Zion National Park
Expert Guide to Visiting Southern Utah’s Most Visited National Park
Nestled in the corner of Southwest Utah is Utah’s most visited National Park - Zion National Park. Massive sandstone cliffs tower above the Virgin River which has carved a landscape of slot canyons and adventures. Nearly 5 million visitors per year come to Zion National Park for its iconic hikes, striking scenery and unforgettable experiences. We share our favorite tips by local experts for planning your trip to Zion National Park and Southern Utah vacation.
In this Guide for Zion National Park:
How to Get Here
Zion National Park is located 2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas and 4 1/2 hours from Salt Lake City. Springdale, UT is the main entrance to Zion National Park where you’ll find many hotels, restaurants, art galleries and guide services. St George, UT is the largest nearby city and is about 45 minutes away from Springdale, UT. Kanab, UT is a smaller town but closer to the East Entrance of Zion National Park and home to many hotels and guiding services.
Where is Zion National Park Located?
From Bryce Canyon National Park: Head west on Highway 12 to Highway 89 South towards Mt. Carmel Junction. Head West on Highway 9 towards Zion National Park’s East Entrance. This is the route traveled by a majority of park visitors. 1H 30M
From Las Vegas: Head North on i-15 towards St. George/Hurricane, UT. Exit on Highway 9 East in Hurricane and continue East to Springdale 2H 30M
From Salt Lake City: Follow i-15 South to Hurricane, UT and follow Highway 9 East to Springdale. Note: this area is currently under construction and directions will be updated.
Important Note: Utah is on MST and Las Vegas is on PST meaning there is a 1 hour difference in time. This makes it nice for those early morning departures from Las Vegas Airport!
EXPERT TIP: Take a more scenic route to Zion National Park from Bryce Canyon National Park. From Springdale, drive north to Cedar City, UT on i-15 and exit for Highway 14. Follow this stunning road as it leads up a dramatic canyon towards Duck Creek, UT. On the way, be sure to stop at the summit for a view overlooking Zion National Park from 10,000 feet above sea level! Continue on Highway 14 to Highway 89 North towards Bryce Canyon National Park. This drive is especially stunning in September and October during Fall.
4 Areas of Zion National Park
Springdale/Zion Canyon - This is the most popular area with hotels, restaurants and services. The Visitor Center and Zion Canyon Shuttle are all in this area as well as iconic hikes such as Angels Landing and the Narrows.
East Zion - This is home to Zion Ponderosa and much more remote compared to Springdale. Hikes here include Observation Point and Cable Mountain. East Zion is near Mt. Carmel Junction and Kanab, UT.
Kolob Terrace - Located north of Virgin, UT with hikes such as the Subway and Lava Point. This section of Zion National Park is incredibly scenic as the road climbs towards Kolob Reservoir.
Kolob Canyons - Located directly off i-15 between Hurricane and Cedar City, UT. This small section of Zion National Park features a small visitor center and 6 mile scenic drive with several hiking trails.
Where to Stay
There are many amazing options for lodging in Zion National Park including resorts, glamping, tiny homes, Airbnbs and hotels. Here are a few highlighted properties we think you’ll enjoy:
Our Favorite - Open Sky Zion
Escape the crowds of Zion and surround yourself with the stunning desert landscape of Southern Utah at Open Sky Zion. Glamping is an understatement for Open Sky, where accommodations are private, luxury safari camps tucked away against the red rocks of Zion. Open Sky Zion is located outside of Springdale in a secluded canyon, just far enough away for privacy yet close enough for convenience to Zion. We’ve stayed here and can attest to the amenities, service and quality. Black Sage Restaurant is onsite for dinner, reservations are required. Open 5-9pm and closed Tuesdays.
Many great Airbnb’s are available in Springdale, UT and the surrounding area of Hurricane and St. George, UT. Grocery stores are available in Hurricane, UT and St. George, UT.
Local tip - If you’re looking for Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, be sure to stock up in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. There is also a Natural Grocers in St. George and Cedar City, UT.
Airbnb
Cable Mountain Lodge is the most convenient due to the location right next to the visitor center for Zion National Park. All amenities in Springdale are a short walk or free shuttle ride away.
The Cliffrose Springdale by Hilton, is also conveniently located in Springdale and features a wonderful restaurant onsite, Anthera. Convenience and quality make this hotel a favorite among visitors, be sure to book your stay early.
