Zion National Park
Quick Take
Zion packs jaw-dropping canyon scenery into a relatively small area, which is both its magic and its curse. Angels Landing and The Narrows are bucket-list hikes, but with nearly 5 million visitors squeezed into 230 square miles, this is one of the most congested parks in the system. The mandatory shuttle system helps, but expect waits. Come in February or November for dramatically better conditions.
Skip the main canyon shuttle madness entirely — drive the Kolob Terrace Road for stunning views and trailheads with almost no one around. It's Zion's best-kept secret.
When to Go
The sweet spot is February — good weather meets manageable crowds. Peak season hits in June.
Monthly crowd levels
Seasonal Closures
Kolob Terrace Road: Typically closes mid-November through March due to snow
The Crowd Picture
Notable Trails
65 trails · 90 miles total · 15 easy, 30 moderate, 20 strenuous
Angels Landing
Seasonal permit lottery required; chains and steep dropoffs
The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
Wading through Virgin River; check flow rates and flash flood potential
Observation Point via East Mesa
Higher viewpoint than Angels Landing without crowds
Emerald Pools Loop
Waterfall and hanging garden; family-friendly
Canyon Overlook Trail
Short trail to overlook; great for families
Pa'rus Trail
Paved; accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes
Camping
3 campgrounds with 299 total sites. All sites require reservations.
Top Activities
World-class hiking including slot canyons, river wading, and exposed ridge trails
Premier canyoneering destination with technical slot canyons; permits required
World-renowned big wall climbing on Navajo sandstone; permits required
Certified International Dark Sky Park with excellent conditions
Daily programs, evening talks, and junior ranger activities
Pa'rus Trail and limited road biking; no mountain biking on trails
Over 200 bird species including California condors and peregrine falcons
Who It's For
Planning Your Trip
Getting There
Nearest city: Las Vegas, NV (160 mi). Fly into LAS.
Cost Estimate
~$153 for a 2-night camping trip ($35 entry + ~$60 camping + ~$58 gas).
In-Park Services
No gas in park · Lodging available · Cell: limited
Gateway Town
Springdale, UT — full amenities