How to Avoid the Crowds in Zion National Park: A Local’s Guide
Zion National Park is no secret.
It’s the second most visited national park in the U.S., with nearly 5 million people showing up each year. And most of them are heading to the same small section of the park. That can make it feel impossible to experience the quiet, awe-inspiring side of Zion.
I’m Eric, a local artist and travel consultant.
I’ve spent the last 10 years exploring Zion—creating photos, visiting with friends and family, and helping others plan their trips. This guide is a quick list of my favorite ways to experience Zion without getting caught in the crowd.
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1. Visit Midweek
Best days: Monday–Thursday
Zion is close to Las Vegas and St. George, which means weekends are packed. Midweek visits are your best bet for a little more space to breathe.
Local Expert Tip: Even popular trails like The Narrows and Canyon Overlook feel calmer on a Wednesday morning.
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2. Avoid Holidays + Free Entrance Days
Crowds on major holidays (and free park days) are next level. Parking fills up early and the shuttles are slammed. If you can, plan around these dates. Memorial Day often fills the town of Springdale as well.
Local Expert Tip: If you must visit on a busy day, try arriving after 2pm or heading to less-trafficked areas like the East Side or Kolob Canyons.
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3. Sleep In
If you’re staying in Springdale, don’t rush out the door. The view from town is nearly as impressive as inside the park. Take your time, enjoy breakfast, and wait for the crowds to thin.
Local Expert Tip: Late mornings and early afternoons often feel calmer—and you’ll skip the early morning parking frenzy. There are many shops and galleries in Springdale, and coffee shops with epic views.
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4. Hike Angels Landing in the Afternoon
This iconic hike now requires a permit—but most people go early. Late afternoon means shade, fewer hikers going up, and golden light in the canyon.
Local Expert Tip: Time your descent for sunset. You’ll catch dramatic lighting and still make it back before the last shuttle. No permit? No problem: You can do this hike up to Scout’s Lookout and continue on the West Rim Trail without a permit!
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5. Rent an E-Bike
Skip the shuttle. Renting an e-bike gives you full control and one of the most beautiful rides of your life. Cruise the Pa’rus Trail or ride all the way into Zion Canyon for the Narrows and back.
Recommended Rentals:
Local Expert Tip: Go out a few hours before sunset. The light, the quiet, the breeze—it’s unforgettable.
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6. Walk the Pa’rus Trail
Flat, paved, and often overlooked. This trail offers stunning views, river access, and wide-open skies. It’s a great option for an easy, peaceful walk with perfect photo ops. This is one of my personal favorite trails in Zion, year round.
Local Expert Tip: Walk it at night. Bring a headlamp and catch the Milky Way rising over The Watchman.
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Need help planning your Zion trip?
I offer 1-on-1 travel consultations to help you experience Zion through a local’s perspective. Whether you’re after solitude, incredible hikes, or lesser-known photography spots, I’ll help you create a trip that actually feels like your kind of adventure.
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7. Explore Zion’s East Side
Just east of the tunnel, the landscape shifts. Rolling slickrock, fewer crowds, and a slower pace. Park at one of the many pull-offs and explore freely.
Local Expert Tip: Try parking at the restrooms 2 miles east of the tunnel—it leads to a beautiful little slot canyon just behind the parking area. Or head across the road and head up the route to Many Pools.
8. Visit Kolob Canyons
Small, wild, and rarely crowded. Hike along Taylor Creek or catch sunset at Timber Creek Overlook for incredible views without the chaos.
Local Expert Tip: Arrive in the afternoon and bring a picnic or dinner to go. Timber Creek Overlook and the pull offs towards the end of the road are simply stunning at sunset.
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9. Kolob Terrace Road
Beyond The Subway hike, this area has some of the best solitude and quiet in Zion: Northgate Peaks, Hop Valley, and Lamb’s Knoll to name a few. Way fewer people, wide open views and incredible sunsets!
Local Expert Tip: This area is also higher elevation and is often cooler than the rest of Zion.
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10. Eat an Early Dinner, Chase Sunset After
The senior special, reimagined! Restaurants in Springdale get slammed around 7pm. Eat early, then head out for golden hour and the best light of the day.
Local Expert Tip: Try Bit & Spur or Oscar’s, then head to Canyon Overlook or the Watchman Trail for sunset.
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11. Travel in the Off Season
Zion’s quietest months are November through February. Crisp air, minimal crowds, and a chance to see snow-covered cliffs and surprise waterfalls during rain storms.
Watch out for Thanksgiving and Christmas week—they’re secretly some of the busiest days of the year! The shuttle resumes during Christmas for this reason!
Local Expert Tip: Pack layers and check the forecast. A winter storm in Zion is pure magic!
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Zion is busy—but it doesn’t have to feel that way.
With a little planning and some local insight, you can experience the kind of awe and stillness that makes Zion so special.
See you outside,
Eric
Utahhhyeah
