Zion National Park, part of Utah’s Mighty 5, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and frequently ranks among the top national parks in the United States. If you’re planning a visit, preparation is key to making the most of your experience.

Park History

The region now recognized as Zion National Park was originally hunting grounds for Native Americans before fur trappers and early settlers arrived. It was in the 20th century that the area’s potential for tourism began to gain acknowledgment.

Historically, the area presented challenges for habitation, as the Mormon settlement faced difficulties due to recurring flooding from the Virgin River and arid agricultural conditions.

Subsequently, in an effort to improve accessibility, the Utah State Road Commission initiated road construction to connect southern Utah with the rest of the state. This led to partnerships with the Union Pacific Railroad to establish both rail and automobile access to the region.

By 1919, Zion National Park was officially designated and signed into law, marking it as Utah’s first national park, which now attracts over 4.6 million visitors annually.

General Park Information

Location

1 Zion Park Blvd., State Route 9, Springdale UT 84767

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive provides the most comprehensive way to explore the area and is essential for any visitor.

Hours of Operation

Operating hours vary throughout the year; therefore, it is advisable to check the Zion National Park website for the most current information.

• Welcome Center: 8am – 8pm
• Park Store: 8am – 8pm

Shuttle Services

In response to increasing visitor numbers, a free shuttle service was introduced in 2000 to alleviate parking difficulties and traffic congestion. Additionally, these shuttles are environmentally friendly, as they run on propane.

Shuttle service operates from 6am to 8:48pm, with stops at five locations along the scenic drive. Please note that shuttle routes may differ, and it is advisable to refer to the website for detailed information.

The shuttle is equipped with a bike rack; however, pets are not permitted, except for service animals.

Park Accessibility

All visitor centers, museums, restrooms, shuttles, picnic areas, and Zion Lodge are designed to be accessible. Additionally, select campsites are wheelchair accessible, while the Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk offer accessible hiking opportunities.

Best Season to Visit

Although summer is peak season, a particularly favorable time to visit is during late September to October. During this period, temperatures are milder, and crowds diminish significantly, resulting in shorter wait times for shuttles and less congestion at popular sites like Angel’s Landing.

Passes and Fees

Entrance fees vary based on the duration of stay and type of pass desired:

• Private Vehicle (valid for 7 days): $35
• Individual Entry (valid for 7 days): $20

For those planning to visit multiple parks, the America the Beautiful pass is an excellent investment, costing $80 and providing access to numerous parks, including all five of Utah’s National Parks.

Closest Major Airport

For visitors flying in to hike Zion National Park, there are several options available:

• Las Vegas: Located 160 miles away (approximately 2.5 hours by car), offers affordable car rentals. For instance, rentals can average around $6 per day during certain seasons. Affordable accommodations are also available if a night’s stay is needed prior to the visit.
• Salt Lake City: Situated 308 miles away (approximately 4.5 hours by car), also requires a car rental for access.

Where to Stay

Accommodations near the park cater to a range of preferences, from luxury to rustic.

Hotels

Springdale is the nearest town to the park, making it a favored accommodation option.

Zion National Park Lodge (~$229/night) is the closest lodging available to the main entrance. Alternatively, La Quinta Inn and Suites (~$169/night) offers a more budget-friendly option, along with Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn (~$190/night).

For those looking to save on lodging, consider driving from Las Vegas or Cedar City for more affordable accommodations, albeit with a longer travel time.

Hostels

For budget-conscious travelers, a couple of hostels are available nearby. However, note that accommodation rates remain above $50 per night.

The Cowboy Bunkhouse is located in Kanab, approximately a half-hour drive from the park, with rates around $69/night.

Camping

Zion National Park features three campgrounds.

• South Campground and Watchman Campground are located near the south entrance, where
  
  reservations
  
  are highly recommended due to high demand.
• The campsites accommodate a maximum of 2 tents and 6 people. Quiet hours are observed from 10 pm to 8 am, with check-out time set for 11 am. Pets are permitted but must be leashed.
• The Lava Point Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is about an hour’s drive from Zion Canyon.

Dining Options

After a day of exploring the park, Springdale offers several dining options for visitors to enjoy, whether for a meal or to gather snacks for the next day’s adventures. Notable eateries include Zion Canyon Brewpub and Spotted Dog Cafe, touted as some of the finest dining in the area.

Top Hikes

The highlight of a visit to Zion National Park is undoubtedly the exceptional hiking opportunities that the park provides.

Easy to Moderate Hikes

Pa’rus Trail

This 3.5-mile round-trip trail offers accessibility and features trailheads at South Campground and Canyon Junction. The shuttle stops at Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Canyon Junction facilitate access.

Paved and scenic, this trail follows the Virgin River and serves as an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing, especially in the mornings or evenings.

Emerald Pools Trail

The Emerald Pools trail features several levels, allowing hikers to access the upper, middle, and lower pools. The distances to each vary: 0.6 miles to the Lower Emerald Pool, 1 mile to the Middle Emerald Pool, and 1.4 miles to the Upper Emerald Pool.

Difficult Hikes

West Rim Trail to Angels Landing

An essential part of any guide to Zion National Park includes the hike to Angels Landing, along with the iconic Narrows. To reach Angels Landing, hikers must navigate the strenuous ascent of the West Rim Trail. The final half-mile climb to Angels Landing is particularly challenging and requires a permit due to safety measures.

The Narrows

Often regarded as the ultimate backcountry trail, The Narrows is one of the park’s most acclaimed hikes. While the elevation change is minimal, the trail typically requires wading through water that may rise from knee-height to chest-height in certain areas, adding to its challenge.

Spanning 16 miles one way, preparations for backcountry camping are essential. Hikers may choose to embark on this journey alone or join a guided group; however, it is recommended that those going solo have notable experience in backcountry hiking.

Hidden Canyon Trail

This 3-mile round-trip trek begins at the Weeping Rock parking area. The path leads into a narrow canyon that often lacks direct sunlight, particularly during certain times of the day.

Hikers should be cautious of footing, as sections include chains for assistance; thus, taking one’s time is advisable.

Exploring Further

Adventurous hikers may also wish to explore Zion’s backcountry trails, such as The Subway hike , which demands a permit and is considered one of the most rewarding off-trail routes in the park.

Concluding Thoughts

Zion National Park is an essential destination for those traveling through Utah, earning its status as one of the most popular national parks in the state. For an exceptional viewpoint, consider visiting the Court of the Patriarchs, an ideal spot to admire the stunning colors of the surrounding landscape.

As you plan to experience all five National Parks in Utah, ensure that you have considered the logistics of hiking the Mighty 5.