Looking for the best Zion National Park tours? From 4X4 adventures to incredible slot canyon hikes, these are the activities you need to book before you go.
There’s no doubting the appeal that any of Utah’s National Parks have. And, when it comes to Zion, for some, it’s the almost otherworldly rock formations, while for others, it’s the unparalleled stargazing.
Sure, the list of memorable things to do in Zion National Park is an impressive starting point to plot your itinerary. But, when you add these tours, you have a recipe for sheer perfection.
Alright, we’ll stop teasing…
Ready to discover the best tours in Zion National Park? These are the ones to add to your itinerary.
The Best Zion National Park Tours
East Zion: Crimson Slot Canyon Exploration and UTV Tour
Some of the best things to do in Zion include exploring its rave-worthy backcountry, hiking the epic slot canyons, and indulging in incredible views. So why not do all of this combined with a thrilling UTV ride?
This crimson slot canyon tour kicks off with an adrenaline-rushing UTV ride helmed by a trained driver and guide. Now, while the route you should take isn’t clearly defined, one of the best Zion National Park guided tours begins once you reach the canyon’s mouth.
As you hike through the canyon, you’ll have ample time to gaze at the 100-foot-high crimson walls that tower out from the canyon floor. You’ll also learn about Native American history and the region’s geographical past.
Highlights you’ll venture past include Zion icons such as Kolob Canyon’s peaks, the sandstone Altar of Sacrifice, and the natural Temple of Sinawava amphitheater.
Finishing at Angels Landing, you’ll hike back and call it a (very epic) day.
Book Your Slot Canyon Exploration and UTV Tour
East Zion: 1-Hour White Mountain Horseback Tour
As fun as tackling Zion from the back of a UTV is, sometimes touring Zion National Park is much more enjoyable from horseback. Don’t you think?
Well, when you treat yourself to this White Mountain Horseback tour, that’s precisely what you get.
Making this tour a standout is how it combines two of the most popular Southern Utah activities: slot canyon exploration and horseback riding. Starting at the stable, you’ll learn how to reign in a horse, and if you’ve never ridden, don’t worry – these horses are well-trained.
After your short intro to horse riding, your tour guide will lead you out into a scenic trail through the quiet backcountry of East Zion. On the way, while taking in the spectacular scenery, your guide will also entertain you with some cowboy history, folklore, and tall tales.
The end destination is a picturesque slot canyon, and once at its mouth, you’ll get a true sense of what makes Zion so famous. You’ll head into the narrow caverns of the canyon with towering walls on either side and have some time for Instagram-worthy snapshots.
Book Your White Mountain Horseback Tour
East Zion: 1-Hour Stargazing Experience
As far as tours in Zion National Park go, the park’s nighttime experiences easily rival its daytime excursions.
One of the best is this one-hour Stargazing Experience. Thanks to the lack of any light interference in the park, taking time to admire the skies above at night is an almost surreal escapade.
This tour involves almost no hiking and, after meeting your guide, you’ll head on a short 10 to 15-minute walk to the stargazing point. Trust us when we say that seeing the Milky Way from the Utah soil is an unforgettable adventure.
Now, while you give your eyes enough time to take in every inch of the night sky, your guide will teach you about visible constellations. As if that’s not enough, you’ll also get a closer look through the powerful on-site telescope, and you might just spot a shooting star.
Book this Stargazing Experience
From Springdale: The Zion Narrows Hike
Dying to hike one of Zion’s most famous routes? This next tour is for you.
Visit one of the park’s most renowned icons, The Narrows, on this Zion hike. This day trip from Springdale takes you into the heart of the park to explore a site carved by millions of years of erosion.
This is for avid hikers, as The Narrows is a continuous feature on most lists of the best Zion National Park hikes.
Beginning at the Zion Guide Hub, you’ll trek into the wilderness led by an expert guide. The further you venture, the more you see, from towering striped walls, huge alcoves, plunging waterfalls, and even stunning hanging gardens.
As you make your way along the Virgin River, you’ll stop to indulge in a pre-packed lunch included in your tour package. And don’t fret about bringing gear, as everything you’ll need comes provided. However, you’ll need to bring your cold-weather equipment if you’re touring from October to December.
Book Your Spot on The Zion Narrows Hike
Zion National Park: 10- or 20-Minutes Scenic Helicopter Tour
What’s better than traversing Zion by foot, ATV, UTV, and horseback? Taking to the skies in a helicopter and soaring through the Utah skies above the park, of course. If you’re looking for one of the most incredible Zion tours, this scenic helicopter tour is the one for you.
Flights are either 10 or 20 minutes long, which might sound short, but the views you’ll get will definitely not be short-lived in your memory. From your seat, your pilot provides an informative narration of Zion and the surrounding region.
Highlights of this flight include unparalleled views of featured Zion landmarks, including the Virgin River Valley, West Temple, and the Crater Hill Volcano. This is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the southwest side of Zion.
Book Your Seat on This Scenic Helicopter Tour
From Springdale: 4-Hour Zion Canyon Scenic Hiking Tour
Now for those who want freedom while on a tour of Zion National Park, we can’t recommend this 4-hour Zion Canyon Scenic Hiking tour enough. Its primary focus is on Zion Canyon, but you’ll have the choice to venture on numerous trails along the way.
At the meeting point, where you’ll find your tour guide, you’ll have some time to appreciate the epic surroundings. Don’t gawk for too long, though. It’s time to head out (or into) Zion.
As your tour progresses through Zion, you’ll get to go on multiple short, moderate, and strenuous hiking trails, depending on your skill level. And while you trek your trails, your guide will enlighten you with information on the trail, the park, and the history of Southern Utah.
Book Your Zion Canyon Hiking Tour
East Zion: Cliffs Sunset and Backcountry Off-Road Jeep Tour
You can’t say you’ve explored Zion if you haven’t tackled its terrain in a 4×4 Jeep. And that’s exactly why this Cliffs Sunset and Backcountry tour is the best option for a Zion National Park jeep tour.
Starting just before sunset, you’ll spend a few minutes on the highway before the real fun begins. Taking no prisoners, your trained driver and guide will head off onto rugged terrain and eventually end at a western-facing viewpoint.
But once you’ve caught your breath, turn your attention to the skies.
Before you lies the gorgeous Zion landscape, and to the backdrop of the setting sun, you’ll get to see some of its most famed icons. Gaze out at West Temple, Parunuweap Canyon, and Elephant Gap.
Then it’s time for some more off-roading before returning to your starting point at Thunderbird Lodge.
Book Your Seat on This Off-Road Jeep Tour
Practical Tips for Booking Your Zion National Park Tour
- Before booking your tour, be sure to check what the price includes. Some tours do not include food and drinks, while others do. The same goes for entrance fees to the park.
- Always arrive at your starting or pick-up point ahead of time – your tour will leave without you if you’re late.
- Check out our Utah travel tips to make planning and executing your trip as easy as possible.