Zion National Park spans over 146,000 acres of pure magnificence. You’ve acquired the teetering climb up Angel’s Landing, the Narrows and its novelty hike by the river, and so many viewpoints that you simply’ll wrestle to determine which to go to first. The hikes simply astound you in Zion National Park. But with a lot to do, it’s no marvel we all the time get questions on the place to keep in Zion National Park and what the very best Zion National Park lodging is. After numerous visits to this park (Which is one in all our favorites within the USA), we put collectively this deep dive into the realm to make it easier to determine.
Best Places to Stay in Zion National Park
You have just a few completely different choices for locating locations to keep in Zion National Park. There are restricted decisions if you happen to’d like to keep contained in the park itself (assume one lodge and plenty of campgrounds), or you may keep in one of many close by cities, only a quick drive or stroll to the park entrances. These cities have rather more selection by way of motels, and also you’ll simply want to drive into the park every morning to get pleasure from its standard trails. Zion National Park lodging is fairly assorted.
In this information, we’ll weigh all the pieces up for you to select the very best Zion National Park lodging on your journey. Whether you desire a scorching tub, health heart, or non-public deck overlooking superb views, we’ve acquired you lined. Here’s the place to keep in Zion National Park.
1. Zion National Park Lodging (Inside The Park)
So, let’s begin with the obvious possibility first. For many, staying within the park itself is smart if you happen to’re visiting Zion National Park. Waking up overlooking red-tinged sandstone views simply sounds magical, doesn’t it?
Staying contained in the park is feasible, however you have to be organized or very versatile. There’s just one lodge possibility with the park – Zion Lodge. We’ll talk about this lodge extra in a second. Still, you have to perceive that in order for you a lodge expertise inside Zion National Park, examine availability and e-book upfront. Obviously, with only one lodge possibility, rooms go quick, particularly in peak months like summer time.
Otherwise, there are lots of campgrounds to select from, so pack your tent or begin up your campervan: South, Watchman, and Lava Point Campground are all nice choices. And tenting inside Zion National Park is nice enjoyable.
Luxury: Zion National Park Lodge
Zion National Park Lodge is the one lodge really set inside Zion National Park. The historic lodge dates again to 1924 and gives rustic cabins with a ridiculously handy location. While it won’t be probably the most extravagant luxurious lodging selection, it positively qualifies as probably the most luxurious place to keep in Zion National Park, provided that it’s the one place you may bag an precise lodge room. There’s additionally a quiet, imposing magnificence to the property, with a darkish picket exterior lit up in opposition to its sandstone cliff backdrop.
Zion National Park Lodge is open year-round and has implausible views. It’s simply probably the greatest motels within the area, and its wonderful location units it aside. There’s an on-site restaurant, free parking, and comforts like free Wi-Fi and TVs in every cabin, room, or suite. If you need consolation inside Zion National Park, you’ll have to examine availability at Zion National Park Lodge, which gives quick access to the park’s points of interest.
Mid Range: Under Canvas Zion
Okay, we’ll be fully trustworthy: Under Canvas, Zion technically straddles the Zion National Park border on its north-western Kolob Terrace area. However, because the solely different choices contained in the park are campgrounds, we determined to spotlight one of many few potential glamping websites. You’ll be proper on the Zion border and get a extra distant expertise with the consolation of deluxe glamping tents.
Guests can get pleasure from a fireplace pit, horseback driving excursions, scorching air ballooning, and on-site yoga classes. The tents characteristic large beds; some have stargazer parts, with clear sections to admire the night time sky. Under Canvas Zion could be a slightly cheeky addition to the ‘inside Zion’ part, however the promise of beautiful glamping websites on the nationwide park border ought to be a robust sufficient promoting level for you. Definitely examine availability for its glamping tents.
Budget Hotel: South Campground
South Campground is the place to keep in Zion National Park if you’re a hardy camper and pleased to ‘rough it’ to stick to a funds. It is additional into the park than its neighbor, Watchman Campground. The campground is primary however has water entry, showers, a laundry room, and bogs. There’s even a playground for households.
