What to do in Zion National Park while house and pet sitting

Zion National Park has an astonishing range of landscapes and wildlife within its 229 square miles. Come here to see desert, mountains, rivers and woodlands, and of course, the famous Zion Canyon, a 15-mile-long wonder of nature. It’s home to all sorts of animals, including 19 different species of bat.

The dramatic sandstone canyons dominate the Utah park, but there are also smaller-scale creeks and coniferous forest to admire. Look out for Zion’s many viewing platforms, where the panoramas across the park will take your breath away. The closest town is Springdale, just over a mile from the park entrance. This welcoming place has plenty of places to shop and find food, although it can get pretty busy in the tourist season. Most visitors to the park make this their base.

Always check the weather forecast before heading out into the National Park: it’s safe to say that Zion experiences a lot of different conditions. In the summer, temperatures easily reach 100°F, and mid-July through September is also monsoon season (flash flood alert). In the spring, snowmelt causes flooding, and keep an eye on the new from The Narrows, which close when the water’s flowing fast. There are thunderstorms at all times of the year.

If you love hiking through magnificent landscapes, there can be few better places than this. There are so many varied things to see in Zion National Park, that you’ll need to pay several visits to do this awe-inspiring place justice. Here’s our guide to the things you don't want to miss.

Zion National Park attractions

What are the best things to do in Zion National Park? Start by getting your bearings with the shuttle service, then select a trail or viewpoint that best suits your hiking style. 

1. The Shuttle System: this is the starting point for any visit. The shuttle service runs from the Visitor Center along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It serves a practical purpose, stopping at visitor destinations along its route, but it’s also the most beautiful bus route you’ll ever go on. Park up, mask up, and get on board this fantastic free service.

2. Angels Landing: this is the sixth stop on the shuttle route, and what follows is not (if you’ll excuse the expression) a walk in the park. This is a serious hike up to an incredible viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon. The trail takes you along a narrow ridge with sheer drops. If you’re a seasoned hiker or climber, this is a must-do. 

3. Lower Emerald Pools: this is a much gentler walk, and a really attractive one. The paved trail is just over half a mile, leads you around the pools and provided there’s no snowmelt flooding, this is a really lovely place in the springtime. Again, there’s a shuttle stop at the start of the trail.

Free things to do in Zion National Park

Like most National Parks, there is an admission fee to pay if you’re visiting Zion National Park. If you’re house or pet sitting in the area for a while, it can be worth paying for a pass rather than a day ticket. Once you’re inside however, there are plenty of free things to do in Zion National Park.

The Narrows and the Riverside Walk are two of the best walks inside the Park, and if you really want to save a few dollars, you can simply explore the gateway to the Park, the little town of Springdale.

1. The Narrows: take a day hike with a difference along The Narrows. This is the slimmest section of Zion Canyon. You can start along the paved Riverside Walk (more about this in a moment), and you can see The Narrows from here. If you don’t mind getting your feet wet, you can continue by hiking through The Narrows themselves, which basically means walking along the river. Choose your day and your footwear well…

2. Riverside Walk: you can easily walk this scenic loop in an afternoon, as it’s only 2.2 miles long (and paved). It takes you along the Virgin River, passing hanging gardens and waterfalls. The water attracts wildlife, and it’s a good bird spotting trail.

3. Explore Springdale: there are also things to do near Zion National Park, and the local town, Springdale, is definitely worth exploring. The pretty town has galleries, gift shops and a great choice of places to eat (more about these later…).

Fun things to do in Zion National Park

Are you looking for some unusual Zion National Park activities? Here are a few suggestions for unique trips out here during your stay.

1. Canyoneering: if you like climbing, canyoneering will be top of your list of things to do in Zion. However, if you’re a complete rookie but still like the idea, call into Springdale and book a course with one of the professional training companies. It’ll be quite the experience! 

2. Horseback riding: see the canyons from horseback. Riding tours run between March and October, weather permitting. There’s a scenic one-hour trail alongside the Virgin River for novices, while more experienced riders can book onto a longer trail. 

