Spectacular Active Weekend in Zion

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the way to see Zion during the on season. Save the trees and your sanity—take the shuttle. (You have no choice April-October anyway.)

Description:

This spring-through-fall shuttle is free, green, and friendly to all, from babies to elderly folks to people with bikes. It is the only way to get around when in season, and it even runs to the gateway town of Springdale. The ease and importance of taking the Zion Shuttle can't be emphasized enough. Ride clean! Save the environment! And allow yourself to settle back and enjoy unparalleled views as someone else steers you through Zion National Park. Bikes, strollers, wheelchairs all welcome aboard as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can't visit Zion without doing this deservedly classic hike, even if you stop short of the very skinny, very high up final push.

Description:

This is of course the not-to-be-missed hike of Zion. Angels Landing is famous for its views, its drop-offs, and its thigh-blasting climb. It's easy to find a picture spot at the top that makes it look like you're about to step back into sheer nothingness, although you'll be yards away from the edge during your photo shoot. Early mornings and late evenings are best during the blazing and crowded summer months. Remember to seriously check your fear of heights before you tackle this climb; many hikers call it a day at "Chicken-Out Point" (officially Scout Lookout) which still offers nice views without the gut-wrenching proximity of a thousand-foot fall from the aptly-named Angels Landing. Bizarre but true: you can get cell service on top. Please respect your fellow hikers and maintain outdoorsy silence by texting only!

Our Local Expert Says:

Close to the Park's south entrance, right by the river

Description:

The Watchman Campground offers visitors a variety of sites: without electrical hookups, with electrical hookups and ones with direct river access. It is advised to make reservations in advance, otherwise sites are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sites: 162 regular, 2 handicapped accessible, 7 group. Tent campsites $16 per night, electric campsites $18 per night, riverside electric campsites $20 per night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very pleasant lodging right inside Zion for the ultimate in natural immersion

Description:

Zion Lodge is the most convenient lodging option for visitors who do not plan on spending their nights in tents or RVs. The lodge features log cabins as well as motel rooms, all recently restored to their classic rustic style from the 1920s. Zion Lodge is also home to the Red Rock Grill, where visitors can eat while enjoying fantastic views. The lodge is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Great views, central location, and nice accommodations make this a good choice for Zion visitors who want to be right inside the Park itself with a modicum of luxury above the campgrounds.

Description:

They'll teach you how to do it and where to do it. Then they'll send you off in the great unknown, complete with gear, knowledge, and the sort of tips only locals can give you. These people know Zion and they know their stuff, and they'll try to impart as much to you as they can. Zion Rock & Mountain Guides offer different packages for different people. They also offer great trips for the whole family and lots of fun kid-specific activities. Book in advance; they're popular and they fill up. Their guides have frighteningly extensive resumes; the real deal adventurers.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the way to see Zion during the on season. Save the trees and your sanity—take the shuttle. (You have no choice April-October anyway.)

Description:

This spring-through-fall shuttle is free, green, and friendly to all, from babies to elderly folks to people with bikes. It is the only way to get around when in season, and it even runs to the gateway town of Springdale. The ease and importance of taking the Zion Shuttle can't be emphasized enough. Ride clean! Save the environment! And allow yourself to settle back and enjoy unparalleled views as someone else steers you through Zion National Park. Bikes, strollers, wheelchairs all welcome aboard as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

Showcases the most classic Zion scenery: intricately carved slot canyon, towering sandstone walls, nature's grand presence.

Description:

The most famous hike in Zion, the Narrows are world-famous for water, stunning gorgeous cliff walls, and the feeling of hiking deep in the belly of Mother Earth. The Virgin River carved a ridiculously narrow trench through the Navajo rock formations, creating what today beckons to fit adventurers. Bring your trekking poles, water shoes, and waterproof camera for this experience. Stepping into the cool, rocky pull of the Virgin River as you make your way upstream leads you into another world, far from the gaggles of people attracted to Zion every year. The Zion Narrows is an unforgettable hike, designed for permanent capture in breath-taking pictures. If you can hack it, don't miss it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent menu choices for an in-park restaurant

Description:

The Red Rock Grill in Zion National Park Lodge will wow you in both surroundings and menu. Look out at the park from the beautiful terrace while dining on carefully cultivated items such as Prickly Pear Trout Salad, Seafood Alfredo, Chipotle Tilapia, and Navajo Eggplant – this is a Zion experience not to be missed. For all those cocktail aficionados out there, you'll love their spirits menu, featuring Nature's Cosmo, the Springdale Mojito, a Blue Moon Margarita, and a delectable treat known as Persephone's Bane, featuring pomegranate juice and light rum.

Our Local Expert Says:

Close to the Park's south entrance, right by the river

Description:

The Watchman Campground offers visitors a variety of sites: without electrical hookups, with electrical hookups and ones with direct river access. It is advised to make reservations in advance, otherwise sites are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sites: 162 regular, 2 handicapped accessible, 7 group. Tent campsites $16 per night, electric campsites $18 per night, riverside electric campsites $20 per night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very pleasant lodging right inside Zion for the ultimate in natural immersion

Description:

Zion Lodge is the most convenient lodging option for visitors who do not plan on spending their nights in tents or RVs. The lodge features log cabins as well as motel rooms, all recently restored to their classic rustic style from the 1920s. Zion Lodge is also home to the Red Rock Grill, where visitors can eat while enjoying fantastic views. The lodge is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Great views, central location, and nice accommodations make this a good choice for Zion visitors who want to be right inside the Park itself with a modicum of luxury above the campgrounds.

Description:

Zion Canyon Theatre is huge. REALLY huge. We're talking 9 times the size of a regular movie screen huge. We're talking 60 feet high by 82 feet across. We're talking a 22,000 watt sound system. THAT huge. Screenings include local fare such as Zion Canyon Treasure of the Gods as well as Hollywood feature films.