11 Things To Do in Zion National Park Besides Hiking
Zion National Park is known for challenging trails like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows, but what if you come to Zion and don’t want to hike?
Whether you’re looking for a break between tackling trails in the park, you’re seeing a different type of outdoor adventure, or you need to get out of the mid-day heat, there are many fantastic things to do in Zion National Park that don’t require any hiking!
While my family and I love hiking—and Zion has some incredible options—I also know that we need to have some variety of our visits there.
Below, you’ll find our favorite options throughout the park that are perfect for families with kids, visitors with injuries or disabilities who can’t hike, those sensitive to long periods in the sun, or anyone who needs a break from the trail.
There’s something for everyone here from history museums to river wading, so you’re sure to find the perfect non-hiking adventure in Zion.
My kids can’t resist splashing in the Virgin River!
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Zion National Park: An Overview
Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah, and it is part of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks.
Part of the Pa’Rus Trail through Zion Canyon near the visitors center
It’s Utah’s most visited national park with around 4.5 million people exploring it each year.
The park is divided into 3 main areas:
Kolob Canyon with access from Interstate 15,
Zion Canyon with access from Springdale, Utah, and
East Zion with access from Kanab, Utah, and Zion Canyon via the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
You can easily get from East Zion to Zion Canyon (and vice versa), but to get to Kolob Canyon from either requires going through Springdale and La Verkin and driving about an hour north on Interstate 15.
While Zion Canyon and East Zion both have plenty of things to do other than hiking, Kolob Canyon is exclusively a hiking destination.
If you want to try out some easy hiking trails in Zion, I’d recommend the Narrows (which we did with kids!) and the Kayenta Trail. Both of these are located in Zion Canyon, and they are really approachable for just about any skill level with beautiful views of the park.
Below, the non-hiking activities are focused on Zion Canyon and East Zion, so you’ll want to stay in Springdale or Mt. Carmel Junction to access those. There are more camping, hotel, shopping, and restaurant options in Springdale, but it’s also more expensive.
Recommended Campground in Springdale:
I highly recommend staying at the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park while you’re visiting the national park. This clean and well maintained campground is located about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the Zion Canyon section of the park, and has some incredible amenities.
Read my complete Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park review here.
What to Do in Zion Other Than Hiking
Here are the best non-hiking adventures in Zion! I’ve included notes on the location(s) in the park of each activity as well as any cost and specialized equipment you’ll need.
Whenever possible, I’ve also included information on the appropriate shuttle stop to take. The Zion Canyon shuttle is free, though the lines to access it at the visitors center (stop #1) can get long during peak visitation times. The shuttle runs from the visitors center to the back of Zion Canyon, the Temple of Sinawava (stop #9).
Nature Center
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: none
Cost: free
The main entrance to the Zion Nature Center
The Nature Center is an amazing place, and it’s a must do if you’re visiting Zion National Park with kids!
This small stone building is packed with activities specifically aimed at Zion’s younger visitors, though the displays are so well done that anyone can learn something here.
There are multiple displays about the park’s animal inhabitants, many with taxidermied examples alongside the facts and photos about each.
One corner of the center offers up grab-and-go activity sheets. My kids loved the activity that asked them to match paint swatches with different elements in the park (the rock cliffs, the river) and then rename the related swatch to something inspired by the park. There are also coloring sheets and easier activity sheets for younger kids.
Behind the ranger desk near the front door is a dress up center, where kids can step into the outfits of a park ranger or park firefighter to learn more about their jobs.
Next to that is a reading center with picture books about local animals, native tribes, the park’s ecosystems, and more.
The ranger here has a stack of Junior Ranger booklets, and there are plenty of quiet spaces in the Nature Center to fill that out. [If you’re new to the parks and don’t know about the Junior Ranger booklets, read about that and more in my national parks for beginners guide.]
Plus, the center is air conditioned, making it an easy, wonderful way to spend an hour or two when the park heats up.
To access this museum, you can park at the visitors center and walk along the Pa’Rus Trail to the pedestrian access point leading to the museum, which is approximately a 0.6 mile hike.
If you’re looking for an option with zero walking, you can park at the Nature Center. The parking lot here is smaller than the one at the visitors center, but it’s often less crowded. You may have to check both parking options to see what you can nab.
The Zion Canyon shuttle does not stop at the Nature Center, so parking or walking to the center is the only way to access it.
There are restrooms here near the back of the building and next to the dress up center.
Zion Human History Museum
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: Stop 2 (but only on the way back)
Cost: free
This museum is small but packed with information on the ways that humans have used resources from the park, affected the landscape, and driven the park forward for thousands of years.
The author’s children exploring the Human History Museum
As you explore elsewhere in the park, you’ll likely wonder, “Who built the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel?” or “Why is it called Zion?”
