“Zion” translates to “sanctuary” in Hebrew, and that’s exactly what most find here in Southwestern Utah. The Virgin River has carved an immense sandstone canyon, pine clad and some 2,000 feet (610 meters) deep—you’ll want your finger on your camera shutter even before entering the park, as you zig zag down the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Once you’re on foot, there’s a long list of things to do in Zion National Park, including hiking to the Emerald Pools, getting your feet wet in The Narrows, or making the sky-high climb to Angels Landing, perhaps the wildest trek of all.
Shuttles operate in Zion National Park from March–November, and the majority of visitors (70%) see the park from April–October. If you’re willing to risk chilly weather, March–April and October–November visits can be very rewarding: You still get the easy-access shuttle service, warmth still clings to most days, and the park’s most iconic viewpoints and trails won’t involve fighting for elbow room.
Zion’s free shuttles are some of the best in the national park system: They operate from March–November (and also on weekends in February and over the December holidays) and will take you just about anywhere you need to go, including to the nearby town of Springdale. During this time, private vehicles aren’t allowed through the park without reservations at Zion Lodge or Canyon Trail Rides.
Stay at Majestic View Lodge or Cable Mountain Lodge—you may not technically be in the park, but you might as well be. The Springdale Shuttle stops at both these locations every 10–15 minutes; once in the park, you can pick up the Zion Canyon shuttle and go virtually anywhere. Dine at the Red Rock Grill at Zion Lodge to break up your day in this vertical wilderness.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MST (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 12 | Tours 101 | Reviews 10,185 |
The best month to visit Zion National Park depends on what kind of experience you prefer. The shuttles run April–October, with the busiest months being June–August. If you can, take a shoulder season visit in fall for pleasant weather and more manageable crowds.
...MoreThere are lots of things to do in Zion National Park, one of the country’s most popular national parks. Some visitors come for the famous hiking trails, like Angel’s Landing or the Narrows. Others simply take the reliable Zion shuttle and get easy-access views. Others prefer to rock climb, picnic, and scout for wildlife.
...MoreThe Zion-Mt Carmel Highway Scenic Drive takes you over bridges and past colorful hoodoos, cutting through 10 miles (16 kilometers) of the park and connecting the south and east entrances. Take the short hike along the Narrows or to Canyon Overlook—the latter is 0.5 miles (1 kilometer) to canyon views.
...MoreIt’s not hard to fill a week at Zion National Park, but plan for at least two full days to see the park’s highlights—and get mornings and evenings away from the crowds. You can also fit in a longer hike, like down the Narrows or up to Angel’s Landing.
...MoreZion—referencing the “kingdom of Heaven” in Hebrew—is famous for its red-rock canyon views, sheer cliffs, and canyoneering opportunities. Its 2,000-foot (610-meter) towers of sandstone make for great climbing and hiking experiences. The Virgin River with its green oasis at the bottom of the canyon flows in stark contrast.
...MoreBeyond hiking, other popular things to do in Zion National Park include taking a scenic drive down the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway—it runs 10 miles (16 kilometers) through the park and connects the south and east entrances. You could also hop on and off the park’s shuttle, nabbing easy-access views as you please; dine at Zion National Park Lodge; or leave the crowds behind and stargaze come nightfall.
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