Zion National Park is a must-see gem in Utah, known for its huge red rock formations with deep canyons and some of the most famous hikes like Angels Landing. Zion has something for everyone, whether you’re into hiking, photography or enjoying stunning views. With some very unique landscapes it is the perfect destination on a roadtrip through the US.
Be aware that there are three entrances into the park. The south entrance (located in Springdale) and the east entrance lead right into the main section of the park. The Kolob Terrace Road leads into a stand-alone section of the park. Make sure that you choose the right entrance! Our blog only contains informations about the “main” part of Zion National Park.
Our top 5 tips for Zion National Park:
1. Make sure to get there early (before 10am). It’s going to be tough to get a parking spot if you arrive too late.
2. Be aware that you can’t drive the scenic drive while the shuttle bus is operating (usually March to November).
3. Check the official NPS website for road or trail closures and daily informations.
4. Bring comfortable shoes and hiking clothes. You’ll get some of the most beautiful views during your hikes.
5. Think about getting the “America the Beautiful” pass. You can get an annual entry to all the US National Parks for $80.
Best areas and hotels to stay in
If you’re visiting Zion National Park there are not many options to choose from inside the park. Unlike in most of the other big national parks there is only one hotel inside Zion National Park – the Zion National Park Lodge. Additionally there are some camping grounds inside the park. The more budget friendly and popular option is to stay in cities close to the park like Springfield or even in Las Vegas.
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Budget: Watchman Campground
💵 starting at 20€ per night (depending on your standards)
+ inside Zion NP
+ tent and RV campsites are available
+ very budget friendly
– no shower or laundry machines
– likely to sell out, reservations should be made > than 6 months in advance
Mid-Range: Quail Park Lodge
💵 approximately 100€ per night
+ very cute rooms and aesthetic design
+ close to the park (1h drive)
+ cute little town with good dining options
+ central location between Zion NP and Bryce NP
+/– you enter the park through the east entrance (you drive through the Mount Carmel Tunnel which is stunning but most of the main spots are closer to the south entrance)
– parking is expensive (parking on the street is available almost all the time)
Mid-Range: Quail Park Lodge
💵 approximately 100€ per night
+ very cute rooms and aesthetic design
+ close to the park (1h drive)
+ cute little town with good dining options
+ central location between Zion NP and Bryce NP
+/– you enter the park through the east entrance (you drive through the Mount Carmel Tunnel which is stunning but most of the main spots are closer to the south entrance)
– parking is expensive (parking on the street is available almost all the time)
Luxury Option: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection
💵 approximately 350€ per night
+ large comfortable rooms
+ perfect location in walking distance to the Zion National Park
+ free parking
+ cute balcony with outstanding views
– not very budget friendly
Favorite viewpoints
Most viewpoints are the reward after a (mostly steep and long) hike. You can also find some stunning spots right at the shuttle stops on the Scenic Drive or the Mount Carmel Highway. These are our favorites:
Court of the Patriarchs
This viewpoint is located at stop #4: “Court of the Patriarchs”. It’s just a short walk when you get out of the shuttle, so it’s really wheelchair or stroller friendly. Court of the Patriarchs is only a quick stop, but it’s definitely worth it to hop out of the shuttle bus and enjoy this view for a few minutes.
Mount Carmel Highway
The whole Mount Carmel Highway is packed with stunning viewpoints, including the famous Tunnel View which is one of the best options when you’re looking for an easy accessible option. There are tons of parking bays and you don’t have to walk far to enjoy an amazing view. One particular viewpoint, located in a bend on the highway, offers a stunning view. It features some kind of natural bridge inside the massive stone wall, which is truly impressive. You’ll find this Viewpoint on Google Maps under the name of “Zion Scenic Drive Viewpoint 2”.
Zion Scenic Drive Viewpoint 2
Canyon Overlook
This was probably our favorite viewpoint, because it was connected to a moderate trail, which offered some stunning views on the way up. The parking on designated parking spots is limited, but there are plenty of cars parking on the side of the road so we parked there as well. We started the trail right before sunset and made it up to the top right in time. It was the perfect spot to experience a sunset in Zion National Park. If you’re going to watch the sunset up here you better bring a flashlight because it’s going to be dark pretty fast.
