The original occupants of Zion Canyon were the Anasazi, which flourished around 1,500 B.C.. When visiting Zion National Park in today’s society you can find evidence of their majestic sandstone villages, rock art, and systems of roads throughout the park. Zion National Park is a span of 229 square miles of breathtaking red rock scenery.
The first Mormon Pioneer Settlers arrived in the 1800’s. They named the area Zion, which is ancient Hebrew for refuge or sanctuary. The Monument known as Mukuntuweap National Monument, now known as Zion National Park or Zion was first protected in 1909 by President William Howard Taft. After 10 years the park expanded and was renamed Zion. The reason for the name changes was because they wanted people to visit the park, and they didn’t want to deter them based on them not being able to pronounce the Native American and Spanish names.
Zion National Park is not known for its natural stone arches, but it has magnificent arches. The Kolob Arch is 287 feet long, 2nd largest only to the Landscape Arch at Arches National Park. Kolob Arch is one of the world’s largest arches.You will locate it deep in the backcountry of Zion National Park’s Kolob Canyons district. Another must see is the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel. The tunnel connects Zion to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. Completed in 1930, the 1.1 mile long tunnel cuts through the vertical sandstone cliffs of Zion, combines with the surrounding landscape, and has windows for viewing Zion Canyon. As the tunnel opens drivers set their sights on jaw dropping beauty.
There are so many things to do and see in Zion National Park. Angels Landing, The Narrows to Imlay Temple and Big Spring, Riverside Walk, The Subway, Canyon Overlook Trail, Weeping Rock Trail, Lower Emerald Pool Trails, Checkerboard Mesa and the EastSide of Zion National Park, Human History Museum, Canyon Trail Rides, Canyoneering and Rock Climbing, and Camping, to name a few. No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, our experienced guides will lead you from start to finish.
Ten Reasons To Do An Outdoor Adventure:
Relax, unplug and have fun
Improve your mood
Nature is rejuvenation
Gain a sense of accomplishment
Learn new skills
Spending time outdoors reduces stress
Bonding time with yourself, friends and family or make new friends
Gain feelings of gratitude
Increase your awareness
Nature improves your brain
Participating in a guided tour will provide you with a sense of comfort. An expert tour guide knows and understands the culture of the place and will make sure that you have a smooth adventure without the worry of unfamiliarity. A tour guide knows what places and areas to avoid, which gives you a greater sense of safety. A tour guide gives you knowledge of the place that you’re visiting and some of the history. Contact our expert tour guides to book your next great adventure!
Best Guided Tours Near Zion National Park
1. Peek-A- Boo Slot Canyon ATV Tour
Take an adrenaline pumping ATV adventure ride through sand dunes to one of the most beautiful and legendary slot canyons in the area! Wind your way on foot where our expert guides will take you on a breathtaking hike to explore ancient sandstone walls over 100ft high. Peek-a-boo slot canyon is located near Zion National Park and the Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument area.
Distance: 3.5 mile loop. 8.5 miles round trip
Elevation: trailhead 4,960 feet - 4600 feet low point
Total elevation: 880 feet
Best seasons: Year round
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Group Sizes: 1-12
Ages: 1-100
Customer Review:
Had an amazing time! Wyatt was awesome ! Not only did he show me and my family (husband and 3 boys ..14,9 &8) a good time but he put up with all my photo taking and even showed me some good photo spots and tricks! Def made some awesome family memories. Thanks again guys! - Brianna
Embark on an adrenaline ATV ride to one of the most must see gems of Kanab near Zion National Park. A colossal 200 foot tall hidden cove and massive sandhill shaped by desert winds over thousands of years. Plan for a short .25 hike with an uphill sandy ascent into the entrance. If the hike doesn't leave you breathless then the stunning views and epic scale of this natural wonder.
Truly a photographer's paradise!
