When to visit Zion National Park?
You can visit Zion year-round, although winter is less preferable. Below is a breakdown of the weather in the reserve in the different season:
Spring (March-May): Springtime weather is changeable, although the sun shines during most days. Temperatures can vary greatly during the day – cold mornings, significant warming towards noon, and drastic cooling towards evening. You should wear several layers of clothing when hiking. March is the rainiest month of the year, and waterflow is at its peak. An impressive wildflower bloom covers the park in spring. While early season is still a bit cold, late spring is great time for camping.
Summer (June-September): Summers in the park are hot. Due the park’s high altitude the heat is usually tolerable, but can be intense during heat waves. Set out early in the morning if planning on doing long hikes. As other areas in the Southwest, and as part of the region’s monsoon season, afternoon thunderstorms are common, and can sometimes lead to flashfloods in the park’s canyons and rivers. Nights are pleasant, making summer a great season for camping in the park.
Autumn (October-November): Early autumn is a great season to hike and camp in the park. During autumn cooler and drier air penetrates the are, and fewer visiotors frequent the park, two significant advantages. Wonderful fall colors of the park’s poplar trees are a common sight during autumn.
Winter (December-February): The coldest season in the park, which may see snowstorms leading to road closures. Temperatures can drop well bellow freezing. While snow melts fast in the lower elevations, the park’s elevated areas can see significant snowpack during the season. Winter is too cold to camp in the park.
Location and arrival directions:
Salt Lake City and Las Vegas are the two closest major cities to the park, at a five hours and three hours drive away, respectively.
See map of Zion (yellow) with Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.
Where to Visit and for How Long:
Take Notice! As of 2022 the wonderful Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park requires a pre acquired permit to hike. Some slots open for the following day, but it is recommended to reserve your permit in advanced.
If your time is short, dedicate one full day (or two half days) to Zion, which you should spend in the Zion Canyon area. During this day, you can take the park’s shuttle service and stop at the Weeping Rock (where there is a short trail) and the Temple of Sinawava (where there is a short hike along the river, Riverside Walk). In addition include a longer hike on this day. If fond of hiking, hike the beautiful Angle Landing Trail (in the morning, before visiting the aforementioned spots). If less fond of hiking, go to the Lower Emerald Pools. If you have plenty of time, you should devote more than one day to the park: two days in the Zion Canyon area (where you should hike the Narrows Trail which goes through flowing water, go on a bike ride, go canyoneering or go on a river trip) and one day in the Kolob Canyons area (this day can include a hike to the Canyons themselves, the short trail to Timber Creek Overlook, and the Kolob Terrace Scenic Road. If intending to hike a long trail in the Kolob Canyons , add another day to this area). Whatever your plans are, be sure to include the drive from Zion Canyon east on Highway 9. A must visit scenic drive (in the higher elevations of the park – on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park). Canyon Overlook is a recommended trail to stop and hike on this drive (no parking fo RVs).
Kolob Canyons (red), Kolob Terrace (blue), Zion Canyon (black), Highway 9 (pink):
Road opening schedule and shuttles:
The park’s roads are passable to all vehicle types. You should carry snow chains with you during winter, and apply them during and after snowstorms. Kolob Terrace road is closed in winter. RVs must be escorted through the Mount Carmel Tunnel (Highway 9) as the tunnel lanes are too narrow to fit large vehicles in both directions. Driving the tunnel with an RVs require a fee to be paid at the park’s entrance.
Two shuttle lines operate in the park (daily from March to November and during the holiday season in December, weekends during February) one from the town of Springdale to the visitors center and another from the visitors center to Zion Canyon. You can reach the visitors center with your private vehicle but parking is hard to find. The shuttles star operating at 6:00 am (summer months) or 7:00 am (other months). You should ask for an up-to-date schedule at the park’s entrance or at the visitor center.
During seasons in which the shuttle service is operating, the road to Zion Canyon (Zion Canyon Scenic Road) is closed to private vehicles (unless staying at the Zion Lodge, in that case you can drive up to the lodge).
Lodging and Camping in Zion National Park:
Click here for our list of recommended hotels in Springdale .
Lodging – Visitors to Zion, and especially those visiting Zion Canyon, can stay at the Zion Lodge (but it is difficult to get a reservation) or at one of the many hotels in the nice town of Springdale, near the park’s southern entrance. Visitors to the Kolob Canyons area can stay in Hurricane or Cedar City.
Camping – There are two campgrounds in the Zion Canyon area, Watchman Campground (open year-round), and South Campground (closed in winter). Lava Point Campground is located in the Kolob Canyons area. Several private campgrounds are located in Springdale and near Kolob Canyons.
For a map of Zion National Park click here.
For more destinations in the American Southwest click here.
For all 50 national parks in the Lower 48 ranked by beauty click here.
See here some Zion activities suggestions:
Zion Canyon as seen from the wonderful Angles Landing Trail
The towering Court of the Patriarchs cliffs, as seen from one of the shuttle stops
Bighorn Sheep in the park (photo by Yuval Degany)
The views near Kolob Canyons
