Zion, Utah
Zion National Park is a national park in southwestern Utah. It's famous for its rock formations, red rock colors, and beautiful hiking trails. It is the fourth most visited national park in the United States, with almost 5 million visitors a year. Visiting Zion can truly feel like you're in another world.
About Zion National Park
Zion was established as a national park in 1919. Located near Springdale, Utah, this 229 square milk park features canyons, valleys, natural arches, hikes, and incredible viewpoints of the rock formations and plant life. The highest point of the park is 8,726 feet, and the lowest point is 3,666 feet. Because of the wide range of altitude, there are four different life zones in the park: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest. There are 289 species of birds, 75 types of mammals, and 32 types of reptiles that call Zion home.
How to Get There
Zion is located near Springdale, Utah, about 4.5 hours south of Salt Lake City and 3 hours northeast of Las Vegas. From Salt Lake City, take take the I-15 south to the UT-20 east, then catch the US-89 south to UT-9 west. From Las Vegas, take the I-15 north then catch the UT-9 east.
What To Do
There is plenty to do in Zion, whether you're hiking, camping, or just driving through. Here are our top recommendations:
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive-- This drive will show you the most dramatic view in the park. You'll find a majority of the park's main attractions along this road, including Zion Canyon, a view up to Angels Landing, and the weeping rock. The drive ends at the start of the Narrows, which is also worth exploring.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway-- This highway runs from the South entrance to the East entrance, and provides a very different perspective high above the valley. You'll find the Canyon Overlook Trail , a one-mile round trip hike, along this road.
Riverside Walk-- This is a scenic 2.2 mile round trip path. It runs along the Virgin River and passes rocks and gardens. You'll also be able to spot waterfalls, birds, and other wildlife.
Pa'rus Trail- This is the only pet friendly trail in Zion. It's a paved in-and-out trail that is 3.5 miles in total. It follows a creep, but don't let your dog drink the water, as it's sometimes contaminated with deadly bacteria.
Lower Emerald Pools-- Similar to the Weeping Rock, this features a weeping wall and a pool at the base. You can get there by taking the .6 mile round trip paved trail.
Angels Landing-- This is a strenuous hike that leads to a stunning viewpoint looking over Zion Canyon. It follows along narrow ridges and drop-offs, so be prepared and careful.
The Narrows-- The Narrows follow a river through a huge slot canyon. It's a seasonal hike, and you will get wet, so plan ahead!
Hiking, Canyoneering, Rock Climbing-- Zion's canyons and unique rock formations make adventure sports a popular activity! Several places in the area offer equipment rentals and tours. You can view all hikes here.
Where to Camp
You can camp within Zion. Watchman Campground and South Campground are the two main camping areas in the park. Lava Point is also a great option, but sits at almost 8,000 feet-- so plan for colder weather if you plan on camping here. Reservations are recommended, as some campgrounds aren't open year round. You can view all camping options here.
We chose to camp outside the park in a central location, as we were visiting Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Antelope Canyon. We had a fantastic stay at Bryce Zion Campground, which offers RV, tent, and cabin camping. They have a small store, clean showers, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Fees range from $42- $65 a night, and the campground is pet friendly.
If you're willing to spend more, there are several hotel options close to the park and in Springdale. Be prepared to spend $300 or more per night, and make reservations in advance. A luxury option is Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens, a mid-range option is the Holiday Inn Express, and a budget option is the Howard Johnson Inn & Suites.
Costs and Fees
Entrance fees: The entrance fee is $25 per vehicle (read: not per person). If you plan on visiting multiple parks, we recommend buying the America the Beautiful annual park pass for just $80. If you visit just 3 parks in the year it pays for itself, and you're able to visit unlimited parks and re-enter as many times as you want.
Camping fees: Fees will vary depending on where you stay. Our campground at Bryce Zion Campground was $42/night. Camping inside the park can range from $10/night to $50/night depending on the season and size of your group. Staying at a hotel can cost upwards of $300/night. You have a chance of getting lower rates if you book far in advance.
Tips and Tricks
Utilize the National Park website to get the latest updates and help plan your visit.
Bring in any food and water you want. While Zion has plenty of options and stores within the park, it's always good to be prepared.
Plan for extreme weather. Zion can easily exceed 100°F in the summer, and drop to about 60°F at night. The spring and the fall have more moderate temperatures between 60°F and 90°F during the day on average. Temperatures can fall below 40°F at night, so bring layers and plan ahead. You can visit Zion in the winter, just plan for ice and snow.
Leave everything better than you found it. Clean up after yourself your pets, and follow the Leave No Trace principle.
Zion National Park is truly spectacular. Plan your visit and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
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