Overview
America's most dramatic canyon park — sheer Navajo sandstone walls soaring 2,000 feet overhead, slot canyons you wade through knee-deep, and hikes that belong on any bucket list
Airport
SGU, LAS
From/day
$65
Best months
Mar, Apr, May
Local Tips
Safety
Flash floods are deadly in slot canyons — check weather forecasts and obtain permits. Summer heat can exceed 40°C; carry at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking.
Cultural Norms
Springdale is the gateway town and caters to outdoor enthusiasts. The park uses a mandatory shuttle system in peak season — no private vehicles in Zion Canyon.
Language
English
Currency
USD
Tipping
15-20% at restaurants, $10-20 per person for guided canyoneering or climbing tours.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Springdale
The gateway town just outside the park entrance with hotels, restaurants, gear shops, and galleries.
Best for: Accommodation, dining, and last-minute supplies
Zion Canyon
The main canyon accessed by shuttle with iconic trailheads including Angels Landing and The Narrows.
Best for: Hiking the park's most famous trails
Kolob Canyons
The quieter northwest section of the park with red finger canyons and fewer crowds.
Best for: Solitude and scenic drives
East Side (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway)
Dramatic sandstone formations, the historic tunnel, and access to Canyon Overlook Trail.
Best for: Scenic driving and photography
Activities & Interests
How Zion National Park scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Zion Canyon Classics
- •Take the shuttle up Zion Canyon and hike the Riverside Walk
- •Short hike to the Lower Emerald Pools
- •Sunset from Canyon Junction Bridge
Angels Landing or The Narrows
- •Hike Angels Landing (permit required) or wade into The Narrows
- •Lunch in Springdale after the hike
- •Afternoon at the Zion Human History Museum and Pa'rus Trail
East Side & Canyon Overlook
- •Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway through the mile-long tunnel
- •Hike Canyon Overlook Trail for sweeping views
- •Explore the Checkerboard Mesa area before departing
7-Day Trip
Arrival & Orientation
- •Check into Springdale and pick up gear
- •Walk the Pa'rus Trail along the Virgin River
- •Visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Human History Museum
Emerald Pools & Riverside
- •Hike to Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools
- •Walk the Riverside Walk to the start of The Narrows
- •Evening dinner in Springdale
Angels Landing
- •Early start for Angels Landing (permit required)
- •Celebrate with lunch in Springdale after the hike
- •Relax at the Watchman or explore the town's galleries
The Narrows
- •Full-day hike into The Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava
- •Wade through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls
- •Recovery dinner and stargazing from the canyon
Observation Point & East Side
- •Hike to Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
- •Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
- •Hike Canyon Overlook Trail at sunset
Kolob Canyons
- •Drive to Kolob Canyons section of the park
- •Hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- •Afternoon hike toward Kolob Arch (partial or full)
Canyoneering & Departure
- •Guided canyoneering trip through a slot canyon
- •Final brunch in Springdale
- •Last walk along the Virgin River before departing
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$180
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$300
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$340
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$360
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$380
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$65
per day
Moderate
$120
per day
Luxury
$260
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$635
incl. flights from LAX
Moderate
$1,020
incl. flights from LAX
Luxury
$2,000
incl. flights from LAX
When to Go
Jan
—
Feb
—
Mar
✓
Apr
✓
May
✓
Jun
—
Jul
✗
Aug
✗
Sep
✓
Oct
✓
Nov
✓
Dec
—
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10° | -3° | 5d | Cool and quiet; occasional snow dusts the canyon rims. |
| Feb | 13° | -1° | 5d | Still cool; fewer visitors and beautiful light. |
| Mar | 17° | 3° | 6d | Spring warming; wildflowers begin. Great hiking weather. |
| Apr | 22° | 6° | 4d | Excellent hiking conditions; shuttle system begins. |
| May | 28° | 11° | 3d | Warm and dry; ideal for The Narrows. |
| Jun | 34° | 16° | 2d | Hot in the canyon; start hikes at dawn. |
| Jul | 38° | 21° | 5d | Extreme heat; monsoon thunderstorms bring flash flood risk. |
| Aug | 36° | 20° | 6d | Hot with monsoon storms; flash flood danger in slot canyons. |
| Sep | 31° | 15° | 4d | Heat easing; monsoons tapering off. |
| Oct | 24° | 8° | 4d | Perfect fall hiking weather; cottonwoods turn golden. |
| Nov | 16° | 2° | 4d | Cool and crisp; excellent for hiking without crowds. |
| Dec | 10° | -3° | 5d | Cold but peaceful; snow on upper trails. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.