Zion National Park tips: practical information & beautiful sights

Zion National Park (Utah) is a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Visiting Zion? Check out these Zion National Park tips for useful information.

Table of contents hide

1 About Zion National Park

2 Zion National Park tips: practical information

3 Shuttle busses in Zion

4 The best places to stay

5 Where to eat

6 What to pack

7 The most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park

8 Book your trip to Zion now!

About Zion National Park

Zion National Park, located in the state of Utah in southwestern America, is a true paradise for nature lovers. Millions of years of erosion have resulted in the impressive canyons, sheer cliffs, and rock formations that characterize the park today. Since 1919, Zion has been protected as a national park and it’s one of the five National Parks in Utah.

Zion Canyon, the heart of the park, is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion. The Virgin River has worked its way through the rock over the centuries, creating a deep canyon.

Zion Canyon & Kolob Canyons

The park consists of two distinct parts: Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons. Zion Canyon is the heart of the park and this is also by far the most visited. This deep canyon is surrounded by steep cliffs and offers spectacular views. This is also where most of the famous hiking trails can be found, such as the Narrows and Angels Landing.

Kolob Canyons is not as well known and is more remote, therefore it is also much less crowded. These canyons are wider and shallower than Zion Canyon, making it feel more expansive and open.

In addition to its beautiful landscapes, Zion National Park is also known for its rich biodiversity. The park is home to numerous plant and animal species, including several species of wildlife such as coyotes, deer, and bighorn sheep. Vegetation ranges from desert plants to dense forests, depending on altitude and the amount of precipitation that falls.

There are dozens of hiking trails in both parts of the park, making Zion very popular among hiking enthusiasts as well. You can find some of the most beautiful trails in America here. This is also the reason I have visited Zion several times.

In this article, I’ll tell you more about this amazing park and share practical tips for your visit to Zion National Park. Useful information like how to get there, the best travel time, what to bring, and what to expect. Enjoy the read!

Zion National Park tips: practical information

Let’s start with the basics. How to get to Zion National Park and what does it cost to visit the park?

How do you get to Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is located in the southwestern part of the state of Utah and the park has three different entrances.

The south entrance is on the Springdale side. This is the most frequently used entrance. This is the first entrance you will encounter when coming from Las Vegas (about a 3-hour drive). At this entrance, you will find the main visitor center.
The east entrance is where you enter the park if you are coming from the direction of Bryce Canyon National Park (1.5 hour drive ) or Kanab (40 minute drive). If you drive down this road (Mount Carmel Highway), at some point you will come out at the south entrance.
The Kolob Canyons entrance is located in the northwest and is easily accessible from the Veterans Memorial Highway (15). From Las Vegas, you will drive here in about 2.5 hours. The drive between Springdale at the south entrance and the Kolob Canyons entrance takes about 45 minutes.

Fun fact: as you drive into the park, you will undoubtedly notice that the road is red. This is because the area around Zion National Park is rich in red sandstone. When the road was built, this rock was used as a base material, giving the asphalt a red hue. The red color of the road creates a visual connection between the road and the surrounding landscape. It reinforces the impression of being part of the natural environment.

Cost Zion National Park

Admission to Zion National Park is $35 per car for 7 days.

Are you visiting multiple national parks during your tour? Then it is wise to purchase an annual pass, which costs $80.

These are the prices in 2024. Check the official website for the latest information.

Permits

In addition to your entrance ticket, some places and activities require a special permit. The most popular is the one for the hike to Angel’s Landing, if you want to hike beyond the Scout Lookout (then start the stretch with the chains). Look here for more information about this permit.

You can also apply for permits for canyoneering, hiking, and wilderness camping, among other things. Check this website for all permits.

Opening hours

Zion National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

Visitor Centers

For more information about the origins of the park, the animals that live there or scenic hiking trails, it is always a must to stop by one of the visitor centers. The park has two:

Zion Canyon Visitor Center.: This is the largest and most famous visitor center. It is located at the southern entrance to the park and is the starting point for most visitors. Here you will find extensive information about the park, hiking trails, accommodations, and activities.
- Opening hours: In summer, open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. In fall, winter, and spring from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center: This visitor center is located in the northern part of the park, at the entrance to the Kolob Canyons. Here you will get information about the lesser-known but impressive Kolob Canyons.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
- Address: 3752 E Kolob Canyon Rd, New Harmony, UT 84757

Best travel time for Zion National Park

The best travel time for Zion National Park depends on what you are looking for in your vacation.

Want to enjoy mild temperatures and beautiful nature without the hustle and bustle of the summer months? Then spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the ideal periods. In spring, nature awakens and you see flowers blooming everywhere. Autumn offers breathtaking colors. Both seasons are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.

If you are not afraid of the heat and like to enjoy the long days, summer (June to August) is also a good option. Just keep in mind that it can get very hot and incredibly crowded.

Winter (November to March) is a quiet time in Zion National Park. If you like snow and unique winter landscapes, this is the perfect time to go. Just keep in mind that some roads and trails may be closed.

I myself visited Zion both in July and March and the March visit was a lot more pleasant. For me, Zion is one of the best National Parks to visit in March.

In July it was incredibly hot (35+ degrees) and I had to wait more than 1.5 hours for the shuttle bus. In March it was not crowded at all and fine in terms of temperature (10-15 degrees), although the trails were a bit slippery in some sections due to snow and ice. If I visit Zion again, I would plan my visit in April, September, or October.

Shuttle busses in Zion

Most of the year, Zion is only accessible by shuttle bus. There is limited parking at the visitor center and if they are full, it is best to park somewhere in Springdale. There is a shuttle bus in Springdale to the park entrance. And in the park, you can transfer to another shuttle bus to explore the park.