You can convey a tent or an RV. It is a straightforward stroll into Springdale for city facilities or a stroll to the shuttle for Zion’s principal trails and points of interest. You are actually minutes away from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Pa’rus Trail. You also can stroll to the Zion Human History Museum in as little as 20 minutes. Considering you’re tenting inside Zion National Park, you continue to have quick access to extra formal points of interest and city facilities. It’s a pleasant steadiness that makes South Campground value contemplating if you happen to’re touring to Zion on a funds.
Pros Of Staying inside Zion National Park
It is a superb location to entry all the paths, which supplies you a head begin in order for you to entry trails early within the morning to beat the crowds.
You don’t have as a lot driving time as you should use the free shuttles and stroll across the park. Many points of interest are simply minutes away from the lodging in Zion National Park.
You get beautiful views galore and expertise Zion when most individuals go dwelling.
Cons Of Staying inside Zion National Park
You do miss out on facilities like eating places, with restricted decisions for eating contained in the park. If you desire a restaurant meal, you’ll have to head to Springdale, simply exterior the south Zion National Park Entrance or keep at Zion Lodge so you may dine on the on website restaurant.
There is little variety by way of lodge choices and pricing. If you have a look at motels exterior Zion National Park, you’ll discover higher worth for cash.
You’ll solely see Zion slightly than get to discover different areas as effectively.
2. Springdale
Springdale is the trusty second-in-command for staying close to Zion National Park; most guests select this as their base. If you missed the boat and located Zion National Park Lodge to be booked out or simply fancy extra lodge choices, Springdale is your finest shout. The city is actually steps away from the south entrance of Zion National Park, which means you could possibly nonetheless stroll to any of its principal points of interest if you happen to actually wished to – simply with the added bonus of extra lodge decisions and higher facilities. Springdale is a good location in order for you proximity to Zion’s points of interest however a extra city expertise than you get from in-park lodging. It is the place you may keep in Zion National Park for utter comfort.
Zion’s south entrance is served by a compulsory Zion Canyon Shuttle for a lot of the yr. This shuttle runs by Springdale itself, which means you don’t even want to spend additional driving time. When staying in Springdale, you’ll be a brief stroll out of your nearest pick-up level.
Aside from being actually handy, Springdale can also be a beautiful city. The small handful of homes, eating places, and motels sit in opposition to a backdrop of sandstone cliffs, and the Virgin River snakes by the city. Thanks to the surroundings, it appears like you’re already within the park, and also you received’t miss out on any of that ‘wow factor’.
Luxury: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection
Cliffrose Springdale is a stupendous 4-star lodge on the riverfront in central Springdale. Upscale and immensely subtle, we drastically admire how Cliffrose Springdale balances fashionable and conventional design. Its beautiful structure makes use of wooden and sandstone to seamlessly mix into the surroundings whereas showcasing massive, fashionable home windows for considerable pure lighting. Inside, every room gives a personal deck or balcony with plush bedding and up to date decor.
However, the actual motive we added this luxurious lodge to this information is its scorching tub, fireplace pits, and seasonal outside pool. It has an actual outside ambiance the place friends can chill out with completely different actions after a busy day in Zion National Park. Imagine soaking in a scorching tub at your lodging after a protracted day in Zion.
Furthermore, Cliffrose Springdale is a delegated cease on the Springdale shuttle to the park, so reaching the principle Zion trails is simple.
Mid Range: Red Rock Inn Cottages
Red Rock Inn Cottages has comfy rooms and an unpretentious vibe. Guests get homely rooms with flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and coffee-making machines. Each room has views of Zion Canyon or the property’s serene backyard areas. And if you happen to do need to improve your expertise, you may splurge on a particular room with a personal scorching tub. Red Rock Inn Cottages are the proper Zion National Park lodging for anybody wanting a snug keep.
