Located in Southern Utah near the town of Springdale is Zion National Park. Zion is two-hundred twenty nine square miles. Within the park is Zion Canyon, which is fifteen miles long and about two-thousand six hundred forty feet deep. In the park you will find numerous plant and animal species. There’s seventy-five mammal species, which includes nineteen species of bats; thirty-two species of reptiles; two-hundred eighty nine species of birds, and over 1,000 species of plants. If this doesn’t sound interesting enough, the canyon’s majestic walls are tan and reddish in color, and are made of Navajo sandstone that has been eroded by the North Fork of the Virgin River.
There are a range of thrilling excursions to do in Zion. You will delight in so many grand outdoor activities you could never get bored in this area. Enjoy epic tours individuals, couples or the entire family will love exploring and making memories to last a lifetime. If you are looking to relax, seeking adventure or somewhere in between, you’ll find calming to adrenaline pumping things to do for everyone. Plan your activities before arriving in Zion, to ensure you have the perfect schedule and amount of time you need to explore. This is your 2023 guide of things to do near Zion National Park.
Cave Lakes Canyon Horse Trail Riding
Saddle up for a relaxing horseback ride tour in Kanab through the exclusive and breathtaking Cave Lakes Canyon. If you like horses, have ridden before, or want to ride a horse for the first time, Cave Lakes Canyon Horse Trail Ride Tour is the perfect activity. Your experienced guide will lead you on a 1 and half hour tour through green pastures to the surroundings of 100 foot redstone walls on either side of you. You will travel through hidden lakes and lush meadows which brings a peaceful trail riding experience.
Duration: 1.5 Hour
Group Sizes: 10
Ages: 8 and up
Weight limit: 220 lbs
Via Ferrata and Rappeling
Via Ferrata which means "Iron Path" is quite simply put, a thrilling metal course scaling straight up a sheer canyon wall. With safety as first priority, you are securely harnessed and locked in as you ascend this guided climb.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Group Sizes: 1-5 people per guide
Ages: 8 and up
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
Luxury Glamping at Cave Lakes Canyon
Tucked away in Utah's desert somewhere between nature and serenity, your Kanab luxury resort for glamping tents, relaxation and adventure awaits. Nestled between 5 national parks, you'll find your center both literally and figuratively; with so much to see and do and yet no good reason to ever leave.
All the comforts of home wrapped in a canvas glamping tent and set on a hillside overlooking naturally fed spring water ponds. These secluded glamp tents include your own private outdoor area complete with natural gas fire pits made from the boulders that surround you.
Glamping Tents Accommodates: 2, 4 and 6 persons
Group Size: Contact Cave Lakes for large groups
Peek A Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour
Take an adrenaline pumping ATV adventure ride through sand dunes to one of the most beautiful and legendary slot canyons in the area! Wind your way on foot where expert guides will take you on a breathtaking hike to explore ancient sandstone walls over 100ft high!
Distance: 3.5 mile loop. 8.5 miles round trip
Elevation: trailhead 4,960 feet - 4600 feet low point
Total elevation: 880 feet
Best seasons: Year round
Tour type: Guided ATV
East Zion Fly Fishing Escape
Upon arrival you'll be fitted with everything you will need to be successful on the river including a fly rod, flies, and waders. Expert guides will also discuss strategy, technique and tips to make sure you have every chance of catching the big one!
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Group Sizes: Up to 4
Ages: 8 and up
Skill level: None required
Weeping Cave Cold Plunge Experience
Take a Cold Plunge in Weeping Cave to detoxify, rejuvenate, stimulate your mood and experience better workout recovery.
Group Sizes: Contact for large groups
Ages: 18 and up
Skill level: None required
Jeep Gladiator Rental
Hop on miles of all-terrain routes throughout Zion National Park, and take in some rare vistas where most vehicles only dream to go. These brand new vehicles have everything you'll need to explore in comfort, safety and style. Whether you're headed to the National Parks for the day or want to explore a little more off road, ROAM Jeeps are your ticket to adventure.
