Traveling To Zion National Park: Where To Stay, Eat, and What To Do

Best Time To Go

Zion has the most beautiful views in the Fall due to the tree colors. The tree colors turn into this beautiful yellow color and it has the best weather. If you’re planning to do The Narrows (more on the trails later), I highly recommend to attend this trail in the Summer.

Where To Stay: Hotels and Camping

Springdale, Utah is the closest location to the start of the entrance of Zion, on the West side of Zion. On the opposite end (East of Zion) is Orderville but that is not as popular. The only con with staying in Springdale is it can be expensive, depending on when you travel.

Hotels in Springdale (right outside of Zion)

The Zion Park Motel
Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park (3 Star Hotel)
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale (3 Star Hotel)
Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites (3 Star Hotel)

Camping inside Zion

There are camping facilities inside the actual park of Zion (as opposed to right outside of Zion National Park in the town of Springdale). Reservations are required.

Watchman Campground
South Campground
Lava Point Campground

Click here for information about Zion’s campgrounds. You can also glamp nearby Zion. Check out UnderCanvas. They offer Safari Tents, beds, USB chargers, and community bathrooms.

Staying in a Nearby Town and driving to Zion

You can stay in La Verkin, UT or Hurricane, UT and make a short commute to Zion. There are times it’s cheaper to stay in Springdale and other times it’s cheaper to stay in another town. Make sure to shop around before you make a reservation.

I chose to stay in La Verkin, Utah which is a 30 minute drive (~21 miles) from Springdale, UT when I went to Zion in August. Since you’re (most likely) already driving around Utah anyway, I would recommend to stay in La Verkin if you’re on a budget. Hotel prices are much cheaper and staying outside of Springdale gets you to explore more of Utah. Saving the additional $100 per night for a 30 minute drive was a no brainer to me.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Verkin-Gateway to Zion (2 Star Hotel). This is where I stayed during my trip to Zion and it was perfect. Budget friendly, breakfast is available, along with amenities like a jacuzzi and a pool.
Best Western Plus Zion West Hotel (3 Star Hotel)
Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane/Zion National Park

If there is no parking available inside the park, I recommend to pay for your tickets in your vehicle at the entrance, drive back around to find parking outside in Springdale, then go to the pedestrian entrance. The cost is $35 per VEHICLE vs. $20 per person. This will save you a lot of money!

Where To Eat

Coffee. The closest Starbucks is in St. George, Utah. There is zero Starbucks in Hurricane, La Verkin, Rockville, Springdale, Utah.

I recommend to go to River Rock Roasting Company. They have two locations in La Verkin, Utah. I had their iced mocha coffee with soy milk and it was delicious. Very few cafes handle soy correctly with their coffees and River Rock Roasting Company handles it perfectly. Their mocha is also very strong and much better than Starbucks’ (and I am a HUGE Starbucks fan!).

Lunch – Meme’s Cafe – Springdale, Utah. This place has the best burgers and flavored lemonade! I had their chicken burger. They serve burgers, crepes, appetizers, salads, and alcohol (wine/beer). Meme’s offers inside and outside seating.

Dinner- Switchback Grille (A Steakhouse) or Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon (Mexican Restaurant). Both are in Springdale, Utah, right outside of Zion.

Stage Coach Grille – La Verkin, Utah. They serve steak, seafood, and chicken. This steakhouse is more affordable and everything tastes delicious. Pictured: Chicken Marsala with mashed potatoes. I have been here twice so far. I love their food, their friendly staff, and their swift service.

What To Do in Zion

Take The Scenic Drive

This is a good option if you’re traveling with young children or older people in your party who may have trouble walking or if you just want to see the scenery without having to walk, hike, or get out of your car. You’ll get a beautiful look of Zion from every angle.

Zion National Park recently started to require guests to have shuttle tickets to ride their shuttles. You’ll definitely need this if you want to explore the park. I’ve seen people turned away for not having shuttle tickets. They’re only one dollar per person so make sure to get a ticket. for everyone in your party. All you have to do is create an account on Recreation.gov and purchase your tickets.

Hike

Click here for National Park Service’s list of hikes at Zion National Park. The harder trails include The Narrows, Observation Point (via East Rim Trail), Hidden Canyon Trail, and Angels Landing. The rest of the trails at Zion are considered moderate to easy.

My first time at Zion I did The Narrows. Click here to view my blog post about The Narrows. Since you are walking through the Virgin River, it’s best to go on this trail during the Summer time to spare your feet and to ensure the water isn’t too cold.

Here’s a list of some of the other trails at Zion:

Watchman Trail (easy hike but has elevation. Click here for my blog post).

Pa’rus Trail

Lower and Middle Emerald Pools Trail (it’s a loop). The photo below is from the Middle Emerald Pools. Click here to learn about the Emerald Pool trail.

Upper Emerald Pools Trail (from the original Lower/Middle Pool Trails loop however you have to go to it and back down. It’s not a circle.) This trail is a bit harder than the Lower/Middle Pool Trails because of the steps and unpathed pathway.

Riverside Walk

Canyon Overlook Trail