Zion National Park is the most popular and diverse of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks. Zion offers some of the most beautiful and unique scenery, as narrow slot canyons and 3,000-foot vertical walls contrast with lush green junipers and the glacial, Virgin River, flows through it all. It’s easy to see why people come from all over the world to experience the dramatic landscapes that Zion offers! This comprehensive guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Zion National Park.

When to Visit Zion National Park

Zion National Park is beautiful year-round, but temperatures are most comfortable from April-early June and October-November. In my personal opinion, fall is the best time to visit with mild weather, fewer crowds, availability of all trails and park facilities, and to see the park’s vibrant display of colors. However, each season presents its own advantages and disadvantages, and selecting your travel dates should be based on the specific experience that you’re looking for!

Summer

Summer is the busiest season at Zion National Park, with the highest number of visitors occurring between May and September. As a result, you can expect higher accommodation rates and crowded trails and park facilities during this time. In an attempt to prevent traffic on the main park roadways, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to personal vehicles, and only the park’s free shuttle busses operate on the roadway.

Note: I go into more detail about the shuttles later in this post!

Temperatures are also higher during this time, with July seeing average temperatures in the 100s. Hiking The Narrows is the most comfortable during the summer and early fall, with warmer water temperatures and the river levels at their lowest. However, mid-July through September is also monsoon season in Zion, and the risk for flash flooding is much higher. If rain is in the forecast, then you won’t be able to hike The Narrows or any narrow canyons in the park.

Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit Zion National Park! The temperatures are mild, with Zion Canyon seeing average daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, and all park facilities and trails are still open and accessible.

Note: Areas of higher elevation in the park can have more drastic swings in temperature, sometimes going down into the 30s, so you’ll want to dress in layers!

The summer crowds have started to dwindle, and hotel rates begin to go down as well. The shuttle is still operating, but has busses running less frequently and for less hours each day. Hiking is more comfortable, with cooler temperatures, but still easy accessibility and ice-free trails in early-fall. The Narrows is optimal during this time of year, with lower river levels and warmer temperatures than in the spring and winter, and a lower risk of flash flooding than in the summer.

Plus, the colors in Zion National Park are spectacular in the fall! Cottonwoods turn a striking yellow, maples become vibrantly red, and the green brush filling the canyon floor is still thriving, creating a wonderful display of color!

Winter

Winter is Zion’s off season, and sees the lowest number of visitors of any season, you can expect a much quieter experience in Zion National Park. The park stops operating the shuttle from December through February, allowing visitors to drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in their own vehicles. A visit in the off-season, brings lower nightly rates at hotels and campgrounds in the area. However, you can also expect limited shop and restaurant options in Springdale during this time as some businesses close during the off-season.

In Zion, winters bring cold weather, with average lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s from December to March. Despite the chilly temperatures, snowfall is minimal, often limited to occasional dustings. However, it’s important to note that icy conditions may restrict trail access, making it less than ideal for hikes like Angel’s Landing. Nevertheless, the popular Narrows hiking route remains open during this time, you’ll just want to be prepared for colder water temperatures.

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit Zion Canyon to see the lush green landscape, waterfalls, and the Virgin River at its fullest! As temperatures rise, with average highs in the 60s and 70s, park trails become more accessible and all park facilities are open. In March, the shuttle busses begin operating again, closing the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to personal vehicles, but you can still expect fewer crowds than in the summer,

The only drawback of visiting in spring is the potential impact on hiking The Narrows. The increased snowmelt during this season often leads to higher river levels, which can result in the closure of The Narrows. However, you can still enjoy the captivating slot canyon and witness the rushing Virgin River by taking a walk on the Riverwalk Trail, which leads to the starting point of The Narrows.

Helpful Information

Getting to Zion

The closest major airport to Zion National Park is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS). From there, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to the park. You can also fly into Salt Lake City (SLC), then drive about 4 hours to Zion. If you plan on exploring both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks during your visit—which we highly recommend!—then renting a car will be your best bet for getting around.

While Zion National Park is a spectacular standalone destination, there are also several excellent parks and attractions nearby that you could add-on to your trip! I’ve listed them below.

Bryce Canyon National Park (1.5 hours)
Las Vegas (2.5 hours)
Valley of Fire State Park (2.5 hours)
Grand Canyon National Park (2 hours)
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument (<2 hours)
Capitol Reef National Park (3 hours)
Canyonlands National Park (5 hours)
Arches National Park (~5 hours)
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (30 minutes)
Monument Valley (4 hours)
Lake Mead National Recreation Area/Hoover Dam (3.5 hours)
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Page, Arizona (2 hours)
Sand Hollow State Park (<1 hour)

Park Sections

The park is split into two main sections – Kolob Canyons in the north and Zion Canyon in the south – both of which have their own separate entrance and visitor center. Accessed through the southern entrance via SR-9, Zion Canyon is the most popular section and should be on any first-timers itinerary! Zion Canyon is home to some of the park’s most breathtaking scenery and iconic hikes, including Angel’s Landing and The Narrows!

