Why Go to Zion National Park
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Zion National Park takes its name from a Hebrew word for refuge, and its towering red and cream sandstone cliffs make it one of the most spectacular parks in the country. In Utah's southwest corner, it's also one of the most visited, welcoming millions of travelers each year.
Ride the park shuttle through Zion Canyon, where massive cliffs rise thousands of feet above the Virgin River. Hike The Narrows, wading upstream through a slot canyon with walls towering overhead, and for an unforgettable challenge, climb Angels Landing, a dramatic trail along a narrow ridge that requires a permit through a lottery. Easier walks lead to the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk, and the Canyon Overlook Trail offers big views for little effort. After dark, the clear skies put on a dazzling show of stars.
Zion is about 166 miles from Las Vegas and 308 miles from Salt Lake City, and the gateway town of Springdale has great lodging and restaurants. I'll plan your stay, shuttle timing and Angels Landing permit, and pair Zion with Bryce Canyon and Utah's other national parks.
BEST FOR
Hikers, photographers, nature lovers and national-park road-trippers
BEST MONTHS
April to May and September to October
EXPLORE
Springdale is the main gateway to Zion Canyon; the east entrance connects to scenic drives; Kolob Canyons is a separate northwest park area.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Zion National Park
North America › Southwest › USA › Utah
Towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools and the legendary Narrows in Utah's canyon country.
Desert & Arid
Hiking
Canyons
Adventure
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Catch the first shuttle of the morning into Zion Canyon to beat the crowds and the heat on the most popular trails.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Ride the shuttle to the end of the line, then hop off at stops on the way back.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
The park's main road winds through Zion Canyon past towering cliffs, and it's served by a free shuttle for most of the year.
A perfect family walk, and the starting point for the Narrows.
Riverside Walk
An easy, paved trail along the Virgin River to the start of the Narrows.
Hike to the Upper Pool for the best views.
Emerald Pools Trails
A series of trails leading to pools and waterfalls beneath towering cliffs.
Rent canyoneering shoes and a walking stick in Springdale, and check the flash flood forecast.
The Narrows
Wade up the Virgin River through a slot canyon with walls rising hundreds of feet on either side.
A permit is required through a lottery; apply well in advance or try the day-before lottery.
Angels Landing
A thrilling climb along a narrow ridge with chains and sheer drop-offs, ending with sweeping views.
A modern lodge right at the park entrance in Springdale, steps from the visitor center.
Cable Mountain Lodge
Springdale / South Entrance
Hotel Tags
A riverside resort in Springdale with lush gardens, pools and views of the canyon.
Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
Springdale / Virgin River
Hotel Tags
A stylish inn on the Virgin River in Springdale, with spacious rooms and pools.
Desert Pearl Inn
Springdale
Hotel Tags
The only lodging inside Zion Canyon, with cabins and rooms surrounded by red rock cliffs.
Zion Lodge
Inside Zion National Park
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel in Springdale with mountain views and easy shuttle access.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park
Springdale
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Zion National Park
High 63°F · Low 37°F · Rain 1.4 in
Fall colors peak in early November, with cool days and fewer crowds.
The best times to visit Zion are April through May and September through October, when the weather is mild. Summer is extremely hot, with monsoon storms and flash floods in July and August. Winter is quiet and cool, with occasional snow on the cliffs.
Best Times to Visit Zion National Park
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Springdale is home to a variety of restaurants, from casual cafés and pizza spots to farm-to-table dining with red rock views.
- In the park: Zion Lodge has a restaurant and café.
- In Springdale: Enjoy dinner on a patio with canyon views after a day of hiking.
- Must-try: A post-hike burger and ice cream in Springdale.
06
Walking
Springdale is walkable, and many trailheads are steps from the shuttle stops.
05
Biking
E-bike rentals in Springdale are popular, and bikes are allowed on the Scenic Drive and Pa'rus Trail.
04
Driving
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway crosses the park's east side through a historic tunnel. Starting June 7, 2026, oversized vehicles are no longer allowed on this route.
03
Springdale Shuttle
A free shuttle connects Springdale hotels with the park entrance.
02
Zion Canyon Shuttle
Private vehicles aren't allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year; the free shuttle stops at all major trailheads.
01
Flying In
St. George Regional (SGU) is about an hour away. Las Vegas (LAS) is about 2.5 hours away, and Salt Lake City (SLC) about 4.5 hours.
Most visitors fly into St. George or Las Vegas and drive to Springdale. Once there, the free shuttles make it easy to explore Zion Canyon without a car. Plan ahead for parking, which fills quickly.
Getting Around Zion
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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