All shuttle buses are free, so you can just board at one of the stops.

Especially during the summer months and weekends, the lines for these buses can get very long, so make sure you enter the park as early as possible, or not until late afternoon. You can read more about the shuttle buses here.

The best places to stay

Zion is not a park you just drive through (you’re not even allowed to) and see the highlights, hiking is a must. Therefore, it is definitely recommended to stay there for a few nights.

Springdale

Springdale is a nice little village near the south entrance to Zion. The village is full of nice hotels, so you can always find a nice place to stay. Prices can be quite high, the earlier you book, the better the price. These are some nice hotels in Springdale:

Bumbleberry Inn (3⭐) – I stayed at this cozy hotel (with pool!) during my first visit to Zion. It is beautifully situated among the red rocks in the middle of the town of Springdale, and you travel very easily by shuttle bus to the park.
Harvest House Bed and Breakfast – A perfect place to stay if you are looking for a more authentic experience in a small-scale accommodation.
Flanigan`s Resort and Spa (3⭐) – This was my personal favorite in Springdale. Beautiful hotel made up of several buildings (which is why it feels small scale). There is a pool and jacuzzi in the beautifully landscaped garden. To get to Zion you don’t even have to take the shuttle bus, you can walk right to the entrance.

Check out Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.

Camping

Accommodation in Springdale can be quite pricey, but fortunately, you can also camp just fine in Zion National Park. I once toured the South Campground and it looked very good. Beautiful location, with lots of greenery, red rocks, and deer everywhere. Good to know: this campground is currently closed due to a major renovation project.

Also, the nearby Watchman Campground is a nice place to spend the night. If you want a more adventurous experience, then Lava Point Campground is a good place to stay. This one is quite remote in the northeastern part of the park.

These campgrounds in and around Zion are almost always full from mid-March to late November, so it’s best to reserve a spot as early as possible. Advance reservations are required for both Watchman and Lava Point.

Where to eat

There are few places to eat in Zion, so it is always wise to bring at least some snacks (e.g., nuts and granola bars) and plenty to drink to the park. There are also plenty of places to have a nice picnic.

You can also eat at the Red Rock Grill (open year-round, limited hours in winter) and the Castle Dome Café. This is seasonal snack bar where you can get some lighter meals.

In adjacent Springdale, you will find many nice restaurants. Here are a few recommendations:

Oscar’s Café – Here you can eat good food all day long, little Mexican-oriented dishes.
Spotted Dog – For tasty American food.
Canyon Coffee – Delicious coffee and tasty sandwiches.
MeMe’s Café – Little arty with tasty small dishes.

What to pack

What’s handy to bring to Zion National Park? A packing list.

Good hiking boots: Indispensable for all hikes. Choose a pair with a good tread so you have a grip.
Backpack: A daypack is handy for water, snacks, and other necessities.
Hat or cap: Protects from the sun and keeps you cool.
Sunglasses: Protects your eyes from the bright sun.
Sunscreen: With a high protection factor.
Water bottle: Take plenty of water with you.
Snacks: Energy-rich snacks such as nuts, trail mix, or fruit.
First aid kit: For minor accidents.

Clothing

Light, breathable clothing: T-shirts, shorts, hiking pants.
Fleece or sweater: For cooler evenings or higher elevations.
Raincoat: The weather in Zion can turn quickly.
Swimwear: If you plan to swim in the Virgin River.
Warm clothing: For the winter months.

The code word is layers. The temperature can sometimes turn quickly in the canyon, especially in the colder months.

The most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park

As I wrote earlier, Zion National Park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Below I list a few of the most popular hikes.

Angels Landing

For many people, the hike to Angels Landing is the reason to come to Zion National Park. It is one of the scariest hikes in America because the last part is on a narrow path with a considerable precipice on either side. There are only some posts with chains to hold on to.

However, the view is fantastic and when you’re on top of the rock you feel invincible (although you still have to go down and that’s actually scarier). I wrote an extensive article about the hike to Angels Landing.

The Narrows

The narrowest spot in Zion Canyon is The Narrows and this is another very popular spot for a hike (especially in the blistering hot summer months). You walk further and further into the canyon during this hike (as far as you want to go) and at one point you also walk through the water of the Virgin River.

I have not been able to do this hike myself (unfortunately) yet, but during a future visit to Zion it will be on the top of my list! On this page you can find more information about the hike in The Narrows.

Observation Point Trail

If the hike to Angels Landing seems too scary to you, but you still want a nice view of Zion Canyon, the hike to Observation Point is highly recommended. It’s a big climb, but along the way, you’ll have beautiful views and pass by a beautiful slot canyon (Echo Canyon). The view at the end of the hike is phenomenal, you even look at Angels Landing. I also wrote an extensive article about the hike to Observation Point.

Please note that the regular trail to Observation Point has unfortunately been closed for some time due to collapse and rocks on the trail. However, there is an alternative, which you can read more about in this article. In addition, check the Zion National Park website for the most up-to-date information.

I visited Zion National Park twice. The first time I visited the park was during an amazing Southwest USA road trip and the second time as a short trip from Las Vegas.

Book your trip to Zion now!

Are you excited to visit Zion National Park? Book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – To visit Zion, you can fly to several airports, like Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. These cities all have major international airports, making them easily accessible. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals.

🚘 Rental car – The best way to discover the beautiful National Parks in Utah is with a rental car or RV. Check Discover Cars to find the best deals on rental cars.

💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🧗🏼 Tours and activities – There are many fun day tours and activities to do in Zion National Park, like ATV or horseback riding tours. Check out Get Your Guide for all the options.

Zion National Park tips: practical information & beautiful sights