National Park Guide

Zion National Park

Utah, US

Towering red cliffs and narrow slot canyons carved by the Virgin River through the heart of the Colorado Plateau.

147,242

Acres

Trails

1919

Established

4.69 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

$35 per vehicle

Nearest Airport

St. George Regional Airport (SGU), 1 hour

Best Months

March, April, May, September, October, November

Highlights

Hiking Angels Landing via Walter's Wiggles and the chain section
Wading through The Narrows in the Virgin River slot canyon
Emerald Pools trail to hanging gardens and waterfalls
Canyoneering through the Subway slot canyon
Canyon Overlook Trail for panoramic views of Zion Canyon
Observation Point for the highest vantage over the canyon

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Zion National Park

Angels Landing Trail

Strenuous

5.4 miles round trip

1,488 ft gain

The Narrows

Strenuous

9.4 miles round trip

334 ft gain

Observation Point Trail

Strenuous

8.0 miles round trip

2,148 ft gain

Emerald Pools Trail

Easy

2.2 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Canyon Overlook Trail

Easy

1.0 miles round trip

163 ft gain

About Zion National Park

Zion National Park features some of the most dramatic canyon scenery on Earth, with massive sandstone cliffs rising 2,000 feet above the Virgin River. The park's 229 square miles encompass deep canyons, hanging gardens, emerald pools, and the famous Narrows, where hikers wade through the river between thousand-foot walls. Angels Landing offers one of America's most thrilling ridge walks, with chain-assisted scrambles along knife-edge ridges.

In-Depth Guide

Zion National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Zion National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Utah.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

4 options near Zion National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Zion Lodge

$$$

The only lodging inside Zion Canyon, this historic lodge sits beneath towering sandstone walls near the Grotto trailhead. Cabin and suite options offer a rare chance to stay within the park after the shuttle stops running.

Inside park$250-400/night

Check on Hotels.com

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale

A modern all-suite hotel at the doorstep of Zion's south entrance in Springdale, offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes and a rooftop terrace with views of the Watchman and the Towers of the Virgin.

0.5 miles from South Entrance$200-350/night

Check on Hotels.com

Cable Mountain Lodge

A boutique lodge in Springdale offering well-appointed rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the Virgin River and Zion's canyon walls. Steps from the park shuttle and Springdale dining.

0.3 miles from South Entrance$190-330/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Zion National Park

See how Zion National Park stacks up against other national parks

Zion National Park vs Bryce Canyon National Park

Choose Zion for adventure hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Choose Bryce Canyon for otherworldly hoodoo landscapes and stargazing with far fewer crowds.

See full comparison

Zion National Park vs Grand Canyon National Park

Choose Zion for immersive canyon hikes and adventure trails. Choose Grand Canyon for awe-inspiring scale and one of the most iconic vistas on the planet.

See full comparison

Zion National Park vs Yosemite National Park

Choose Yosemite for granite cliffs, waterfalls, and high-country meadows. Choose Zion for red rock adventure, desert landscapes, and a warmer-weather experience.

See full comparison