Zion National Park: Hiking & Scenic Driving Tour

The Quiet Side of Zion: Where 90% of Visitors Never Go

You get driven to the overlooked corners of Zion National Park, hike easy trails to a slot canyon and the "Eye of Zion," and stop at 7 to 10 viewpoints across 50 miles of the park's east and west sides. Your guide handles the route and timing, shuttle transport is included, and the hikes stay under 2 miles. You're back by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Meet at Zion Visitors Center
• Drive to east side scenic areas
• View less visited east side formations
• Drive to west side scenic areas
• Visit slot canyon and red cliffs
• Optional visit to far north and northwest points

The Experience

You're standing at the Zion Visitors Center at 7 a.m., and the shuttle is already waiting. Most people head straight into the canyon's main corridor, but your guide is taking you somewhere else entirely — the east side of Zion National Park, where less than 10% of visitors ever set foot. The light is still soft, the parking lots aren't packed yet, and you're about to see red and white cliffs that most people photograph from postcards without knowing where they actually are.

The driving tour covers roughly 50 miles across the park's less-traveled sections, stopping at 7 to 10 viewpoints that shift the whole landscape as you move through it. You'll hike between 1 and 2 miles total — short enough that you're not exhausted, long enough that you actually feel the geology under your feet. Your guide points out the slot canyon, explains why the rock formations look the way they do, and mentions which plants only grow at this elevation. The pace is built for people who want to walk without spending the day on a trail, so if you've got creaky knees or you're just not a hardcore hiker, this works. The guide brings hiking poles if you need them, plus water, granola bars, and mandarin oranges — the kind of detail that matters when you're five hours into a canyon and your energy dips.

The west side is where things get stranger. Less than 1% of Zion's visitors make it out here, and you'll understand why once you see it — the colors are different, the rock formations feel almost alien, and if time allows, the guide will push north to the far reaches where the park gets genuinely quiet. You're not rushing between Instagram spots; you're actually moving through the landscape, stopping when something catches your eye, listening to someone who knows the place talk about it without a script.

The whole thing wraps in 5 to 6 hours, which means you're back by early afternoon and the rest of your day is still yours. Meet at the Visitors Center, ride the shuttle to the trailheads, and bring sunscreen — the reflection off those red cliffs is no joke.

What’s included

• Shuttle transport from Zion Visitors Center to trailheads.
• expert guide for the full 5-6 hour tour.
• 7 to 10 scenic viewpoints across the east and west sides of the park.
• easy guided hikes totaling 1-2 miles.
• hiking poles if needed.
• bottled water.
• granola bars and mandarin oranges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tour Zion and Bryce

Is this one for you?This tour is built for people who want to see Zion without the crowds or the logistics — the guide handles where to go and how long to stay, the shuttle takes you where you need to be, and the short hikes mean you're not training for a marathon.

Top questions

What time does the tour start and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 7 a.m. at the Zion Visitors Center. You'll meet there and take shuttle transport to the trailheads.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours total.

How much hiking is involved?

Guided hiking ranges from 1 to 2 miles total, split across the stops. The hikes are easy and designed for beginners and people with physical limitations.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes shuttle transport from the Visitors Center, a guided expert, hiking poles if needed, bottled water, granola bars, and mandarin oranges.

How many stops are there?

You'll stop at 7 to 10 viewpoints throughout the day, covering approximately 50 miles of the park.

Will I see the main canyon areas everyone visits?

No. This tour focuses on the east side (seen by less than 10% of visitors) and the west side (seen by less than 1%), plus a slot canyon. The main corridor is not included.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The hikes are easy and short, and the guide can provide hiking poles. The tour is designed to accommodate people with varying fitness levels and those new to hiking.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, and a hat. Water and snacks are provided, but you can bring additional items if you prefer.