3. Grafton Ghost Town: this is probably the most famous ghost town in the American West. Set up by pioneers in 1859, the settlement gradually declined over the years and its last resident left in 1944. Since then, it’s found a new lease of life as an atmospheric location for photography and films: you might recognize it from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

What to do in Zion National Park with pets?

If you were wondering what to do in Zion National Park with pets, the answer is, not much in the actual park itself. There’s only one trail open to leashed dogs in the whole park and this is to protect the many species of animals who live in Zion.

But, don’t worry: there’s plenty of things to do near Zion National Park that will keep you and your pet very well entertained. 

1. Pa'rus Trail: this is the only trail in the park that permits pets. Still, it’s a good one, and it has a convenient starting point from the visitor center. Make sure your dog is on their leash, then set out along the paved riverside trail. Please note: the river isn’t suitable for bathing, for dogs or their humans.

2. Zion Canyon Brew Pub: even if you and your pup can’t explore the wilderness together, you can sit back and admire it from the comfort of this welcoming pub in Springdale. The dog-friendly patio has great views of the mountains.

3. Marj Bonner Dog Park: your furry companion will love this riverside dog park. It’s located in the pretty George Barker River Park in Springdale, which has pleasant trails and picnic areas.

Best restaurants in Zion National Park: Food and drink

You’ll be hungry after a hike in the hills and canyons. What are the best restaurants near Zion National Park? Here are a few favorites.

Best restaurants in Zion National Park for lunch 

Need to refuel during your busy day? Try one of these popular hangouts. 

1. Red Rock Grill: this is unexpected: a great restaurant in the National Park itself! The Red Rock Grill is part of the Zion National Park Lodge, a hotel within the park. Look out for the burgers and tacos.

2. Castle Dome Cafe: and it doesn’t stop there… The Lodge also has this laid-back cafe, where you can pick up snacks such as hot dogs and french fries. It’s seasonal, so check before you turn up.

3. The Spotted Dog Cafe: the outdoor patio in this Springdale cafe will welcome your real dog, which is a real bonus. The food is hearty and American and the desserts are amazing.

4. MeMe’s Cafe: MeMe’s serves hungry hikers all day long. Stop here for a crepe at some point during your stay (you won’t regret it, we promise!).

5. Cafe Soleil: this is really close to the park and hikers often come here to load up before their walk. Great for sandwiches, wraps, brunches, vegan food… It’s a good all-rounder. really.

Best restaurants in Zion National Park for dinner

Unwind at the end of the day with a meal in one of Springdale’s many restaurants. There’s a great choice for such a small place, although be aware that they can get very busy in the tourist season. If you’re happy to wait and enjoy the view, eating out in the evening has to be one of the best things to do in Zion.

1. Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon: this lively venue is a former roadside bar near the Park entrance. It has great views and is a wonderful place to watch the sun go down with an actual sundowner. 

2. Whiptail Grill: housed in a former gas station in Springdale, this popular spot serves homemade Mexican food. 

3. Oscar’s: another much-loved Mexican restaurant, this time in one of Springdale’s quaint and colorful buildings.

4. King’s Landing Bistro: come here for sophisticated food with sensational views. The cocktails are worth your attention, too.

5. Zion Pizza & Noodle Company: a friendly and informal pizza and pasta place, that’s housed in a former Mormon church in Springdale.

If you’ve been wondering what to do in Zion, we hope we’ve filled you in! Once you’ve bought your pass, there’s so much to see in Zion National Park, and the free shuttle service is just fantastic. Springdale is also a lovely place to explore, and as you’ve seen, there’s a fabulous choice of places to eat and drink in this small Utah town.

House and pet sitting in Zion National Park

Does Zion National Park sound like your kind of place? Take a look at our current assignments for the latest house and pet sitting opportunities near Zion and in Utah.

If you’re new to the world of pet sitting, browse through our Community Forum, where our welcoming members will help you feel at home.