Best Places to Visit in Zion National Park 2026
Top destinations, hidden gems, costs, and tips for planning your trip
Where
The best time to visit Zion National Park is late April to early June or mid-September to late October, when temperatures are mild and crowds thin. Spring and fall both offer ideal hiking conditions, especially for the Narrows and Angels Landing. For budget travelers, stay in Hurricane or La Verkin, and use Springdale for easy park access. Don’t miss Kolob Canyons for fewer people and stellar views.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park?
The best time to visit Zion National Park is between late April and early June or mid-September to late October. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 55°F (13°C) in the mornings to 85°F (29°C) by mid-day, and crowds are manageable compared to the packed summer months. You’ll find hiking the Narrows safest in late spring through early summer, after snowmelt but before monsoon season. If you want to lock in your travel plans, search flights on Travorio for the best deals to Las Vegas (LAS) or St. George (SGU), both less than three hours from the park.
Spring and fall are the clear favorites for most travelers who want to balance weather, crowds, and costs. Summer sees highs above 100°F (38°C) and enormous crowds, while winter is quieter but brings the risk of icy trails and occasional closures. The trick is to time your visit for May or October, when shuttle buses run frequently, wildflowers (or fall colors) light up the canyon, and you can still score a room at places like Cliffrose Springdale, a Curio Collection hotel, for under $210/night. Most guides hype summer, but local hikers swear by shoulder seasons for the best Zion experience.
Best Beach Destinations in Zion National Park
Zion National Park isn’t the first place you’d think of for beaches, but if you’re craving a sandy spot to cool off after a day on the trails, you’ve got options. The Virgin River runs through the main canyon, and several sandy banks double as natural beaches. The most popular is the South Campground Beach, just a 10-minute walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. In May and June, water temperatures hover around 63°F (17°C), and daytime highs hit 80°F (27°C). Crowds peak from 11 am to 3 pm, but you can usually snag a quiet spot before 9 am.
Another favorite is Pine Creek Beach, found near the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop. It’s less crowded, especially on weekday mornings. April through October, expect air temps between 60°F (16°C) and 90°F (32°C), with river levels safe for wading most days. After a flash flood warning, the National Park Service occasionally restricts access, so check alerts before heading out.
Upstream, just outside Springdale, the Watchman Trail leads to several hidden river beaches. They’re rockier than the main spots, but offer warmer water (up to 70°F/21°C in July) and plenty of privacy. Locals prefer these quieter stretches for picnics or cooling off post-hike. For families, the small beach at the Temple of Sinawava is about as safe as it gets, with shallow water and lifeguards on busy weekends in May and September.
Most people overlook Quail Creek State Park, just 17 miles from Zion’s south gate. The reservoir there has a sandy beach, paddleboard rentals for $25/hour, and water temps in the low 70s (22°C) by late June. It’s a perfect side trip if you want a real swim or a place for kids to splash.
Best City Breaks in Zion National Park
Springdale is the obvious base for Zion, sitting just 0.5 miles from the main entrance. Most hotels, like the Desert Pearl Inn ($195/night in shoulder season), fill up months in advance for spring and fall, but the vibe in town is worth it. You’ll find art galleries, the Bit & Spur Saloon for tacos and margaritas, and live music most weekends between April and October. The Zion Canyon Music Festival in late September brings food trucks and local bands, drawing both visitors and locals.
Hurricane, 23 miles west, is a solid bet if you want a mix of small-town charm and lower prices. The Hurricane Valley Heritage Park hosts monthly farmer’s markets, and places like the Hurricane Wingate by Wyndham offer double rooms for $89/night in May. You’re also 15 minutes from Sand Hollow State Park with its red sand dunes and warm water swimming , a nice bonus if you want a break from hiking.
