Zion National Park: The Ultimate Guide
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Zion National Park: The Ultimate Guide
Always On PTO
Available for hire
Zion National Park is an all time favorite park for me and somewhere I go nearly every year. I think I'm so obsessed with it because it is so unique compared to every other national park and feels like a completely different world. The massive sandstone cliffs, the slot canyons, the hikes — it is unlike anywhere else I've ever been.
This guide covers the best hikes, places and restaurants to go to in Zion as well as some of the top spots to hit outside of the park in the surrounding towns. I've included a mix of must-see areas (despite being touristy) and some lesser-known hikes that are just as beautiful as the iconic ones.
This is a living map, meaning that every time I return to Zion and do something new (which is often), I'll add to it, and you'll get all of the updates automatically!
Destinations covered:
📍Zion National Park
📍La Verkin
📍Springdale
📍Hurricane
Recommendations included in the itinerary:
✔️Entrance information
✔️Shuttle information
✔️Where to stay and 6 accommodation recommendations
✔️5 hike recommendations with detailed information on permits and shuttles (if needed)
✔️5 restaurant recommendations
✔️3 places to see surrounding Zion National Park
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Entrances
There are actually three entrances into Zion National Park. Depending on where you want to go in the park and what you want to see, one may be better for your trip over the other.
South Entrance
@alwaysonpto
The South Entrance is by far the most popular entrance of Zion National Park, and the one I use the most whenever I visit. But because of that, is the most crowded. It is located nearly 4 hours away from Salt Lake City and is near the popular Utah town of Springdale, which has a ton of restaurants and hotels.
There is also a large Visitor Center at the South Entrance with bathrooms and a gift shop.
The South Entrance is also the home of the main launching point for the Zion Shuttles, which will take you into Zion Canyon, so if you don't have a car, don't worry! You can still easily enjoy Zion. In fact, for most of the year, personal vehicles cannot be driven up Zion Canyon which is the road that leads to a lot of the most popular hikes.
During peak season (summer) the line to get into the South Entrance is LONG! And sometimes it gets so packed they'll stop letting cars in altogether (it happened to me in May 2023). If you're visiting the park during peak season and want to ensure you'll get in, I recommend getting to the park first thing in the morning -- like 7AM at the latest!
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East Entrance (Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel)
@alwaysonpto
The East Entrance to Zion is about 5 hours away from Salt Lake City and the closest entrance to the town of Mt. Carmel. It is also the closest entrance/exit point if you're trying to visit Kanab, Utah and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
Though the East Entrance is a bit less crowded compared to South Entrance, it does get backed up so, once again, I recommend arriving as early as you can to avoid lines.
Note that there is no parking here, and no shuttle launch like there is at the South Entrance.
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Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
@alwaysonpto
Located in the Northwest corner of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyon is 40 miles north of Zion Canyon (about a 1-hour drive). It is a five-mile scenic drive, and is the least visited area of the park. It cannot be accessed from Zion Canyon, but only from a separate park entrance near Cedar City, Utah.
Though off-the-beaten path, the area is BEAUTIFUL and a great place to visit if you want to avoid crowds. There are plenty of hikes and stunning views to enjoy.
The Kolob Canyons Road is often closed during the winter months or whenever there is snow or ice, so I recommend you check to see if it is open prior to making your plans if you decide you want to access it.
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Zion Canyon Shuttle System Information
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Always On PTO
Available for hire
Hi there, welcome to my page!
Nearly 10 years ago, I packed up all of my belongings and moved across the US from my childhood home in Massachusetts to Los Angeles. I had no job, and no plan, but just enough ambition to try something new that got me out of my comfort zone.
It wasn't long after arriving in Los Angeles that I discovered my passion for traveling, adventure, and being outdoors. I've been exploring non-stop ever since and have been lucky enough to experience 7 countries, 25 states, and 15 National Parks. I'm an expert in west coast travel, having explored much of California, Arizona, and Utah.
I'm a hiker, camper, and love to explore off the beaten path, which you'll see reflected in all of my guides and itineraries. Because of my full-time job and limited PTO, I plan my travel ambitiously, often times driving or flying somewhere on a Friday after work for a weekend. I try to fit in seeing as much of a destination as I possibly can on my trips (even if that means sacrificing some sleep!).
I'm always thinking about my next adventure and am very excited to help you plan yours! I hope you're able to find some inspiration with my guides and itineraries, and discover a new place that you want to add to your bucket list.
Shop my guides, itineraries, and maps below ⬇
Looking for a customized itinerary?
📧stephanierebecc@gmail.com
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
22 places
22 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
1 link
1 link from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Hurricane, UT, USA
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Utah, USA
Zion National Park, Zion – Mount Carmel Highway, Springdale, UT, USA
Springdale, UT, USA
Sand Hollow State Park, Sand Hollow Road, Hurricane, UT, USA
Quail Creek State Park, 5300 West, Hurricane, UT, USA
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Adventure
Outdoors
Format
Map
Maps are simple lists of places often grouped by themes, categories or geos.
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