Thinking about planning a visit to Zion National Park and Springdale hotels in 2023? If your travel plans are flexible, you might be wondering what the best time of year to visit is.
The answer is that there’s no bad time to visit Southern Utah. But each season is truly unique. Some bring more crowds but great weather, while others come with cooler temperatures and the chance to enjoy some unique activities.
If you’re ready to start planning your next visit to Flanigan’s Resort, keep reading. We’re breaking down what you need to know about each season.
Spring
For mild temperatures and fewer crowds, spring is another great time to visit Zion. Spring sees more variance in temperature than other times of the year. Days can be as cool as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and then swing closer to summer temperatures, especially late in the season. Spring snow storms aren’t that unusual, so you’ll want to make sure to stay flexible during your trip.
The Zion Canyon Shuttle System returns in spring, making it easy to get around. The Human History Museum and other facilities also re-open this time of year. If you have your heart set on hiking The Narrows during your trip, spring may not be the best choice for your visit — melting snow often causes the water level in the Virgin River to rise, and the trail may close as a result.
Spring is also a great time to visit Springdale hotels. This time of year, Flanigan’s Resort’s beautiful grounds are in full bloom. Consider upgrading to a room with a patio to sit and enjoy the views during your stay.
Summer
Summer is by far the most popular time of year to visit Zion National Park. June, July, and August see nearly 40 percent of the park’s annual guests, with May and September drawing another 22 percent. As a result of the increase in visitor numbers, you can expect longer operating hours for restaurants, stores, and attractions this time of year.
However, there are some drawbacks to visiting this time of year. To start, the high number of guests can lead to crowds on popular trails, as well as lines to ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle. In addition, triple-digit temperatures are the norm for much of the summer, which can make hiking on unshaded trails more challenging, or even dangerous if you aren’t properly prepared and carrying plenty of water.
If you’re locked into traveling during the summer months, it’s still possible to enjoy an incredible visit. One great way to do so is by booking Zion park hotels located close to the park’s entrance. Flanigan’s Resort is located on the Springdale Shuttle line. This means that you can leave your car parked at our Zion Canyon lodge and ride to the entrance to the park each day.
Fall
If thinking of Zion brings to mind desert landscapes, you’ll want to plan a visit in the fall. First-time visitors may be surprised to learn that Zion National Park experiences changing leaves this time of year. The bright yellows and oranges are even more stunning set against the red rock cliffs of the park. These changing colors start in September at the higher elevations in the park and make it into the lower canyon by the end of October or early November.
Besides the stunning views, there are a few other things that make fall a great time of year to visit. Temperatures are starting to cool, which makes hiking much more enjoyable. The crowds of summer drop off sharply by mid-August, though the park may still see higher visitor numbers on weekends and around the holidays.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and the heat and enjoy the changing leaves, fall is a great time to visit. While stores and restaurants may shorten their hours as the days get shorter, this is still a popular time to visit, and the park may still see more crowding than it does in the spring or winter.
This is another great season to stay in Springdale hotels. Flanigan’s Resort’s grounds come alive with color as the leaves begin to change.
Winter
Most of Zion National Park’s more than 5 million annual visitors see the park’s stunning red rock cliffs and brilliant blue skies. Some get a chance to see the vibrant orange and yellow leaves of fall. But only a small percentage of guests get a chance to see the park covered in snow.
For much of the winter season, the shuttle buses are not in operation. This means that winter is the only time of year that you can drive your own vehicle—or ride in one of our comfortable tour vehicles—into the lower canyon. The shuttle buses do run around the holidays, including Christmas, President’s Day Weekend, and New Year’s Day. Some of the park’s facilities, like the Human History Museum, also close this time of year. The roads in Zion are plowed, but trails may not be cleared, making them impossible after heavy snow.
Deciding When to Visit Zion and Springdale Hotels
Now that you know a little more about each of the seasons in Zion National Park, it’s time to decide when you’ll book your stay at Springdale hotels. Flanigan’s Resort welcomes guests all year long. Our resort’s beautiful grounds change along with the season. Come for the spring blooms, the fall colors, or a winter snow. There’s no bad time to visit our Zion Canyon lodge.
Ready to start your search for places to stay near Zion? Book your next stay at Flanigan’s Resort today!