You’ll find those answers, and many more, at the Human History Museum.
There are displays on the Puebloans and Paiute tribes, both of whom have called this place home long before the white settlers arrived.
You’ll discover information about the Mormon settlers who looked for their promised land here—and who are the reason why it is called Zion. This group was inventive in making use of resources in this often unforgiving area, including rigging a timber factory that lowered cut trees from the canyon rim hundreds of feet to the canyon floor below thanks to a series of ropes, chains, and pulleys.
There’s a section on the building of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, an engineering feet that plowed through 1.1 miles of solid mountain to unite East Zion with Zion Canyon in the 1920s.
You can also see how the park continues to grow in more modern times, with the push towards sustainability in their in-park transportation and in park buildings.
There is a small gift store attached to the museum. In the gift store, you can also find a wonderful display of the park’s featured Artists-in-Residence from the previous year. It’s incredible to see the textile work, paintings, line drawings, photography, and sculpture produced by the most recent group of talented artists.
To access this museum, you can take the Zion Canyon shuttle from the visitors center. Although the Human History Museum is at shuttle stop #2, the drivers won’t stop there heading into the park. So, you’ll have to ride to The Temple of Sinawava (#9), and then stop off at #2 on the way back towards the visitors center.
It’s annoying, but your only option if you’re committed to taking the shuttle.
If you have your own car, you can often find a parking spot at the museum’s parking area. This parking area is larger than the one at the Nature Center, but smaller than the main parking area at the visitors center.
If there are no parking spots when you first arrive, be patient and circle the parking area. A spot is sure to open up soon as people are constantly moving through this area of the park.
There are restrooms here in a separate building from the museum near the opposite end of the parking area.
Ranger programs
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: various
Cost: free
The ranger programs at Zion—and at any of the national parks—are some of the best kept secrets in the entire NPS.
These programs, which are usually free or very low cost, are excellent and a welcome addition to any national parks visit.
Stop by the Zion National Park information desk inside the Zion Canyon visitors center to see what programs are offered each day. The availability of each program will vary during the seasons, and you’ll have the most options during the peak season at Zion between March and September each year.
Waiting in line at the information desk to learn about upcoming programs
Programs include an overview of the types of plants and animals found in Zion, discussions about the water usage and effects in the canyon, the ongoing conservation efforts for the California condor (several of whom live in the park), and more.
The ranger programs sometimes have a hiking component, but many are simply talks where the ranger will lecture or lead a discussion in a shady area of the park. Popular spots for the ranger talks in Zion include on the back porch of the Human History Museum and the pergolas outside of the visitors center.
If you want one that is stationary without any walking, be sure to clarify at the information desk before heading over to the ranger talk.
Ride with a Ranger
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: #1 Visitors Center
Cost: free, but must register ahead of time
If you’re interested in seeing more of the park, but also want the wisdom of a ranger along the way, you must do the Ride with a Ranger program!
This popular program is free, but you must sign up ahead of time at the Zion Canyon information desk. Since the program takes place on one of the Zion shuttle buses, there is a limited number of seats available. Sign up a day in advance, if possible; otherwise, sign up as early on the same day as possible.
The program will have no-shows, so put your name on the waitlist and stand by at the meeting location. You’re likely to get a seat!
The program is excellent for all ages and abilities, as the ranger will tailor the information to those on board.
You’ll meet the ranger near the entrance at the visitors center for backcountry permits, and then the group will get picked up just past the #1 shuttle stop.
From here, you’ll make 4 stops along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. In between the stops, the ranger will share information on the animals and general history of the park. At each stop, you’ll learn about the unique ecosystem in each section of the canyon, and how those ecosystems are continually changing.
The program lasts about an hour, and, at the end, you’ll have the option to get off at stop #9 (Temple of Sinawava) or ride back to the visitors center with the ranger.
E-biking in Zion National Park
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: moderate
Shuttle stop: none
Cost: $50-100 per day
Our e-bikes at the bike rack at the Grotto
E-biking through Zion Canyon is one of the best ways to see this part of the park.
Since the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to cars for most of the year, you’ll either have to rely on the (often crowded) shuttle system, hike, or bike.
Biking is by far the best option in my opinion, and the most fun! We love the flexibility and ease that comes from e-biking the canyon, as it takes much of the stress of the inclines away so you can simply enjoy the incredible sights.
Plus, you can go further without overexerting yourself, making it an excellent alternative to hiking this long stretch.
If you’re new to e-biking, consider taking a guided e-bike tour of Zion through Outta Here Bikes.
If you’re more independent, you can rent an e-bike from one of several outfitters in Springdale. We went with Greater Zion E-bikes and had a great experience with them.
