Plan the Perfect Trip to Zion National Park with These 12 Tips

Zion National Park is one of those once-in-a-lifetime places you have to experience. With stunning hikes, waterfalls, plants, and wildlife, Zion provides something different for every adventurer.

The diverse topography of Zion draws over 5 million visitors a year, making it the second-most visited national park in the country. It's also at the intersection of three major ecosystems: the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin.

We scoped out some of the best tips for visiting Zion, honing in on ways to make your trip more efficient and enjoyable. Here are 12 tips to make the most of your visit to Zion National Park.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

From December to March, you can drive through the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and experience beautiful lookout spots and iconic hiking trails. What about the rest of the year, you ask? From March through late November, the Scenic Drive is only available via shuttle buses.

Another option is to rent bikes or e-bikes and go through the drive at your own pace. That way, you can really take in all of the stunning, picturesque views.

Parking

Since cars are only allowed to drive through the park during limited months of the year, it’s important to do your research and decide if it’s even worth bringing your car to Zion. It’s also important to check if certain lots are closed for construction or repairs.

If you plan on lodging in the park, special permits are available for overnight guests. Just make sure to do your research beforehand to avoid any inconveniences that could delay your trip.

Zion Shuttle

The Zion Canyon Shuttle System is arguably the most convenient way to get around the park. Two shuttle lines are free for all visitors and make stops every 15 minutes or 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the line.

The shuttle can take you to all of Zion's major spots, including trailheads for hikes to Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, West Rim Trail, and the Narrows. Take it from us: Don't miss the last shuttle of the day, or you’ll have to hike nine miles back to Zion Canyon Visitor Center! Ouch.

Plan for Weather

Since there are so many different ecosystems within Zion National Park, the weather and temperature can greatly vary by elevation and the area. July through September is the rainy season, so prepare accordingly.

Extra socks, waterproof shoes, and a rain jacket will help you avoid getting wet and being uncomfortable during your hikes. You'll also be limited to where you can trek, as areas like the slot canyons are very dangerous if it's raining or has rained recently.

Start Early

There is truly so much to see and do in Zion, which is why it’s best to start bright and early. Since the park is open 24 hours a day, that's easy to do. That said, several areas have opening and closing times, such as the visitor's center.

Some trails can take hours to complete, so it’s best to start as early as you can so you can see as much of the park as possible. Starting early can also help to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.

Plan Accordingly

Plan, plan, plan. You can never do enough planning when it comes to exploring Zion, as you don't want to waste your precious time there getting a feel for the lay of the land.

It’s best to be prepared for anything that could put a wrench in your trip beforehand rather than have it cut your time short. The Tour of Zion App is a great way to learn about the park’s history while on your trip, and the Greater Zion App is a useful tool for you overall.

Rent Gear

By renting what you need, you can avoid spending hundreds of dollars on hiking or climbing gear, especially as a first-timer. You can rent essentials like quick-drying clothes, hiking boots, and backpacks.

Renting equipment in the Zion area is also a great idea because professionals can recommend the gear you’ll want depending on your hiking plans and the time of year you visit. Some of the trails require walking through uneven terrain or crossing through bodies of water, so be sure to let your rental gear company know where you plan on trekking.

Take a Walking Stick

A walking stick can help you navigate the various terrains you'll encounter at Zion. Some hikes, like The Narrows, require maneuvering through water and slippery territory, so a walking stick can help you keep your balance.

Collapsible walking poles are a great walking tool because you can easily store them in your backpack when you don't need them. Just be sure whatever walking stick you choose is sturdy and light so it doesn’t slow you down.

Expect Crowds

The golden rule of thumb at Zion National Park is the later in the day it is, the more crowded the park gets. Starting early will help you avoid some of the crowds, but some of the more popular trails can still get jammed up with people.

The Narrows is one of the most popular trails in Zion. It's also the narrowest. This means that in some areas, less experienced hikers will move through the area slowly. So, expect to wait a bit before getting through.

Lodging

Zion Lodge is one of the most historic places in the park. It’s also the only place that offers food options.

The lodge has 76 hotel rooms, six suites, and 40 historic cabins. However, it's commonly booked full, so make your reservation as far in advance as possible. There are also three campgrounds in the park, but they, too, are usually booked up in advance year-round.

Dining

The two dining options in the park are The Red Rock Grill and Castle Dome Cafe, which are both inside Zion Lodge. The Castle Dome Cafe offers casual snacks and breakfast options.

If you’re looking for a more elevated sit-down meal, Red Rock Grill is open all year long for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant also has stunning views of the park’s stone walls and canyon.

Top Trails

Some of the most popular hiking trails in Zion are Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, The Watchman, Emerald Pools, Pa'rus Trail, and Canyon Overlook Trail.

Angel’s Landing is at the top of most people’s lists who come to Zion. The narrow trail cut along solid rock leads to the top of a 1,488-foot tall rock formation that provides panoramic views of the park. Be sure to investigate how much time it takes to hike the trails you want to visit — and the amount of time it takes to travel between them — so you see all the places you want to during your trip to Zion.