Planning Your Visit • 7 min read

26 Greater Zion Experiences to Try in 2026

Planning a trip to Greater Zion? Discover 26 unforgettable experiences for 2026, including Zion National Park highlights and surprising local gems worth the detour.

New Year. New Plans.

New reasons to say “yes” to something you’ve never tried before.

Greater Zion is the kind of place that makes resolutions feel less like rules and more like invitations. You might arrive thinking you know the desert playbook, but then a trail appears, a local tip reroutes your afternoon, or a view begs you to stay a little longer than planned.

This is a landscape that rewards curiosity and gently encourages you to try something new. To jump-start your inspiration, we’ve gathered 26 Greater Zion experiences to try in 2026. Consider this your insider guide, brought to you by locals who know where the magic lives.

1. Spend a Day or Two in Zion National Park

This is the heart of Greater Zion, a place that humbles even seasoned travelers. Towering cliffs, emerald pools, and iconic hikes create moments that last long after you leave.

2. E-bike & Hike in Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon packs lava flows, sandstone cliffs, and well-groomed trails into a compact wonderland. Pair an e-bike ride with a hike and enjoy big scenery without the crowds.

3. Mountain Bike on Gooseberry Mesa

Gooseberry Mesa delivers legendary slickrock riding with views that stop riders in their tracks. Nearby trail systems like Bearclaw Poppy and JEM Trails make this a global biking destination.

4. Boating at Sand Hollow State Park

Warm water, red sand beaches, and vast dunes set the scene for boating, paddleboarding, and off-road fun. It is equal parts adventure zone and laid-back lake day.

5. Watch a Show at Tuacahn Amphitheatre

Broadway-quality performances and concerts unfold beneath towering red cliffs as the desert sky darkens overhead. The setting alone earns gasps before the curtain even rises.

6. Stargaze in Impressively Dark Skies

When the sun goes down, the sky takes over. Desert darkness reveals the Milky Way in dramatic fashion, turning simple stargazing into a core memory.

7. Cool Off at Red Cliffs Recreation Area

This local favorite blends waterfalls, slot canyons, dinosaur tracks, petroglyphs, and swimming holes into one compact adventure. Arrive early and see why residents guard it so closely.

8. Cast a Line at Quail Creek State Park

Utah’s warmest reservoir invites anglers, swimmers, and boaters alike. It is a refreshing stop after a morning hike or a perfect place to slow the pace.

9. Play a Championship Golf Course

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Greater Zion golf pairs immaculate fairways with red rock backdrops and year-round play. Each of our 14 courses feels scenic enough to distract even the most focused golfer.

10. Soak in Natural Springs

Soak, splash, or float your cares away in naturally warm or cool waters at Zion Canyon Hot Springs and Veyo Pool. These longtime favorites blend relaxation with a hint of nostalgia.

11. Delight in Culinary Delicacies

Local flavor shines through sweet treats, creative sodas, and Utah’s beloved fry sauce. The Greater Zion culinary scene is award-winning, quirky, and surprisingly memorable.

12. Kayak at Gunlock State Park

Calm waters and volcanic scenery create a serene paddleboarding escape. During high snow years, cascading waterfalls turn the park into a must-see spectacle. (It is a rare event.)

13. Channel Your Prehistoric Side

Walk alongside fossilized dinosaur tracks and learn about an ancient ecosystem at the Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. It is a hands-on favorite for families and curious minds of all ages.

14. Tube the Virgin River

Floating the Virgin River offers simple joy and welcome relief from summer heat. Choose your access point and let the current do the work.

15. Sleep Under the Stars (Sort of)

Spend a couple of nights under the stars with the comforts of a boutique hotel. Glamping in Greater Zion balances rugged landscapes with refined relaxation.

16. Accept the Via Ferrata Challenge

Climb canyon walls using fixed cables and iron rungs while guides handle the details. It delivers adrenaline and jaw-dropping views.

17. Vibe in Downtown

Downtown St. George hosts historic buildings, art galleries, shopping, and local dining. It is an easygoing way to connect with the region’s pioneer roots and creative present.

18. Ride a Hot Air Balloon

Sunrise balloon flights drift quietly above red rock terrain. The views feel almost unreal as light spills across the landscape.

19. Scramble over Red Rocks in the Middle of St. George

Pioneer Park and Red Hills Desert Garden offer a view of the wilderness just outside of the city. Walking paths wind through native plants, lava rock, and dinosaur tracks. It is educational, effortlessly scenic, and free.

20. Book a Canyoneering Adventure with a trusted guide

Guided slot canyon experiences combine rappelling, scrambling, and exploration. These adventures reveal hidden corners few visitors ever see.

21. Bask in the Glow at Joshua Tree Natural Landmark

This northernmost stand of Joshua trees feels wonderfully unexpected. Quiet roads and wide-open views reward those who seek them out.

22. Play at One of Greater Zion’s Incredible Parks

Snake Hollow Bike Park thrills riders, Thunder Junction welcomes all abilities, and spots like Grandpa’s Pond invite relaxed afternoons. These parks show Greater Zion’s playful side.

23. Hike to a Scenic Overlook in Kolob Canyons

The quieter side of Zion National Park. The soaring cliffs and wide-open viewpoints are a perfect stop for scenic drives, peaceful hikes, and moments that feel entirely your own.

24. Step into History at Our Ghost Towns

In Grafton and Silver Reef, you can wander through preserved buildings and layered history in these hauntingly beautiful towns. Photographers and history lovers will linger here.

25. Cool Off on the Water Canyon Trail

Water Canyon Trail in Hildale surprises hikers with flowing water, shady maples, and towering canyon walls that feel worlds away from the desert below. It is a refreshing escape for those seeking a cooler side of Greater Zion.

26. Off-Roading at Sand Mountain and Long Valley

ATV and OHV routes cut across sand dunes and forested terrain. These rides showcase the wild variety packed into Greater Zion.

This list isn’t meant to be checked off in a rush. It’s an invitation to follow your curiosity wherever it leads. Say yes to something unexpected along the way. If there’s one thing Greater Zion does well, it’s reminding you that there’s always more to discover.