Cost: Rentals starting at $299
Passenger Limit: 5 people
The Great Chamber ATV Tour
Embark on an outdoor adventure with an adrenaline pumping ATV ride to one of the most must see gems. A colossal 200 foot tall hidden cove and massive sandhill shaped by desert winds over thousands of years. Plan for a short .25 hike with an uphill sandy ascent into the entrance. If the hike doesn't leave you breathless then the stunning views and epic scale of this natural wonder.
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Tour type: Guided ATV
Group Sizes: 1-24
Ages: 1-100
Zion Backcountry Slot Canyon UTV Tour
Thrilling ATV adventure begins in a private canyon where you will be instantly immersed in the majesty of the red rocks and rich history of the region as you set out to one of nature's most incredible pathways through rock: Peekaboo Slot Canyon.
Safely outfitted with helmets and water you’ll be ready to ride with a professional guide at the wheel as they take you through Kanab’s own Zion Backcountry trails complete with breathtaking views of the Grand Staircase. If driving is more your thing, no problem. Just ask your guide and they’ll accommodate!
Duration: 2 hours
Tour type: Guided ATV
Group Sizes: 1-24
Ages: 1-100
The Half Day’ er ATV Tour - Peek a Boo Slot Canyon, The Great Chamber and Hoodoos
Roam’s longest ATV tour in Utah! First taking you to the legendary Peek-a-boo Slot canyon, then to The Great Chamber, and ending at the scenic Hoodoos. Sure to be an adventure packed day!
Duration: 4-5 hours
Tour type: Guided ATV
Group Sizes: 1-24
Ages: 1-100
The Wave Hiking Tour
Experience for yourself one of the most world-renowned geologic formations in Southwestern U.S. With its sweeping rock landscape and vibrant colors, The Wave hiking tour is truly a bucket list item.
This 6 mile round trip guided hiking tour will take you to visually stunning hidden gems just off the main trail and a lunch will be provided. Experience one of the best hiking tour adventures. The Wave is located in the north Coyote Butts area of the Utah/Arizona border.
*A permit is required to hike the Wave. You must obtain a permit before contacting Roam.
Click here to put in for a permit.
Duration: 5 hours
Tour type: Guided
Group Sizes: 4
Ages: 8 and up
Permit required: Yes
Learn The Basics of Western Horsemanship from Kanab Western Adventures
In the last several years there has been a movement in the equine world known as Natural Horsemanship. In Kanab Western Adventures’ opinion it’s one of the best movements to happen in the history of horses. By using gentle methods of training a trust is created between horse and rider that is unmatched by any other method of training. You can bring your own horse or let your trainer show you these techniques on one of their horses.
Duration: 3 Hours
Group size: 20+
Location: Kanab, Utah
Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass
Buckskin Gulch is located on the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. It is one of the most beautiful slot canyons in Southern Utah and is an unforgettable adventure for anyone from the professional photographer to the family looking for a great hike that everyone can enjoy. Buckskin Gulch is one the longest slot canyons in the United States running thirty eight miles through the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and ends up at Lee's Ferry dumping into the Colorado River.
Duration: 7 hours
Tour type: Guided
Group Sizes: 1-15
Skill level: Beginner to skilled hikers
Yellow Rock Horse Riding Adventure
from Kanab Western Adventures
Take a great horseback riding adventure alongside the beautiful Vermillion Cliffs near Kanab, Utah. Marvel at the high canyon walls as you enjoy riding some of the best horses the industry has to offer. An adventure that will get you up close and personal with old movie sets where some of the best western movies were filmed in the area. Take photos with your horses up close to this movie set and feel what it must have been like to be a part of the old west.
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Tour type: Guided
Group Sizes: 1-15
Skill level: Beginner
Mansard Panel ATV Adventure
The Mansard Panel tour is an ATV adventure that offers beautiful views from atop the vermillion cliffs as well as amazing scenery while traveling to one the best petroglyph panels Southern Utah has to offer. This adventure takes you on a narrow winding atv trail through all types of terrain that is sure to keep your cameras busy all day.
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Tour type: Guided
Group Sizes: 5
Skill level: Beginner