For more details on which bikes we rented and how to explore Zion by bike, check out my complete guide to biking in Zion National Park here.
Virgin River Access
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: moderate
Shuttle stop: various
Cost: free
On a hot day, there is nothing more refreshing than splashing around in a river!
Near the Virgin River at the Riverwalk trailhead and downstream from the start of the Narrows
The Virgin River runs through Zion Canyon and down past the visitors center, and there are several access points that you can use to wade, splash, and explore the river.
Of course, the ultimate way to explore the Virgin River is by doing the Narrows hike at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop (#9), but there are still plenty of ways to play in the river that don’t require a strenuous hike to do so.
You can still get off at shuttle stop #9 at the trailhead to the Riverside Walk, but don’t go down the trail. There is an excellent access point to the Virgin River here if you’d like to take in the sounds of the water or dip your toes in to cool down.
If you have little kids who want to really commit to the water, there is a bathroom next to the shuttle stop where you can change them into and out of their bathing suits and help them towel off. You will need to bring your own water shoes and towel, as well as a dry bag to keep your clothes from dripping on the shuttle or return trip to the visitors center.
My kids in the river near the visitors center
There are several labeled access points off the Pa’rus Trail between the visitors center and the nature center. There is even a rope swing at one of these if you’d like to add more adventure to your river wading.
The access points are all short dirt trails, so be prepared for your feet to get muddy. Bring water shoes, which will help you stay balanced on the sand and slippery rocks in the river.
There isn’t a bathroom nearby to change, so you’ll need to prepare yourself at the visitors center bathrooms and then walk to the Pa’Rus Trail access points.
There are also some river access points off the bike trail on the back of the visitors center. These are best for casual wading since the banks here are much steeper than the other two river access areas mentioned above.
NOTE: Wherever you choose to access the Virgin River, please keep in mind that they are in the midst of a cyanobacterial bloom. Generally, these blooms won’t affect you if you’re simply splashing in the water and rinsing off afterwards.
Keep your head out of the water and don’t ingest the river water, as this can cause headaches, stomach irritation, and nausea.
Jeep Tour of East Zion
Location: East Zion
Activity level: moderate
Shuttle stop: none
Cost: $41 per adult
Take a guided Jeep tour through East Zion to see the famous Checkerboard Mesa from a new perspective!
You’ll also be able to explore one of the slot canyons on that side of the park, Jolly Gulch, which includes a fun, but steep descent into the canyon.
While you can get to many of these areas without a guided tour, you’d need specialized knowledge and a 4x4 vehicle, which most visitors don’t have. This hour long tour allows the guide to do the heavy lifting while you simply enjoy the views along this thrilling backcountry loop.
If you’re staying in Springdale, you’ll have to access East Zion via the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, which is not serviced by the park’s shuttle. You will need to have access to your own rental vehicle.
Check availability of the tour here:
Driving Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
Location: Zion Canyon and East Zion
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: none
Cost: free
If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your car, but still want some incredible views inside Zion National Park, head to the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. This highway is accessible from both the Springdale entrance and the East Zion entrance near Mt. Carmel Junction and Orderville.
When driving the highway from the Springdale entrance, you’ll climb high into the cliffs via a series of switchbacks. The road is paved and includes short but helpful road barriers, so it’s less stressful driving than somewhere like Million Dollar Highway in Colorado.
You will have a couple of pull-offs on this section of the drive, but the most famous is the one near Hepworth Wash. This overlook has beautiful views in every direction, including a rock arch that’s still in formation.
Past this pull-off is the start of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, which cuts through more than a mile of solid mountain, connecting the Zion Canyon and East Zion sections of the park.
This engineering marvel took several years in the 1920s. However, the cars were much smaller back then, so the ceiling of the tunnel slopes down drastically on both sides, and prohibits larger RVs, trailers, and buses from going through.
If you plan to drive an oversized vehicle through, you’ll need to alert the rangers before you get there so they can stop traffic in both directions. More information on how to do so can be found here.
On the East Zion side of the tunnel are several overlooks, with the most popular one being for the Checkerboard Mesa near the East entrance.
Shopping inside the Park
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: #1 Visitors Center and #5 Zion Lodge
Cost: variable
My kids love shopping for the perfect souvenir, so we always add in time for them to browse.
There are 2 excellent places to look for a souvenir inside the park:
the store at the visitors center, and
Zion Lodge.
The visitors center has one of the biggest park stores we’ve come across. Here, you’ll find everything from t-shirts to water bottles to children’s books to calendars.
There were so many things to see that we stopped by here multiple times on our most recent trip just so my kids could look at it all. It also has one of the best children’s corners that we’ve seen with backpacks, posters, books, stuffed animals, and much more.
