Guide to Zion National Park
Hey there, adventure lovers! 🎉 We spent September in Zion National Park for Kate’s birthday, and it turned out to be one of our favorite trips ever! Honestly, Zion was the spark that ignited our dream to travel full-time and explore every national park we can. With its jaw-dropping views, epic climbs, and unforgettable landscapes, Zion quickly became our top pick in Utah. We learned a lot from our first trip, and we’re excited to share our tips to help make your visit as amazing as ours. Let’s dive into our Couple’s Guide to Zion National Park!
Things to Know Before a Couple’s Trip
Best Time to Visit:
Zion is a popular hotspot, attracting millions of visitors each year. We usually steer clear of crowds, so we visited in November when the weather was absolutely perfect! The shorter days were a small downside, but the cooler temperatures kept the crowds at bay. Summer can be sweltering and packed with tourists, making hiking a bit of a challenge. Winter is magical with snow-draped peaks, but we prefer to avoid freezing temperatures. For a sweet spot, consider October or November for great weather and fewer people.
Reservations and Permits
Booking a spot in Zion can be a wild ride! We tried to snag a reservation six months in advance and found almost everything booked. Reservations are available up to a year in advance, so plan ahead if you can. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, but if you have a National Parks Pass, you’re all set for a year. You can also park outside the park and take a shuttle in, which is handy.
What to bring
What to Pack
The key to a fantastic Zion adventure is packing right for the trip you want. Whether you’re into canyoneering, rock climbing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, here are our top five essentials:
Sunscreen: It’s sunny most of the day, so slather up to avoid getting burned.
Waterproof Camera or Case: There’s so much beauty to capture, and you don’t want to risk damaging your gear.
Good Hiking Shoes: Prepare for lots of walking, from shuttles to trails.
Water: Stay hydrated, especially since it can get pretty hot.
Sense of Adventure: Embrace spontaneity and explore off the beaten path for a truly memorable experience.
Top 5 Hikes
Angel’s Landing: This hike was the highlight of our trip! We started at 4am to beat the crowds and took on the challenging switchbacks with spectacular views. We reached the top early and had the place to ourselves. It’s intense, but perfect for bonding with your partner.
The Narrows: Hiking through The Narrows is an experience like no other. You can make this hike as short or long as you like. For the best experience, head out early to enjoy the morning light. The water is freezing most of the year, so renting waterproof gear from the shop outside the park is a game changer.
Canyon Overlook Trail: A relatively easy hike with a stunning payoff. We went for sunrise to avoid crowds, and the view was worth every step. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic breakfast or just to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Emerald Pools: We were excited to see the Emerald Pools, but they didn’t quite live up to the hype. The hike was beautiful, but the waterfall wasn’t as impressive as we expected. If you’re up for it, hiking to the upper Emerald Falls and then down to the lower one might be worth a try.
Navigating the Shuttle System
USE THE MAP! The shuttle system can be tricky, so keep a couple of maps handy—one is bound to get wet or lost. Pay attention to bus directions, and don’t rely too much on your phone; the signal is spotty. Embrace the adventure of exploring off the bus and create your own unique experiences.
Best Campgrounds
Watchmen Campground: Located right in the heart of the park, this spot is dreamy with its massive orange mountains. It’s popular, so reservations are key. There’s also a first-come, first-served option for last-minute travelers.
South Campground: This is where we stayed and loved it! It’s huge and offers spots for RVs, tents, and car camping. Reservations open 14 days before your trip, but you can book up to 6 months in advance. It’s close to town and the shuttle pick-up, making it a solid choice if you’re on a budget.
Pro Tip: Rent or bring bikes to explore more freely. If your bike fits on the shuttle, you can ride it down the park’s downhill road for a magical sunset ride with fewer crowds.
