Your Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park
Heavenly Zion National Park is the holy grail of Utah’s “Mighty 5” and one of the most-visited national parks in the United States.
The towering red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon, a prominent natural wonder, loom high over the Virgin River, a portrayal of its original name, Mukuntuweap, which means “straight canyon.” Mormon settlers rechristened it Zion, an ancient Hebrew word meaning “sanctuary.”
The awe-inspiring attractions of Zion, including Angels Landing, the Court of the Patriarchs, Cathedral Mountain, and the Temple of Sinawava, reflect an early Anglo view of Zion as a sanctified place.
Hiking through the Virgin River in the Narrows or admiring the canyon from the top of Angels Landing after a 1500ft ascent can be unforgettable experiences. However, Zion also showcases smaller, delicate beauties: sandstone rocks that weep water, tiny grottoes, hanging gardens, and wildflower meadows.
With nearly five million visitors yearly, Zion is the third most-visited national park in the United States. While summer crowds can feel overwhelming, numerous quieter areas exist within the vast 232 square miles of the park.
If it’s your first time visiting Zion National Park, here’s what you need to know before you go.
When should I go to Zion National Park?
Zion is heavily visited between April and October, with around half a million people entering each month. The best times to explore Zion National Park are in spring and autumn when temperatures are pleasant, making them ideal for hiking despite crowds.
However, if you’re aiming to hike the Narrows, spring and summer could pose challenges. Snowmelt can cause water levels in the Virgin River to rise rapidly, leading to temporary trail closures. Current flow rates and closure notices can usually be found on the National Park Service’s official site.
During summer, flash floods present serious risks in the Narrows and other slot canyons in Utah. It’s essential to pay attention to National Park Service warnings before embarking on any hikes.
Some of Zion’s most popular hikes, such as Angels Landing and the Subway, require permits issued through a lottery system, which may affect your visit timing. Wintertime permits receive fewer applications, but high-risk hikes necessitate extra care and equipment.
How much time should I spend at Zion National Park?
While you can navigate Zion Canyon in a single day, doing so misses the park’s core beauty. For limited time visitors, hopping on the Zion Canyon Shuttle from the Visitor Center offers quick access to shorter trails that showcase Zion’s remarkable landscape. Consider the 2-mile round-trip Riverside Walk, a paved route alongside the Virgin River that leads to the Narrows.
If time permits, undertake longer, more challenging hikes such as Angels Landing (permit required) and the Narrows (additional gear often necessary) while also exploring East Zion and Kolob Canyons.
Is it easy to get to and around Zion National Park?
Yes, reaching Zion National Park is straightforward, even without a personal vehicle. The nearest major airport is in Las Vegas, which offers shuttle bus services to Springdale that take about three hours.
Getting around Zion Canyon is easy, and from March through November, the National Park Service runs a free shuttle bus service connecting the Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava. During this period, personal vehicles are prohibited on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, ensuring a smooth riding experience.
Staying in Springdale is convenient as a free shuttle bus operates along the main street, providing easy access to the Visitor Center. Parking in the park is available, but it’s best to arrive early due to limited spots. Alternatively, parking in Springdale costs $20.
The main access points to Zion National Park include the south entrance near Springdale and an east entrance near Highway 89. The Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel, a historic 1.1-mile structure completed in 1930, is a noteworthy feature at the east entrance. Vehicles exceeding certain dimensions must obtain a permit and pass through the tunnel during designated hours.
To explore lesser-known areas of Zion, including Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road, a vehicle is necessary as these regions are only accessible via regular roads.
Top things to do at Zion National Park
The elevation change from Zion Canyon’s base to the park’s peak presents diverse ecosystems. Two iconic hikes— the Narrows and Angels Landing—provide contrasting experiences: one involves wading through a river in a slot canyon, while the other offers a thrilling climb aided by chains to a panoramic plateau.
The final stretch of Angels Landing hike requires permits; however, you can reach Scout Lookout without one. Completing Walter’s Wiggles, a series of steep switchbacks, is a worthy endeavor for a memorable view.
The Emerald Pools—Lower, Middle, and Upper—along with Weeping Rock present gentler trails to beautiful hanging gardens. Be advised, Weeping Rock was temporarily closed due to rockfall, and it’s recommended to check for the latest updates online.
East Zion features attractions like Observation Point, which rises 700ft above Angels Landing. While a woodland path leads to this viewpoint, accessing it via the previously used route from Zion Canyon is currently unavailable due to landslides.
The vicinity surrounding Zion’s east entrance has more trailheads, with Cable Mountain being a notable hiking option. Its historic Cable Mountain Draw Works shows the ingenuity of past inhabitants who used it to transport lumber efficiently.
For those seeking tranquility away from Zion Canyon’s crowds, the trails along Kolob Terrace Road and in Kolob Canyons offer a serene escape. These areas, while off the main roads, host beautiful overnight backpacking trails.
How much money do I need for Zion National Park?
The standard entrance pass for Zion National Park costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person on foot, valid for a seven-day period. If you’re planning a road trip encompassing multiple national parks, purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 might be beneficial, as it grants access to all national parks and federal recreation sites for a year.
Accommodation prices near Zion can be high. Zion Lodge ranges from $200 to $350 per night, based on the season and room size. Campgrounds, like Watchman Campground, charge $35 per night, while sites with electrical hookups cost $45 per night. More affordable tent-only sites are available at Lava Point Campground for $25 per night, but they operate seasonally with minimal facilities.
What is the closest city to Zion National Park?
Springdale, located at Zion National Park’s south entrance, is the closest town, providing various accommodation options and dining establishments. Alternatives for budget lodging may be found in Virgin, La Verkin, and Hurricane, situated along Highway 9.
Where’s the best place to stay near Zion National Park?
Zion offers non-camping accommodations at Zion Lodge, a historic establishment that reopened after a fire in 1966, with advanced reservations recommended. Springdale hosts several lodging options, but prices may be higher due to proximity to the park.
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, near the east entrance, is an excellent choice for families, providing various on-site activities alongside options for glamping in Conestoga wagons.
This resort also serves as a convenient base for accessing hikes in East Zion, with services for shuttles to trailheads of popular sights like Observation Point and Cable Mountain available for easier exploration.
