If you are interested in a more detailed breakdown and tips about my top pick hikes you will want to visit the guide page here.

Now let’s paint you some pictures so you can plan the best trip to visit us!

The Big Picture

Zion National Park is really like 4 different parks in one and thus has something for everyone. This post is just to outline things so you can make some decisions about what parts of the park are right for you. Here they are:

Zion Canyon - The Main Canyon

The two terms are interchangeable and refer to the most popular section of the park. Most of the easily recognized hikes and vistas are located in this section of the park. Basically, if you picture Zion you are probably thinking of something that is in the main canyon. You get to the main canyon through the park’s west entrance which sits right next to the beautiful little town of Springdale, Utah.

East Zion

If you go through the Main Canyon and through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel you’ll arrive in East Zion. This section of the park is more reminiscent of the sweeping and swirling colors of The Wave in the Coyote Buttes North area of Utah. East Zion is less developed overall but has some great hikes that fit all interests and abilities.

Kolob Terrace

This section of the park offers a peaceful, less-crowded alternative to Zion’s main canyon, with stunning panoramic views and diverse hiking options for all levels. Turn off the highway about 20 minutes west of Springdale (in Virgin, Utah) and head up the hill 10-30 minutes (depending on the hike you want). Though many trails here are longer, there are also a few, more-accessible hikes, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for solitude and breathtaking scenery, Kolob Terrace is a must-visit.

Kolob Canyons

This section of the park is located in the northwest corner of the park, and is home to rugged canyons, striking red rock formations, and a variety of trails suited for all levels. I like to think of this area as the little-bit-less-busy younger sibling of the main canyon. Fewer hikes, fewer people, fewer amenities.

Where to Stay

There are tons of options from boutique hotels and glamping sites to vacation rentals and chain hotels. Staying in Springdale is definitely going to be the most convenient and, most likely, the most expensive. Here’s some quick and general ideas from someone who knows the area. I’ve done my best to organize them by distance from the main canyon.

• Springdale: staying here will definitely be the easiest and you will have tons of great amenities within walking distance (or shuttle distance) from your accommodations. It’s really a fun town!

• Rockville: If you are looking for a bed and breakfast, this is the place. There are no hotels in Rockville. So if you are looking to support locals then look no further and support these locals.

• Virgin: This little town has really stepped up their game in the last few years. Hands down the most (and probably best) glamping options are located in Virgin. Virgin also puts you directly halfway between the main canyon and the Kolob Terrace.

• Hurricane/LaVerkin: If you want access to more amenities and to stay within 30 minutes of the park then this is where you need to stay. There is definitely less of a vacation vibe here but the two towns make up for it with some of the best of all small town life. Think big-time fall, winter, and spring festivals. Fourth of July parades that make you feel young again. A small town, surprisingly amazing theater company, and Saturday farmer’s markets. That all goes without mentioning that Hurricane is home to Utah’s busiest state park and a great beach (Sand Hollow State Park)! I’ve definitely missed stuff here so come look around.

• St. George: If you want the best access to the most options for everything this is where you will need to stay. You’ll be able to feel like you almost never even left home.

The Shuttle System

Okay, let’s talk logistics—especially if you’re coming during peak season. Zion’s main canyon has a shuttle system that operates from March through late November and holidays to help reduce congestion and preserve the park. You can check the schedule here. This shuttle system is vital for getting around the park, and it’s a bit of a lifesaver (especially when a parking spot at the Visitor’s Center’s parking lots is as elusive as the holy grail). The shuttles run regularly, and they take you to all the major trailheads. Also you cannot drive into that section of the park when the shuttle is running. Like it’s closed unless you are a paying guest at the Zion Lodge.