Guests get a complimentary breakfast and parking. In abstract, Red Rock Inn Cottages is only a stunning property to use as a base, placing plenty of effort into its inside design and making it visually interesting. This lodging is the place you may keep in Zion National Park to chill in a scorching tub and embrace homely comforts. Check availability upfront as it is a standard lodging selection and is open year-round.
Budget: Zion Canyon Cabins
Zion Canyon Cabins are lovely log cabins located centrally in Springdale. These cabins are perfect for nature lovers or those that like a extra rustic aesthetic. Even higher, they’re a number of the most budget-friendly lodging in Springdale—which, keep in mind, tends to hike lodging costs up given its unimaginable location and entry to Zion National Park.
Zion Canyon Cabins have a seasonal outside pool and communal fireplace pits. The communal fireplace pits are nice for assembly new folks, and there’s an out of doors grill and BBQ space for cooking. It may appear slightly dear, however it’s value reiterating that Springdale lodging costs are increased than in different areas. There’s only a premium price ticket due to its handy location. Still, comparably, Zion Canyon Cabins are your only option for snagging probably the most aggressive worth.
Pros Of Staying in Springdale
You can simply catch the shuttle, drive, or stroll into Zion National Park. Springdale is de facto handy, and it’s positioned subsequent to Zion’s south entrance.
Springdale has many facilities, together with many lodge choices and eating places, so you may funds higher with extra decisions.
Springdale is well known for its magnificence and is a genuinely fairly little city and place to keep. You’ll get pleasure from a backdrop of sandstone cliffs and the close by Virgin River; you don’t miss out on pure magnificence by staying in Springdale.
Cons Of Staying in Springdale
Springdale is the best choice amongst these wanting to keep exterior Zion National Park, so it will get busy. Remember to examine availability and e-book upfront. Also, be ready for crowds in peak seasons.
Springdale wants extra points of interest (if we’re being choosy). It is gorgeous, however in any other case, it’s a launchpad to see Zion National Park slightly than a vacationer vacation spot in its personal proper.
Prices may be barely hiked up for vacationers as a result of Springdale is such a ‘through-town’.
3. Mt Carmel Junction
Cast your eyes to the opposite aspect of Zion National Park; Mt. Carmel Junction is a brief 15-minute drive from the jap Zion National Park Entrance. Unlike staying in Springdale, you’ll want to drive your method into the park. It isn’t shut sufficient to be inside strolling distance, however you’ll be driving to Zion National Park on the Mt. Carmel Highway Scenic Drive. The ‘commute’ into the nationwide park is without doubt one of the most scenic drives within the area, and it’s nonetheless fairly quick access.
Mt. Carmel Junction is tiny and a extremely candy place to keep. If you need someplace barely much less standard (learn: busy) than Springdale, that is the place to keep in Zion National Park. It has a number of eating places, present outlets, and an all-necessary gas station. Accommodation is proscribed, however you’ve many motels and RV parks to select from. If you need to really feel slightly within the sticks, Mt. Carmel Junction is right. It has first rate facilities however is far much less touristy.
Mt. Carmel Junction can also be an important place to discover locations other than Zion National Park. You’re only a quick drive from the Belly of the Dragon Trail, which begins by strolling by an enormous tunnel and Elkhart Cliffs Slot Canyon. You are only a 20-minute drive from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, too. It’s an important location to get extra out of your journey and detour from the usual vacationer path. The close by climbing trails are a lot quieter than the key trails in Zion, so it’s a pleasant steadiness on your itinerary.
Luxury: Zion Mountain Ranch
Zion Mountain Ranch is probably the most luxurious lodging possibility in Mt. Carmel Junction. The historic ranch has a mix of picket cottages and splendid suites—all adorned in luxurious, conventional outdated Western type. And even higher, there’s a herd of bison on an on-site reserve, which is superb for animal lovers and people wanting to spot wildlife when visiting Zion.
