Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and also one of the most visited. Millions of individuals explore this park every single year and if you are searching for the best national park to visit in Utah, despite the crowd, Zion must be on your bucket list. However, to ensure your trip to one of the best parks in Utah is enjoyable, make sure you know these nine things first:
- It’s hot in the summer.
Zion National Park/Facebook Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and summer temperatures can reach as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit from May through September. Plan accordingly and make sure to bring plenty of water.
- Zion National Park is crowded. Very, very crowded.
Zion National Park/Facebook More than 5 million people visited this national park in 2021, and the influx of visitors doesn’t seem to be diminishing. Be prepared to share the hiking trails, scenic vistas, and gift shops with plenty of other people.
- The best way to get around is on the shuttle buses.
Zion National Park/Facebook Parking spots inside the park are tricky to find, and from March through November, some areas of the park are closed to private vehicles. For the most stress-free experience, park in the nearby town of Springdale and take the free shuttle to the park. The shuttle makes its way around nine different stops inside the park, and another nine stops around the town of Springdale.
- You’ll need permits for some of the trails here.
andy porter/flickr While most of Zion National Park’s trails are easily accessible, you’ll need a permit to hike The Narrows from the top down, and one for The Subway. You’ll also need a permit if you plan on backpacking into the park and sleeping overnight during your journey.
- Your rig might not fit through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Zion National Park/Facebook The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was a feat of engineering when it was completed in 1930. Today, the National Park Service controls the flow of traffic through the tunnel. Large vehicles must pay an additional $15 at the entrance in order to pass through and vehicles taller than 13 feet or over 40 feet long are not allowed through at all.
- The right gear makes a difference.
Zion National Park/Facebook Many of Zion’s trails are steep and narrow. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear with good tread. This is no place for flip-flops! The weather at the park can be highly unpredictable and storms roll in fast, so dress in layers and have a jacket handy.
- Park rangers are your best friends.
Zion National Park/Facebook Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center when you first arrive. Rangers will give you all the latest information about conditions in the park and you can pick up a schedule of free, fascinating ranger-led presentations.
- It really is as gorgeous as it looks in photographs.
Zion National Park/Facebook Sure, the place is crowded and hot … but boy, is it beautiful! All of those photos you’ve seen of Zion National Park are pretty accurate — this place is pure paradise.
- It’s just as beautiful at night!
Zion National Park/Facebook At the end of a long day of exploration, linger outside a little longer before turning in. The night skies are full of stars and they’re simply stunning.
Are you looking for a national park to visit in Utah? Have you visited Zion National Park before? What other tips and tricks do you have for our readers? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Zion National Park/Facebook
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and summer temperatures can reach as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit from May through September. Plan accordingly and make sure to bring plenty of water.
More than 5 million people visited this national park in 2021, and the influx of visitors doesn’t seem to be diminishing. Be prepared to share the hiking trails, scenic vistas, and gift shops with plenty of other people.
Parking spots inside the park are tricky to find, and from March through November, some areas of the park are closed to private vehicles. For the most stress-free experience, park in the nearby town of Springdale and take the free shuttle to the park. The shuttle makes its way around nine different stops inside the park, and another nine stops around the town of Springdale.
andy porter/flickr
While most of Zion National Park’s trails are easily accessible, you’ll need a permit to hike The Narrows from the top down, and one for The Subway. You’ll also need a permit if you plan on backpacking into the park and sleeping overnight during your journey.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was a feat of engineering when it was completed in 1930. Today, the National Park Service controls the flow of traffic through the tunnel. Large vehicles must pay an additional $15 at the entrance in order to pass through and vehicles taller than 13 feet or over 40 feet long are not allowed through at all.
Many of Zion’s trails are steep and narrow. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear with good tread. This is no place for flip-flops! The weather at the park can be highly unpredictable and storms roll in fast, so dress in layers and have a jacket handy.
Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center when you first arrive. Rangers will give you all the latest information about conditions in the park and you can pick up a schedule of free, fascinating ranger-led presentations.
