As the summer heat gives way to cooler, crisp autumn air, people flock to Zion National Park to experience the fall season. While this iconic national park might be best known for its summer adventures, it also experiences changing leaves and cooler temperatures this time of year. Set against the red rock peaks the park is known for, the vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves of the canyon’s trees are even more stunning.
If you’re hoping to experience this unique and beautiful season for yourself, you’ll want to get started planning your visit right away, especially if you want to stay at the best hotel Zion National Park has for seeing the fall colors. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to plan a fall getaway at Flanigan’s Resort this year.
Timing is Key
Fall is a magical time to visit Zion National Park and our Zion park lodge. Unfortunately, fall is a short season in Southern Utah. If you want to experience the changing fall foliage, you’ll need to carefully consider your trip dates.
Most years, peak fall colors in Zion occur from late September to early October. This means that your window to visit if you want to see the vibrant fall colors could be as short as two weeks. To increase your odds of arriving when the colors are changing, aim to visit between the last two weeks of September and first two weeks of October. Keep in mind that the times when the leaves change vary from year to year depending on weather and temperatures.
This short window is a popular time to visit Southern Utah. Make sure to book the best hotel Zion National Park has to offer early to guarantee your spot.
Consider Your Accommodations
You’ll no doubt want to hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle or take a drive through Zion’s Upper Canyon during your visit to experience the fall colors. But when you’re considering where to stay near Zion National Park, consider whether you’ll be able to see these vibrant fall colors without even leaving your resort.
One of the best parts about staying at Flanigan’s Resort is the chance to enjoy stunning views of Zion’s peaks as a backdrop to our beautifully manicured grounds. Book a Deluxe Terrace or Deluxe Balcony Room, and you’ll be able to enjoy the views of the brightly colored trees on the resort property, with Zion’s towering rock cliffs in the background while you sip your morning coffee or take in an amazing sunset. Our Zion park lodge is great for immersing yourself in the beauty of the season, especially if you’re planning a short getaway.
Explore Some Scenic Drives
Zion National Park boasts some of the most iconic scenic drives in the country. You’ll definitely want to plan ahead to set aside time to enjoy a drive or two during your fall visit.
One of the must-see routes is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This road takes you through the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, and into the park’s Upper Canyon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy great views of the colorful Zion Canyon this time of year.
If you have enough time during your stay in the best hotel Zion National Park has to offer, there are also plenty of other scenic drives outside the park that are great for seeing the fall colors. Highway 12 Scenic Byway, which runs 124 miles from Torrey, Utah to US 89, is a great choice during the fall months.
Pack for the Changing Weather
When most people think about visiting Zion hotels Utah, they think about hot, sunny days. But while most visitors to our Zion park lodge make their way to Southern Utah during the summer months, many visitors don’t realize that the area does experience cool and even cold weather from late fall to early spring.
If you’re visiting from late September to early October, days may still be hot. But as night falls, temperatures often begin to drop. To stay comfortable all day long, be sure to pack a variety of layers that you can easily add or remove as the temperature changes throughout the day.
Planning a Fall Stay at the Best Hotel Zion National Park Has to Offer
If you’re dreaming of experiencing the changing colors, a fall visit to the best hotel Zion National Park has to offer is a must! When planning your visit, don’t forget to carefully consider your dates, pack layers, and consider booking our Zion park lodge to be surrounded by vibrant colors throughout your stay!
Thinking about planning a fall stay at Flanigan’s Resort? Make sure to book your stay early to guarantee your choice of rooms!