St. George is the region’s largest city, 42 miles from Zion. Delta, American, and United all run direct flights from Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Denver to St. George Regional (SGU) for under $250 roundtrip if you book two months out. Downtown St. George has surprisingly good coffee (Perks! Espresso & Smoothies), a Saturday morning farmers market, and the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, which hosts Broadway-style musicals April through October. Most travelers skip the city, but it’s worth a night for the food scene (Cliffside Restaurant’s patio view is hard to beat) and easy access to Snow Canyon State Park.
La Verkin, eight miles from Zion’s south entrance, is quieter than Springdale but has a handful of good-value motels (Quality Inn at $74/night) and the River Rock Roasting Company, famous for cinnamon rolls and canyon views at sunrise. If you want to skip the tourist crowds, La Verkin is a smart pick.
Best Nature and Adventure Destinations
For hikers, the best time to tackle Zion’s iconic trails is May or October. Angels Landing requires a permit year-round, but the chains section is less crowded and less slippery in spring and fall. Temperatures on the trail average 65°F (18°C) in May and 70°F (21°C) in October. The Narrows , Zion’s legendary river hike , is usually at its safest from mid-May through June, when water levels drop below 150 CFS and the risk of flash floods is lowest. Locals will tell you that July and August bring afternoon storms, so start early if you want to beat both crowds and weather.
Kolob Canyons, 40 miles northwest of the main canyon, draws far fewer visitors. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a favorite for wildflowers in May and golden aspens in October. Daytime highs are 5-10 degrees cooler here than in the main canyon, making it a top pick for summer hiking. Parking rarely fills before 10 am, even on weekends.
Canyoneering is huge in Zion from April through June and again in September and October. Local guides like Zion Adventure Company charge $179 per person for a half-day intro course, including gear. Most courses fill up 2-3 weeks ahead in spring, so book early. For wildlife, mule deer are easiest to spot in the meadows near Grotto Trailhead at dawn, especially in May and October when crowds are thinner.
Don’t skip the Pa’rus Trail if you want a gentler adventure. It’s paved, dog-friendly, and offers the park’s best sunset views, especially in late September when the cottonwoods start to turn gold. Bike rentals in Springdale run $35/day at Zion Cycles, and you can ride the whole trail in under two hours.
Budget-Friendly Zion National Park Destinations
If you’re on a tight budget, base yourself in Hurricane or La Verkin, both less than 25 minutes from the park’s south entrance. Motels like Hurricane Econo Lodge start at $59/night in April, and you’ll find basic breakfast included. The Springdale shuttle (free with park admission) runs every 15 minutes from March through November, so you can leave the car behind and save $35/day on parking.
Camping is the cheapest way to stay in Zion. South Campground charges $20/night per site (reserve at recreation.gov), and Watchman Campground is $30/night for a riverside spot. Both book out months ahead for May and October, but you can often snag last-minute cancellations online. Showers aren’t included (Zion Outfitter charges $5 for 5 minutes), but you’re right in the canyon.
For food, skip the Springdale sit-down restaurants and hit Deep Creek Coffee ($7 breakfast burritos) or Sol Foods Market, where deli sandwiches run $8-12. The park’s own Zion Canyon Brew Pub has happy hour deals from 3-5 pm, with $4 pints and $8 nachos. If you need gear, Zion Outfitter’s Narrows shoe and dry pant rental is $29/day, which beats buying your own for a one-off adventure.
Public transport can save you money on car rentals. St. George Shuttle runs six daily buses from Las Vegas airport to Springdale for $49 one way. Once in Springdale, the free town shuttle covers all major hotels and trailheads. Expect to spend $80-100/day, including lodging, food, and park entry, if you plan ahead.
How to Book Your Zion National Park Trip
Travorio makes it easy to lock in every part of your Zion trip, from flights to hotels and even activity bookings. You can search flights to Las Vegas (LAS) or St. George (SGU) using Travorio’s flight search; prices often drop as low as $98 roundtrip from LA or Denver in May if you book six weeks out. Major airlines like Southwest, Delta, and United all service LAS, while regional carriers like SkyWest connect to SGU.
