Southern Utah is one of my favorite places in the world and Zion National Park is certainly one of the biggest reasons why! It was Utah’s first National Park and offers some of the most stunning views I have ever seen. I’m huge sucker for driving with the windows down and music loud just enjoying the road wherever I am. And if you like doing this too, you HAVE to do the Zion Scenic Drive because it will give you so much life. The hiking is awesome and there are so few places like The Narrows (discussed later). If you’re in the area of Southern Utah, Zion should be high up on your list of must- sees.
FREE CAMPSITES NEARBY
#1
Dalton Wash Road
GPS: 37.227348, -113.114741
Only about 25 minutes from the west entrance to Zion, this campsite is a pretty easy drive in. You’ll have to go slow but do not need 4×4. Roughly 15-20 minutes from the highway for us. There are also fire rings already built here.
#2
Lava Point Campground
GPS: 37.384888, -113.038155
Just about an hour from the park and typically open May- September! There are bathrooms, fire rings, and even tables here! It’s also a very short walk to an amazing view of Zion! If you are hanging out for a few days this is a great spot.
#3
Twin Hollows Canyon
GPS: 37.2071, -112.6893
The best spot if you are bouncing between Bryce and Zion! It is right in the middle of the parks and only about a half mile off the highway you’ll be on. It’s right on the Virgin River and we could even hear the water flowing by all night! Beautiful spot.
CLOSEST PLANET FITNESS:
42 South River Road, St. George, Utah
(Less than an hour from Zion)
FEES AND PASSES
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 day pass
Or: $15 per person if entering on bike or foot also allows for 7 days
Weekly Passes Above: Non- transferable and can be upgraded to annual pass within one week of purchase date
National Parks Annual Pass (recommended): $80 for annual pass to all parks including up to 4 people each visit
WHAT TO DO
Hiking:
Canyon Overlook is probably the most popular trail and has some of the most incredible views of the park! It’s definitely a must if you are visiting and accessible to everyone only being 1 mile roundtrip.
Trail Head: 37.213178, -112.940495
The Narrows is another really popular and super fun hike! This one is pretty much hiking through the Virgin River and you will definitely get wet! You can hike up to about 16 miles but you’ll only do about half of that without a permit stopping at Big Springs. If you do want to go the full 16 miles, definitely get a permit and prepare for a long day of hiking!
Trail Head (Temple of Sinawava): 37.213178, -112.940495
Climbing:
If you are an experienced climber, I highly recommend trying Zion! You’ll have a few different options for top roping and sport climbing areas if you are less experienced and 2 main places for bouldering. The best time of year for this is March- May and September- November. Permits are not required for day climbs but you must have one for overnight use.
Learn More About Climbing in Zion
River Trips:
Any watercraft such as kayaks require a permit. You can get these for free at the Visitor Center the day before or day of unless you are going through The Narrows. This will require you to get a permit the day before always. All watercraft must be designed for whitewater use as well.
ADDITIONAL INFO
When to go
The Zion Scenic Drive is closed to all private vehicles from March- November and you must take the shuttle system. Shuttle buses run every 7-10 minutes and start early morning until late evening.
From December- early March, you can drive your private vehicles through the Scenic Loop but it will be cold due to the elevation. It’s up to you what you prefer!
What to bring
If you’re going during the warmer months when the shuttle is required, you will need to bring everything with you because you won’t be back to your vehicle until the end of your hikes! Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day. I recommend bringing sunscreen because you’ll be out most of the day. Good hiking boots are super important and these are the best I have ever had and I love them!
FINAL NOTES
I hope you enjoy Zion as much as I did because it was honestly so much fun and I had a blast exploring the different trails. Driving through the park with the windows down is one of my biggest highlights of being on the road thus far! Don’t forget to stop by Bryce Canyon as well because you’re already going to be so close by. If you have time, stick around the area and explore as much as possible! Southern Utah is seriously one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please visit the National Parks website to find what you’re looking for!
Unfortunately, the Planet Fitness is now closed.