There’s parking and an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and night meals. Zion Mountain Ranch is secluded and an important place to embrace the extra rural, genuine ambiance of Mt. Carmel Junction. Definitely examine availability for its beautiful suites.
Mid Range: Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge
Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge is a bit more fashionable, providing implausible mid-range lodging in central Mt. Carmel Junction. Guests get entry to queen and king rooms, with the choice to improve to suites. The room decor is gentle and boutique-style, offering a peaceable house to retreat to after all of your sightseeing and climbing in Zion National Park. There are complimentary toiletries in every, in addition to in-room leisure.
You can discover a big outside pool on-site, 24-hour reception, and laundry amenities. The latter is a pleasant contact, contemplating you’ll get so mucky in Zion National Park. Of course, there’s free WiFi and parking, and general, it’s a moderately priced and comfy expertise in Mt. Carmel Junction.
Budget: Mt. Carmel Motel & RV Park
Located simply north of Mt. Carmel Junction’s heart is Mt. Carmel Motel & RV Park, the area’s finest budget-friendly lodging. Mt. Carmel Motel & RV Park is undoubtedly probably the most competitively priced place to keep within the space, with primary however comfy rooms and a helpful location to head into Zion National Park. The motel is modest and down-to-earth however in a tasteful method.
The motel has solely six rooms, so you’re assured a extra lowkey ambiance. Each room has a mini fridge, microwave, and occasional machines. Of course, that is nice for holding your consuming payments low, and you’ll improve to a cabin possibility that options its personal non-public kitchen for a self-catered keep, too. If you desire a funds keep within the Mt. Carmel space, this motel is for you.
Pros Of Staying in Mt. Carmel Junction
Mt. Carmel Junction gives a extra genuine and fewer touristy expertise. It is extra relaxed than different locations like Springdale.
You have a great deal of completely different locations to sightsee close by, together with slot canyons and trails that take you thru tunnels. All of those trails are a lot quieter than these in Zion National Park, supplying you with extra steadiness on your itinerary.
The driving route to Zion National Park takes you on a scenic freeway and solely takes quarter-hour.
Cons Of Staying in Mt. Carmel Junction
You aren’t inside strolling distance of the park, so that you have to be pleased driving.
There are restricted facilities in Mt. Carmel Junction, so it isn’t suited to anybody wanting many bars and eating places.
Similarly, you’re restricted by way of lodge choices. You ought to e-book lodging upfront to keep away from it promoting out.
4. Hurricane
Hurricane is the furthest possibility when researching the place to keep in Zion National Park, roughly half-hour from Zion’s south entrance. So, why hassle with the drive? Well, Hurricane is the closest metropolis to the nationwide park, which means tons of facilities on your go to and plenty of leisure. If you’re extra of a metropolis lover, Hurricane is probably the most entertaining place to keep close to Zion National Park.
Hurricane has the Hurricane Valley Heritage Park Museum and Pioneer Corner Museum for vacationers. You also can go to Quail Creek State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. It’s an important base to discover many alternative points of interest round Utah. It additionally has extra residential points of interest, like a cinema, golf programs, splash pad, espresso outlets, and plenty of parks. It’s the place to keep in Zion National Park in order for you a busier metropolis expertise whereas away from Zion’s climbing trails. You have all the pieces you want in your doorstep.
Hurricane is our prime advice for anybody who needs infinite leisure decisions and plenty of lodge choices. If you e-book a keep in Hurricane, you’ll have a way more packed itinerary.
Luxury: The Dwellings
The Dwellings is boutique lodging simply north of Hurricane’s heart. It’s out of the hustle and bustle and gives tastefully adorned deluxe studios, full with non-public terraces. If you desire a luxurious base in Hurricane, The Dwellings is a wonderful selection. Each studio encompasses a kitchenette and scorching drinking-making amenities. Guests have a self-contained residing house, with bedrooms and adjoining seating areas, plus ample entry to outside house.
