Uncover unique activities near Zion National Park beyond hiking; explore climbing, wine tasting, and more adventures waiting for you.
There’s more to the Greater Zion area in southern Utah than Zion National Park and more to do than hike the park’s trails. From climbing one of the few via ferrata routes in the United States to wine tasting in a new viticulture region, here are seven things to do near Zion National Park you might want to try on your next visit.
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Canyoneering in Zion National Park
Canyoneering—also known as canyoning—involves exploring a canyon from one end to the other, using whatever means necessary. This can include hiking, swimming, climbing, scrambling, rappelling, and rock climbing. You may even need to plot your own route through the canyon, and if you want to tackle the Subway or the Narrows in Zion National Park, you’ll need a wilderness permit.
Canyoneering may involve hiking, climbing, swimming, and squeezing through tight spaces. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Going with a guide is a great option, especially if you’re canyoneering for the first time. Companies like Zion Guru instruct on how to rappel or maneuver over obstacles. They also provide helmets and necessary gear. With Zion Guru, you can opt for a half-day or full-day tour and go solo or with up to 12 friends.
Before you go, be sure to understand what you’re getting into. You will likely face heights and tight spaces, so if you have fears of either, you may want to skip the experience.
E-bike through Snow Canyon
Another way to explore the Greater Zion area’s unique landscapes is by bike. You can rent bikes and e-bikes from several providers in Springdale, the community outside Zion National Park, and ride into the park. Once inside, you can take the Pa’rus Trail from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction.
On an e-bike, you can ride from one end of Snow Canyon State Park to the other and back, stopping to hike along the way. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
For a less crowded ride, skip biking in the national park and head to Snow Canyon State Park near St. George instead. You’ll still get stunning views and can rent a traditional or an e-bike to pedal into Snow Canyon. Unless you bike regularly, choose the e-bike. An e-bike allows you to pedal when you want but offers a boost when needed. Think of pedal assist as the extra oomph to get you up an incline.
You can rent an e-bike from Rampage Rental & Repair. Since it’s a short ride from the state park’s southern entrance, you can ride from there to the northern entrance and back. Rampage Rentals provides a lock so you can stop for a hike to Scout Cave, Petrified Dunes, or Lava Flow Overlook.
Off-road on Sand Mountain
After a day of hiking, canyoneering, or biking, give your legs a day off and take a seat in an off-highway vehicle (OHV). Mad Moose Rentals and Tours rents multi-person Polaris vehicles, which you can drive to BLM-managed Sand Mountain on paved roads. Because it’s an open OHV area, you can ride anywhere within its designated boundaries. You can also take a guided tour through Mad Moose Adventure like I did.
You can explore Sand Mountain alone or on a guided tour with Mad Moose Rentals and Tours. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Either way, your experience starts with a short safety video. Then, the staff fits you with a helmet and goggles and walks you through how to operate the vehicle. Renters head out on their own at that point while tour groups follow their guide.
Even though I used to own an OHV, I’m glad I chose the guided tour. My guide asked how adventurous I felt and crafted the perfect tour for me. I didn’t have to worry about damaging the Polaris I drove or getting in over my head. Instead, I could follow him up rugged buttes, knowing exactly where to drive, and over orange dunes. I could enjoy the ride—and the views.
Navigate a via ferrata near Zion National Park
In southern Utah, you can climb a steep cliff without special training or extreme risk on a via ferrata tour. Via ferrata, which translates to “iron road” in Italian, refers to a ladder-like series of bars secured into a mountain. World War I soldiers first used these trails to train to get through the Dolomite Mountains. After the war, climbing clubs improved these routes for recreational use.
On a via ferrrata trail, you climb a series of iron rungs up the side of a mountain or cliff. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
As via ferrata has caught on, new routes have opened up throughout the world, including a few in the US. The Greater Zion area has two. Zion Adventures guides climbers up the 450-foot Eye of the Needle. Meanwhile, Utah Adventure Center takes tours on its Above Zion via ferrata. You’ll need a certain amount of physical fitness to complete either trail.
