For almost a century, tales of Zion National Park's massive Navajo sandstone fins rising from the Virgin River like rusty red skyscrapers have made the park a must-see for anyone passing through or passing via Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, or Los Angeles. After being designated as Mukuntuweap National Monument by President Taft in 1909, Congress changed the park's name to Zion in 1919.
These days, Zion National Park is consistently among the most popular in the National Park Service. Zion's 15-mile-long main canyon is a popular tourist attraction, and as is frequently the case in picturesque sites, it may seem crowded with iPhone-wielding tourists.
When to Visit Zion National Park
As a top-notch shoulder-season park, Zion is at its finest in the early and late seasons, when temperatures are milder, crowds are smaller, wildflowers are in bloom, and the majority of the region's greatest hiking trails and rock climbing routes are open.
Snow can persist into April, and early-season storms are conceivable in October and November, so it's important to keep an eye on the forecast before heading into high-altitude zones during the shoulder seasons. Furthermore, Zion National Park has the highest number of visits throughout the summer.
That's not too unexpected, considering summer is a great season to take a weeklong road trip across Utah to see the state's numerous natural beauties, as kids are out of school and trails in higher elevations are clear of snow.
A Guide to Getting to Zion National Park
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is the principal airport nearest Zion National Park and is located 167 miles from the park's entrance. The modest St. George, Utah airport serves as a regional hub for Delta, American, and United and is located only 47 miles from the park.
Either way, most tourists rent cars to cover the remaining distance and have more freedom to explore Zion's various attractions, lodging options, and dining establishments. Thus, it is typical to visit many national parks in one trip and several of Utah's finest state parks.
Zions National Park Attractions
Walks and Backpacking Trails
Besides viewing the canyon itself, the major activities that bring people to Zion National Park are hiking and backpacking. While a timed access ticket is required to walk popular routes like Angels Landing, there are many other picturesque paths amid vivid orange rock formations that visitors may jump on whenever they choose.
Located on the park's eastern edge, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a short but rewarding climb with stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities for photography. Hiking the La Verkin Creek Trail is a great way to get in some serious mileage and get away from the crowds in the main canyon.
Trips With A View
Zion Canyon Beautiful Drive is closed to private cars from December to February, although there are many more scenic drives through the area's signature striated cliffs and scrubby pinyon pines.
Visitors may take Highway 9 east of Zion's main canyon and loop around to Mt. Carmel Junction, passing beautiful tangerine plateaus and the distinctive, crosshatched texture of towering Checkerboard Mesa.
An hour north of Springdale, down a less-traveled route through Kolob Canyons, you will find another postcard-inspiring scene, this one of spectacular hiking paths and beautiful red crags.
Cycling
Due to the seasonal closure of Zion Canyon to private vehicles, many tourists choose to ride their bikes into the park. To meet this demand, several welcoming Zion bike rental companies have sprung up in the area.
Located in Springdale, Zion Cycles, but if you're looking for a rental within the park itself, the historic Zion Lodge has you covered. Note that bikes are permitted on park roads but are banned from trails other than the paved Pa'rus Trail.
Tours With Expert Guides
Due to Zion's popularity, there are many exceptional guided tours and day hikes catered to those who aren't comfortable venturing off into the desert wilderness on their own. Canyon Trail Rides, a local business with leading tourists for over 50 years, offers day tours for equestrians of all skill levels.
Basecamp and inn-based hiking trips offered by Wildland Trekking include daily meals and a hike over the sheer canyon walls of The Narrows. They are ideal for solo visitors looking for company and those staying in the area for more than a few days.
