Zion National Park-Everything You Need To Know
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
Zion National Park can be the best destination for a summer vacation. Though you can take advantage of every season, summer is the popular time to visit. The south part is beautiful due to the colors in Fall. Winter is less crowded, and Spring has mild temperatures.
Visiting in Summer
Summer is the busiest time in the park. The temperature rises, enhancing hiking opportunities and other outdoor activities as there is no snow and the water level is low. Days are long, allowing you to explore the beauty of Zion National Park more. The Narrows and Angels Landing have famous hiking trails. The park’s free shuttle is available during this time. To avoid the crowd, start before 8 am in the morning or after 3 pm in the evening. The evening view is also amicable. Mid-July to September is the monsoon season in Zion National Park, and the flash flood risk is high. So, be careful and stay updated about the weather forecast.
If you enjoy hiking in canyons, there are other incredible destinations beyond Zion, like Canyonlands National Park, where similar trails lead to awe-inspiring views and unique rock formations. Discover more at Canyonlands National Park.
Visiting in Winter
Winter in Zion National Park comes with spectacular views of snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, and the snow peaks of canyons. The temperature is lower, and the weather is unpredictable. Fewer people visit during winter, so the crowd is minimal. Most of the greenery is covered with white snow. The views of Angels Landing and other viewpoints are also beautiful at higher elevations. The park’s free shuttle service is not available in December, January, and February. You will need your own vehicle arrangements. In winter, people with cars can enjoy a scenic drive on Zion Canyon. However, hiking trails are limited in winter, and only experienced hikers should attempt them.
Visiting in Fall
Fall offers a combination of warm days and cool nights. The trees and leaves change their colors beautifully into orange, red, and yellow. Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the flow of the Virgin River and cascading waterfalls gently flowing over the side of cliffs. It’s an appropriate time to escape the crowd. Don’t forget to wear warm clothing if you plan to hike The Narrows. Sometimes, the nighttime temperatures can be very cold, which may not be very comfortable.
For those who prefer a quieter fall experience, Shenandoah National Park offers scenic autumn foliage with a less crowded atmosphere. Plan a serene trip by exploring Shenandoah National Park.
How to Get to The Zion National Park
The nearest commercial airport is St. George (SGU) and its flights are connected to Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City. The park is accessible via Interstate 15 and Interstate 70 from all over the USA.
Lodging near Zion Park:
- Desert Pearl Inn
- Zion Ponderosa
- Zion Mountain Ranch
- Cable Mountain Lodge
South Campground:
- Individual sites: $20 per night
- Group sites: $50 per night
Watchman Campground:
- Individual sites (reserve able): $20-30 per night
- Group sites (reserve able): $50-130 per night depending on group size.
Entry Passes:
The following passes are for a weekly basis to enter Zion National Park:
- Private vehicles: $35
- Motorcycle: $30
- For each person by foot or bicycle: $20 (age under 15 is free of charge)
Other passes:
- Annual pass: $80
- 4th grade annual pass: free
- Military annual pass: free
- Lifetime senior pass (62 and older): $80
- Annual senior pass (62 and older): $20
- Lifetime access pass (available for permanent disability): free
- Zion annual pass: $70
Things to know about zion national park
It has an area of 229 square miles and is located on State Route 9 in Springdale, Utah. Zion National Park is the first national park in Utah. It is placed at the junction of Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions. The park has two parts. Between Zion proper and Kolob Canyon, Zion proper is the most visited. Only a narrow, long trail through a steep canyon can connect the two parts.
In 2023, the visitors to Zion National Park were recorded as 5 million. The most spectacular geographic features of Zion National Park are Zion Canyon, Great White Throne, and Court of the Patriarchs. Angel’s Landing and Watchman are its famous landmarks. It is home to 289 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and 32 species of reptiles. They are usually found in the park’s four life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest.
Places Everyone Should Visit in Zion National Park
The Narrows: The Narrows is the narrowest part of Zion Canyon. This is one of the popular hiking trails. It will take you through towering walls of Navajo sandstone, which is 2,000 feet long. The trail is designed for a 16-mile hike from zebra stripes to cliffs of the canyon. You can enjoy the natural beauty by hiking. The trail also covers the Virgin River. Make sure you carry walking sticks and a waterproof bag during the hike.
Angels Landing:
Angels Landing is famous for its tremendous trail. People who love adventure and are eager to take photographs are interested in visiting there. The hike is strenuous, and you need to be cautious about your safety. In 1916, Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher first visited the place and mentioned that only an angel could land there. After that, the place was named Angels Landing.
Pa’rus Trail: It is actually the busiest concrete sidewalk of 3.5 miles in the park. It is the easiest hike where people of all ages gather. Connecting from Zion Visitor Center to Canyon Junction, it provides sightseeing opportunities to the visitors. You will be able to visit Zion Human History Museum and the South Campground as well. The stunning view of the Virgin River is also an amazement there. Moreover, pet owners get an advantage to bring their pets on the trail.