The northern Kolob Canyons area can be accessed directly from I-15, and offers more solitude and backcountry experiences set among majestic peaks and the world’s sixth longest sandstone arch. In the winter, the Kolob Canyons Road may be closed due to snow or ice, so be sure to check the current status before you go!

Note: The park’s two areas are not connected by a road within the park itself. To access each section, you will need to exit the park and travel around to the separate entrances.

Zion Canyon Shuttle

Getting around Zion National Park can vary depending on the time of year that you visit. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main road that runs through the park between the south and east entrance stations, and provides access to the park’s most popular trailheads and viewpoints. However, please note that from early-March through November, during busier times, personal vehicles are not allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Instead, you must hop on the mandatory shuttle buses that run along the route.

Note: There are a few alternatives to the shuttle if you want to access the popular trailheads along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You can use a bicycle, walk, or as a lodge guests you are permitted to drive your personal vehicle.

The shuttle service is free of charge and runs frequently, making stops at all the popular trailheads and sites along the way. If you’re entering the park through the southern entrance, you’ll need to park your vehicle at the visitor center and take the shuttle from there to access the trailheads and overlooks along the roadway. Keep in mind that the visitor center’s parking lot is quite large, but it tends to reach its capacity as early as 8:00 AM during the peak season.

Once the visitor center parking lot is full, you’ll have to find parking in the nearby town of Springdale and then take the Springdale Shuttle into the park. From there, you can transfer to the Zion Canyon Shuttle for further exploration.

Springdale Shuttle

The town of Springdale provides a free shuttle bus system that stops at 9 different locations within town. These shuttles are designed to pick-up and drop-off visitors right at the Zion Canyon park entrance. Along the shuttle route, you’ll also come across numerous resorts and hotels, making it easy to hop on and off the shuttle if you’re staying in Springdale.

If you’re not staying in Springdale but couldn’t secure a parking spot at the Visitor Center, don’t worry! There are paid parking options available along the shuttle route in Springdale.

Shuttle start and end times vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the shuttle schedule before heading out on a hike. Also, don’t rely on catching the last shuttle, as missing the return shuttle or finding it full could result in a long walk back!

Where to Stay in Zion National Park

Zion National Park Lodge

If you’re planning to stay at the only hotel within the park, Zion National Park Lodge, it’s best to make your reservations well in advance, as it tends to book up quickly! The lodge is open year-round and offers cabins and hotel rooms with private porches or balconies, where you can take in gorgeous views of the canyon. One of the advantages of staying at the lodge is being able to drive along Zion Canyon Road in your personal vehicle, even during the shuttle season!

Campgrounds

There are three campgrounds to chose from in Zion, with Watchman Campground being the only campground open year-round. During the summer, the campgrounds book-up well in advance, so you will want to reserve a site at recreation.gov as soon as you have your travel dates!

Watchman Campground: The most popular of the three campgrounds, Watchman Campground is open year-round and is located in Zion Canyon at the park’s southern entrance
South Campground: South Campground is also located near the southern entrance to the park and is open from March-October
Lava Point Campground: Located near the northern entrance, Lava Point Campground is typically open May-September

Nearby Lodging

There are several hotels, cabins, and campgrounds, located just outside of Zion National Park’s southern entrance in the town of Springdale. There’s seriously no shortage of amazing options, below are a few of our favorites!

Under Canvas: Gorgeous glamping tents surrounded by red rocks – complete with free nightly s’mores around the fire, live music, and morning yoga
Open Sky: Safari-inspired canvas tents providing spectacular views
LaFave: Luxury villas, suites, and home rentals situated just a mile from the park entrance

Things to See and Do in Zion

The Narrows

The Narrows, Zion’s best-known slot-canyon trail, is a must-do! Bending along, and often in, the slick-pebbled Virgin River bed and surrounded by soaring 1,000-foot sandstone walls, The Narrows provides spectacular views throughout!

To hike the full 16-mile top-down route of The Narrows, you’ll need a permit and extensive pre-planning. However, without a permit you can still enjoy a remarkable 10-mile hike from the bottom-up. The trail begins with a gentle one-mile walk along the paved Riverside Walk before immersing yourself in the Virgin River. The best part about The Narrows, is that there is no single “viewpoint” and the entire hike is gorgeous, so you don’t have to hike the entire trail to experience it! Depending on your ability and preference, you can venture into the canyon for a few minutes or a few hours before retracing your steps. The Narrows is a popular attraction, so you can expect to see lots of people on the trail. However, as you venture deeper into the canyon, the number of fellow hikers dwindles so you can expect more solitude the farther that you hike.