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Group Sizes: 1-24
Ages: 1-100
What to bring: A camera, hiking shoes, sunglasses, face gaiter, and snacks
What's provided: Helmet and water
Customer Review:
We came last min and were on a time crunch. We literally had to wait 30 mins (enough time to grab a bite to eat at the Cafe outside) for them to make it happen and work with our schedule (out of towners)! Guide was amazing and me and my family enjoyed EVERY MINUTE of it! Truly once in a lifetime experience for us! I'm glad they made it a great one for us! The canyon was a sight to see as well. The walk is worth the price! - Hayley
3. "The Combo" Peek-A-Boo & Great Chamber ATV Tour
Get the best of both worlds in one thrilling ATV adventure guided tour! Start the day with a fun adrenaline ride to the Great Chamber where, after relaxing in the epic 200 ft cove you'll then zip over the sand dunes to Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon
Duration: 3.5 hours
Group Sizes: 1-12
Ages: 1-100
What to bring: A camera, hiking shoes, sunglasses, face gaiter, and snacks
What's provided: Helmet and water
Customer Review:
We happened upon Roam and decided on-the-spot to do the Great Chamber and Peekaboo tour. No regrets here! Within an hour, we were on our way with our guide, Kevin. Besides the thrill of the UTV and beautiful sites, we got to hear stories about Kanab and it’s history. The owners have been in the area for generations, so it was a huge bonus to see the sites through Kevin’s eyes. Highly recommend! Fast forward three months later, and I've now added the via ferrata to my adventures. Wow, just wow. I'm not a climber, but our guide Collin made me feel at ease and instructed me each step of the way. What a feeling to do something you never thought you'd do! If you're even curious about the via ferrata, just say yes! - Ashely
4. The Half Day'er: Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon, The Great Chamber, and Hoodoos
Our longest ATV tour! First taking you to the legendary Peek-a-boo Slot canyon, then to The Great Chamber, and ending at the scenic Hoodoos. Sure to be an adventure packed day near Zion National Park!
*Moderate hiking required in each location
Duration: 4-5 hours
Group Sizes: 1-24
Ages: 1-100
What to bring: A camera, hiking shoes, sunglasses, face gaiter, and snacks
What's provided: Helmet and water
Customer Review:
ROAM Outdoor Adventures was the experience of a lifetime! Our group of 4 did the Half Dayer with an option of sand boarding and it was the best day of our trip! Our guide, Mikey, was nothing short of gold. He navigated us through the desert like a champ. He had a wealth of stories and knowledge worth a week of campfires! These views of our countryside are unparalleled. FYI the hike to the Great Chamber is in the desert, uphill and through thick sand. It is not a simple hike. Bring lots of water. ROAM was kind enough to provide extra water as well. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Adventure on -Thomas
5. Horseback Trail Ride at Caves Lake Canyon
Saddle up for a relaxing horseback ride near Kanab through the exclusive and breathtaking Cave Lakes Canyon. Horseback rides through green pastures amid 100 ft tall red sandstone walls towering on either side. Explore hidden lakes and lush meadows for a serene horse trail riding experience in one of Kanab's most coveted canyon destinations. The best canyon horseback trail rides in Zion, Bryce Canyon and Kanab.
Cave Lakes Canyon length is 2.5 miles curving into a low plateau between Zion National Park and The Grand Canyon.
Located near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park and The Grand Canyon.
Duration: 1.5 Hour
Group Sizes: 10
Ages: 8 and up
Weight limit: 220 lbs
What to bring: Wear good shoes. Pants are preferable.
Customer Review:
My husband and I had the BEST time trail riding through the beautiful canyon. Carsyn was our guide. She was really great at her job. She really took her time to get to know all the people in the group. She gave us all a great tour with many facts and great laughs! I rode Blondie. She was great! Very well mannered horse. My husband rode chinnley. He had to be in the front of the group. Lol So we had a beautiful view of the canyon. Overall a memorable experience that we will never forget! - Rebekah
6. Via Ferrata & Rappeling in Cave Lakes Canyon
The Up and Down Experience starts at the base of Cave Lakes Canyonwhere you will first follow the well marked Via Ferrata tour course up the canyon wall. Once you've submitted, wiped your brow, and soaked in the epic views, you will then take an exhilarating rappel off a 180 ft rock face back to home base.
At the end of this thrilling, heart racing Up and Down Experience you will not only feel like you've achieved greatness, but you'll most likely be described as LEGENDARY. Come experience Utah's thrilling Via Ferrata in Kanab and Zion!