Hotels
Under Canvas Zion is a traditional glamping experience located on the Kolob Terrace Road, 45 minutes from Springdale, and features incredible views. This is a great option for those exploring Kolob Terrace section of Zion National Park. This area can receive much more snow in the Winter so be advised if traveling in Winter.
Glamping
Zion Ponderosa is located just outside the East Entrance to Zion National Park. Lodging includes vacation rental homes, cabins, glamping and a campground. This resort features many activities for families and large groups. Temperatures are often cooler in the summer here and also receives much more snow in Winter than Springdale.
Resort
Schedule a 20 minute trip consultation with a Zion Expert today!
Where to Play
Zion National Park is a hub for adventures for all abilities, in all areas of Zion. A scenic drive passes through Zion from Springdale to East Zion, allowing for breathtaking scenery from your window (or sunroof!). A seasonal shuttle runs in Zion Canyon for visitors to access the Narrows, Angels Landing and the Emerald Pools.
Hiking - We recommend visiting Zion National Park’s website for the most current conditions and exact hiking details. Our guide to Zion is meant to supplement the existing information already provided by the park.
The Narrows - Please read info from the park here and check current conditions.
Zion’s most popular hike by far and for good reason. The “hike” begins at the end of the shuttle in Zion Canyon at the final stop. A paved trail leads to the Virgin River where the Narrows begin properly. From this point you will be mostly in the water with towering cliffs above. Hikers are able to continue 5 miles to Big Spring which is a BIG day for many people. No permit is required for this section of the Narrows. You’ll want to rent gear for the narrows including waders, boots and a walking stick. Luckily there are several options in Springdale and all are great.
EXPERT TIP: Catch the first several shuttles of the morning and pick up your gear the afternoon before. The shuttle is generally full even in the morning but crowds will quickly disparate as you proceed in the canyon.
Angels Landing - Please see the NPS website for permit info and current conditions.
Angels Landing is also in Zion Canyon and world renowned for its exposed cliffs and chains. A permit is required for the top section but you may hike to Scout’s Lookout without a permit and is still an incredible hike!
EXPERT TIP: Rent an e-bike and ride in Zion Canyon to skip the shuttle. This allows early access to Angels Landing to catch sunrise or later access for the peaceful late afternoons in Zion Canyon.
Great Hikes in Zion National Park
A few Expert Tips for other hikes in Zion National Park:
Canyon Overlook - Go for sunrise as sunset is usually very busy and parking is limited.
Emerald Pools - An amazing hike for rainy days with waterfalls and low hanging clouds.
Watchman Trail - A wonderful trail for sunset and equally as good for sunrise with fewer people.
Observation Point - Bring a headlamp and catch sunset out at the greatest viewpoint in Zion.
The Subway - A photographer’s dream. Start later in the morning as the best light in the subway is in the afternoon.
Cable Mountain - A great option for few crowds and a breathtaking 2000 foot cliff at the end!
20 Minute Trip Consultation
Custom Zion Trip Planning
Our Favorite Experience in Zion
Experience Zion National Park from above and below by combining a hike in the narrows with a scenic flight. Begin the day with a hike in the Narrows, beating the crowds and exploring the wonder of Zion from deep within the canyon. Bring a light lunch with you and plenty of snacks:). Return early, again staying ahead of the crowds, dropping off your gear in Springdale and grabbing an afternoon snack or coffee. Now it’s time to head out for an evening scenic flight via helicopter or small plane. The helicopter flight is popular and located directly outside of Virgin, UT whereas the scenic flight by plane departs from the Hurricane Airport. The helicopter flight allows a closer look at Zion while the scenic plane offers a dramatic view encompassing all of Zion National Park. Our personal favorite is the plane because it gives the best scale of Zion National Park.
Finish your day with a well deserved meal at Black Sage, Balcony One or the many great options in Springdale, UT.
There are many other options and surprises in Zion National Park waiting for you to discover. We offer custom trip planning and consultation services to help you have the best experience designed for you.
Travel well,
Utahhhyeah - Eric
-
![Travel guide and trip planning itineraries for the perfect trip to Bryce Canyon National Park]()
Bryce Canyon
Complete Travel Guide for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
-
![Travel guide and trip planning itineraries for the perfect trip to Capitol Reef National Park]()
Capitol Reef National Park
Complete Travel Guide for visiting Capitol Reef National Park
