Top 5 East Zion Summer Adventures

Looking for things to do in Zion in the summer that don’t involve sweltering canyon heat or packed shuttles? Just outside the east entrance of Zion National Park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers higher elevation, cooler temperatures, and the perfect basecamp for your summer adventures. With guided excursions through slot canyons, horseback rides at sunrise and sunset, and Jeep tours to scenic overlooks, East Zion Adventures delivers unforgettable ways to explore outside Zion National Park in the summer. 

Here are five scenic and adventure-packed ways to beat the heat and make the most of your summer trip to Zion.

1. Slot Canyon Adventures

Beat the midday sun by venturing into East Zion’s slot canyons. Crimson Canyon offers an easy to moderate hike into a stunning, narrow sandstone canyon after an exciting UTV ride through the backcountry. For more adventure, Crimson Canyon Unlimited brings you deeper into the landscape with a full loop hike for more dramatic views. Elkheart Canyon & UTV Adventure is one of our most popular slot canyon adventures, featuring three rappels up to 100 feet through a scenic, beginner-friendly canyon.

Departs from: Orderville
Duration: Crimson (2 hours), Crimson Unlimited (3 hours), Elkheart Canyon (3-4 hours)
Ages: Vary by adventure
Difficulty: Crimson (Easy/Moderate), Crimson Unlimited (Difficult), Elkheart (Easy)

2. Sunset Horseback Rides

Wind down during golden hour on horseback with the White Sands Sunset Ride, departing from Orderville.  If you prefer to stay on property, the Checkerboard Sunset Evening Shadow Ride leaves from Zion Ponderosa. Enjoy the cool evening breeze and take in beautiful views as the sun sets. 

Departs from: Orderville (White Sands), Zion Ponderosa (Checkerboard)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ages: White Sands (10+), Checkerboard (8+)
Difficulty: Easy

3. Zion Sunset Jeep Tour

The Zion Sunset Jeep Tour is a guest favorite, combining rugged terrain with panoramic views from the summit of Pine Knoll, where you’ll sit back and watch the sun drop behind the towering cliffs of Zion. 

Departs from: Zion Ponderosa
Duration: 1.5 hours
Ages: 2+
Difficulty: Rugged

4. Pink Sands Jeep Tour

The Pink Sands Sunset Tour departs from Kanab and winds through coral-hued dunes for views over Grand Staircase-Escalante. Cooler evening temps, sweeping views, and expert guides make this experience a summer highlight.

Departs from: Kanab
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 2+
Difficulty: Mild/Rugged 

Zion Ponderosa Trail Ride & Cowboy Cookout

Available only in summer, this one-of-a-kind trail ride and cowboy cookout experience combines a scenic horseback ride with a true cowboy cookout. As the day begins to cools down, you’ll ride along high desert trails with sweeping views of East Zion. After your horseback ride, gather around the fire for a hearty Dutch oven meal of steak, potatoes, salad, and dessert. Kid-friendly plates are available too. Members of your party who want to skip the saddle may join you for dinner with advance reservations.

Meeting spot: Zion Ponderosa Rec Barn
Duration: 2 hours (ride only), dinner follows (1 hour)
Ages: 10+ for ride; all ages welcome for dinner
Difficulty: Moderate

Bonus Cool Down: Enjoy the Pool and the Pond at Zion Ponderosa

After a day of adventures, nothing beats taking a dip in the pool or paddling around in a kayak or paddleboard. Whether you’re starting or ending your day with a splash, Zion Ponderosa and East Zion Adventures can help you beat the summer heat.