While The Narrows remains accessible year-round, it’s best to avoid early-spring snowmelt as it often leads to temporary trail closures due to high-river levels. It’s also very important to check the weather forecast before beginning your trek, if there is rain in the forecast you should not proceed as flash floods in the canyon can be deadly!

Note: For a more comfortable experience, consider renting waterproof boots and hiking poles from Zion Outfitters in Springdale.

Angel’s Landing

Angel’s Landing is the most famous trail in Zion National Park, and one of the most bucket-list worthy hikes in the country! A series of switchbacks, thousand-foot drop-offs, and single chain handrail leads along a narrow ridge to a 360-degree view of Zion Canyon! Due to the overwhelming popularity of this trail, the park service now requires permits to hike the chain-section of Angel’s Landing in order to prevent overcrowding and keep hikers safe along this dangerous section of the trail. Permits are issued through a seasonal and day-before, lottery system, on recreation.gov. Once you secure a permit, you are free to embark on the exhilarating 5.4-mile round trip hike to the Angel’s Landing Summit, boasting an impressive elevation gain of 1,488 feet.

Without a permit, you can still hike along the initial section of Angel’s Landing, following the West Rim Trail until you reach Scout Lookout. Scout Lookout offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, allowing you to get a taste of this epic trail and catch a glimpse of the iconic chain section. Beyond Scout Lookout, the chain section begins, where permitted hikers proceed with the final 0.5-mile ascent to the summit.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

The most dramatic section of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon, which is accessed along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Winding along the Virgin River, this roadway is lined with scenic vistas and trailheads, and takes you past some of some of the most famous landmarks in the park, including views of Angel’s Landing. This route is so popular, that the road closes to personal vehicles during peak season, and only allows personal vehicle access from December to February! During the road closure, the park’s free shuttle allows you to hop on and off at the viewpoints and trails located along the route.

Though the roadway closes to personal vehicles during shuttle season, bicycles are still allowed to ride along the scenic drive, year-round. Rent a bike from Zion Outfitters to explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at your own pace! The park shuttles have bicycle racks, so you can bike as little or as much of the roadway as you want, and jump on the shuttle when you’ve had your fill!

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway runs through the less-crowded areas of Zion, from the south entrance to the east. Contrasting the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive that winds along the valley floor, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway hugs the cliff walls as it climbs high above the valley, providing jaw-dropping views out across the canyon and onto the valley below! There are several observation areas along the drive where you can stop to take in the breathtaking views from this high altitude section of Zion National Park. A highlight along this route includes driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel! The highway also provides excellent views of Checkerboard Mesa – a magnificent sandstone formation that rises 900 feet above the surrounding landscape and is characterized by its distinctive checkerboard pattern.

Note: The park shuttles do not operate on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, so the highway is always drive-yourself!

Canyon Overlook Trail

Canyon Overlook Trail is a 1-mile round trip hike, leading to a phenomenal view over Zion Canyon and the zig-zagging highway below. Located in the east section of the park just past the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, this trail is a great addition to your drive along Zion-Mount Carmel Highway!

Pa’rus Trail

If you’re looking for an easy, peaceful walk with beautiful views, the Pa’rus Trail is the place to go! The Pa’rus Trail is paved, and relatively flat, making it accessible to all, and the trailhead is conveniently located near the visitor center in the park’s southern entrance. Spanning 3.5-miles round trip, the trail follows the Virgin River as it meanders through the incredible landscape of Zion Canyon. There are several great photo-ops along the pathway, including epic views of The Watchman from the bridge at the end of the trail! The Pa’rus is also a popular spot to watch the sunset and stargaze.

Emerald Pools

While Zion National Park may not be famous for its waterfalls like Yosemite, it does boast the easily accessible and picturesque Emerald Pools. These pools are fed by a single stream that cascades down a series of waterfalls, creating a stunning contrast to the surrounding red cliffs.

The Emerald Pools consist of Lower, Middle, and Upper Pools, each offering varying levels of hiking difficulty. The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is the most accessible, at 1.2 miles round trip, while the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools require slightly more effort, with hikes of 2 and 3 miles respectively.

Note: The waterfalls are the most impressive in the spring when the snowmelt has them at their fullest!

Court of the Patriarchs

Court of the Patriarchs – named after the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – consists of a collection of sandstone monoliths nestled in Zion Canyon. Situated along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, this short and easy, 0.2-mile trail takes you to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the three cliffs, and surrounding mountain and canyon walls.

Court of the Patriarchs is a popular spot among photographers and rock climbers!

