Est. 1919 | Utah | 147,242 acres

Named after the Hebrew word for “place of refuge”, Zion National Park is a sanctuary of nature, known primarily for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, pulsating river and lush gardens bringing life and activity to an otherwise arid region of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert. Primarily broken into three distinct layers of river, canyon and rim, Zion supports a thriving array of wildlife from desert bighorn sheep to the elusive nocturnal ringtail. Wade through The Narrows of the Virgin River, climb the exposed switchbacks of Angels Landing or catwalk the rim of Observation Point, all classic attractions of the Zion experience.

Though Zion Canyon itself captures the attention of the visitors worldwide, Zion National Park actually has two halves—Zion Canyon with its many popular attractions in the south and the lesser-known wilderness of the Kolob Canyons in the north. Each district boasts its own entrance and visitor center, connected only by backcountry trails.

In the more popular south, Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Highway 9) enters the park at Springdale, Utah, crosses the Virgin River, and climbs 6 switchbacks to the east exiting the park again. From this short foray into the park, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive continues north feeding the popular Zion Canyon attractions. This road, only open to private vehicles in the winter is well-circulated by free shuttles the rest of the year. These are the only drivable routes servicing the canyon, allowing millions of visitors each year to witness the wonders of Zion National Park.

Must-see highlights in Zion

1. Angels Landing—Touted as one of the most famous and dangerous hikes in the United States, Angels Landing is 5.4 mile round-trip trek, ascending 1,488 feet up steep switchbacks to a final stretch of trail scrambling over rocky outcrops with only chain handrails for safety. Though intimidating, the trail rewards visitors with some of the most spectacular vistas in the park. Due to its risky nature, hikers need a permit and should be prepared for steep climbs and narrow pathways with high exposure.
2. The Narrows—Stretching 16 miles, The Narrows follows the Virgin River along a slot canyon into the back recesses of Zion Canyon. Because a wilderness permit is required for all through hikes, most visitors only hike a couple miles before returning back downstream. While offering a unique Zion experience, The Narrows can also be dangerous during seasons of flash floods and cold temperatures. Hikers should check the official park website before attempting the route.
3. Canyon Overlook Trail—An easy alternative to Angels Landing and The Narrows, Canyon Overlook trail is a short 1 mile round-trip hike conveniently located off Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The trail leads to sweeping views of the canyon and Zion’s impressive lineup of mesas and buttes making it an ideal destination for sunrise and sunset. Because the parking lot is small, arrive early for sunrise and sunset.
4. Observation Point—Because of its height and location, Observation Point is often considered one of the best places to behold the scale of Zion’s geology and natural beauty. The trail begins at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop and ascends through a series of switchbacks, offering views of Zion Canyon as it climbs. Along the way, hikers pass through pine forests and traverse steep rock walls. The final stretch of the trail leads to a high plateau, where the Observation Point provides a sweeping, bird’s-eye view of the canyon, including landmarks like Angels Landing, the Virgin River, and the surrounding cliffs. Note: due to a 2023 rockfall, the trailhead may still be closed and under safety assessment.
5. The Subway—Reserved for experienced hikers, The Subway in Lower Kolob Plateau, winds through towering walls that resemble the shape of a subway tunnel. Water flowing through smooth, sculpted rock walls create pools and waterfalls along the way. The hike involves a mix of walking, wading, scrambling and occasionally jumping into pools, depending on the water level. The hike gets its name from the Subway-shaped rock formation found within the canyon. Permits are available on Recreation.gov.

Best time to visit Zion

Spring (March to May): Spring offers pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs typically ranging from 60 to 70°F. The wildflowers bloom, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant, especially around Zion Canyon. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and occasional rain showers or even snowstorms in higher elevations may occur. Some trails at higher altitudes might still be inaccessible due to snow.

Summer (June to August): Summer brings the hottest weather, with temperatures often reaching 90°F (or occasionally 100ºF) in the canyon. This is the peak season for Zion with all trails and activities open, including shuttle services. But this creates a high volume of visitors, which can make popular trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows more crowded and less enjoyable. The higher temperatures can also make some of the hikes, especially those in the canyon floor, quite strenuous.

Fall (September to November): Fall provides crisp, cool weather, with daytime highs in the 60s and cooler nights. The fall foliage in Zion Canyon is spectacular, with the cottonwood trees and other vegetation turning vibrant yellow against the red rock. The crowds from summer start to thin out, so the park is more peaceful. But the weather can be temperamental, with some trails at higher altitudes potentially being affected by early snowfall in late fall.

