Zion National Park is one of the very few places in the world that have stuck with me. It’s an absolutely stunning location, the views are breathtaking and the hiking trails are just perfect. I was thrilled when we got to visit it again with my family! It’s great to be back amongst the towering red rocks and rushing waterfalls.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable natural experience, Zion is definitely worth a visit!
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how you can plan your trip to ZNP soonest! Let’s start with the most basic detail, what’s the best time to visit this gem of a place.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
We visited Zion in November and weren’t disappointed at all. All the trails were open and accessible, and the weather was perfect for hiking and camping.
The summer months are hot favorites, the only drawback is you will have to deal with crowds. As for the temperature, when we visited in May a few years ago, at night, the climate was dry but cools down quite a bit. The average temperature was a high of 79 and a low of 43 degrees F.
How to get to Zion National Park?
To reach Zion National Park, you can take a flight to Las Vegas and then hire a car for rent. You can then drive from Vegas to ZNP which is a 2.5-hour drive. The stunning drive I must say is a cherry on top!
It zooms through the barren Nevada desert to soaring cliffs on either side to the gorgeous canyons and then finally into the mesmerizing beauty of Zion. The landscape is enthralling. The flora and fauna are rich. Picture your car running through a grove of lush green trees wrapped with woody rugged mountains and emerald, blue water flowing amidst.
Campground, Lodge and Shuttle Service at ZNP
The greatest features of Zion are the majestic campground, lodge area, and a FREE shuttle to take you anywhere you wish to go!
Campsite: South Campground. It was well maintained and comes with clean bathrooms. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is the perfect place to hang out/relax when you are not exploring.
Lodge Area: Just ahead of the campsite, there is a lodge area that has numerous lodging options, from lodges to hotels to bed and breakfasts, convenience stores, cute cafes and eateries, gear rental stores, laundry mat and showers which was just $5 for a 5-minute hot shower. It was all the comfort you need after an extensive hiking day. After a day of adventure, head out to Zion Pizza & Noodle Co for pizza and a pint for the perfect ending or sit by the campfire and enjoy a hot meal.
Shuttle: ZNP has a FREE shuttle service that runs through all sights and trails inside ZNP. The shuttles run from the Visitor’s Center up the Scenic Drive to destinations like the Zion Lodge and many trailheads. And the frequency is awesome. You will get one every 10 mins.
What should you not miss at Zion National Park?
The best attractions and hikes are The Narrows, Angels Landing and Canyon Overlook.
This is the view from the Canyon Outlook Trial, it’s a 1-mile round trip but steep. My 78 yr old grandma made it so it’s not too bad!
The most popular hike in Zion is The Narrows. It was a 10-mile hike in the stream bed of the Virgin River. It takes about 2 hours to reach the famous “Wall Street” where the canyon narrows so much you can almost touch each side.
Pro tip: Carry along your waterproof hiking shoes. The water gets cold and high in the course, but the views are breathtaking.
Angels Landing: You just can’t miss the most thrilling hike in Zion. If you are a Braveheart, this is for you! It’s a strenuous 5-mile hike, a tad bit scary but trust me, WORTH EVERY BIT. Adrenaline Rush for sure.
Hidden Canyon Overlook Trail: Canyon Overlook is a beautiful trailhead for beginners that takes you to a 2200 ft view above the canyon floor. You get a stunning view of the “Great Arch”.
I have so much love for this National Park and I think everyone should visit at least once! Go experience the beauty of this place. Be prepared to be mesmerized and bring back loads of memories. Remember to travel light and responsibly!
Have you ever been to Zion National Park? What was your favorite part?
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