Expect to spend three to four hours practicing for the climb, hiking to it, and scaling the via ferrata trail. Safety is the primary concern. Guides will attach you to a safety cable before you begin the ascent. The views from the top will make the trip worth the effort.
Stargaze Near a Dark Sky Park
Zion National Park has some of the darkest night skies in the US. In 2021, the International Dark Sky Association recognized it as a Dark Sky Park. To earn this designation, the park has to limit light pollution and work to protect its dark skies. This makes Zion and the surrounding area perfect for stargazing.
The dark night skies over Zion National Park and the surrounding area offer ideal conditions for stargazing. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
If you have a telescope or state-of-the-art binoculars, you can scan the skies on your own. The park has several places to view the stars, including the Human History Museum patio, Timber Creek Parking Lot, and Lava Point Overlook. According to the national park’s website, you’ll find the darkest skies on the park’s east side along Kolob Terrace Road.
For a guided look at the stars, book a tour with Stargazing Zion. The company provides guests with Celestron binoculars, bean bag chairs, and blankets. As the 2-hour program begins, astronomers point out constellations and planets. Next, you move to the bean bags and view the skies with binoculars. Astronomers then focus state-of-the-art telescopes on planets, distant galaxies, and nebulae. You’ll look deep into space and leave with a better understanding of the universe.
Wine Taste in Southern Utah
Not all southern Utah adventures require you to break a sweat. Several wineries invite you to sample a glass of Utah wine just north of St. George. Skeptical of US wines produced outside of California and the Pacific Northwest? Don’t be. Southern Utah’s wineries align with wine-producing regions such as Italy, Portugal, and Spain along the 37th parallel north.
Bold & Delaney Winery’s tasting room is open by appointment every Tuesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
On my trip, I visited Bold & Delaney Winery in Dammeron, Utah. The 10-acre vineyard grows 14 varietals, ranging from cabernet sauvignon to orange muscat. For $25, you can sample five labels. (My favorite was the Estate Pinot Noir.) Do yourself a favor and order a charcuterie plate to complement your tasting.
If you can’t make it to Bold & Delaney for a tasting, you can order a glass at The Painted Pony in St. George. Sommelier and restaurant co-owner John Delaney also co-owns the winery with Mark Bold.
Glamping near Zion National Park
Camping isn’t for everyone, but anyone can glamp. Glamping elevates camping with luxury amenities like plush bedding and rainfall showers. It’s camping without the inconveniences.
You can glamp throughout the US, from Governors Island in New York to Big Sur, California. But few destinations rival Zion National Park. While the area has several glamping resorts, Open Sky Zion stands out. Not only do the sites have amenities like hot tubs and telescopes, but it’s 3.5 miles from the highway. (That’s about a 10-minute drive on easy-to-drive dirt roads.)
At Open Sky Zion, guests enjoy outdoor showers and hot tubs. Photo courtesy of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Even at the resort, you’ll feel away from it all. The owners designed the property so you don’t see any of the other 12 glamping sites when you look out from your tent. Don’t worry about being too remote. Open Sky Zion also boasts a farm-to-table restaurant onsite and bookable excursions.
The stay is a splurge, though, with rates averaging $800 per night. For a glamping experience right off State Route 9, consider Zion White Bison Resort. Guests can book a night in a cliff dwelling tower, a solid tepee, or a temperature-controlled covered wagon. Summer rates range from about $250 to $600 per night.
When You Visit Zion National Park
As you can see, the Greater Zion area offers many adventures that extend far beyond the majestic trails of Zion National Park. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of climbing a via ferrata route, indulging in delightful wine tastings, or discovering hidden gems, this region is rich with experiences just waiting to be explored. Each activity adds a unique layer to your journey, making your visit to southern Utah truly unforgettable. So, pack your bags and step off the beaten path to discover what else this breathtaking landscape has to offer.
Explore Other Exciting Areas in Utah
Explore Wander With Wonder for more of our favorite things while exploring Utah. And don’t miss our articles on our favorite national parks for even more inspiration on your next adventure!
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