Zion National Park is Utah’s earliest and oldest national park, covering an area of 232 square miles of sandstone canyons, towering cliffs. There is no shortage of breathtaking scenery or natural treasures in America’s national parks. Zion National Park’s varied topography is among the most impressive examples. The 5,000-foot difference in altitude between Coal Pits Wash (3,666 feet) and Horse Ranch Mountain (8,726 feet) provides excellent rock climbing and hiking opportunities.
You should think about things like weather and water levels, just as you would for any outdoor destination. Of course, you should go during the off-season if you want to avoid the park’s massive crowds. The Zion visited by five million people that year, making it the second most popular national park in the United States. Here are the greatest and worst times to visit Zion National Park, based on factors like visitor volume and pleasantness of the weather.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park to Avoid the Crowds
Although Zion National Park is accessible all year, the busiest months are April through September, when 70% of all tourists go there. If you’re able to be flexible with your travel dates, going to the park between October and March will get you there with less people using selfie sticks to impede your view and fewer people on the trails.
There are less tourists and more peace and quiet in January, making it the ideal time for a getaway. Compared to the park’s busiest month of July, which attracts over 500,000 visitors, December is typically a much quieter time with just approximately 90,000. Even though it’s the midst of January, the average high temperature is a balmy 54 degrees, making it the ideal time to hike the area’s many scenic trails with nothing more than a light jacket.
Zion National Park’s Narrows Hike is at its Finest in the Spring and Fall
The Narrows is a must-do for every visitor to the park, and with good reason: the canyon walls in this area are a thousand feet high, and the river that runs through it makes for a thrilling climb. The are pave and wheelchair-accessible Riverside Walk a great way to get a feel for the Narrows, but if you really want to explore the canyon, you should put on some waterproof shoes (or ones you don’t mind getting wet) and go up the Virgin River.
Since you’ll be hiking upstream, the Narrows is often inaccessible in the spring when the river is at its highest due to snowmelt. In addition, the water phrazle temperature drops in the late autumn and winter. This is why the Narrows are most popular for hiking in the summer and early autumn, when the water is warmer and at its lowest level, while flash flooding, which has caused tragic incidents in the past, may occur at any time of year.
When to Go Canyoneering in Zion National Park
Canyoneering, which involves scrambling, climbing, and swimming up, down, and across canyons. The frequently with the help of ropes, has made Zion National Park one of the world’s finest canyoneering locations.
Book a trip into the Narrows’ lower end if you’re a beginner, or proceed. The Subway or Orderville Canyon if you’re more experienced. Canyoneering is possible in Zion all year, however certain routes are close during the winter. Try it out during the summer when the river is lower. The water is warmer for the most pleasant experience. Remember that you can only get a canyoneering permit by applying for one online. And doing so at least two months in advance.
When to Go Camping in Zion National Park
Camping is one of the most popular things to do in Zion National Park since. There is nothing quite like waking up to the stunning scenery. However, you should plan ahead, since there are only three accessible campsites in Zion and they fill up quickly.
Watchman Campground in Zion Canyon is normally open all year, but South Campground closes only during the winter months. The more rustic Lava Point Campground may be reache via Kolob Terrace Road between May and September. If you want to escape the heat, you may want to avoid July. But if you have the right camping gear (or a camper or RV). You may come any time within that timeframe.
Hiking through the park’s wilderness routes will lead you to its authorized backpacking sites, which provide more secluded campsites. La Verkin Stream Trail is a 14-mile route that follows the creek bed to Kolob Arch. The biggest free-standing arch in the world, and passes past 10-13 campsites. The trail is most popular in the spring, summer, and autumn. Remember that these are wilderness regions, and as such are susceptible to wildfires, rockfalls, flash floods, and other natural disasters. Always check the latest conditions before venturing out.
When to Go to Zion National Park for the Best Angels Landing Hike
There’s a good reason why climbing Angels Landing considered a once-in-a-lifetime challenge for many adventurers. The last stretch of the route is carved into solid rock and brings hikers up a tight. 1,488-foot-tall rock structure called Angels Landing, which is not for inexperienced hikers. The almost five-and-a-half-mile round-trip walk may be done at any time of year. But it is very risky and should only be tried in good weather. Although most people attempt this trail in the summer, July. And August are the most likely months experience severe heat and thunderstorms, so be prepared. Those planning on visiting the area should also note that they will need a permit to walk this trek.