Sure, the place is crowded and hot … but boy, is it beautiful! All of those photos you’ve seen of Zion National Park are pretty accurate — this place is pure paradise.
At the end of a long day of exploration, linger outside a little longer before turning in. The night skies are full of stars and they’re simply stunning.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In Utah February 23, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best parks in Utah to visit? We may be a little biased, but we firmly believe that you will find the best parks in Utah. With five of the most crowded national parks in the country and dozens of state parks, there are some incredible places to visit. When searching for a national park to visit in Utah, consider Canyonlands. This national park is home to red rocks, arches, and the most incredible canyons. Plus, you will find some of the best hiking trails in Utah within this national park. It is hard to narrow down the best state parks in Utah as there are many. However, Dead Horse Point State Park must be near the top of the list. This unique state park is home to one of the most photographed overlooks in the Beehive State, and it is where you will capture stunning views of the Colorado River. This is also an International Dark Sky Park and is home to the most breathtaking night sky views in Utah. What are some things to do outside in southern Utah? There are many incredible things to do outside in Utah, particularly in southern Utah. While this area of the state is where you will find Zion National Park, there are also many other attractions that you will not want to miss. One of the best hiking trails in Utah is found in southern Utah, just outside of Cedar City. The Red Hollow Trail is a quiet and beautiful trail that will take you through red rocks and to beautiful views. You may also want to check out Monument Valley, which is one of the best family vacation destinations in Utah. During your visit to this established tribal park, you can view petroglyphs, go on a hike, and take beautiful photos of rock formations.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In Utah
February 23, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best parks in Utah to visit? We may be a little biased, but we firmly believe that you will find the best parks in Utah. With five of the most crowded national parks in the country and dozens of state parks, there are some incredible places to visit. When searching for a national park to visit in Utah, consider Canyonlands. This national park is home to red rocks, arches, and the most incredible canyons. Plus, you will find some of the best hiking trails in Utah within this national park. It is hard to narrow down the best state parks in Utah as there are many. However, Dead Horse Point State Park must be near the top of the list. This unique state park is home to one of the most photographed overlooks in the Beehive State, and it is where you will capture stunning views of the Colorado River. This is also an International Dark Sky Park and is home to the most breathtaking night sky views in Utah. What are some things to do outside in southern Utah? There are many incredible things to do outside in Utah, particularly in southern Utah. While this area of the state is where you will find Zion National Park, there are also many other attractions that you will not want to miss. One of the best hiking trails in Utah is found in southern Utah, just outside of Cedar City. The Red Hollow Trail is a quiet and beautiful trail that will take you through red rocks and to beautiful views. You may also want to check out Monument Valley, which is one of the best family vacation destinations in Utah. During your visit to this established tribal park, you can view petroglyphs, go on a hike, and take beautiful photos of rock formations.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We may be a little biased, but we firmly believe that you will find the best parks in Utah. With five of the most crowded national parks in the country and dozens of state parks, there are some incredible places to visit. When searching for a national park to visit in Utah, consider Canyonlands. This national park is home to red rocks, arches, and the most incredible canyons. Plus, you will find some of the best hiking trails in Utah within this national park.
It is hard to narrow down the best state parks in Utah as there are many. However, Dead Horse Point State Park must be near the top of the list. This unique state park is home to one of the most photographed overlooks in the Beehive State, and it is where you will capture stunning views of the Colorado River. This is also an International Dark Sky Park and is home to the most breathtaking night sky views in Utah.
What are some things to do outside in southern Utah?
There are many incredible things to do outside in Utah, particularly in southern Utah. While this area of the state is where you will find Zion National Park, there are also many other attractions that you will not want to miss. One of the best hiking trails in Utah is found in southern Utah, just outside of Cedar City. The Red Hollow Trail is a quiet and beautiful trail that will take you through red rocks and to beautiful views.
You may also want to check out Monument Valley, which is one of the best family vacation destinations in Utah. During your visit to this established tribal park, you can view petroglyphs, go on a hike, and take beautiful photos of rock formations.