Parking is hard to come by during peak season so I recommend parking wherever you can find a spot. You can hop on the shuttle at any of the designated stops in Springdale, or directly on the canyon shuttle at the park entrance. The Springdale shuttle will take you to the park entrance where you will get off and change to the canyon shuttle. The line to get on the canyon shuttle can get long. Beyond that, the shuttle, with all the stops, is definitely slower than driving to the trailheads yourself so keep that in mind as you plan your day.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

I want to tell you about one of Zion’s more underrated gems—the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This mile-long tunnel was completed in 1930 and is a unique way to experience the park that’s often overlooked by visitors who are too busy hitting the trails.

This tunnel isn’t just a tunnel—it’s an engineering marvel that carves through solid rock and gives you some stunning views before you even step foot on a trail. The cool part? It’s a one-way, two-lane tunnel, so it adds a little adventure to the drive itself. As you approach, you might even notice the windows carved into the rock that offer brief but spectacular views of Zion's wild terrain.

But here’s the kicker: if you’re driving a larger vehicle (like an RV or a bus), you’ll need to check the tunnel restrictions ahead of time. It’s narrow, and larger vehicles have to pay for a special escort to navigate it. So, plan accordingly. It’s a fun and iconic part of the Zion experience, especially as you emerge on the other side into the awe-inspiring views of Zion’s lesser-seen east side.

Fun Fact: Locals like to tell stories of “tunnel running.” They would drag a stick along the tunnel walls as they ran through. Kids would often think they saw the end and drop their stick only to run face first into the wall. It was also a popular sport to steal metal butter knives from the school cafeteria and drop them out the tunnel windows to listen to them whistle. How times have changed.

Remember the Heat!

Summer temps in Zion easily top 100°F, so if you’re here during the toasty months, get your hikes in early and then cool off in the Virgin River or at your hotel pool. And, you know, drink plenty of water. Like, all the water.

Favorite Activities

I think that people often forget that visiting Zion is not just about the hiking. Don’t get me wrong, I love the hikes and have lists upon lists of good ones (look here). These are just some other fun things to add to your trip:

• Junior Ranger Program

  • One of our favorite things to do at any national park is take part in the junior ranger program. I recommend stopping by the visitor center the first day to get your junior ranger packet. It gives the kids something to do in the down minutes (like waiting for dinner at a restaurant) and it is a fun way for everyone to learn something new and get more out of the trip. Plus, the kids get a badge! Instant street cred.

• George Barker River Park

  • This is a hidden gem. It’s got a bridge over the river, a fun trail that follows the water, and—if the river’s safe—there's a spot to splash around. Always check for algae blooms before getting in the water.

• Tubing Down the Virgin River

  • You could take a tour (they’ll hook you up with tubes and a ride), or you can do what we do: Buy tubes from Walmart in nearby Hurricane, park a car at George Barker River Park, ride the Springdale shuttle up a little ways, and drop in behind Sol Foods Market/Zion Brew Pub. The lazy float takes about two hours, and it’s the best way to soak in the canyon views while you actually cool off.

• Biking Through the Canyon

  • Rent a bike in Springdale and cruise through the canyon on the the paved Pa’rus Trail. It’s an easy, scenic ride that’s perfect for families and those who want a break from hiking but still want to experience the grandeur of Zion.

• Souvenir Shopping in Springdale

  • Springdale isn’t just a gateway to Zion, it’s also a delightful little town with art galleries, quirky shops, and plenty of opportunities to pick up something fun to remember your trip by.

• Springdale Town Park

  • If you’ve got young ones who need to burn off some energy, this park is a gem. With playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and pickleball, there's plenty to keep everyone busy while you catch your breath (and possibly a deer sighting).

• Springdale Public Library

  • Never underestimate a public library. If you are traveling with kids this is a great place to get out of the heat in the middle of the day. Kids can look at books or play with toys while the adults plan what’s next. The library is small but it has some beautiful views and most important, air conditioning!

So, there you have it. Zion National Park, in all its dirty, sweaty, and absolutely stunning glory. It’s the place my husband and I have kept coming back to our whole lives. Now, we’re passing the love on to our kids and hopefully, you!