Zion National Park is a fantastic outdoor family experience. You could visit multiple times in a year and find something new on each trip. To assure that your visit is the best it can be we’ve created a Must Know Before You Go guide to support your planning. Take these three topics into consideration before you leave to get the most out of your Zion National Park adventure.
Closures
Currently, there is a Cyanobacteria Bloom in the Virgin River and streams at the park. Visitors are advised to avoid submerging their heads and not to filter water for drinking from water areas. Children and pets are especially vulnerable. There is no known filtration system that will remove this toxin so do not ever drink the water.
Trails close throughout the year due to rock fall or avalanche warnings. These closures can be short or long-term depending on the severity of the damage. Be sure to check the Zion National Park website for up-to-date notices on closures.
The Narrows closes in the spring due to snowmelt creating dangerous water flow levels. Flash Flood Warnings can also happen in the summer months. Check the Narrows page of the NPS website for the most recent park updates. Determine if a hike up the Narrows is a good idea during your visit. As always, when hiking in narrow canyons such as this, be sure to check the weather daily.
Get Your Travel Goals Newsletter & BONUS Workbook
Seasonal closures of some campgrounds may impact your visit. And others are first come, first served or reservation only from March through November. Be sure to check out Zion National Park’s webpage for camping information.
Certain stops on the Scenic Drive may be closed to shuttle service or only open to a particular shuttle. You will want to get the most up-to-date information on how you will move around in the park before you get too deep into your planning process. To find out which routes can help you get around the park in a way that works for your family be sure to look at the Zion Canyon Shuttle System webpage.
Shuttle Service
Access to much of the park has been by shuttle only since 2000. In response to huge numbers of visitors, the National Park System instituted this service to make the park experience better for us all. Unless you visit in the winter months when the shuttle service is closed, you definitely need to be up to date on routes.
In response to COVID, the park previously required advance ticket purchase. As of May 28th, 2021 those tickets are no longer needed. While previously purchased tickets will still be honored, the new purchase of tickets is no longer needed. Shuttle capacity will be back to pre-Covid limits. Be sure to check the park’s official page for shuttle service.
Get Your Travel Goals Newsletter & BONUS Workbook
Heading into summer and fall there are two shuttle routes, the Circular Route and the Visitor Center Route. You want to make sure you have a clear understanding of which shuttle you want to use. The shuttles are clearly marked with routes served. You can find the most up-to-date information about routes through the national park website.
As always, don’t wait for the last shuttle. If it is full then you’ll have some walking ahead of you, in the dark. Be sure to check times and frequency when looking at routes that fit your visit.
Park Weather
The most popular time of the year to visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But summer temperatures can be intense. Prepare for weather that tops 100F. There is also an increased chance of monsoons from July to September which increases the chance of Flash Flood Warnings. This concern can cause the Narrows to close as well.
Winter brings ice and snow so check for trail and road closures. If visiting during this less crowded time prepare for icy conditions and some closures.
Get Your Travel Goals Newsletter & BONUS Workbook
Spring has nicer weather but snowmelt can create adverse river conditions. The Narrows closes sometimes as a result.
Fall brings an average temperature of 64 – 70 degrees and lows on average are above freezing. This is an ideal time to visit as the weather is often a pleasant complement to the lower crowd levels.
Considering Zion as a part of your larger Utah National Park adventure? Check out our detailed Utah National Park Itinerary!