Summer may be the most popular time to visit Zion National Park. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of reasons to experience the park the rest of the year. In fact, with the cooler temperatures and changing leaves, fall might just rival summer as the best time of year to visit. Staying at a Zion resort like Flanigan’s Resort is a great way to make the most of your fall visit.
Flanigan’s Resort offers quick and easy access to the park, not to mention beautiful grounds that come to life with color this time of year. Ready to start planning your own fall visit? Keep reading to learn some of the best fall hikes to experience during your stay.
Angels Landing
A list of the top trails for enjoying stunning views of the park wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Angels Landing. One of the best-known trails in any national park in the U.SThis challenging 5.4-mile hike has a whopping 1,500 feet in elevation change. But even this isn’t what makes the trail so well-known.
Instead, it’s Angels Landing’s challenging and dangerous obstacles. On your trek towards the sky, you’ll climb the challenging and famous Watler’s Wiggles, a series of steep switchbacks that help you traverse the steep cliff. Then, near the trail’s summit, you’ll have to traverse a narrow ridgeline, with only a metal chain handrail to hold onto as you stare down 1,000-foot drops on either side.
Angels Landing isn’t for everyone. But if you’re up for the challenge, properly prepared, and have a permit in hand, this trail is one of the best for taking in the stunning colors of Zion’s Lower Canyon from far above.
Taylor Creek
While the months of June, July, and August see the highest crowd levels in Zion National Park, the fall months aren’t far behind. The months of September and October still see high numbers of visitors, particularly on the weekends.
If you’re hoping to experience the changing fall colors, but want to get away from the crowds, head to this trail. Taylor Creek is located in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion. This separate section of the national park isn’t directly accessible from the main section of the park. Instead, you’ll need to drive north to experience this often overlooked, but no less stunning part of Zion.
Taylor Creek Trail is not only a great spot to experience the fall colors, but also the perfect trail for seeing Kolob Canyon’s unique and stunning landscapes. You’ll pass the geologic formation called the Kanarraville Fold, dry creek beds, towering red rock cliffs, and even two original pioneer cabins. This trail rivals the popular Angels Landing in distance, at around 5.5 miles round trip. But with fewer crowds and far less elevation change, this is a great day hike alternative.
Observation Point
Another great alternative to Angels Landing is Observation Point. But don’t expect this trail to be easier than Zion’s iconic and dangerous hike. Observation Point is much longer than Angels Landing, at 8 miles round trip. It also has more than 2,000 feet of elevation change.
Much like Angels Landing, this trail isn’t for the unprepared hiker. But with the right gear and preparation, this can be a great hike not only for the fall colors but also for avoiding any crowds you might find elsewhere in the park.
The trail is named for its summit, located at an elevation of 6,521 feet on Mount Baldy. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of nearly every one of the park’s most famous peaks and landmarks. During the fall months, you’ll have a chance to see them covered in vibrant leaves in shades of orange, yellow, and red.
It’s important to note that as of September 2022, Observation Point Trail is temporarily closed because of damage from rockfall. You can check the National Park Service website or stop by the visitor center during your Zion resort stay to make sure the trail is open during your visit.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Want to experience stunning views of Zion this fall without having to take on one of these challenging climbs? Head to Canyon Overlook Trail. Because this trail is located in Zion’s Upper Canyon, you won’t have to do any climbing at all to enjoy great views of the Lower Canyon. In fact, this trail is just a 1-mile round trip and is relatively flat.
To get to Canyon Overlook Trail, you’ll need to travel to Zion’s Upper Canyon, passing through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. From there, you’ll find the trailhead just east of the tunnel. There is a parking lot at the trailhead. If you’re visiting during a busy weekend, consider getting to this trailhead early or late in the day, as the parking lot can sometimes fill up in the afternoon. If you’re staying at a Zion resort near the park’s entrance, like Flanigan’s Resort, this is an easy trail to enjoy in the late afternoon before heading back to the resort for dinner or perhaps a dip in the pool.
While this trail isn’t handicap accessible, it is a great choice for families with children or anyone looking for an easy hike.
Planning Your Fall Stay at the Best Zion Resort
Looking for the best places to stay near Zion National Park? Look no further! Whether you plan to take on Angels Landing or enjoy more relaxing hikes like Canyon Overlook Trail, staying at our Zion resort feels like you’re staying in the heart of the park. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the fall colors and Zion’s peak from your private balcony, our beautiful pool, or the outdoor patio at Spotted Dog, our on-site restaurant.
Ready to start planning your next visit to Flanigan’s Resort? Check out room, suite, and villa options to choose the perfect one for your family.