The shop inside Zion Lodge is also quite large with some overlapping sweatshirts and clothing. However, the shop here also has a wide variety of pottery, posters, and artwork that we didn’t find elsewhere in the park.
There’s an excellent selection of keychains and books here, too.
Plus, both are air conditioned, making it a welcome oasis if you’re visiting in the summer.
Eating lunch at Zion Lodge
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: #5 Zion Lodge
Cost: $25-50
The Castle Dome Café is in the shorter part of the building to the left.
Zion Lodge is the only in-park hotel, and it offers up 2 restaurants, each with a different dining experience and vibe. These are also the only places to get food inside the park, making them incredibly convenient in a packed itinerary.
Red Rock Grill is the more upscale of the two options, though it still has a casual feel. You can dine here three times a day but reservations are requested during dinner. There is a big breakfast buffet, which is perfect for filling up before a big day adventuring in the park.
You can access the Red Rock Grill from the main lobby around the corner from the check-in desk.
The Red Rock Grill is open year round and it is table service with a full waitstaff.
Castle Dome Café, on the other hand, is only open during the higher occupancy months (roughly April to September, but hours may change). It serves up more casual fare for breakfast and lunch, such as sandwiches, muffins, coffee, and burgers.
You can access the Castle Dome Café either through the hotel’s main lobby or via the separate entrance near the vending machine outside.
There is a beer garden from noon to 6 PM daily during the open season that is located on the patio outside the Castle Dome Café. You’ll find burgers, hot dogs, fries, and other quick service meals here as well as a selection of local beers.
You do not need reservations for the Castle Dome Café unless you’re organizing a large group.
Zion Lodge Tram Tour
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: #5 Zion Lodge
Cost: $17 per adult, $8.50 per child
The guided tram tour from Zion Lodge is offered most days between March and November. While it does cover some of the same portions of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive as the Ride with a Ranger (above), these are 2 different tour experiences, and you could do both without much—if any—overlap.
The tram tour leaves from Zion Lodge, makes a large loop between the lodge at shuttle stop #5 and the Temple of Sinawava at shuttle stop #9. Along the way, you’ll learn about the lodge’s history, the park’s history, and more.
The shuttle is open air, but it does have a covered top, so you’re not sitting directly in the sun for the entire ride.
The tour is $17 per adult and $8.50 for kids. Tour lasts about an hour. Head to the front desk at Zion Lodge to reserve your spot and get more information.
Picnicking at Grotto
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: mild
Shuttle stop: #6 The Grotto
Cost: free
One of the many picnic tables at the Grotto
Another dining option in the park is to pack up a cooler backpack or picnic basket and eat lunch al fresco.
The Grotto at shuttle stop #6 has more than a dozen picnic tables. These tables are large and can easily seat 6-8 people. Most are shaded by the large trees in this area, making this an excellent choice for a casual lunch even on the hottest days.
The Grotto picnic area is next to the large bath house here which includes both a men and women’s section and several family bathroom stalls. You can also find a free water bottle refill station.
This picnic area is at the trailhead for the Kayenta Trail, Angel’s Landing, and the West Rim Trail, so there’s always a lot of activity. Even so, it’s not hard to nab one of the picnic tables as people move in and out of this area consistently.
Canyoneering in East Zion
Location: Zion Canyon
Activity level: strenuous
Shuttle stop: none
Cost: $200 per adult
Located in East Zion near the Checkerboard Mesa, this Zion canyoneering experience is an excellent choice for older kids and young adults who need a bit of adrenaline on their family vacation!
It’s an excellent alternative for families and visitors who want to do something daring but aren’t up to Angel’s Landing or a similarly challenging hike.
Designed for beginning canyoneers, this guided tour includes a comprehensive orientation to help you learn about all of the required gear, safety checks from the experienced guides, and 10 different rappels on the walls of the East Zion canyons.
Kids as young as 10 can experience this full day tour, which is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip here!
NOTE: While you’re not hiking specifically on this tour, you will be covering some ground as you go from rappel point to point. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes are key to a great experience.
Check availability of the tour here:
Final Thoughts on Outdoor Adventures in Zion National Park
While Zion is known for its hiking, you could easily spend several days in the park without hitting the trails and still stay very busy.
I know that visitors come to Zion National Park for a variety of reasons, and that not everyone can—or wants to—go hiking. If you’re not in a position to take in the hiking here, I would still encourage you to visit Zion to explore this incredible place via one of the many other amazing adventure options.
You can add these non-hiking adventures as breaks in your larger hiking schedule, or as the entire focus of your trip. Since nearly all of the above options have air conditioning, they are perfect as mid-day breaks as the canyon floor heats up.
No matter how you experience it, Zion National Park is worth your time!