Best hikes
You won’t have any problems to find a hike that fits your needs and wishes in Zion National Park. There are so many options and you can spend days hiking around here:
Scoot Lookout
West Rim to Scoot Lookout
To hike West Rim to Scoot Lookout you get out at shuttle stop #6 named “The Grotto”. It’s the same trail you’re going to hike if you want to do the famous Angels Landing hike. You have to walk up a really steep and strenuous path located right on the edge, but it is totally worth it! On the whole trail and especially at the top you’ll get breathtaking views over the whole canyon.
Angels Landing
Once you’ve reached the Scoot Lookout you can cross a “barrier” (marked by a sign) to start your challenging hike up to Angels Landing.
The barrier is in place because you need a permit to hike further, which you can only receive through a lottery. There are two different ways. The first chance to get a permit is the Seasonal Lottery where you can apply roughly 2 months before your trip. If you weren’t lucky you can try your best at the Day-before Lottery. This lottery opens every day between 12:01 am and 3:00 pm MT.
The Narrows
This is surely one of the most famous hikes in Zion National Park. It follows the Virgin River trough a narrow slot canyon. The first 0,6km (1 mile) you can walk the paved Riverside Walk followed by some stairs that take you down to the river. The rest of the hike will take place inside the Virgin River.
Make sure to wear proper equipment like water shoes (which you can also rent in Springdale), be aware of flash flooding and look up the flash flood potential ratings before starting your trip.
Depending on how far you’re planning to go it’s a moderate hike and accessible with children. It’s an “out and back” trail, so it’s up to you how far you want to go.
The next stops for your perfect roadtrip
Utah is the perfect state for a roadtrip. If you’re planning to visit Zion National Park chances are that you have already started yours through Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Here are our favorite spots to visit before and after Zion.
Bryce Canyon National Park:
We visited Bryce Canyon National Park the day after Zion and spend our night in Kanab. This was the perfect place for us because you only drive around 1 to 1 1/2 hours to both parks.
The drive between Zion and Bryce takes roughly 2 hours, so these two are the perfect combination for a roadtrip.
Las Vegas:
Las Vegas is a two hours drive from Zion if you leave through the South Entrance in Springdale. It’s the total opposite to Zion National Park. You’ll enter a vibrant and unique city known for its nightlife, iconic casinos and luxurious hotels along the Las Vegas Strip.
There is no quiet place in Las Vegas. Some people experience Las Vegas as overwhelming and crazy while others find it entertaining and thrilling.
Honourable mentions:
Antelope Canyon – a breathtaking slot canyon known for its unreal stone formations and narrow openings. Make sure you book a tour in advance because it’s prohibited to visit on your own.
Valley of Fire – Valley of Fire is the perfect stop on your way from Zion to Las Vegas. It’s known for its red sandstone formations and truly an amazing spot with a peaceful atmosphere.
Grand Canyon National Park – one of the Seven Natural Wonders and that’s totally deserved! You won’t realize how insane the Grand Canyon is until you visit and enjoy all these stunning views inside the canyon.
Grand Canyon
Monument Valley – another spot where you’ll get breathtaking views of iconic rock formations. You should take the scenic drive to get the whole experience. Perfect to combine with the Forrest Gump Point.
Arches National Park – you’ll find over 2000 natural stone arches in the Arches National Park. Enjoy some of the hiking trails and take some amazing pictures.
Getting around in Zion
There are three different ways to enter Zion National Park: by foot / bicycle, by car or with the shuttle bus that takes you into the park, if all the parking spaces inside the park are full:
First things first: There are limited parking spaces inside Zion National Park, which usually fill up (depending on the season) before 10am. If you want a parking spot inside the park you have to be there early. We chose to park outside the park and hopped on the shuttle bus to take us inside the park. Afterwards we picked up our car to drive the famous Mount Carmel Highway and exited the park on the east side.
Inside Zion you depend on the shuttle bus to drive the Scenic Road. If the shuttle is operating (which is usually between march and November) you’re not allowed to enter the Scenic Drive with your car. It’s only open for the shuttle or bicycles. When the shuttle isn’t operating, the road is open.
To drive the famous Mount Carmel Highway (including the tunnel view) you have to drive by yourself. There are no shuttles operating.
Wrap-Up
Zion National Park is one of the most breathtaking parks in the United States. It’s unique with its iconic hikes like Angels Landing or The Narrows and offers some impressive views due to the towering walls of the Zion Canyon. It’s definitely a must-visit for nature and adventure lovers. For us it was an unforgettable experience.