Your Guide to Greater Zion
There’s more to Greater Zion than just Zion National Park. Use our guide to explore southern Utah without the crowds.
Our List of Things to Do Near Zion National Park
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Greater Zion
Every summer, millions flock to the sun-drenched red rocks of Southern Utah to explore Zion National Park. Zion NP is a central canyon accessible only from two sides, with a single road slicing through it. Most day trippers stick to the central part of the park and plan a few day hikes. From March to September, shuttles are mandatory to access the park.
Of course, we never discourage anyone from visiting Zion NP because it is spectacular (and below we will offer our suggested things to do for the first-timers), but what most people don’t know is that the greater Zion area is full of adventure and scenic wonders, without the crowds and scheduled shuttle stops. And because Utah is home to some of the most diverse and scenic landscapes, even its state parks feel like national parks.
The pro move? Plan a day or half a day in Zion National Park, but if you can swing it, allow for time to explore all of the other wild and rugged landscapes outside the popular park, where you can avoid the crowds, take your time, and wander freely on your own—not according to a shuttle schedule.
Zion National Park, one of the country’s most visited parks, sees more than half a million visitors on average in the summer months of July and August, but what most aren’t aware of is what else there is to do in the Greater Zion region. While Zion NP anchors not only the area’s name but also its status as one of Southern Utah’s most popular destinations, there’s plenty more to explore in the region that doesn’t draw the crowds yet still offers views and unforgettable experiences.
The unique topography of slot canyons, sandstone cliffs, and multi-layered rock bands that make up Zion NP spans far beyond the park’s boundaries, into the region’s small communities and parks. Because of the diverse landscape, Utah’s state parks could easily be national parks. The four state parks in Greater Zion feature diverse vistas, from Sand Hollow’s emerald green water to the black lava formations at Snow Canyon. This unique mix of geographical elements makes everything from biking and climbing to paddling and horseback riding readily available.
But Southern Utah isn’t just a mecca for canyonering and slipping through slot canyons. Beyond the boundaries of the area’s natural landscape, there’s much to experience without hiking boots, a rope, or a bike. From a flourishing art scene in St. George to the area’s up-and-coming wine scene, Greater Zion blends the outdoors and the arts easily.
The small, but important details
- Give yourself two to three days to explore all that Greater Zion has to offer; four days if you have the time.
- Notable stops: Snow Canyon State Park, Red Hills Desert Gardens, Kayenta Art Village, and Sand Hollow State Park.
- Things to know before you go: It gets hot in the summer, so plan to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and layers.
- Why we love it: While Zion National Park is the main attraction, many people don’t realize that the entire Greater Zion area offers plenty to see without the crowds.
St. George, Utah
St. George, Utah, is Southern Utah’s largest city, with a population of just over 100,000. It’s also one of the fastest-growing, with an ever-increasing list of direct flight options, including flights from Denver to St. George. Centrally located in the Greater Zion region, this small(ish) town makes the perfect home base for your explorations. You’ll find a refreshed town that feels like the paint has just dried, and it’s because much of the development in St. George has been in the last five years, since COVID, as people were looking to escape crowded cities.
Despite its location amongst Southern Utah’s desert landscape, arriving in St. George feels somewhat like a tropical oasis. Named the “Garden of “den,” green trees”s and tall palms bathe in the sunshine, providing shade for the people below, and stand in stark contrast to the red rock landscape the area is known for.
Explore Ancestor Square and downtown
Do: Even if you’re visiting Zion for its outdoor experiences, we highly recommend spending an afternoon exploring downtown St. George and the historic Ancestor Square. Hop on over to the shops at Green Gate Village, where you’ll find stops like Judd’s Gene Store, Barbers of Green Gate, and the Violin Gallery, run by veteran violinist Chris Hobson. Nearby, be sure also to tour the St. George Tabernacle, known as the “jewel of the desert.”
