Zion National Park travel guide

Zion National Park travel guide

National Airports

The closest airports to Zion National Park are St. George Regional Airport (SGU) in Utah, located about 50 miles from the park, and McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, located about 160 miles from the park. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is also an option, located about 300 miles from the park.

Trains in Zion National Park

Zion National Park does not have a train station within its boundaries. However, there are several nearby cities that have train stations, such as Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and St. George. From these cities, visitors can take a shuttle or drive to the park.

Buses in Zion National Park

There are several bus companies that provide shuttle services to and within Zion National Park. The park’s free shuttle system operates seasonally from early spring through late fall, with several shuttle stops throughout the park. Additionally, some tour companies offer bus tours to Zion National Park from nearby cities.

How to get to Zion National Park

Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, in the United States. Here are some ways to get to the park:

By car: The most common way to get to Zion National Park is by car. The park is located off of State Route 9, which connects to Interstate 15. There are multiple entrances to the park, including the main entrance in the town of Springdale.

By shuttle: During the peak season (usually from March to November), there is a shuttle system in place that operates within the park and the town of Springdale. The shuttle service is free and helps to reduce traffic congestion within the park.

By bus: Several bus companies operate in the area, providing transportation to Zion National Park from nearby cities such as Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and St. George.

By air: The nearest major airport is in Las Vegas, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from the park. Other airports in the area include St. George Regional Airport, which is about an hour away, and Salt Lake City International Airport, which is about a 4-hour drive away.

What is the best time to travel to Zion National Park

The best time to travel to Zion National Park is during the spring and fall. The weather during these seasons is usually mild and pleasant, and the park is less crowded compared to the summer months. The spring months of March to May offer the added advantage of wildflowers in bloom and the fall months of September to November offer the beautiful fall foliage. The summer months of June to August are the busiest with more crowds and high temperatures, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

How to get around Zion National Park

Zion National Park has a shuttle bus system that operates seasonally from mid-March through late November, as private vehicles are prohibited on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during that time. The shuttle buses are free and offer transportation between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and various stops within the park, including popular trailheads and scenic viewpoints.

Outside of the shuttle season, private vehicles are allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, but parking is limited and can fill up quickly during peak visitation times. Walking, biking, and private shuttles are also options for getting around the park.

For those staying in nearby towns, such as Springdale or St. George, there are also commercial shuttle services available that offer transportation to and from the park.

Accommodations in Zion National Park

Zion National Park has several accommodation options available both inside and outside the park.

Inside the park, there are two lodges: Zion Lodge and the Zion Mountain Ranch. The Zion Lodge is located in the heart of the park, and offers rooms, cabins and suites. The Zion Mountain Ranch is located on the park’s east border, and offers cabins and suites.

There are also several campgrounds in the park, including South Campground, Watchman Campground, and Lava Point Campground. These campgrounds offer tent and RV camping.

Outside the park, there are several hotels, motels, and vacation rentals in the nearby town of Springdale. Some popular options include the Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens, Cable Mountain Lodge, and Desert Pearl Inn.

It’s recommended to make your reservations in advance, especially during peak travel season.