Cave Lakes Canyon length is 2.5 miles curving into a low plateau between Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.
Located near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park.
*Bragging rights included
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Group Sizes: 1-5 people per guide
Ages: 8 and up
What to bring: Wear good shoes. Pants are preferable.
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
What we provide: Transportation to location, all safety equipment, and water
Where to meet: Moqui Cave
Customer Review:
ROAM ADVENTURES IS A MUST!!! This place is AMAZING! The location, the staff and the views are all better than expected. We did Via Ferrata and the guides were awesome! They eased all of our fears and took great care of us. The actual climbing experience is something that no one should miss. It was a great family activity for adults and our children. The kids can’t stop talking about the climb. This is definitely something you CAN’T miss while in Southern Utah. - Kasey
7. Half-Day Canyoneering Adventure
Take a guided hiking and rappelling tour with our professionally trained and experienced guides through the area's most popular slot canyon "The Huntress" with a hike in, hike out series of 4 rappels. This canyon is well-known for its beauty and is the perfect place to experience rappelling for the first time.
It begins with a small rappel which allows newcomers to get their first taste and "learn the ropes". From there the canyon drops down into larger slot canyons with some intermediate rappels as you wind through the beautiful sandstone walls. Experience the best hiking tour and canyoneering in Kanab, Zion, Bryce and The Grand Canyon.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Group Sizes: 12
Ages: 8 and up
What to bring: Hiking shoes, pants, hydration pack, and snacks
Difficulty: Moderate
Where to meet: Moqui Cave
Customer Review:
Roam adventure company is absolutely wonderful! I only have positive and wonderful things to say. They definitely exceeded my expectations! We booked for two tours, the first tour we did ATV with Hal and it was incredible and super fun! Hal is super friendly, funny and a great photographer! He went above and beyond! He drove us to the canyons, we checked out Peek A Boo slot Canyon which was incredible, totally breathtaking! Then we checked out The Great Chamber, that was absolutely awesome! Hal took us some amazing photos!! The next day we did rappelling in the Via Ferrata with Mike. Mike is super cool, very nice and friendly! He drove the ATV to the canyon and then he showed us how to put the gear on. He explained things to us and made sure we felt comfortable! He leaded the way up the Ferrata and it was a lot of fun! Once we reached the top we sat down and relaxed for a bit. We had some drinks and relaxed for a bit. He then showed us and gave us explanations on how to rappel down the canyon. It was a great experience, I felt safe! Also, Tanner was super nice and very understanding. We were originally booked to do the half day canyoneering, but we were feeling extremely tired and wanted something shorter. We spoke to Tanner and Tanner was able to change our booking to the Via Ferrata without a problem! Thank you guys for all you do!! Wishing you guys the very best! Keep up the great work! - Maria
8. East Zion Fly Fishing Escape
In between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks lies a river with gentle flowing curves and lush banks, blending beauty and isolation for the complete pristine fishing experience
Upon arrival you'll be fitted with everything you will need to be successful on the river including a fly rod, flies, and waders. Our expert guide will also discuss strategy, technique and tips to make sure you have every chance of catching the big one! With years of experience guiding, our guides will make sure you are both comfortable and confident on the river and will give you either the help - or the space - that you need.
Whether it is your first time fly fishing or you're a fly fishing fanatic, a day on this picturesque river with our expertly trained guide is an experience you won't soon forget! Asay Creek is a winding river that flows from Alton to Bryce on the East side of Zion National Park and north of the Grand Canyon. Located near Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Group Sizes: Up to 4
Ages: 8 and up
Skill level: None required
What to bring: Wear good water shoes. Pants are preferable. Bug repellent and water.
What we provide: Fly rod, flies, and waders
Customer Review:
My husband and I went on the Fly Fishing experience with Mikey and it was great! We’ve never fly fished before, and wanted to try something new. Mikey was a great teacher and had all the gear needed. He went through several casting techniques, how to decide what flies to use, how to read the water, and what to do once you catch one. It was a great beginner experience, and Mikey was an awesome and friendly host who was very dedicated to making sure we were successful in catching something no matter how much the fish didn’t want to cooperate!! The river was very pretty and peaceful too - it was great just being out in nature with no crowds!- Fatty