Zion National Park is located in southern Utah near the city of Springdale. Its 229 square miles with high plateaus, Virgin River and a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons. Zion also has 2,000-foot Navajo Sandstone cliffs, pine- and juniper-clad slopes, and seeps, springs, and waterfalls and gardens. Zion is one of the world’s best places for canyoneering. Zion’s Angels Landing provides an amazing view, it stands 1,488 feet above the virgin river at its base. If you are a photographer this will give you some spectacular shots.
This area is home to locally owned and operated hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, farmer’s markets, art galleries, tour operators, outfitters, gift shops, and more. There are many outdoor activities and year-round sunshine in southern Utah. In addition to the excellent hotels and vacation rentals, excellent restaurants for all types of dining, and a wide variety of annual events, this region has historically been rich in agriculture.
The park’s four life zones—desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest are home to numerous plant species as well as 289 bird species, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles. Mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches can all be found in Zion National Park.
Best Time To Visit Zion National Park
The best time to visit Zion National Park in the spring and fall. Spring begins in late March or early April, the winter snow slowly begins to melt and temperatures rise, giving Zion a new life with fresh blooms and comfortable temperatures for hiking. Fall is not the most-visited time to visit the park, But fall is one of the most beautiful time to visit Zion. The leaves on many of the trees in the canyon begin to change and the temperature drops to a bearable level.
Spring: Don’t picture springtime with bunnies, chicks, and flowers in your head. Although Zion is only a vision in the months of March, April, and May, anything is still possible there. Rarely exceeding 90 degrees, warm, sunny weather is the norm, but it can suddenly turn rainy. The temperature can change by up to 30 degrees between noon and midnight depending on elevation and the time of day. While the snowmelt and high water levels last until May, the wet weather peaks in March.
Summer: During the summer, Zion regularly reaches temperatures that are higher than 100 degrees, making it hot enough to fry an entire omelette on the trail. The monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, can be quite unpredictable for tourists, bringing with it thunderstorms, lightning, and lots of rain. Flash floods are serious affairs and can develop from even a small amount of precipitation, so dress in layers and pay close attention to the weather report.
Fall: Fall is Zion’s prime time. Literally. The monsoons stop, the temperatures drop, and the trees burst into full Bob Ross colour. It’s a wonderful time to visit the park, but be cautious: monitor the weather to avoid flash floods and confirm that the river is warm enough to wade in without risk. Ask a park ranger any questions you may have. Layers are a hiker’s best friend, so keep that in mind.
Winter: Cold and wet are two words. Although Zion is stunning in the winter, it frequently rains and the nights are chilly. Although snow tends to melt quickly on the valley floor, it tends to accumulate in higher elevations. Roads are ploughed by park staff, but depending on the weather, some trails are closed. Be careful because the Virgin River can become a swift, ferocious force of nature in late winter from melting snow.
Entrance Fee
- Private Vehicles cost $35 which is valid for 7 days non-commercial vehicles with 15 passenger capacity or less
- Motorcycle cost $30 which is valid for 7 days non-commercial motorcycle for both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas.
- Per Person it cost $20 valid for 7 days.
- Non-Commercial Organized Groups valid for 7 days such as Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc.
- $35 for Non-commercial vehicles with a vehicle capacity of 15 or less.
- $20 per person Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater.
- Annual Pass for Zion cost $70.
Places To Visit In Zion National Park
Zion is known for its stunning mesas, mountains, cliffs, and canyons, which draw tourists from all over the world. You can go on hikes, explore slot canyons, ghost towns that have been abandoned, inspiring overlooks, and more. As you can capture some of the breathtaking views, Zion National Park is one of the best places for photographers.
- The Narrows
- Angels Landing
- Emerald Pools Trail
- Observation Point
- Canyon Overlook Trail
- Watchman Trail
How to get to Zion National Park?
You can fly to Zion National Park or by road in your private vehicle. Zion National Park is situated a short drive from Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, or St. George in southern Utah, close to the community of Springdale. We suggest using the following route to reach Zion:
- The closest significant airport to Las Vegas is MCCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, which offers direct flights to numerous domestic and international locations. The park is a three-hour drive away.
- The closest airport to Zion is St. George Regional Airport, which offers few commercial flights. Park is a one-hour drive away.
- A significant airport with numerous direct flights to domestic and international locations is SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The park is a four-hour drive away.
- There are flights from Salt Lake City to the CEDAR CITY REGIONAL AIRPORT. Park is a one-hour drive away.
Where to stay near Zion National Park?
Springdale has the edge if you’re looking to book lodging for your Zion vacation. It is close by in the park and offers fantastic options for all price ranges. There are top-notch lodging options in Mount Carmel, Kanab, and even St. George if you want to travel further afield. Of course, staying inside the park at the Zion Lodge while putting on dark glasses and acting like a celebrity is the best option if you like to be in the centre of the action.
South Campground
- Individual sites: $20/night
- Group sites: $50/night
Watchman Campground
- Individual sites: $20–30/night
- Group sites: $50–130/night depending on group size
Lodging near Zion National Park
- Desert Pearl Inn
- Zion Ponderosa
- Zion Mountain Ranch
- Cable Mountain Lodge
Hike Trails In Zion National Park
Hiking in Zion National Park is one of the most popular activities. Hiking through the Zion trails rewards you with adventurous experience and also breathtaking views. The trails vary in difficulty levels as well as scenic views. There are options for short hikes and for people who love challenging trails.
- Angel’s Landing
- Emerald Pools
- Canyon Overlook.
- East Rim Trail.
- West Rim Trail.
- Watchman Overlook Trail.
- Pa’rus Trail.
- Water Canyon.
- Lower Emerald Pool.
- West Bank of the Virgin River
Things To Do In Zion National Park:
Some of the most amazing views are in Zion. In Zion, there are many opportunities for exploration, including hiking, sight-seeing, and driving. Spending at least two days is advised so that you can witness both the sunset and sunrise. Make sure to take the stargazing tour offered at South and Watchman Campgrounds.
- Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
- Riverside Walk
- Human History Museum
- Hiking
- Camping
- Bird-watching
- Wildlife watching
- Canyoneering and Rock Climbing