What should I prepare for Zion?
DO wear hiking boots, shorts, and bring layers. While Zion’s temperatures climb into the 100s during summer, majority of the hike is shaded, so a light jacket helps for those starting in the morning. Be sure to pack plenty of water, lunch, and sunscreen, as well. DO bring a hiking stick or, ideally, a pair of poles.
What should I do first in Zion National Park?
Things to Do:
First-time visitors should start by riding the Zion shuttle from the Visitor Center. The shuttle buses take tourists up the main canyon, providing an audio tour introduction to the park and making several designated stops at scenic locations and trailheads.
Is Zion National Park good for beginners?
Zion is the fourth most visited national park in the United States and its known for its striking views, wide variety of trails from beginner to thrill seeking and makes for the perfect National Park vacation for groups, couples and families alike.
How many days do you need for Zion National Park?
We suggest you plan at least 5-7 days for your trip to Zion National Park. If you’re an avid hiker, take your time visiting popular (and strenuous) day hikes such as Angels Landing, Zion Narrows Day Hike, and Observation Point Trail. To avoid hunger and dehydration, pack plenty of water and snacks before you set out.
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- An Overview of Zion.
- Things to Know Before Visiting Zion. #1 Some Hiking Trails are Closed. #2 Toxic Cyanobacteria Bloom in the Virgin River. #3 You May Not Be Able to Hike the Narrows on Your Visit. #4 The Zion Shuttle. #5 You Must Have a Permit to Hike to Angels Landing.
- In Conclusion.
How early should I arrive at Zion?
What time should I get to Zion National Park? Plan to arrive at Zion National Park before 9:00 AM. Parking lots fill and shuttle lines get long by mid morning. From Spring to Fall, all visitors are required to take the shuttles from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
What to Wear to Zion National Park for Your Fall Visit
- Layer, Layer, Layer.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots are Always a Must.
- Skip the Cotton.
- Down Coats Make Great Transition Pieces.
- Always Bring Extra Socks.
- If You’re Hiking the Narrows, Bring a Change of Clothes.
- The Right Day Pack Can Make or Break a Trip.
What do you need for hiking Zion?
Pack shorts, t-shirts, plenty of sun protection, and a backpack with a bladder to carry at least 2 liters of water while hiking. At night, temperatures tend to fall into the low 60s. Summer is peak season in Zion so expect to share Zion’s most iconic spots with lots of other hikers.
What is the best month to go to Zion National Park?
The best time to visit Zion National Park is between the months of April and November when the park’s free shuttles are running and the weather is comfortable.
What to Do in Zion National Park (When You Only Have One Day!)
- Start with sunrise at Canyon Overlook.
- Park at the Visitor Center and ride the shuttle into the Zion Canyon along the main road, for an early morning hike.
- Have a late lunch in the nearby town of Springdale.
- Drive up to the Kolob Canyons for an afternoon hike.
Entrances to Zion
- The main entrance to Zion Canyon, the most popular place in the park, is through Springdale, Utah.
- The second most popular entrance is on the east side, on the Zion-Mt Carmel Road.
- Kolob Canyon is probably the third most popular entrance.
Personal Items
- Sunglasses.
- Sunglasses straps (optional)
- Water bottles (3) or hydration reservoirs (drink ½–1 qt. of fluid per hour)
- Sunscreen (high SPF; pack plenty and apply liberally)
- Lip balm.
- Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste.
- Biodegradable soap.
- Toilet paper.
Is one day in Zion enough?
One day is easily enough time to visit Zion National Park if you just want to get a taste for the park or if you’re not interested in hiking any of the major adventure trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows. We have personally visited Zion on two separate occasions and each time we stayed for 3 days.
7 of the best things to do in Zion National Park in one day
- Drive the Zion – Mount Carmel Highway.
- See the Checkerboard Mesa.
- Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail.
- Drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive aka Floor of the Valley Road.
- Hike the Riverside Walk.
- Hike the trail to Scout Lookout.
- Continue hiking part of the West Rim Trail.
What time does Zion parking lot fill up?
All parking lots in Zion Canyon are usually full by 9:00AM. Get an early start or plan on parking in the Town of Springdale and using the town shuttle to reach the park. If parking is full, do not wait for spots to open; park in Springdale and use the town shuttle to reach the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
How early should you get to the Zion shuttle?
Start as early as possible – make sure you are in line for the first shuttle out of the Visitor Center well in advance of 6:00 am. I recommend camping inside Zion at Watchman or South campground so you can start your day as early as possible.
How fast does parking fill up in Zion?
You must ride the free shuttle, bike, or walk beyond the Canyon Junction shuttle stop, about two miles beyond the Visitor Center. Zion Canyon has become so crowded that reservations may be required in the near future. Parking spaces are usually completely full by mid-morning at the lates.
What time can I enter Zion National Park?
Zion is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. This means that if you want to hike a trail at sunrise, you will be able to get in, and if you want to stargaze at 2 a.m., you’ll be able to get out.
What is the best time of day to go to Zion National Park?
Stay in the park until sunset or even after with a headlamp. Evenings in Zion are magical. The shuttles usually go as late as 9 pm and if you are on the east side of Zion you can explore in the dark as long as you like. Heading out first thing in the morning or later in the day is also a great way to beat the heat.
5 Tips to Avoid the Crowds in Zion National Park – Best Time to
- Hike as early as possible. Our guides have a saying–”an hour earlier, a mile farther”.
- Head to Kolob Canyons.
- Hike Observation Point.
- Go In Winter.
- Last: Embrace the humanity.
What time does the Zion parking lot fill up?
Weekends can be busier than weekdays but not always and not by much. All parking lots in Zion Canyon are usually full by 9:00AM. Get an early start or plan on parking in the Town of Springdale and using the town shuttle to reach the park.
Can you enter Zion National Park at night?
Is Zion National Park open at night? Zion is open 24/7, though car traffic may be limited at different times of the day or year as mentioned above. You can drive into certain parts of the park at any point during the night for stargazing.