Plan your dream trip to Zion with my tried and true Zion National Park Travel Tips and Tricks!
Then finish your planning your canyon vacation with these must-read tips for The Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Zion National Park Travel Tips
If you love wildlife, red rocks, and massive canyon walls, then it’s time to plan a trip to Zion National Park!
So just how amazing is Zion National Park? Let’s just say that I plan a trip to this best of the Utah mighty 5 national parks almost every year. There is always something new to explore, a fun new season to experience, and a favorite spot that needs to be visited once again.
So whether you brave Angel’s Landing, hike through the chilly water in the Narrows, or just want to enjoy the epic viewpoints that will take your breath away, here’s what you need to know before you go!
Use this Utah Zion National Park Travel Tips and Guide to catch all of the best this gorgeous national park has to offer…
Related: 101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets
Zion National Park is one of my families favorite places to visit.
We will drive up from Phoenix, and usually stay somewhere inexpensive in Kanab, Utah.
This way we can visit Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park, the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and explore different slot canyons.
The Zion Park Shuttle
When visiting Zion, you will ride a park shuttle that will drive you up through the canyon to different shuttle stops.
If visiting the park in the late spring or summer, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and water shoes so you can easily get wet and cool off!
Here are some of our top Zion National Park travel tips and favorite spots you won’t want to miss:
The Narrows
This is my family’s favorite part of Zion.
We have walked up through the Narrows in late summer and also in October. You start by walking a mile long paved trail that begins at the final park shuttle stop: Temple of Sinawava.
If you are feeling adventurous, in late summer and fall you can continue beyond the paved trail. By this time, the Virgin River levels will usually be low enough to walk in and along. Be sure to check the weather for water levels, and flash flood warning.
Don’t forget to take some sturdy water shoes and a walking stick! You will be walking in and through the water, but if you can bring a camera, the views are absolutely breathtaking!
Checkerboard Mesa
Driving on the East park road, all you need to do to enjoy this view is… Stop The Car!!
You won’t be playing any checkers here, but the unusual 900 foot tall white rock that looks like a checkerboard makes for a fun stop!
Canyon Overlook
If you want a view overlooking the canyon without climbing to the top of Angels’ Landing, this is for you!
This winding little 1 mile trail will take you through a large open cave and right to the tip top cliff edge of the canyon.
Hang on to that rail!!! The trail starts right at the East entrance to the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, which is always a highlight of driving through the park! Don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes!
Weeping Rock
Look up and you will have water dripping on you that took over 1,000 years to filter through rocks.
If you go in the summer and its hot outside, you might just want some of that water to drip down on you!
Lower and Upper Emerald Pools
There is something special about the combination of thousand foot tall cliffs, waterfalls, pools of cool water, and lush green vegetation.
The Emerald Pools are a refreshing place to stop and relax for awhile.
Angels Landing
If you are a thrill seeker and don’t mind a bit of a climb (Walter’s Wiggles), this is probably one of the most thrilling hikes you can imagine!
Did I mention holding onto chains while walking along a narrow trail with thousand foot drop offs?
This is the place to get the best views, both up and down the canyon… or just straight down! Just make sure to plan ahead and make a reservation. This is a very popular trail!
Walters Wiggles on the way to Angel’s Landing
Chains for your walk out to Angel’s Landing – hold on!
Angel’s Landing view looking up the canyon
View straight down to the park road and Virgin river from Angel’s Landing
Angel’s Landing looking to the South and the park entrance
Hidden Canyon
If you like the description of Angels Landing, this is more of the same.
A slot canyon at the top of the canyon, and so worth the climb!
The trail head for Hidden Canyon is even at the same bus stop as Angel’s Landing.
East Zion National Park
This part of the park is absolutely breathtaking at sunrise and sunset and is also a great place for wildlife viewing at these times.
Zion National Park Camping Tips
If you plan to camp when visiting Zion, I have two campgrounds to recommend that are worth checking out.
South Campground
The South Campground is located immediately inside the south entrance to Zion Canyon National Park. This is a reservations only campground with 117 sites for both RV and tent camping available.
What I liked most about this campground was the close proximity to both the visitor center and the main shuttle stop. You don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot when you camp at the South Campground.
Simply leave your vehicle at your campsite. Then walk a very short distance to the shuttle stop where you can catch a shuttle ride up into the canyon to kick off your canyon adventures.
Red Cliffs Campground
It’s worth the short 35 mile drive west from Zion to the Red Cliffs Campground. The Red Cliffs Campground is located on the west side of I-15, just north of St. George.
My family loved that this was a smaller campground with just 10 sites. It was so quiet and peaceful, and and the display of stars at night was breathtaking!
We truly loved staying here.
