Having traveled extensively throughout my life, I have visited some of the most beautiful places on Earth. From the vibrant, crystal clear waters surrounding Tahiti to the rich history and diverse architecture of Paris, they top the lists of places you must see. For as long as I can remember, Utah’s National Parks have been on our family’s travel bucket list. Specifically, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park topped this list for their pristine beauty and unique history.
Thank you to KOA and GORVing for sponsoring this post.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park has been deemed one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and having visited, I can testify to its majestic, almost surreal scenery. The name Zion means refuge in Hebrew, and because everything in the park is dependent upon the Virgin River, the area was and still is a haven. Spanning 232 square miles, Zion’s topography includes high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons, 2,000-foot Navajo Sandstone cliffs, and the Virgin River with all of its resultant seeps, springs and waterfalls. The highest point at Horse Ranch Mountain sits at 8,726 feet and the lowest point sits at Coal Pits Wash at 3,666 feet. Zion’s diversity supports a variety of habitats and species including 1,000 species of plants, 78 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, 8 species of fish and 291 species of birds.
Where to Stay
Zion National Park is located in Springdale, Utah, approximately 2 1/2 – 3 hours northeast of Las Vegas. Lodging is available inside the park at Zion Lodge, in Springdale, Rockville, Mt. Carmel Junction, Hurricane, St. George, and Kanab.
We stayed at the St. George / Hurricane KOA, which offered comfortable, affordable accommodations less than one hour from Zion National Park. Thanks to KOA and GoRVing, we stayed in a Park Model RV. This was our first experience at a KOA and we absolutely loved the amenities of a campground without having to sleep in a tent. Our unit was equipped with air conditioning, a full kitchen, a full bath with shower, WiFi and cable TV. Most of these units sleep up to 4 people and include all of your linens and kitchen essentials, making it the ideal glamping experience.
The campground also offers a variety of amenities including a clubhouse, a pickleball court, a playground, a pool, horseshoes, biking trails, billiards, miniature golf, a fire pit (for roasting s’mores), library-book exchange, laundry facilities, and a snack bar for food and personal essentials. Breakfast is also available for a nominal fee.
Where to Eat
If you plan to spend the day (or several) at Zion National Park, your most convenient location for dining is in Springdale, located right outside of the park. Everything from pizza and hamburgers to steaks and fresh fish can be found in Springdale. Here is a list of my favorite restaurants (including a coffee shop that you must visit!).
Cafe Soleil: This fast-casual cafe features panini sandwiches, warps, salads, pizzas, specialty teas, espresso drinks and more. Vegetarian-friendly. Gluten-Free options available
Zion Canyon Brew Pub: Located at the entrance of Zion National Park, this restaurant features traditional pub food with a twist, hearty salads, and more. Vegetarian-friendly. Sit on the patio for an incredible view.
Don Pedro’s Family Mexican Restaurant: This family chain includes 6 locations in Wyoming, Utah and North Dakota. The menu features original family-created recipes such as fajitas, enchiladas and seafood dishes. Vegetarian-friendly.
Zion Park Gift & Deli: The perfect spot for a deli sandwich on-the-go, gourmet fudge, and ice cream. You can also pick up modestly-priced souvenirs and post cards.
River Rock Roasting Company: This unique gem of a coffee shop sits on the edge of a basalt canyon carved by the Virgin River and thus offers incredible views. Enjoy fresh roasted coffee, espresso drinks, homemade baked goods, sandwiches and more.
What to Do
As you can imagine, the list of things to do is seemingly endless. Backpacking, biking, camping, hiking, horseback riding and canyoneering top the list. If you are visiting Zion National Park, you likely plan to see its beauty by taking a hike. Some of the most popular hikes include Angels Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock and Watchman. My best advice is to print the Zion National Park Hiking Guide for information on hike length and duration as well as difficulty in order to plan your trip.
Getting Around Zion National Park
Each year, over 2 million people visit Zion National Park. To assist with minimizing traffic and parking concerns, the park initiated a free shuttle system that runs through Springdale and Zion National Park. The shuttle stops at 9 locations in Springdale and 9 locations inside the park. It should be noted that the shuttle that runs through Springdale differs from the one that runs through the park, so be mindful of the need to transfer at Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Visitors may drive their vehicles on the Zion – Mt. Carmel Highway and through the tunnel, however, it should be noted that this highway does not take you into the main canyon.
What to Pack for a Day Trip
If you plan to explore Zion National Park for the day, remember that you will need to bring all necessary items with you on the shuttle. This includes (but is not limited to) water, snacks, walking shoes, map, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, flashlight or headlamp, and your National Park Pass.
Good to Know
A weekly pass provides admission into Zion National Park for 7 days and costs $30. This allows a vehicle with a passenger capacity of 15 or less admittance into the park. Individuals who prefer to walk into the park without a vehicle can secure a 7-day pass for $15. Children 15 years of age and younger enjoy free admission. If you plan to visit throughout the year, you might consider purchasing an annual pass for $50.
If you have a 4th grader, be sure to secure their Every Kid in the Park Pass, which allows the student and his/her family to experience hundreds of national parks, lands and waters for free for the year.
Be sure to check the weather conditions before and during your visit. The summer months can see temperatures well above 100°F. There is also a threat of thunderstorms and flash floods.
Side Trips
If you plan to spend a sufficient amount of time in Springdale, Utah, be sure to consider a visit to Grafton Ghost Town, Kolob Canyons, Bryce Canyon National Park, and The Grand Canyon.
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