Towering cliffs in shades of cream and rust, deep slot canyons, depictions of the tribes that known as this land residence, and overlooks that make you’re feeling such as you’re one with the angels, Zion National Park is among the Utah Five and offers adventurers an opportunity to expertise the great thing about the excessive desert.
Spanning a bit over 200 sq. miles, Zion National Park is among the smaller parks on the record, however that doesn’t cease it from having a number of the most various landscapes and a bounty of actions for explorers of all ages and talents. It’s no shock that Utah’s first nationwide park has turn out to be extra standard just lately, pulling in round 5 million annual guests.
Why Visit Zion National Park in an RV?
RVing to Zion National Park affords just a few key advantages. Its proximity to Utah’s different nationwide parks makes it good for an adventurous street journey. Easily take the comforts of residence with you as you RV via Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Capitol Reef nationwide parks. Bonus factors in the event you journey all the way down to Arizona for Grand Canyon National Park.
And it’s not simply nationwide parks you’ll be able to hit close by. Zion can also be near standard monuments and state parks like Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Antelope Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and the Vermillion Cliffs.
Ready to go deep within the Narrows or tackle the heights of Angels Landing? Then gear up and prepare for breathtaking views. Due to its reputation and accessibility, there are some things you have to know earlier than you enterprise into Zion National Park.
When to Visit Zion National Park
Zion National Park affords adventures for all seasons and welcomes guests to most areas of the park year-round. If you’re on the lookout for a typical southwestern expertise, the summer season months supply common every day highs within the 80s and 90s however can generally attain triple digits.
Want a singular expertise with the purple rocks dusted with contemporary snow? Winter temperatures sometimes attain no larger than the 50s through the day and dip into the 20s at evening. But temperatures and situations additionally fluctuate dramatically with elevation, so right here’s what you have to learn about every season.
Zion National Park within the Spring
Spring months in Zion carry delicate to chilly temperatures however fewer crowds and the good thing about wildflower blooms through the later spring months. Temperatures in The Narrows could also be too chilly, with a lot of the hike being within the Virgin River, however there are nonetheless loads of issues to expertise in different elements of the park.
Remember that the park shuttle will ramp up throughout this time, closing entry to Zion Canyon Scenic drive, so be sure you plan forward.
Zion National Park within the Summer
By far the preferred time to go to Zion National Park, summer season brings nice temperatures for hikes and large crowds. So, if you wish to have the park extra to your self, we advocate visiting in spring or fall. The summer season months additionally carry with them monsoon season. These storms sometimes pop up within the late afternoon, and preparation for them is a should.
Zion National Park within the Fall
Fall in Zion National Park brings again the delicate temperatures of spring and is one other perfect time to go to if you’re on the lookout for fewer crowds. The shuttle runs via November, so that you’ll have to plan forward for locations inside Zion Canyon. You’ll get the chance to see fall foliage in opposition to the signature Ponderosa pines of the southwest.
Zion National Park within the Winter
Winter within the park brings the colder temperatures of the excessive desert and the potential of snow. The bonus of visiting throughout winter is that you just’ll be capable to navigate the Zion Canyon Scenic drive in your personal automobile, because it’s the one season the place the shuttle isn’t operating besides on vacation weekends.
Where to Stay
Zion National Park has solely three campgrounds inside park grounds, with two being pleasant to RVs as much as 40 toes in size. If you have got a Class B RV that’s 19 toes or shorter, you’ll be able to entry the Lava Point Campground, which solely has six obtainable tenting spots and have to be booked a minimum of two weeks prematurely.
If you’re seeking to keep within the park, listed below are the 2 greatest choices:
South Campground
- Operational from March via October
- ½-mile from the south entrance
- 117 complete websites
- No hookups
- Sites embrace a picnic desk and fireplace ring
- Check out the Campground Map
Watchman Campground
- Operational year-round
- ¼-mile from the south entrance
- 95 RV websites with electrical hookups
- Access to a dump station
- Check out the Campground Map
Staying Outside the Park
If you’ll be able to’t discover a campsite within the park, listed below are just a few campgrounds inside an hour’s drive:
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Tips in your Camping Stay
Whether you select a developed campground contained in the park or close by, the following tips will aid you take pleasure in your time in southern Utah:
- Reservations for the park’s campgrounds could be made as much as six months prematurely via Recreation.gov.
