Best Places To Stay & Tips for Zion National Park
Zion National Park has always been on my travel bucket list for some time now and I was excited to explore it on my way home from Park City, Utah (4.5 hour drive). It can be overwhelming your first time not knowing what to expect. I made a simple guide to help for when you decide to take an adventure to Southern Utah! Take a look at the best hotel options, hiking trails, tips, How to arrive and when the best time is go!
The Best Hotel Options in Zion
I will start off by saying Zion is not known for their hotels and you will not find a 4 or 5 star hotel in the immediate area. I am a luxury travel advisor so it’s not the kind of typical hotel I would recommend or send clients but the below options are the best in the area and are all just fine for this type of experience. I did mention Amangiri which is one of the best hotels in the country but it is a little farther out.
Under Canvas- The most unique accommodation found around Zion and also my number one recommendation but you have to be ok with no AC and the glamping experience in luxury tents. * I can get you extra VIP perks when I book your stay here.
Desert Pearl Inn- Located in the heart of Springdale and less than a mile from the Entrance of the Park. Great for families because it can accommodate a family of 5 in one room.
Cable Mountain Lodge- Walking distance to Zion Canyon village, where restaurants and shops are found. This is great for families due to the studios and suites.
Zion Lodge- The only hotel in Zion National Park it self. Located in the heart of Zion Canyon. It’s usually booked months in advance during the summer months and one of the most popular.
Amangiri-An otherworldly desert retreat, Amangiri is situated on 600 pristine acres in Canyon Point, Utah with sweeping views towards Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. One of the most stunning properties in the world and about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Zion National Park. For the true Luxury traveler.*I can get you all the extra perks here.
Tips to prepare for “The Narrows” Hike:
This isn’t your traditional hike and you need to prepare to get wet! It’s a total of 16 miles of rocky, narrow trails with the majority of it weaving in and out of the Virgin River. “The Narrows” is an iconic element of Zion National Park & one of the world’s best slot canyon hikes. It’s stunning and will be a beautiful day for you!
Getting to the Narrow River trail head:
In normal circumstances you would take the free shuttle all the way to the Temple of Sinawava which is the last shuttle stop #9. Walk to the end of the Riverwalk trail which is about a mile. The end of the Riverwalk has steps leading down where you acces the river and you can start hiking the narrows! (see middle picture above) ** because of covid the shuttles are currently not running and the park is free (as of June 10th 2020) In this case you can only drive up with limited parking spots so you will have to be in line at 6am and hope to get in OR to avoid the early morning and unknown of parking you can hire a private shuttle for $40 round trip per person from Zion Adventure and meet at the store to drive us up.. They also pick you up at a certain time at the end of the day. We did 10am-5pm and it wad plenty of time giving us 8 hours of hiking the narrows.
I recommend you have:
o Walking Stick: Highly recommended as I would catch myself saying “ I don’t know how I could do this without my stick” It will help you through the rapids and tough uneven surface of rocks while in the river. (Stick should come up to your shoulder)
o Water Boots: You can rent them if you don’t have your own. They come with neoprene socks and keep your feet warm (the water can be cold) and they make it easier to step on rocks. Some people had water shoes or just sneakers but I would highliy recommend renting these from in town for about $25 and it comes with a stick!
o Backpack with a dry pocket or bag inside: You can rent an insert for cheap from any of the stores or buy one on amazon before you go. Make sure to put your camera, food and extra cloths in the bag.
o Layers: Throighout the hike it changes tempatures so at times you may want a long sleeve even when it’s 100 degress out. I would bring layers and water resistant material is best. Avoid cotton. This is a hike you will get wet on and at times it went up to my neck! Also I recommend bringing a baseball type hat to protect from the sun.
o Water & Snacks: Bring lots of water with you and pack snacks. I had some bars, granola, banana and a half of a turkey wrap. It was perfect for my hike from 10am-5:00pm
o Sunscreen: Make sure to put this on before you start and since you’re out there for half or a full day also bring it with you to reapply along with SPF chapstick.
o Flip Flops: When you are finished with the hike you’re going to want to take your water boots off at the bottem ASAP. Bring flip flops to throw on for right after!
*be prepared to use the bathroom at the entrance before the Riverwalk. After that point you won’t see another one besides using mother natures access to the waters. I held it in the whole time surprisingly but most people just let it go in the river!
Zion National Park trails and Hikes:
The Narrows and Angel’s Landing are the most talked about but there is plenty of trails and options to explore. See the list below.
The Narrows
Angel’s Landing
Canyon Overlook
Kolab Canyons
Court of the Patriarchs
Emerald Pools
Weeping Rock
Observations point
Riverside Walk
Checkerboard Mesa
Zion-Mount Carmel Tinnel
The Subway
Sunset on the Watchman
Zion Canyon
The Best time to visit Zion National Park:
You can go year round but the most popular time is in the warmer months when the shuttle is running which is in March- October. It does get really hot so you need to be prepared with hydration if you go during the peak summer months.
How to get to Zion National Park:
The closest big airport to Zion National Park is in Las Vegas and it’s a 2.5 hour drive so best to rent a car or get a driver.