Winter (December to February): Winter solitude and don’t mind colder weather, winter offers a peaceful experience with far fewer visitors. Zion’s lower elevations can still be quite pleasant during the day, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s°F. Snow on the higher peaks provides a beautiful contrast against the red rocks of the canyon. Just note, some trails and facilities may be closed, and certain areas at higher elevations can be icy or inaccessible without proper traction. Roadways in Zion Canyon are open year round, but may be temporarily closed during heavy snowfall.

How long should I visit Zion?

Zion offers a lot of backcountry exploration which requires a longer stay, but those interested in the major attractions right in Zion Canyon can typically visit the highlights in 2 days. This allows time to accomplish Angels Landing on one day and The Narrows on another, while filling in the gaps with shorter hikes like Canyon Overlook or the Emerald Pools.

Getting to Zion

Zion conveniently sits only 25 miles from both Interstate 15 in the west and Highway 89 in the east making it one of the more accessible parks in the system. Many small towns like Springdale, Virgin and Kanab surround the southern entrance, with the larger city of St. George further out. Major cities of Las Vegas and Salt Lake City lie further still.

If arriving by air, St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is the closest commercial airport located 45 miles west. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is a cheaper but distant alternative sitting 170 west. Both airports provide rental cars for driving to Zion.

Zion offers a free shuttle service March–November throughout the neighboring town of Springdale and the canyon. Highly consider parking in either Springdale or at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to take advantage of this service. But arrive early in peak seasons as long lines can quickly form by mid morning. Alternatively, for those desiring more autonomy, consider biking the roads. With no private vehicles, traffic is sparse and friendly to bikes.

Where to stay in Zion

Lodging—Located 4 miles into the heart of Zion Canyon, Zion Lodge is the only hotel-style lodging within park boundaries. This historic property holds 76 hotel rooms, 6 suites and 40 historic cabins surrounded by giant sandstone cliffs. Guests enjoy close proximity to trailheads, the only restaurants within the park and a gift shop. Other accommodations and eateries are easily found outside the entrance in Springdale, Utah.

Campgrounds—Zion National Park has three campgrounds:

• Watchman Campground (Zion Canyon via South Entrance)—183 sites (RV and tent), open year-round
• South Campground (Zion Canyon via South Entrance)—110 sites (RV and tent), currently closed for a long-term rehabilitation project
• Lava Point Campground (Kolob Plateau via Kolob Terrace Road)—6 sites (tent only), reservation only

There are no overnight accommodations in Kolob Canyons, and camping is only permitted in designated campsites—not in road pullouts or parking lots (including the Zion Canyon Visitor Center).

When should I book?

During the spring, summer and fall months Zion is a popular national park destination, making last-minute reservations rather difficult to secure. From mid-March through late November the campgrounds are expected to be full almost every night. A few spots may open up during the extreme heat of August and on weekdays. Unfortunately, Zion has no first come first serve spots in any of its 3 campgrounds. It is highly recommended to make reservations 6 months ahead of any visit during these peak months. Similarly, Zion Lodge fills up quickly (especially in the summer and around holidays), taking reservations up to a year in advance.

However, lodging is not the only detail to be booked early. If planning to hike Angels Landing, The Subway or any backcountry wilderness access points, plan to secure a permit well before your visit during peak months. Lottery systems are in place for both Angels Landing and The Subway. Angels Landing offers a seasonal lottery 2 months ahead of each season and a daily lottery open the day before each hike.

Thankfully, winter is a different story. With dramatically less crowds, stays at Zion Lodge or Watchman Campground can be reserved 1 or 2 months in advance, and permits, when offered, are easily obtained the day before or day of.

How much should I budget?

A frugal 2-day trip booked 6 months in advance can cost roughly $300–$600 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to St. George	$150–$350
Car Rental	$45–$80/day (not including taxes/fees)
Campsite	$25–$45/night (not including taxes/fees)
Zion Lodge	$250–$450/night
Meals	$10–$20/meal
Lottery Fee	$6 fee + $3/person
Entrance Fee	$35/vehicle for 7 days

Packing list for Zion

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Zion National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without hiking shoes, water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, jacket, camelback and a headlamp (for sunrise/sunset hikes).

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to Zion.

For more detailed information on Zion National Park, visit the official park website.