THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ZION NATIONAL PARK

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion National Park is likely the first of the Utah National Parks you’ll venture in, as it’s only a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, the major airport in the area. As our gateway to the Utah National Parks System, Zion was full of unique terrain, stunning views, and some of the best (and most unique) hikes we had on our trip. Be sure to not miss out on it on your trip to Utah.

Checking out other parks in the area as well? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Utah here as well as My Favorite Hikes in Utah here.

Zion National Park, about 2.5 hours northeast of Las Vegas, was a beautiful introduction to the National Parks of Utah. Whether you’re hiking in knee-deep water or scaling the edge of a cliff and looking out at unbelievable views, there’s something in Zion for everyone.

Zion National Park is located just outside of Springdale, Utah, which is the main place to stay while exploring the park. There are a lot of awesome glamping opportunities near the park, Under Canvas being the crowd favorite that I’ve heard of so far. We sadly weren’t able to stay here since they book up quite early, so be sure to get your reservations in as soon as possible. Instead, we opted for Zion Canyon Lodge in Springdale, which was perfectly situated on the main road so we could easily catch the bus into the park.

I went in August…basically, just don’t go then. While there weren’t many crowds, the heat was so unbearable that I felt like I was focused on rationing water on most of my hikes rather than looking at the views. I’ve heard a great time to go is in the Fall once it’s cooled down or even in the dead of winter because snow looks beautiful on the arches.

Zion National Park is unique in that you can’t enter the park without taking a bus. While the bus only costs $1 and will drop you off at a handful of places throughout the park, reservations fill up early so you have to be sure to book in advance of your trip to secure a spot. Otherwise, you’ll waste a day in Springdale when you could have been exploring the park.

Oscar’s Cafe

Bit and Spur

Cafe Soleil

As you’ll quickly learn throughout your Utah travels, if you don’t wake up early for your hike, you honestly might not make it through it…(more on that later). If you, like we did, plan to arrive your first day in Zion after 8am, be sure to use that day to explore The Narrows. The Narrows is, as you can imagine, a narrow canyon of steep cliffs with a shallow river running through it. I’ve seen several rivers and streams in my day, but no one has ever suggested that I hike through them. Well, that’s exactly what you do in The Narrows.

The Narrows is about 16 miles roundtrip, but the views tend to get repetitive after a while. The rule of thumb is to make your way to Wall Street, which is a fork in the road about three miles up, and turn around soon thereafter.

If you’re hiking at any time besides the middle of summer in the heat of the day, try to bring some extra layers. Most of the route is shaded and you’re at least ankle-deep in water the entire time so the temperature dips a couple of dozen degrees below what your weather app may say.

The most famous hike of Zion, known as Angel’s Landing, has generated fame over the years for the last few hundred yards of the hike in which you are essentially scaling a cliffside and clutching to a chain railing to keep you up. Unfortunately, when we arrived the chain section was closed, so we were only able to do the completely safe portion of the hike. Regardless of what’s open or what your risk level is, I’d highly recommend the hike up to Angel’s Landing if for nothing other than the astonishing views from the top. As with all other hikes, aim to do this one early in the day, or most of the trail will emerge from the shade, making your trek that much more difficult.