Zion National Park is located near the town of Springdale in southwestern Utah, just 104 miles from Page, AZ. Zion is a 229-square-mile (590 km2) park that features Zion Canyon, a 15-mile (24 km) long and 2,640 ft (800 m) deep canyon. Visitors enjoy hiking and exploring Zion Canyon with its reddish walls (much like Sedona, AZ) and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone. Navajo Sandstone, like at Antelope Canyon, erodes by rushing water creating slot canyons such as the famous Zion Narrows. Zion's location of being at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert regions allows for a variety of unusual plant and animal life and diversity. There is said to be as many as 289 species of birds, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles a number of plants that inhabit the park's four life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest.
Geology enthusiasts really enjoy exploring Zion and Kolob Canyons as the area displays nine formations that together represent 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation. Zion National Park includes mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches making this one of the country's favorite national parks recreate.
Zion is one of the most visited parks in the country and it can feel like an amusement park at times. The peak visitor season is March from October. Parking lots get full by 10am most days, so parking in Sprindale and riding the shuttle or riding your bike into the park is highly recommended if you don't get an early morning start. November - February is less busy, but temperatures are much cooler. Exploration may be limited with less flora and fauna out and about, but Zion is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. Just remember to pack some warm layers.
Zion National Park is open year-round. There are two visitor centers that are also open throughout the year except for Christmas Day and a museum that is open generally only the summer months. At the visitor centers, you will find maps, brochures, and books available to help you enjoy your visit.
If you want to stay in Zion National Park, then Springdale is your best option. It is located at the gates of Zion with shuttle stops on nearly every corner that will take you into the park itself. Visitors can find lodging options ranging from quaint bed & breakfasts to budget hotels, camping, and more. Other towns that serve as Zion lodging include Mount Carmel, Kanab, St. George, and Page. Take a look at some more Zion hotel and lodging options.
Great Location | Free Breakfast | Hot Tub | Pool
Pet-Friendly | Free Breakfast | Pool | Hot Tub | Great Location
Tours from Las Vegas
Tours from Las Vegas
Pool | Hot Tub | Hotel Bar | Restaurant on Site | Great Location
Great Location | Pool | Hot Tub | Free Breakfast | Pet-Friendly