The Subway

After conquering Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, it’s time to set your sights on the Subway as your next Zion National Park challenge. This spectacular slot canyon – also known as the Left Fork of North Creek – closely resembles subway tunnels (hence the name) and takes hikers through a mesmerizing world of vivid colors, unique rock formations, and serene natural pools. As you wind through the slot canyon, you’ll come to the iconic “Subway” section, where swirling patterns in the sandstone create an otherworldly atmosphere and you’ll quickly understand why the Subway Trail is regarded as one of the most captivating hikes in all of Zion National Park.

This trail requires a permit, and is best for experienced hikers. The park service also recommends hiking with the company of someone who has previously completed the hike, as this is a more technical hike. The Subway offers two routes: the Bottom-Up Route and the Top-Down Canyoneering Route. For most hikers, the 9-mile-long Bottom-Up Route is recommended since it doesn’t require rope, rappelling skills, or swimming through deep, icy pools like its top-down counterpart. However, be prepared to tackle boulder climbing and creek crossings along the way.

Despite being a strenuous semi-technical canyoneering route with cold water swims and several technical sections, the Subway showcases what might just be the most breathtaking stretch of canyon in the world. If you have the means and ability, don’t miss the chance to experience this awe-inspiring hike at least once in your life.

Note: For more information on this trail and to reserve a permit, visit the NPS website.

Watchman Trail

If you’re looking for a trail that offers incredible views without a strenuous climb, the 3-mile round-trip Watchman Trail is the perfect choice, only gaining 400 feet in elevation. While it doesn’t take you all the way up to the Watchman Spire itself, it provides an exceptional vantage point to admire this iconic rock formation, along with the vast valley below and the beautiful desert cacti and greenery along the path. Once you reach the viewpoint beneath the mighty cliff, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of lower Zion Canyon, the Towers of the Virgin, and the town of Springdale.

Observation Point

Observation Point offers a fantastic alternative to Angel’s Landing, with fewer people and no exposed chain section. From this vantage point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Angel’s Landing, the Valley floor, and both the East and West Canyon rims. The scenery from the top of Observation Point is gorgeous and is considered to be one of the best views in the park!

The hike to Observation Point typically starts at the Weeping Rock trailhead and follows the Echo Canyon route, making it an 8-mile roundtrip hike. However, due to a rockfall, the Echo Canyon route is currently closed. Fortunately, you can still reach Observation Point by accessing the East Mesa Trailhead, which is situated on the East Canyon side of the park. The East Mesa Trail presents a slightly shorter option, with a total roundtrip distance of 7-miles to reach Observation Point.

Note: The Observation Point via East Rim Trail is currently closed due to a rockfall. To stay updated on the Observation Point via East Rim trail status and receive the latest information, you can check here.

Weeping Rock Trail

Weeping Rock Trail is a popular 0.4-mile out-and-back hike to a natural spring that drips into the Virgin River below. Visitors can stand under the sandstone cliff and see “tears” seeping from the rock above. Although the flow is usually small, large icicles can form on the cliffs during winter and occasionally, a heavy rain or thunderstorm will trigger a waterfall that streams down the canyon walls. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding canyon walls, hanging gardens, and lush foliage and at the top, a rocky alcove provides panoramic views of the valley floor and the waterfall (after rain).

Note: The Weeping Rock Trail is currently closed due to a significant rockfall. However, once it reopens, it is definitely worth a visit. You can check the status of the trail closure here.

Kolob Canyons

Tucked away in the park’s northwestern corner, Kolob Canyons district – with its vibrant red sandstone cliffs and breathtaking vistas – is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking natural beauty and solitude from the bustling crowds of Zion Canyon. This lesser-visited area offers a scenic five-mile drive along Kolob Canyons Road, providing access to various trails and breathtaking viewpoints. You can drive right to the end for a stunning view of Kolob Canyon or choose to explore the area further by embarking on one of the hiking trails found along the drive.

A must-see highlight is Kolob Arch, the world’s second-longest naturally occurring arch, spanning 287 feet. Reaching Kolob Arch requires a challenging 14-mile round-trip hike through verdant forests, past glistening streams, and over rocky terrain. The trail is well-maintained but can be demanding, so you’ll want to come prepared!

Keep in mind that Kolob Canyons are not accessible via the park’s main entrance, so you’ll need to enter from the west entrance.

Note: A portion of Kolob Canyons Road is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to road damage. Cyclists and pedestrians are still able to continue at their own risk. You can check the Zion National Park Service website for road closure updates.

Stargazing

Seeing the dark night sky, filled with thousands of stars, framed by the silhouette of jagged cliffs is a truly memorable experience. Zion offers a remarkable stargazing opportunity, thanks to minimal light pollution, allowing visitors to behold the captivating beauty of the Milky Way. For an optimal viewing experience, the Pa’rus Trail stands out as an excellent location to admire the night sky.

The Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park