I have been to Zion 3 times now during spring, winter and the fall. Each time was a beautiful and different experience. There is something for everyone at Zion. Whether you are an avid hiker or someone who likes to just take in the views - you won't be disappointed. My last trip was a few ago, Thanksgiving weekend. We went on Black Friday and the shuttles were running. The shuttles run often and make visiting the park a lot nicer than having to drive your car around to each location. There are 8 stops within the park. You will want to get out and at least take some pictures at each one of them. If you like to hike you will have plenty to explore. My only suggestion would be to pack some snacks. The lodge is pretty disappointing if you want to have lunch there. The only thing on the menu is pizza and pretzels. There is a restaurant but it's very expensive. I overheard people talking who were staying at the lodge inside the park say that they had to go into town everyday to eat. So much for convenience. The lodge inside Zion is overpriced and nothing special. You are better off staying outside the park. There are shuttles that will take you from the hotel into the park. If you do decide to drive in, you can park at the visitors center. When we went there were signs that said parking was full and to park in town. The fact that these signs were stationary and never changed was a bit suspicious to us so we took a chance and found parking easily in the visitors center.
Do yourself a favor and visit Zion. Wish we had more time to explore everything. There are numerous hikes with amazing views. Hikes are short and easy to long and hard. Be sure and take plenty of water and a camera, this is the desert after all. This is a very beautiful place.
I always love coming here. Its green in the spring and in the fall nice colors. I love all the trails and the art shops. This place has a magical feel. The animals run around great for families too.
Fall in Zion with yellow cottonwoods against orange canyon walls and bright blue skies by day and starry nights is amazing. A lot of people go here - would rec access from the east rather than south or parking in town and taking the shuttle. Great mix of trails for all ages and abilities
Zion National Park is a must for anyone who loves truly spectacular western scenery! I actually think that Zion is more beautiful than the Grand Canyon. The difference, I think, is that
one looks up at the magnificent red rock cliffs of Zion while one usually (unless you hike or ride mules to Phantom Ranch on the floor of the Grand Canyon) you look down, way down, into the Grand Canyon. It was crowded and warm at Zion even in mid-October. I'd like to visit Zion in the winter when hopefully the crowds would be less.