The St. George Art Museum is the ideal place to begin exploring the city’s art, as well as exploring the dozens of art galleries along Main Street. Attend the St. George Art Festival held Easter weekend in the historic town square to see hundreds of local and regional artists across all media showcasing their inspiration from Utah’s desert
Eat: Downtown St. George and Ancestor Square are where you’ll find a lot of restaurants. For an upscale dining experience, stop by for dinner at the Painted Pony inside Ancestor Square. While it’s certainly suitable for families and children, the restaurant’s “tree-top patio” is especially romantic for couples. Afterward, stop next door for ice cream at Bee Sweet or a gourmet creamsicle at Paletas. For lunch, try Pica Rica for traditional barbecue with Mexican-inspired seasonings or Cappaletti’s for savory Italian and Argentine cuisine.
Stay: If you want to make St. George your home base for exploring Greater Zion, there are plenty of (mostly chain) hotels to choose from.
Red Hills Desert Gardens
Worth the stop: It’s easy to access the trails from town at the Red Hills Desert Gardens. The botanical garden features paved pathways that wind through hundreds of native Utah plants and desert flora, while connecting gravel trails ascend beyond the grounds to Red Hills Desert Reserve and the top of Pioneer Park, where you can enjoy early morning walks to beat the heat or sunset views to round out your day. Admission is free and well worth the stop.
Ivins, Utah
Ivins, Utah, is a small community located just 10 miles northwest of St. George. Its proximity to several state parks—which feel like national parks but without the crowds—is a big reason people visit and stay in the area. In addition to the outdoor amenities, you’ll also find artist enclaves nestled into the canyons of this desert paradise. For such a small town, you’ll be surprised to find most of what there is to do in the Greater Zion area all right here.
Explore Snow Canyon State Park
Do: Snow Canyon State Park is one of those places that offers the perfect combination of beauty and accessibility, but without the crowds. As one of Utah’s most extensive state parks, the views are what you might expect from a national park. You can’t help but let your jaw drop in admiration.
Spanning 7,400 acres, Snow Canyon is a rugged mix of rolling petrified dunes, red and white sandstone cliffs, and black lava flows that create a one-of-a-kind landscape. There are many ways to explore, from hiking and biking to climbing and canyoneering. Hike through a jumbled lava field along the Lava Flow trail, stroll through dunes and cross over Navajo sandstone outcrops along the Petrified Dunes trail, or enjoy a bike ride along West Canyon Road. The easy eight-mile road winds through the floor of the canyon to the head of present-day Snow Canyon.
E-bike rentals offer a fun way to breeze through, but you won’t want to. You’ll want to take your time, slow down, and admire. Rent an e-bike from nearby Rampage E-bike rentals and ride into Snow Canyon from their store in town. In the evening, drive your car up to the Snow Canyon scenic overlook for spectacular sunsets that feel like a special secret.
Kayaking and Waterfalls at Gunlock State Park
Do: Located 20 minutes north of the small town of Ivins and roughly an hour from Zion National Park, you’ll find Lake State Park because temperatures in Southern Utah can get a bit spicy. A great way to cool off is to visit the park’s blue waters and its elusive rushing waterfalls that visit only once a year in spring—if you’re lucky enough to catch them.
Fully dependent on the rain and snowfall the area receives, the waterfalls occur only when the reservoir reaches capacity and spills over the dam, making them rare, occurring only a few times every decade or so. At peak flow, the waterfalls cascade over multi-colored sandstone cliffs, transforming the park into a photographer’s dream. Bring your swimsuit to take a plunge in the waters (at your own risk) or enjoy the leisurely 1.2-mile hike to view the waterfalls from a safe distance.
But just because the waterfalls aren’t needed, this shouldn’t stop you from visiting when traveling through Southern Utah. When the waterfalls aren’t, glide through the calm waters of Gunlock Reservoir on your kayak or paddleboard, take a dip, and find your favorite rock for cliff diving and cannonballs. Easy rentals from Dig Paddlesports make on-water exploration easy.
Note: while Gunlock State Park is typically quiet with few crowds, when the waterfalls are flowing, you can expect thousands of visitors, which is still far fewer than the nearly 5 million visitors Zion National Park sees each year.
Quail Creek State Park is another area park with a large reservoir, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming.
