Sunrise over rolling hills and trees, with autumn foliage in the foreground.

Zion Bucket List: 20 Things To Do In Fall

Cooler temperatures and colorful autumn leaves are on their way to Zion. We're welcoming fall with 20 things to do around Zion. Pick and choose your favorites to create your own fall bucket list.

1. Drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You'll see southern Utah fall color at its best.

2. Go on a hike to see the fall colors. Lesser-known trails like Watchman Trail, Cable Mountain and Taylor Creek in Kolob Canyon offer spectacular scenery this time of year.

A group of hikers stands together in a colorful, rocky landscape with green vegetation.

3. Explore popular trails. With cooler weather and school back in session, trails like Angels Landing will be much less crowded than during summer's peak. Didn't score an Angels Landing permit? No problem! We can take you on a guided hike.

A group of people stand by a blue vehicle overlooking a colorful canyon at sunset.

4, Take a Zion Sunset Jeep tour! The cooler fall weather brings fun events that go along with the changing of the season. This is a rugged, fast-paced, thrill-ride to killer views!

A person standing in a narrow, colorful sandstone canyon.

5. UTV tour to a slot canyon. Another thrilling ride, this time in a custom off-road UTV to Crimson Canyon. Once at the mouth of this private-access-only slot canyon, the hike begins into red canyon walls soaring over 100-feet high on either side. Book now.

6. Tell scary stories around a campfire. (Or just make s'mores and enjoy the cozy fire on a cool fall night.)

A group of people gathers around a warm campfire under a darkening sky.

7. Stargaze. Zion has some of the clearest night skies in the country! Check with our recreation desk about seasonal stargazing tours.

A cozy campsite at night with a glowing campfire and a tent illuminated in the background.

8. Spend the night under the stars. Our glamping tents and Conestoga wagons are a unique camping experience on the plateau above Zion National Park.

A large wooden house with a green roof surrounded by tall trees.

9. Plan a family reunion. Instead of spending your time spread out in hotel rooms, gather under one roof in a luxury Zion vacation home.

10. Thanksgiving dinner. This is a Zion Ponderosa tradition! Check out our dining options here.

11. Hike through the autumn leaves. Hit the trails to Cable Mountain or Observation Point across Zion Ponderosa's 4,000 forested acres. It's a great way to work off the Halloween candy and Thanksgiving desserts - AND skip the 2,000-foot incline from Zion Canyon!

A group of four people walking along a dirt trail in a forested area.

12. Go for a hike across Zion Ponderosa's 4,000 private acres. Stop by the recreation barn for hiking recommendations, or sign up for a guided hike.

Three riders on horseback navigate a sandy trail through a canyon landscape during sunset.

13. White Mountain horseback ride is an experience like no other. This one-hour tour combines two of Southern Utah's most popular activities: exploring scenic slot canyons and horseback riding.

14. Guided canyoneering in Zion area slot canyons is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Falls cooler temperatures make it even more pleasant.

A climber rappelling down a smooth, tall rock formation in a narrow canyon.

15. Climbing wall is great practice for canyoneering, for those new to the adventure.

16. Visit Bryce Canyon. Zion Ponderosa is just a 75-minute drive from Bryce Canyon National Park. You can take your own car or join one of our guided day hikes.

Aerial view of a mini-golf course surrounded by greenery and cabins.

17. Mini golf. Everyone can enjoy a round of mini golf. Our course features mini rock formations and waterfalls in the spirt of those you'll find around the Zion region.

Two women wearing virtual reality headsets are sitting together, smiling.

18. Add a little adventure to your downtime with a fun virtual reality experience! Choose from Soaring over Southern Utah or Montezuma's Treasure Ride. The teens will love it!

Four people riding horses through a wooded area.

19. Horseback riding. Listen to the autumn leaves crunch softly as you clip-clop on horseback along the quiet, beautiful trails. East Zion Adventures guided horseback tours range from beginner to advanced. The White Mountain Horseback Ride is one of our favorite fall adventures.

20. Round out that Zion bucket list with a custom adventure package. A little bit of adventure goes a long way in your memory book. Zion Ponderosa's seasonal vacation packages include great deals on lodging, adventure and more!

Check out Zion Ponderosa's seasonal vacation packages here.

Updated August 2023