Zion National Park is world-famous for its trails – but what happens when the kids need a break, the weather turns, or you simply want to explore beyond the canyon? Southern Utah is packed with adventures, attractions, and experiences that have nothing to do with lacing up your hiking boots. Here is your guide to the best things to do near Zion National Park that go well beyond the trails.
Mountain Biking at Gooseberry Mesa
Just minutes from your base camp, Gooseberry Mesa is one of the most celebrated mountain biking destinations in the American Southwest. The mesa sits above the Virgin River Valley and delivers slickrock riding with jaw-dropping views of the Zion cliffs. Trails range from beginner-friendly dirt paths to technical expert lines along the rim. If you have never ridden slickrock, this is the place to start. Rent a bike from a local outfitter, load up with water, and plan to spend a full day out there. Staying at a tiny home resort near Zion National Park puts you within easy reach of the Gooseberry Mesa trailhead – no long drives required.
Sand Hollow State Park
About 30 minutes west of Apple Valley, Sand Hollow State Park is one of Utah’s most popular outdoor playgrounds. The reservoir offers swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and cliff jumping from the sandstone ledges. The surrounding red sand dunes are a magnet for OHV riders, with miles of designated routes through dramatic terrain. If you are visiting in summer, Sand Hollow is the perfect afternoon cooldown after a hot morning in Zion. Pack a cooler, rent a paddleboard, and spend a few hours on the water before heading back to your private deck for sunset.
Grafton Ghost Town
One of the most photographed ghost towns in the West sits just outside Rockville, Utah – a short drive from Zion’s south entrance. Grafton was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and abandoned decades later after repeated flooding from the Virgin River. Today the old adobe homes, schoolhouse, and cemetery stand quietly against a backdrop of red cliffs and open desert. There is no admission fee, no crowds, and an almost eerie stillness that makes it unlike any other stop in Southern Utah. It is a perfect half-hour detour on your way back from the park.
Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Drive
You do not have to hike to experience the most dramatic scenery in Zion. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway winds 10 miles from the south entrance through the park’s east side, passing through a hand-carved tunnel, checkerboard mesa formations, and sweeping canyon views that rival anything on foot. This drive is ideal for families with young kids, travelers with mobility limitations, or anyone who wants the full visual impact of Zion without a strenuous trail. Pull over at every viewpoint – they are all worth it.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding the Virgin River
When water levels cooperate, the Virgin River offers a unique way to see Southern Utah from a completely different angle. Float trips through calmer sections near Hurricane and La Verkin put you eye-level with the canyon walls, with no crowds and no permit required. Several local outfitters offer rentals and guided float experiences. It is one of the most underrated things to do near Zion National Park, and it pairs perfectly with a Gooseberry Mesa bike ride for a full adventure day.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
About an hour southeast of Zion, Coral Pink Sand Dunes is exactly what it sounds like – massive pink-hued sand dunes set against the red rock landscape of southern Utah. OHV riders come for the dunes, but hikers and photographers will find plenty to love too. The color of the sand changes dramatically with the light, making sunrise and sunset the best times to visit. It is a full day trip from your base camp, but one that leaves a lasting impression. Combine it with a stop in Kanab for lunch and you have a great off-day from the main park.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by Bike
The park shuttle system runs through Zion Canyon, but if you want to move at your own pace, cycling the canyon floor road is one of the best ways to experience Zion without crowds. The paved path runs alongside the Virgin River from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava, passing the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, and the Grotto along the way. Bikes are available to rent near the park entrance, and the flat terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels. It is a completely different experience from hiking – quieter, faster, and endlessly scenic.
Short Creek Distillery and Local Dining in Hurricane
After a full day of adventure, Southern Utah has a surprising food and drink scene worth exploring. Short Creek Craft Distilling in Hurricane produces small-batch spirits using local grains and has become a genuine destination for visitors looking for something beyond chain restaurants. Hurricane and St. George both have solid dining options – from casual burger spots to sit-down restaurants with local ingredients and Zion views. Ask the team at your resort for current recommendations, since the local scene changes fast.
Stargazing in Apple Valley
Southern Utah sits in one of the darkest sky corridors in the continental United States. Once the sun goes down and the crowds clear, the night sky above Apple Valley is extraordinary. Little to no light pollution means the Milky Way is clearly visible on most clear nights. You do not need special equipment – just step outside, let your eyes adjust, and look up. Staying at a tiny home resort near Zion National Park means your private deck becomes a front-row seat to one of the best free shows on earth. Bring a blanket, light the fire pit, and stay out as long as you can.
Canyoneering with a Local Guide
Zion is the birthplace of canyoneering as a sport, and there are dozens of slot canyons in the area that require ropes, harnesses, and a guide. Companies like Zion Adventure Company and Zion Rock and Mountain Guides run half-day and full-day technical canyons for all experience levels. If you have never rappelled into a slot canyon, this is the place to try it. The combination of tight narrows, pools, and vertical drops is unlike anything else in the Southwest. Book ahead – the most popular canyons fill up fast during peak season.
Your Basecamp for All of It
The best way to experience everything Southern Utah offers – the trails, the dunes, the ghost towns, the night sky – is to have a great base. Zion’s Tiny Getaway is located in Apple Valley, Utah, 30 minutes from Zion National Park via the Smithsonian Butte Byway, and within easy reach of every destination on this list. Private decks, fire pits, a resort pool, and direct access to Gooseberry Mesa trails make it the ideal launching pad for however you choose to spend your time here. Whether you are hiking every day or mixing it up with biking, kayaking, and stargazing, the region rewards exploration. Book your stay at a tiny home resort near Zion National Park and start planning your itinerary.
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Ready to Book Your Zion Basecamp?
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Zion’s Tiny Getaway is 30 minutes from the park entrance via the Smithsonian Butte Byway – private decks, fire pits, and a resort pool included. Book direct for the best rate.
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Check Availability & Book Direct
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Follow along for trip inspiration and behind-the-scenes resort life
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