- Here are the reservation hyperlinks:
- Camping just isn’t permitted in any pullouts or parking tons within the park.
- There are few timber within the campgrounds to offer shade. Ensure your RV awning is working, or carry an additional cover shelter for reduction from direct daylight.
- Feeding wildlife is prohibited, and all meals have to be saved in a inflexible, lockable container.
- Campground loos embrace flush bogs, operating water, and trash receptacles. They don’t supply showers or electrical shops. The nearest pay showers are in Springdale, accessible by way of automobile, shuttle, bicycle, or foot.
How to Get Around Zion National Park
Zion National Park is positioned within the southwest portion of Utah close to the Utah-Arizona border, making it pretty accessible from just a few key areas.
Approximate driving instances to the park from close by cities:
- From Los Angeles, CA: Under three hours
- From Phoenix, AZ: Under seven hours
- From Salt Lake City, UT: About 4 hours.
The fundamental interstate that runs close to the park is I-15, which takes you to Highway 9, the place you’ll be able to entry the park. You also can get to Highway 9 by touring on Highway 89 from elements of Utah and Arizona, relying on which aspect of the park you select to enter.
Once you’re contained in the park, getting round will sometimes require taking the free shuttle. That contains in the event you’d prefer to discover the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttle stops and instances range seasonally, so be sure you analysis Zion shuttles earlier than your journey.
That stated, Highway 9 does run via the park, permitting you to drive your automobile and expertise breathtaking views. Be suggested that automobiles over 11’4″ tall and/or 7’10” broad require an escort or site visitors management to cross via the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Zion Canyon Shuttle System
The Zion Shuttle System is free and doesn’t require advance reservations. It sometimes runs from March to November, with weekend routes obtainable in February or March and a few vacation season availability.
The shuttle route proceeds from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center as much as the Temple of Sinawava, and you may count on to experience for about 45 minutes to make all of it the way in which to the highest. Check the shuttle schedule to make sure you don’t miss the final experience down, otherwise you is perhaps mountaineering again to your automobile.
Remember, you should take the shuttle to the respective trailhead if you’re doing the Narrows or Angels Landing hikes. Though you don’t want a allow to experience the bus, you’ll need to safe one for mountaineering Angels Landing.
Places to Go in Zion National Park
There’s no scarcity of gorgeous vantage factors and distinctive landscapes in Zion National Park. Deep valleys, slot canyons, and hovering cliffs permit guests to soak up the pure surprise from no matter angle they please. But this nationwide park tenting information wouldn’t be full and not using a few can’t-miss locations.
The Narrows
The Narrows is one among Zion’s most iconic options. It’s a deep gorge with cliffs towering over 1,000 toes above. You can take the wheelchair-accessible path for one mile alongside the Virgin River for a brief journey or proceed into the river, wading via the waters for an all-day tour.
Due to the character of the slot canyon, you’ll need to examine the climate beforehand to make sure you have a secure journey out and in of The Narrows. If rain is predicted, cross on this hike as a result of threat of speedy flash flooding.
Angels Landing
The different iconic landmark is Angels Landing, a slim overlook that requires a strenuous hike that’s not for the faint of coronary heart. It’s a 5.4-mile out-and-back trek with nearly 1,500 toes of elevation acquire. To attain the enduring overlook, you’ll traverse a slim path with steep drops on both aspect.
Ready to tackle Angels Landing? You’ll have to safe a allow to finish the hike. You might need some luck with the day-of lottery, however getting your Angels Landing allow prematurely is a good suggestion.
Observation Point
Want all of the views of Angels Landing with out the strenuous hike and slim ultimate ascent to the lookout? Observation Point is the proper choice for you. You’ll get related views of Zion Canyon and might really gaze out at Angels Landing. Since this hike just isn’t as standard, you’ll have a greater probability of having fun with the views with out the gang.
Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canyons affords a number of trails starting from brief day hikes to multi-day backpacking journeys. Many of those trails have much less elevation acquire, with some as few as 100 toes. This makes them good for these on the lookout for accessible trails with gorgeous views.
Kolob Terrace
A excessive desert plateau, Kolob Terrace is one other good spot to take a look at. Because it’s away from the principle Zion Canyon trails, it tends to be much less busy, providing an excellent probability to flee into nature and luxuriate in Zion National Park’s wild landscapes.
Things to Do in Zion National Park
Zion National Park affords massive and small adventures, and one among our favourite features is the distinctive stargazing alternatives on the park grounds. Whatever you wish to do, you’ll have 146,000 acres of nature’s playground to discover.
Hiking
We’ve already coated Angels Landing and The Narrows, however there are lots of different trails for day hikers and overnighters to discover. The hikes are divided into the park’s 5 fundamental areas: Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, the East Rim Area, and the Southwest Desert.
Backpacking
Looking to depart your RV behind and head into the backcountry for just a few days? Get a wilderness allow and enterprise into Zion National Park’s desert panorama. You’ll want a deliberate route, data of wilderness campsite areas, and an thought of the place to refill water earlier than you set out. Backpacking in Zion National Park means that you can create your personal journey and see much less accessible views.
Stargazing
Zion National Park is a licensed International Dark Sky space, which has been fastidiously protected against mild air pollution that may influence the traditional view of the evening sky. You’ll often be capable to see the Milky Way galaxy and thousands and thousands of stars after the solar units on the purple rocks.
Rock Climbing & Canyoneering
It’s no shock that rock climbers and canyoneering fanatics flock to Zion National Park. The canyons supply terrain that gives climbers with unbelievable vantage factors and thrilling challenges. Seasonal closures might influence open websites, and people seeking to canyoneer and rock climb might want to receive the right permits.
Whitewater Kayaking
The Virgin River affords some gorgeous views of the park and a few difficult rapids at sure factors all year long. However, these excursions ought to solely be tried by skilled kayakers licensed to navigate class V rapids.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Zion National Park is adjoining to Springdale, Utah, providing gasoline, groceries, and different objects crucial in your RV tenting journey. Unless you intend to backpack, you must be capable to gasoline up and get the required provides on demand as you simply go out and in of the park.
There are nonetheless just a few issues we advocate bringing with you.
The History of Zion National Park
Zion National Park was formally established in 1919 after being named a National Monument in 1909. Originally named Mukuntuweap National Monument, the title was modified primarily based on the Mormon settlers that lived within the space to encourage elevated visitation.
But Mormons weren’t the unique inhabitants of the area. The Anasazi and Southern Paiute nations have been right here lengthy earlier than, and guests can nonetheless uncover these early nations’ sacred lands and histories within the park’s cliff dwellings and cave artwork. When touring into indigenous lands, respecting the realm and working towards Leave No Trace rules are vital.
Today, thousands and thousands of tourists go to the realm to expertise the gorgeous Navajo sandstone and discover the varied wildlife the place the Great Basin, the Colorado Plateau, and the Mojave Desert converge.
If you’re on the lookout for an journey with a number of the most original landscapes within the Southwest, pack up your gear and plug Zion National Park into your GPS.
Plan your subsequent journey to the nationwide parks in an RV. Rent an RV, trade-in your RV, or purchase a brand new or used RV and begin touring for lower than $5 a day.
Have you visited Zion National Park in an RV? Share your suggestions within the feedback under!
A Louisiana native turned Arizona desert dweller, Claire Braud has at all times beloved exploring the world’s pure locations. Upon transferring to Phoenix, she grew to become an avid hiker within the surrounding mountains and takes full benefit of the town’s proximity to the western National Parks. In 2021, Claire and her husband launched into a honeymoon street journey visiting six nationwide parks and a number of state parks and monuments. When she’s not on the paths, Claire works full-time at a artistic company as a consumer expertise content material strategist utilizing storytelling to assist her shoppers higher join with their clients.