Zion National Park is one of the crown jewels of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks. With destinations like The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and Emerald Pools, how could you not be intrigued by this beautiful park. While Zion is an adventurer’s dream, it also has plenty to offer families as well.
Here is everything a Savvy Sojourner needs to know about visiting Zion National Park!
Zion is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks along with Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. It is located near the town of Springdale in Southwestern Utah. Zion is the home of the famous Angel’s Landing and The Narrows slot canyon. Zion is one of the top 10 most visited parks in the National Park system, so come prepared for crowds if you are visiting during peak seasons.
Do the Junior Ranger Program! (Everyone, not just the kids!)
Don’t let the name fool you, Junior Ranger programs are for visitors of ALL AGES! Junior Ranger is one of my favorite activities to do at any National Park Service site. Junior Ranger books have different activities to complete during your visit which usually include attending a Ranger Program. You learn so much more from these programs than you would visiting the park on your own. As an added bonus the Junior Ranger badge you earn is a free souvenir! I challenge you to see how many Junior Ranger badges you can earn!
Visitor Center and Ranger Programs
Zion has more to offer than just beautiful scenery! I strongly suggest getting the most out of your visit by planning to attend at least one Ranger Program and stopping at the Visitor Center. The Ranger Programs do an excellent job teaching about the geology and wildlife of Zion National Park. The Visitor’s Center has several outdoor exhibits that tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Zion and the surrounding area!
For more information about Ranger Programs click here!
Navigating Zion National Park
Entering the Park
The main entrance gate into Zion National Park is located in the town of Springdale, Utah. Once you enter through this gate, turn to the right and go directly into the Visitor’s Center’s parking lot and main shuttle stop. Be aware that during the peak months (May-August) this parking lot fills up early in the day. Many people find themselves paying for parking in Springdale and then taking the Springdale shuttle or walking into the park.
Savvy Sojourner Tip: This is the most popular entrance into Zion, so make sure to plan for long wait times if you arrive during peak hours of the day. The best time to enter is early in the morning or in the evenings to avoid crowds.
The east entrance gate is located west of the town of Mt Carmel Junction, Utah. This gate is less popular than the main entrance, but could still have a wait during the peak months. Once you enter this gate you drive the Zion- Mount Carmel Highway through the park to the Visitor’s Center. Highlights along this highway are the Checkerboard Mesa, two tunnels, and stunning canyon views. This entrance is approximately an hour-long drive from the Visitor’s Center. Even if you don’t enter the park through the east entrance, I highly recommend driving this highway to see the views, tunnels, and wildlife. We saw bighorn sheep along the highway every day!
Savvy Sojourner Tip: The second tunnel you go through was completed in 1930 and is over a mile long! Be aware that large vehicles such as motorhomes and trailers must obtain a tunnel permit to enter the tunnel. Due to how narrow the tunnel is, rangers shut it down to two-way traffic to accommodate large vehicles entering the tunnel. This can cause delays so make sure to plan accordingly!
For more information about tunnel passes and measurements for large vehicles, click here!
Zion Canyon Shuttle
During the summer and fall personal vehicles are not allowed to drive through Zion Canyon. Visitors must take the free park shuttle to travel the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The main shuttle stop is located at the Visitor’s Center. There are then many stops that allow you to access trailheads and other points of interest in the canyon. Be aware that during peak times of the day, you will find yourself waiting in line for the shuttle. The shuttles do not run all night, so make sure to know when the “last shuttle out” time is for the day you are visiting. If you miss the last shuttle you will have to walk out of the canyon and back to your car. The distance from the last shuttle stop to the Visitors Center is just under 8 miles!
For more information about the shuttle system, click here!
Hiking in Zion National Park
No trip to Zion would be complete without at least one hike in the canyon! Here are a few family friendly hikes that will make you fall in love with this National Park!
The Narrows (up to 10 miles)
Shuttle Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava
If you can only do one hike in Zion make sure it is this one! The Narrows is one of my all-time favorite hikes, and every member of my family cannot talk about Zion without mentioning this hike! The Narrows hike takes you through a majestic slot canyon as you hike in the Virgin River. Just when you think it can’t get any better, you turn a corner and find something even more beautiful. You can make this hike as long as you want (up to 10 miles roundtrip without a permit). I strongly suggest renting river hiking equipment to make this hike better for everyone in your family. Information on where to rent this equipment is available in the link below. Since you are hiking in the river, this hike may not be open if the water flow is over a certain limit.
Click here for everything you need to know about hiking The Narrows!
Riverside Walk (2.0 miles)
Shuttle Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava
If you aren’t able to hike The Narrows, due to time, ability, or hiking with small children, the Riverside Walk is an excellent alternative. When you exit the shuttle at The Temple of Sinawava, you will immediately find this paved trail that follows along the Virgin River for 1 mile. The Riverside Walk ends with paved steps down into the river, which is also the beginning of the Narrows hike. This is an excellent spot, depending on the depth of the river, to play in the water and cool off during the hot months. Since this is also part of the Narrows hike, be aware that it is an incredibly busy trail during peak months.
Lower and Upper Emerald Pools (2.2 miles)
Shuttle Stop 5: Zion Lodge
This very family friendly hike takes you to both of the Emerald Pools and their beautiful waterfalls. This trail is paved from the shuttle stop to the Lower Emerald Pool. The trail from there to the Upper Emerald Pool is mixed with rocks and sand and can be slippery. Be cautious with small children. It is a popular hike, so hike early in the day or during the evening to avoid the crowds.
Click here for everything you need to know about hiking to The Emerald Pools!
Angels Landing (5.4 miles)
Angels Landing is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. With 2073 ft of elevation gain and a half mile section that requires hanging on to a chain and dropoffs of 1000 feet on either side, this is not considered to be a hike suitable for families with small children. You need to obtain a permit to hike Angels Landing, so make sure you plan ahead and do your research to know what to expect.
Click here for more information about Angels Landing and permits!
Food & Lodging In Zion National Park
Just outside of the park is the town of Springdale, Utah which has several hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and shops.
We chose to bring a cooler of food with us in the park and ate a picnic-style lunch at one of the many picnic tables located at the Visitors Center. For food inside the park, there are a couple of dining options located at Zion Lodge, but make sure to check if reservations are required beforehand. For lodging, Zion Lodge is the only lodge inside the park for non-campers. There are three campgrounds for tent and RV campers in Zion. Campgrounds have reserved or have first come, first serve sites depending on when you are visiting. Make sure to check their website for the regulations for each campground.
For more information about food and lodging options in the park click here!
RV Park Recommendation
As RV travelers, my family stayed at Cliffside Cabins and RV Park near the town of Orderville, Utah when we visited Zion National Park. This RV park is a short drive from the east entrance to Zion and is convenient if you are planning on visiting Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, or the town of Kanab. It is a small, newer RV park located right on Highway 89. The drive from this park to the Zion Visitors Center is about an hour without traffic, so make sure to plan accordingly. We chose to stay on this side of the park (instead of near Springdale) because there were fewer crowds!
To read my review of this RV park and others click here!
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to traveling my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Travel is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. So make sure to look around, fall in love with this canyon, and soak in your surroundings! Trust me, you won’t want to miss a minute of Zion National Park!
Want more travel planning tips?
Click here for 5 Steps to Planning a Successful Trip
Happy Sojourning!
Meghan