Kayenta Art Village
Worth the stop: Located 15 minutes from Gunlock State Park, the Kayenta Art Village sits at the base of Red Mountain, surrounded by the area’s rocks that give Ivins its distinct scenery. Its red rock landscape has inspired many artists and is much of the inspiration for creating this artist enclave. Like small towns such as Marfa, Texas, and Paonia, Colorado, many consider this quiet art village an artist colony of sorts. Walk among wind sculptures and colorful murals beneath your feet, and reintroduce yourself to nature in an artful way, with nearby trails, the Kayenta Desert Rosé Labyrinth, and numerous art galleries dotting the village.
Located just five miles from Snow Canyon State Park, the artist enclave is a popular stop for bikers. You’ll find any pedal pushers grabbing a snack and a cool-me-down drink at the popular Xetava garden cafe. Grab a quick bite from their locally sourced menu, and don’t forget to order a Royden Lemonade, perfect on a hot summer day.
Where to eat and stay
Stay: The Red Mountain Resort offers not only stellar views of Red Mountain and the red rocks that make this area so vibrant, but also proximity to Snow Canyon State Park, ideal for morning bike rides and sunsets from the canyon’s walls. A desert oasis with a pool, spa, and dining options feels like a true treat after hot days exploring.
Eat: If you stay at Red Mountain Resort, they offer an on-site dining option at the Canyon Breeze restaurant. To kickstart your morning, we highly recommend the small French cafe next to Rampage E-bike rentals, Feel Love Coffee.
Hurricane, Utah
Now we take the trek to Zion National Park with a quick stop in the small town of Hurricane, Utah. Located 25 miles west of Zion NP, the sleepy town of Hurricane was settled in the late 1890s, as part of the LDS (Mormon) Church’s” Mission.” If you have time, the town’s historic district and the Hurricane Pioneer Museum offer a nice glimpse into the town’s history.
Eat: Whether you are passing through on your way to Zion or staying for the day, stop in for lunch at the Main Street Cafe. The cozy family-owned cafe feels like eating with your friends and family, even if you’re a lone traveler miles from home.
Sand Hollow State Park
Do: One of the more unexpected places you’ll visit in Greater Zion is Sand Hollow State Park. The park is home to the 1,322-acre Sand Hollow Reservoir and the rolling dunes on Sand Mountain. A remote corner of the world that sits just a few hours from the Arizona Steppe, the park’s 15,000 acres of perfectly sculpted dunes make up the most northeastern section of the Mojave Desert.
While there are plenty of activities available at Sand Hollow, an off-road adventure driving the dunes is a ride worth taking. Sign up for a three-hour ATV tour with ATV Off Road Adventures and climb the gorgeous Red Plateau on a two-person ATV, pass through red-rock statues with spectacular views of the reservoir and area mountain ranges of Southern Utah.
Springdale and Zion National Park
If you plan to visit Zion National Park, the town of Springdale is your best bet for all your amenity needs. The small town sits just outside the park’s south entrance, and it’s where you’ll park and catch the shuttle. The town boasts art galleries, restaurants, a winery, hotels, boutique shops, and plenty of red rock views from any angle.
Stay: While there are plenty of options for places to stay in Springdale, just outside of the south entrance to Zion, one of the newest hotels is Hotel DeNovo. Dine at Anu, Springdale’s newest restaurant, where you’ll be rewarded with million-dollar views. High-end views with high-end food made by a local Utah chef. You get one of the best views in Zion and some of the best food, too! Where rugged meets refined, Hotel Novo feels like a treat after adventuring all day.
Worth the stop: What you may not know about the Greater Zion area is its reputation as an up-and-coming wine destination in Utah. Situated on the 37th parallel, like many world-renowned wine-producing regions, the area boasts four of the five wineries on the Utah Wine Trail. In the small town of Hildale, UT, you’ll find Water Canyon Winery. The all-natural winery produces a variety of wines, including Sangiovese, Petit Sirah, Mystical Golden Muscat, Grenache Rosé, and several other blends. You’ll find their newest tasting room in Springdale. It’s the perfect way to top off your Zion adventures.
Zion National Park really is only the beginning of exploring all the treasures of Southern Utah. We hope this guide helps you explore beyond the bounds of the greater Zion area.
