Visiting Zion National Park during the so-called “Secret Season” is a great chance to experience fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a beautiful time of year in the park. With the days may be shorter and certain activities might not be available this time of year, there are some things you can do during the winter that you can’t do the rest of year. For instance, with the Zion Canyon Shuttle ceasing operations, this is the only time of year when you can drive your personal vehicle into the park.
While the Zion Canyon and Springdale shuttles aren’t in operation, you’ll still want to book a stay in hotels in Zion located close to the park’s gates. Staying at Flanigan’s Resort makes it easy to get to the park early in the day, to make up for shorter operating hours at the park’s facilities as well as less daylight.
If you’re thinking about planning a stay in lodging near Zion during the Secret Season, keep reading to learn the park hours you need to know.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Whether you’re looking to ask a park ranger for trail recommendations or want to get a souvenir from your trip, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is a one-stop shop. The visitor center is home to a bookstore, the Wilderness Desk where you can pick up backcountry permits, and a variety of exhibits where you can learn a little about the park, its history, and the plants and animals that live there.
As the busy summer and early fall season come to an end, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center reduces its operating hours. Starting in October and lasting until the beginning of May, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. If you’re planning a holiday visit to the park, you’re in luck; the visitor center is open on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. In fact, the park is open every day of the year.
Zion Canyon Wilderness Permit Desk
If you’re thinking about taking on a through-hike of The Narrows or a canyoneering adventure during your stay at hotels in Zion, you’ll need to make a stop at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk first. Located at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, this desk is staffed by park rangers who help guests apply for and get a permit for their backcountry adventure.
Permits are required for any overnight backpacking, canyoneering, watercraft river, or climbing trips, as well as for through-hikes of The Narrows. The Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk operates on the same schedule as the visitor center, so it’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the Secret Season.
Zion Human History Museum
While there are outdoor exhibits at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, if you really want to learn more about the history of the park and the people who have inhabited it, head to the Zion Human History Museum. Here, you can see artifacts and archival materials that showcase the rich human history of the region.
The Zion Human History Museum also reduces its operating hours this time of year. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Kolob Canyons
In Zion’s lesser-known Kolob Canyons section, there is a second visitor center, as well as another Wilderness. This section of the park is located in the northwestern corner of Zion National Park. Kolob Canyons is around a 45-minute drive from the best places to stay in Zion, making it perfect for a day trip. This section of the park is great for getting away from the crowds and enjoying some remote, beautiful hiking trails.
The Kolob Canyon Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Kolob Canyons Wilderness Desk is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily.
If you’re hoping to visit Kolob Canyons during your stay in lodging near Zion this winter, it’s important to note that Kolob Canyons Road is partially closed at this time. The road is currently open to the South Fork Picnic Area. This means that both Timber Creek Overlook and La Verkin Creek Trail are closed at this time. But the National Park Service recently announced that the road is expected to open in Winter 2024, so park visitors will soon get to enjoy this entire area again during a stay in lodging near Zion.
Planning a Secret Season Stay in Hotels in Zion
If you’re thinking about planning a stay in hotels in Zion during the Secret Season, you’ll want to make note of these hours. If you’re like most visitors to the park, your previous visits have been during the summer, when hours at these park facilities are longer each day.
While you might not be able to go to the Visitor Center or museum as late in the day, there are plenty of other reasons to plan a stay at Flanigan’s Resort this time of year. Check out this list of winter activities you can enjoy when you plan a visit to places to stay in Zion this time of year.