Activities In & Around Zion National Park

One of the most frequent comments we receive is “I wish we had more time here!” So heads up: our spectacular playground has so many diverse, year-round activities, we encourage you to consider making Canyon Vista Suites your home-base for several days…even a week or two if time permits!

Some of the wonderful activities you can explore in Zion and nearby include diverse guided (or self-guided) tours and adventures, scenic drives and walks, photography, hiking, mountain biking, road biking, motor biking, horseback riding, canyoneering, rock climbing, rapelling, golf, day spas, tubing, rafting, kayaking, river running, water skiing, wakeboarding, swimming, various water sports, snow skiing, snow boarding, cross- country skiing, snow shoeing, ATV / 4x4 riding, jeep tours, cattle drives, ranch activities, ghost town, paintball, shopping, dining, museums, artisans, exhibits, workshops, theatre, movies, holiday and special occasion celebrations, aerial tours, spectacular views and star-gazing from our hot tub or river-front swing to name a few!

For your convenience, the list below should help you get started. We are happy to provide referrals and additional information as needed /desired. This “Explore” section also includes a hiking guide, dining & services, weather, maps, and sample packing list.

• Zion National Park Fees and Passes
  Fee Free Day - In recognition of Public Lands Day, entrance fees are waived at various times each year. The following is a list of the free fee days for 2011: Jan. 15-17 - Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, April 16-24 - National Park Week, June 21- the first day of summer, Sept. 24 - Public Lands Day, Nov. 11-13 - Veterans Day.

  	Zion Park Fees
  Private Vehicle $25 for 7 days Zion Pass $50 annual Pedestrian/Bike $12 for 7days Oversized Vehicle Fee 2 x in 7days Backcountry Permit $10		$80 Annual Pass to all National Parks The America the Beautiful pass is good for entry to federal recreation sites for one year from the date of purchase. If you are 62 or older or receive disability benefits, you may be eligible for the Senior or Access pass.

• Zion National Park Visitor's Center and Museum: www.zionpark.org
  As with Zion National Park, these centers are open year round providing educational information, exhibits, films, and bookstore.


• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
  Seven mile drive through main canyon in Zion National Park. Shuttle required April-October. Check with park for RV restrictions.


• Zion's East Side and Mt. Carmel Junction
  Scenic 13 mile drive through Zion tunnel to unique, but equally beautiful scenery, sandstone formations, and hiking on plateau. Check with park for RV restrictions. (make sure the sentence copy flows / is merged together properly)


• Seminars and Workshops - Zion National Park: www.nps.gov/zion
  Activities, news, visitor information, guided hikes, ranger talks, and junior ranger program offered.


• Zion Canyon Field Institute: www.zionpark.org
  Offering a wide variety of workshops and seminars.


• Zion Canyon Visitors Bureau: www.zionpark.com
  Events and activities year round including Butch Cassidy 10K Run, Jazz and Arts Festival, St. Patrick's Day, Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, and Fourth of July celebrations. (make sure the sentence copy flows / is merged together properly)


• Hiking
  Zion and surrounding areas are well known for their wonderful, inspiring hikes. During every season, there are diverse hiking trails and routes in Zion which have spectacular scenery, whether you want an easy 10 minute walk, a two-day backpacking trip, or something in between. Since we get so many requests for hiking information, we have a separate hiking guide in this “Explore” Section.


• Biking
  Cycling enthusiasts from all over the world have enjoyed Zion's bike routes for decades, making places like Gooseberry Mesa, the Kolob Terrace Road, and the Zion Canyon Scenic Road famous amongst serious and casual riders alike. Zion Park’s Scenic Drive is perfect for riding April- October because traffic is reduced to shuttles and individuals with lodging reservations. Cyclists may also ride the Pa’rus trail. Springdale, BLM land, and the surrounding area offers excellent road riding conditions. Great mountain biking in local mountains and at Brian Head Mountain. Guided tours and rentals are available through local companies. We are happy to provide details and referrals if desired.


• Photography
  Zion is beautiful to photograph in any season - spring flowers, summer thundershowers, fall colors, and winter snow dusting the sandstone peaks. A waterproof camera can be a big plus if you plan to walk up through the narrows, hike the subway, go tubing or enjoy other water activities, and in various areas where waterfalls are common so you don’t worry about your camera getting wet.


• Horseback Riding
  Touring Zion National Park and nearby canyons on horseback can be great fun! For guided horseback riding in Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon, please call 435/772-3810 for additional information.


• River Tubing: www.ziontubing.com
  River Tubing: www.zionadventurecompany.com Rent tubes for a fun and refreshing float down the Virgin River. Rentals are usually available May-September, water/weather permitting.


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  Canyoneering, Rock Climbing & Rapelling
  Enthusiasts consider Zion Canyon a premier location for canyoneering, rock climbing and rapelling. Local outfitters offer guided experiences as well as equipment rentals. We are happy to provide referrals if needed.



• Local Artists/Shopping
  Local artists exhibit artwork, ceramics, jewelry, and photography at local shops, restaurants, and galleries. Rock and fossils shops, clothing, and antiques can also be found.


• Movies
  Giant screen theatre at the entrance to Zion National Park showing Imax and Hollywood Movies. Open year-round, www.zioncanyontheatre.com.
  Visit www.southernutah.com/movies for additional theaters in St. George.


• Concerts/Theatres
  Tanner Amphitheater, www.dixie.edu/tanner - A 2000 seat outdoor amphitheater surrounded by the cliffs of Zion National Park.


• Bumbleberry Playhouse
  Springdale theatre with musical performances. 435/772-3611.


• Tuacahn Outdoor Theatre
  St. George, 800/SHOWUTAH.


• Utah Shakespearean Festival
  Cedar City, 800/752-9859
  Tony award winning theatre with summer and fall seasons featuring the works of Shakespeare and other playwrights.