There’s no denying that Zion National Park is a bucket-list-worthy destination for countless travelers around the world. With its stunning landscapes, iconic hiking trails, and unique plant and animal life, it’s no surprise that the Southern Utah park attracts millions of visitors every year. In fact, the park has become one of the most popular in all of the U.S.
It’s possible to plan a fun and enjoyable visit to the best hotels Zion has to offer any time of the year. But if you’re thinking about visiting during the height of the summer season, you might find yourself facing down some crowds, especially on popular trails or at some of the shuttle stations during the afternoon on weekends or around the holidays.
Luckily, with a few simple tricks, you can beat the crowds and plan the perfect stay at our Zion National Park lodge. Ready to start planning your next Zion adventure? Keep reading for our top tips!
Consider Visiting During the Shoulder Season
The above tips can go a long way toward helping you avoid the crowds and still have a great visit to the best hotels Zion has to offer at the height of the summer season. But if you really want to beat the crowds, consider planning a visit during the off-season.
Zion National Park sees its highest number of visitors when schools are on break and the weather is favorable. This means that if you want to enjoy the park with fewer other guests, consider visiting from March to early May or from September to November. The weather during these times is still warm, but there are fewer daily visitors, especially through the week.
For an even more empty park, a winter visit to our Zion National Park lodge is a truly special experience. While temperatures may drop and days are shorter, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the park as few visitors ever get to see it.
Arrive Early or Stay Late
If you’re dreaming of visiting the best hotels Zion has to offer during the peak season, one of the best tips you can follow is to arrive early and stay late. Most park visitors arrive between the hours of 10am and 3pm Arriving before 10 will allow you to get a headstart on popular trails before the crowds arrive. Staying in a Zion Canyon lodge close to the park’s entrance is a great way to do this.
When searching for places to stay near Zion, don’t forget to consider the distance from the park’s entrance. Flanigan’s Resort is located just a short ride on the Zion Canyon Shuttle or a walk from the park’s entrance. This makes it even easier to get to the park early in the day. You can also head back to the resort in the afternoon when the park is at its busiest. Swing by Deep Canyon Spa, one of the best spas in Utah, or an afternoon pick-me-up, or have lunch at Spotted Dog. Then, head back to the park after 3 p.m. when many of the day guests start to leave to get another hike or some sightseeing in!
Consider Alternative Transportation
The Zion Canyon and Springdale Shuttles are great for getting to and from your Zion Canyon lodge and the park during the day. By staying close to the park, you won’t have to worry about trying to find parking every day, and the Zion Canyon Shuttle can save your feet from having to trek between different trailheads every day.
But on particularly busy days, lines can sometimes form at the shuttle stops, especially within the national park. On those days, using alternative transportation can help you make the most of your day. E-bikes, like those from our partner, Zion Peddler, make it easy to zip around the park and between Zion and Springdale with ease.
This means not having to worry about waiting for a shuttle because you can ride e-bikes into the Lower Canyon even when personal vehicles aren’t allowed. With our partnership, you can charge your rental to your room and enjoy the convenience of an e-bike during your stay.
Explore Lesser-Known Trails
Iconic trails like Angels Landing and the Narrow are often busy and can be tough to hike during the summer (especially with the new Angels Landing permit system). Luckily, the park has plenty of lesser-known trails, which means that you can often find a quiet spot for a hike even on the busiest days.
To beat the crowds during your stay in Zion park hotels, you could head to Kolob Canyon, the little-known other section of Zion. Or, try one of these alternatives to Angels Landing.
Planning a Stay in the Best Hotels Zion Has to Offer
Planning a stay in one of the best hotels Zion has to offer doesn’t need to be a challenge, even during the busy summer season. With these simple tips, you can make the most of your stay at Flanigan’s Resort and still get to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Zion National Park.
Ready to start planning your next visit? Start by booking your room at our beautiful Zion National Park lodge.