Zion is the most popular park in Utah. It is famous for towering red cliffs and iconic hikes. The Narrows is not your typical hike, as you are literally walking through a river. Angels Landing requires climbing up the narrow fin of a mountain using chains. If you aren’t afraid of heights, the views are stunning. And if big hikes aren’t your thing, there are plenty of short hikes and scenic drives.
But popular also means crowded.
In peak season, it can almost feel like a theme park. You stand in line for the shuttle, the bathroom, and the optimal spot at a lookout to take a photo.
This guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each season and pick the best dates for your trip.
If peak season is the only time you can travel, you can’t avoid the crowds, but I can still share some tips for the best ways to see and experience the beauty of Zion.
Executive Summary: The Quick Answer
If you want the short version, here it is.
- Best Overall Time: October and November. The weather is perfect, the cottonwood trees are bright yellow, and the crowds are smaller than in summer.
- Best for The Narrows: June through September. With the right gear, you can walk the Virgin River in the cold, but it’s much more comfortable when the water is warm. In spring and winter, you run the risk of the Narrows being closed if the water is too high.
- Worst Time for Crowds: Despite the heat, July and August in Zion are packed. You have to take a shuttle to much of the park, and if you are not at the shuttle stop very early, you might have to wait in a long line just to get on the shuttle bus.
- Best for Peace and Quiet: January and February. You can drive your own car into the main canyon. It is cold, but you will have the park to yourself.
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Understanding the Geography
Zion is split into two parts.
Zion Canyon. This is where everyone goes. It has the lodge, the Visitor Center, and the famous hikes like Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and the Narrows. You cannot drive here most of the year, but the park provides a free shuttle.
Kolob Canyons. This is the secret part. It is an hour north of the main canyon. It has huge red cliffs but surprisingly small crowds, and you can drive here year-round.
Many people try to see Zion as part of a Utah Mighty 5 road trip. If you do that, give Zion at least two days.
The Spring Season (March, April, and May)
Spring is beautiful, but it still has some downsides.
The Good. The waterfalls are flowing, making Emerald Pools a stunning hike. The desert flowers are blooming. The temperature is perfect for hiking, and you don’t have to rush to be off the trail before it gets insanely sweltering.
The Bad. The Virgin River is often closed. When the snow melts in the mountains, the water levels in the river can get high and fast. The park can close The Narrows hike for safety.
My Advice. If your primary goal is to hike The Narrows, don’t go in April. It may be closed. Go in late May instead. But there’s still plenty to see and do in Zion outside of the Narrows.
The Summer Season (June, July, and August)
This is the busy season.
The Good. Every trail is open. The Narrows is perfect because the air is hot (100 degrees) and the water is cool. The shuttle runs late, so you can stay in the park until dark.
The Bad. It is very hot and very crowded. You need to get to the visitor center early just to get a parking spot to take the shuttle. Hiking in the middle of the day isn’t pleasant.
My Advice. Hike and sightsee from 6 AM to 10 AM and then relax at your hotel pool. When the weather cools down, go back to the park for sunset.
The Fall Season (September, October, and November)
This is the sweet spot.
The Good. It’s warm, but not ungodly hot during the day. Hiking in 70 or 80 degrees is totally doable. The Narrows gets chillier, but it’s generally still open in September and October, and you can rent specialized bibs so you aren’t freezing in the water. The fall colors against the red rocks are stunning.
The Bad. There’s not much bad, other than it may be hard for families to travel in the fall. But that’s what makes it great if you can travel in the fall. Another minor downside is that the days get shorter.
My Advice. Go in mid-October. The mornings are crisp, but the afternoons are warm. It is perfect hiking weather and fewer crowds.
The Winter Season (December, January, and February)
This is for the adventurous.
The Good. No shuttles or lines! In January and February, you can drive your own car on the Scenic Drive and stop wherever you want.
The Bad. It is cold, and the trails can be icy. Some restaurants in the town of Springdale close for the season.
My Advice. As much as I love the Narrows, I personally wouldn’t want to hike it in the cold. If you hate crowds more than the cold, this is the time to do it. Just rent special boots and dry suits in town to stay safe and warm.
Where to Stay
You have two main choices.
Inside the Park (Zion Lodge) This is the only hotel inside the main canyon.
- Pros: You can walk to the trailheads. You can drive your car into the canyon even in summer.
- Cons: It can book up quickly, can be expensive, and you have limited food options.
Springdale (Outside the Entrance) This town is right at the gate. It is very cute and very easy to access the park from here.
- Pros: Tons of hotels and good food. The town shuttle takes you right to the park entrance. You can even walk to the park entrance from some of the closest hotels.
- Cons: You have the logistics of getting to the main parking lot early to get a spot, or taking two shuttles – the town shuttle to the park entrance and then the park shuttle to the various sites and hiking trails.
Hotels.com is a great place to find options in Springdale and the surrounding areas. For specific ideas, check out my full hotel guide and recommendations on where to stay for every type of traveler, from upscale to budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming the Shuttle is Always Easy. The shuttle line can be long and parking for the shuttle fills up. In peak season, lots can be filled as early as 7 AM.
2. Underestimating the Heat. Zion is a desert. To avoid dehydration and heatstroke, drink plenty of water. There are water refill stations throughout the park.
3. Ignoring Easier Hikes. Many people want to hike Angels Landing and the Narrows, but there are so many other amazing trails in Zion. Don’t miss the short and easy hikes like the Canyon Overlook Trail, Emerald Pools, and the Watchman.
4. Thinking You Can Drive Everywhere. You cannot drive in Zion Canyon from March to November. You must park your car in Springdale or at the Visitor Center and take the bus.
5. Missing the Off-Road Options. Off-road adventures can help you beat the crowds and enable you to see sights that most people miss. Jeep tours like this one have exclusive access to private lookouts. Or beat the sunset crowds and get off-road with a sunset jeep tour.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do I need a reservation to enter Zion? You do not need a reservation to enter the park, but you DO need a reservation (permit) to hike Angels Landing.
Is The Narrows safe for kids? Yes, in the summer. The bottom is rocky, so they need good shoes. Rent a specialized walking stick fron Zion Gurus or Zion Outfitters in Springdale to help them balance.
Can I see Zion in one day? Yes, but more than one is definitely recommended, especially to take in some of the less crowded sites like Kolob Canyon. If you only have one day, take the shuttle to the end (Temple of Sinawava), walk the Riverside Walk, then go to Zion Lodge for lunch and finish with the Emerald Pools hike.
Stop Researching and Start Dreaming
Zion is one of my favorite places. Standing at the bottom of the canyon looking up at the towering walls makes you appreciate the magnitude of nature in a new way.
But the logistics of the shuttle system, parking, and permits can be stressful and overwhelming. hard.
I can build a custom itinerary and help you map out your days in a way that minimizes crowds. And saves you hours and hours of research. All you have to do is get off the plane and follow the plan.
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