For hotels, Travorio supports PayPal Pay Later and Sezzle, letting you split your bill into four equal payments at 0% interest , great if you want to upgrade to the Cable Mountain Lodge ($239/night in October) without busting your budget. Pay later hotels in Springdale, Hurricane, and St. George are listed with real-time rates, cancellation policies, and room photos.
Crypto users can pay with over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC. Travorio’s platform auto-converts your coins into local currency, so Springdale’s Driftwood Lodge is just as easy to book with crypto as a credit card. Transactions clear instantly, and you get a digital receipt for tax or reimbursement.
What most guides won’t mention is that Travorio’s price calendar is especially good for finding hidden deals during shoulder season (late April and October). You can filter by activities, free parking, or shuttle access. For tours, look for Zion Jeep Safaris or canyoneering experiences, which are often $10-20 cheaper when bundled with your hotel booking.
Zion National Park Seasonal Overview
Zion National Park Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Hurricane is usually the cheapest base, with motel rooms like Econo Lodge from $59/night in April and May. La Verkin is another budget-friendly option, offering similar rates and free parking. Both towns are about 25 minutes from the park’s south entrance, and you can reach Springdale using the free shuttle. Expect to spend $80-100 per day, including food and park entry, if you stay outside Springdale.
St. George is the warmest nearby city, with April highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and October around 74°F (23°C). The city sits at a lower elevation than the main park, so you’ll get milder evenings and more pool days. If you want to swim or sunbathe, Quail Creek State Park near Hurricane reaches 72°F (22°C) water temps by late May.
Families should look at Springdale for easy park access, walkable hotels, and shuttle stops. The Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection has riverside rooms and a heated pool, plus the South Campground Beach is an easy stroll for safe wading. For more space, rent a cabin at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, where nightly rates start at $165 for a family of four in spring.
Couples love the riverfront rooms at Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection, where private patios overlook the Virgin River and you’re a 7-minute walk from the main gates. The hotel’s hot tub is perfect after a day hiking Angels Landing. For a quieter stay, LaFave: Luxury Rentals offers stylish suites with kitchens, starting at $215/night in May.
Travelers from 39 countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe, can enter the US for up to 90 days using the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA required, $21 online). Flights to Las Vegas (LAS) from London take about 10.5 hours nonstop on British Airways, and from Paris about 11 hours with Air France. Always check current entry rules before booking.
South Campground Beach is the most popular, especially between May and June, with water temperatures around 63°F (17°C) and easy river access. For fewer people, try Pine Creek Beach near the Court of the Patriarchs or the sandy banks near Watchman Trail. If you want a real swim, Quail Creek State Park has a sandy beach and paddleboard rentals.
Springdale has a walkable village feel, with cafes, art galleries, and outdoor dining along Zion Park Boulevard. Oscar’s Café serves wood-fired pizzas and craft beer on a patio that feels more Alpine than Utah. If you want a true European comparison, St. George’s historic downtown has brick buildings and coffee shops reminiscent of small European towns.
Springdale is the top US destination for direct park access and amenities, sitting just 0.5 miles from the Zion Canyon entrance. St. George works well if you want city comforts and direct flights, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and cultural events from April through October. Hurricane is your best bet if you’re watching your wallet.
For spring or fall trips, book your hotel and shuttle permits at least 3-4 months ahead, especially for weekends in May and October. Flights often hit their lowest fares 6-8 weeks before travel, with LAS and SGU offering the most options. Camping spots at South Campground and Watchman Campground fill up six months in advance, but you can try for last-minute cancellations online.
Spring (April-June) and fall (mid-September-October) bring mild weather but occasional rain showers; flash floods are rare but possible in the Narrows, especially after storms. Summer highs can reach 104°F (40°C), making midday hiking dangerous. Winter brings ice and occasional snow, which can close trails like Angels Landing. Always check the National Park Service alerts before heading out.
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