Canyon Overlook Trail
This is a relatively short but busy trail. It provides a mesmerizing view of Zion Canyon, Tower of the Virgin, and the slot of the canyon. Try to start early in the morning. However, the narrow, rocky pathway and drop-offs present challenges.
Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons is located 40 miles north of Zion Canyon. The parallel and narrow box canyon creates 2,000-foot cliff walls from the mountain peaks. It gathers fewer crowds and has a spectacular view. Hikers benefit from three out-and-back trails ranging from 1 to 14 miles.
Observation Point
One of the widest parts of Zion Canyon at an elevation of 6,521 feet. Zion National Service estimates that it will take 6 hours to complete the hike. So, pack some snacks and enough water before you start.
Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
It has been created to emphasize communication through the east side of Zion National Park. Passing through the tunnel, you can see the large window cut out of sandstone. It is connected to Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which makes transportation more convenient.
Court of the Patriarchs
The Court of the Patriarchs is situated about a third of the way up Zion Canyon. It is viewable from the road but still has a 0.2-mile round-trip trail for visitors.
Emerald Pools
You can walk from Zion Lodge to reach the pools. The flowing stream over the cliffs and a series of waterfalls have created the Emerald Pools. You can reach there by three different trails. The 1.2-mile Lower Emerald Pool trail is the easiest. Spring is the best time to visit.
Temple of Sinawava
Temple of Sinawava is a natural amphitheater formed by the Virgin River. It is located at the beginning of Zion Canyon. Surrounding vegetation and the towering canyon wall make an appealing scenery. There are two popular hikes: Riverside Walk and The Narrows. The Narrows is a strenuous hike of 9.4 miles round trip, and the Riverside Walk is a flat hike of 2.2 miles.
Zion Human History Museum
It’s a collaboration of 66 buildings and a collection of rotating artifacts. Visitors can learn about human history and enjoy exhibitions of the park’s geology, flora and fauna, and the tools used by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Things to do in Zion National Park:
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Bird watching
- Camping
- Canyoneering
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Horse Riding
- Riverside Walking
- River Trips
Zion national park great white throne
Towering Majesty
Rising 2,350 feet above Zion’s canyon floor, the Great White Throne is a striking sandstone monolith visible from multiple park viewpoints.
Unique White Sandstone
Named for its pale, almost bleached appearance, the throne’s Navajo Sandstone contrasts beautifully against Zion’s red and tan rock layers.
Best Views & Trails
While there’s no direct trail to the Great White Throne, hikes like Angels Landing and the Temple of Sinawava offer stunning views of this majestic formation.
Sunrise & Sunset Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking experience, as warm light highlights its grandeur, making it a photographer’s dream.
How many waterfalls are in zion national park
Zion National Park is home to several beautiful waterfalls, though the exact number varies since most waterfalls here are seasonal. They appear after rainstorms or during spring snowmelt, making them occasional wonders rather than permanent features.
Main Waterfalls to Explore
Emerald Pools Waterfalls
The Emerald Pools Trail leads to three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower pools, each with its own waterfall. The lower falls are the most consistent, while the upper and middle falls are more impressive after heavy rainfall.
Weeping Rock
Weeping Rock is one of Zion’s most accessible spots for waterfall views. Here, water seeps through the sandstone, creating a soft, misty curtain year-round. It’s a smaller, steady flow rather than a powerful waterfall, making it a unique sight.
Temple of Sinawava
At the start of the Riverside Walk trail, visitors can often see waterfalls cascading down the towering canyon walls after rain, creating a magical atmosphere in this serene part of the park.
Mystery Canyon Waterfalls
For those with canyoneering skills, Mystery Canyon has hidden waterfalls, accessible only with a permit. This challenging canyon reveals a more secluded side of Zion, including several small cascades and pools.
What is the closest airport to zion national park
For the closest experience, St. George Regional Airport is ideal. But for flexibility and flight options, Las Vegas provides the best mix of convenience and availability.
Each airport offers a unique travel experience, letting visitors tailor their journey to the beauty of Zion.
A Changing Landscape
Because Zion’s waterfalls are seasonal, no exact count can be given, but these highlights provide an idea of what’s possible to experience. Visitors should check weather conditions, as rains bring these wonders to life in unexpected moments.
Achievements and Tips for Visiting Zion National Park
Zion National Park might be in the desert, but due to the Virgin River, it is blessed with water. There you can enjoy Zion Canyon and other mountainous hikes along with the view of Virgin River. The park’s free shuttle bus service is available in summer, so if you don’t want to miss it, plan your visit for summer. Moreover, winter and spring have their own beauty in Zion National Park. People who fear hiking have the opportunity to explore. There are also camping opportunities and lodging services for visitors.
If you’re visiting in winter, consider exploring other parks suited for the season, such as some of the best national parks to visit in winter, like Yellowstone and Shenandoah. See the full list of Best National Parks to Visit in Winter.
