Springdale Farm. You can pick out your own horse or pony before heading out on an hour-long ride through some beautiful areas of Zion National Park that aren’t usually open for access by cars or bicycles; there will also be opportunities for feeding horses along the way!
5. See the sunrise over Angel’s Landing. This is one of the most popular hikes in all of Zion National Park, and it’s also known as “America’s Most Photographed Hike.” It starts at around 4 am, but you’ll want to get there even earlier if possible—especially if you want a spot on top of Angel’s Landing itself!
Zion National Park is a great place to visit in the summer. It’s likely that the weather will stay nice, unlike some of Utah’s bigger cities. The temperatures are still pleasant, and it’s not too hot to go exploring in the canyons. I personally like to go hiking every month or so, but here are some other things you could do while visiting during the summer if you’re interested:
