15 Of The Best Kept Secrets In Zion National Park

Blue Velvet
October 15, 2021
List Rules
National park lovers: vote up the best lesser-known places and activities.

Have you ever been to Zion National Park in Utah? Have you uncovered any Zion secrets? Keep reading to learn all about the best hidden gems in Zion and tips that national park lovers guard. Vote up the stories you found most helpful! 

  • 1
    5 VOTES

    The View At River Rock Roasting Co.

    From Redditor u/jkspeese:

    Kolob Canyon, while part of Zion, is way less visited and pretty darn cool.

    Also, if you are looking for a nice place to sit and chill nearish Zion/Springdale, I suggest River Rock Roasting Co. in La Verkin, the best view from any coffee shop guaranteed!

    Have fun!

  • 2
    5 VOTES

    Snow Canyon - The Mini National Park

    From Redditor u/jcasper:

    An hour west of Zion, Snow Canyon State Park near St. George is like a mini national park. Beautiful views and lots of great hiking.

    An hour north, Kanarraville Falls is a great hike. Similar to a lot of the slot canyons in Zion, but not technical.

    An hour east... are Moqui Caves. There is a tourist trap museum-type thing with some dinosaur footprints and an esoteric collection of artifacts/gems/etc., but the real attraction is the unique sand caves a few minutes south of that. Probably more interesting for families with kids, but something to check out.

  • 3
    4 VOTES

    An Alcove East Of The Petroglyphs 

    From Redditor u/resynchronization:

    Eastside of Zion has few official trails, but you can do your own - Many Pools, Clear Creek, Hidden Arch, semi-secret Petroglyph Canyon (where, if you continue exploring by scrambling a bit east from the end of the petroglyphs looking for an alcove high above at [the] end of the canyon, you might be able to find a nice easy slot canyon to have all to yourself).

  • 4
    3 VOTES

    Cheap And Tasty Food At The Brew Pub

    From Redditor u/vision-quest:

    For food, we enjoyed the Brew Pub, which is essentially a 10-minute walk from the Watchman campground. Cheap and tasty food.

  • 5
    4 VOTES

    Bloomington Caves

    From Redditor u/PotSt1ck3r:

    If you have a full day to dispose of and have never been to the Grand Canyon. the North Rim is just over two hours from Hurricane, UT. (Highly recommend.)

    If you're looking for a day drive with really scenic views: Drive to Cedar City (1 hour from Zion), take Highway 14 over the mountain to Highway 89, travel south on 89 to Mt. Carmel Junction, then take Highway 9 back into the park. Can be done in about three to four hours with a few stops. There are plenty of little hikes and stops to see if you are new to the area.

    If you are into exploring caves: Bloomington caves just west of St. George, like 20 minutes on the dirt road. You need to get a permit to get in them as well because the entrance is gated and locked. It's a maze of passages, and I believe the surveyed length is like 1.5 miles.

  • 6
    4 VOTES

    A Little Hidden Edge At Angel's Landing

    From Redditor u/JJJHeimer_Schmidt:

    I would not advise going a bit off-trail, but I did. You get to see some awesome viewpoints (quiet ones).


    I found this little hidden edge at Angels Landing; there were only two other hikers there. The main landing has a crowd of hikers.