Now… make sure your camping trip to Zion is as epic as the canyon itself with some help from these tried and true tips:
201 Camping Tips and Tricks
61 Easy Camping Menu Tips
125 Easy RV Recipes
Where To Stay Near Zion National Park
Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation?
It’s so much easier than you think! Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…
75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know
In addition to camping and hotels, be sure to also check out VRBO for lodging on your trip to Zion. There are so many vacation rentals listed by owner in the small towns all around the park.
I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO rentals, and loved every one. Not only were they significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came with a full kitchen. One even had in-room laundry!
Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO? These little known hacks will save you SO much money! Check this out…
How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO
How To Visit Zion On A Budget
So You’re Planning a Trip to Zion?
To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘Zion Trip Fund’.
Need to increase your travel fund stash? One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…
27 Side Hustles Ideas
Discounted and FREE Zion National Park Passes
The Zion National Park entrance fees can really add up, so be sure to take advantage of these easy ways to save on your Park Entrance Fees.
So make sure you know these 6 ways to score yourself Discounted and Free National Park Passes to your favorite national parks.
I’ve even included tips for how you can score FREE National Park Passes for 4th Graders, Veterans and Disabled!
#1: Visit Zion on Free National Park Entrance Days
The easiest way to save money on national park entrance fees is to simply visit when it’s FREE!
Did you know that the National Park Service offers up to 6 Free Entrance Days each year?
#2: Buy the American The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass
If you plan on visiting any national park (or parks) for 3 days or more in the same year, it will almost always save you money when you buy the America The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass for $80.
This pass will give you unlimited access to most national parks for 1 year.
I buy the annual pass for my family almost every year. In addition to using the pass to explore new parks for the first time. We also love to use it to visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and Saguaro National Park as often as possible.
#3: Get The Lifetime Senior Pass
If you are 62 years or older, the savings get even better. You can buy a Lifetime Senior Pass for just $80!
#4: Your 4th Graders Can Visit National Parks, including Zion National Park, for FREE!
Don’t forget about your 4th grader!
If you have a 4th grader or know someone that does, make sure to have them sign up to receive their Free National Park Pass for 4th Graders! (valid for school or homeschool)
#5: Score a Free Military Pass for Active Duty, Reserve, Veterans and Gold Star Families
If you are a Veteran or a member of a Gold Star Family, you can sign up to receive a Free Interagency Annual Military Pass.
This pass will give you and up to 3 more occupants in your same car Free National Park Access!
Related: Military Discounts for Travel
#6: Get The Free National Park Access Pass!
If you have a permanent disability, or you know someone that does, be sure to take advantage of the Free Lifetime Access Pass!
More Ways To Save Money When Visiting Zion National Park
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More Fun and Frugal Southwest Vacation Ideas
Want to make the most of your trip to Zion National Park? Then try visiting some of the other amazing locations nearby.
You can never visit enough of the beautiful National Parks…
Bryce Canyon Travel Guide (16 Amazing Things to Do)
45 Grand Canyon Travel Tips
65 Sedona Travel Tips (Can’t Miss Spots)
32 Yosemite Travel Tips You Need to Try!
101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets
So… do you have some Zion National Park Travel Tips to share?
What are some of your favorite places to see, things to do, etc?
Leave a comment & share!
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Rachel Frampton says
My parents are planning to go on a vacation at the Zion national park, which is why we’re currently looking for a hotel near the place. Well, thank you for sharing here that people may ride a shuttle in going up to the canyon. I’ll also keep in mind to inform them about the importance of packing water shoes and a walking stick.
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Rachel… I hope your parents have a wonderful trip!
Taylor Hansen says
I liked that you said to bring a hiking backpack to store water and snacks in. My friends and I are planning on going to Zion this weekend to do some hiking and enjoy the weather. I’ll be sure to pack enough water since we will be walking and hiking a lot.
Heidi says
Yes… having plenty of water at Zion is so important – especially in the Summer. You won’t regret it! 🙂 Have a great trip, Taylor!
De baker says
We are not able to hike, but would like to drive and see as much as possible, is this possible.
We are going to rent a car ,where could we get a map sent to us, thanks for the nice article, can’t wait to go in the fall
Heidi says
Hi De,
Yes, this is an easy National Park to enjoy without hiking.
As this is a very popular park, there are buses that run up through the canyon with stops along the way. Simply get off along the way at each of the stops and you will be able to enjoy a large portion of the park without having to walk too much.
When you pay to enter the park, they provide a free map. ~ hope this helps, Heidi
Nash Rich says
I’ve only been to Zion National Park twice, and that’s when I was at a nearby college. It’s really fun though. We hiked Angels Landing, and though it looks intimidating at first, it’s not that bad. There’s no room for being rowdy though. I’ve always wanted to do the Subway there, but I’ve only ever been there in the spring, and the run-off was too strong. It’s a great place for natives and foreigners because it’s so unique!