Spending lengthy days in Zion, it’s good to know you’ve someplace peaceable to retreat to and rejuvenate. For additional peace of thoughts, there’s parking on-site and household rooms for individuals who’d like them. The lodge was solely inbuilt 2020, so the decor is stylish and tasteful too.
Mid Range: Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane
Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane is positioned within the coronary heart of Hurricane and is the place to keep in order for you a mid-range property within the coronary heart of the town’s motion. As a sequence lodge, this property is extra like a conventional lodge expertise, with a grand foyer and visitor room format. The 3-star lodge has a 24-hour reception desk and a spacious automotive park. It is a good base in Hurricane and ticks all the required bins for a really affordable worth.
Each room has an ensuite with complimentary toiletries, and also you get a fridge that is useful for storing grocery-bought meals and saving cash on consuming out. Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane has an onsite outside swimming pool, health heart, and enterprise heart. Overall, it’s a welcoming and dependable base when staying in Hurricane.
Budget: Hurricane Hideaway Lodging
Hurricane Hideaway Lodging has lodge rooms which are about as central as you may get in Hurricane. You’ll have doorstep entry to the town’s leisure and facilities like eating places, excellent for getting probably the most out of your expertise. It is only some minutes on foot from the Hurricane Valley Heritage Park Museum and a tasty Peruvian restaurant, Peruvian Flavors. You are a block away from Hurricane’s shop-lined Route 9. For a budget-friendly fee, nice location, and comfy rooms, you may’t prime this lodge.
Each room comes with espresso machines, minifridges, and microwaves. Anyone enthusiastic about funds journey is aware of the magic of this magic mixture. You’ll give you the chance to squirrel away leftover meals safely and profit from grocery purchasing. You additionally get a personal lavatory, WiFi, TV, and entry to communal outside seating. It is a good deal in order for you to expertise Zion National Park on a budget.
Pros Of Staying in Hurricane
You get a metropolis ambiance with many extra actions and leisure. This is right for staying entertained within the evenings if you doubtless aren’t spending time in Zion National Park anyway.
Hurricane has many extra lodge choices, so you could find higher offers and charges.
There’s lots to discover close by, together with museums within the metropolis heart and state parks round its outskirts.
You are solely a 30-minute drive from the nationwide park, which continues to be very handy.
Cons Of Staying in Hurricane
You aren’t inside strolling distance of the nationwide park, and the drive isn’t beautiful, like Mt. Carmel Junction’s scenic freeway. You’ll want to be pleased driving not less than an hour return every day.
Hurricane is a metropolis slightly than a scenic city, so you’re going to get a distinct surroundings and views than you’d staying in Springdale.
Hurricane is busy. Get prepared for crowds.
FAQ’s About The Best Areas to Stay in Zion
You now know precisely the place to keep in Zion National Park. Are you selecting to keep close to the quiet jap entrance? Or stunning Springdale or the citified Hurricane? Choosing a location is as essential as deciding in your lodging. Though, after all, weighing up between a scorching tub or pool is fairly thrilling.
Before you go, although, let’s have a look at a number of the mostly requested FAQs. Here’s some quickfire data that might make it easier to slim down your decisions.
Where do folks keep when visiting Zion National Park?
Most folks keep in Springdale, because it’s the closest city exterior the nationwide park and has probably the most lodge and facilities choices.
Is it higher to keep inside or exterior Zion National Park?
It is dependent upon what you get pleasure from doing. Overall, we’d advocate staying simply exterior of Zion National Park. You received’t discover a lot of a distinction if you happen to keep in Springdale.
Is it higher to keep in Zion or Bryce Canyon?
Both provide related lodging decisions, with one central lodge in every park and a cluster of motels close to the park entrances. However, Bryce Canyon is mostly slightly quieter, as Zion National Park is the preferred of the 2.
How many days do you want in Zion National Park?
You want not less than three days in Zion National Park. We counsel greater than three days in order for you to hike just a few important trails (assume the Narrows and Angels Landing). You’ll want some downtime in between, and also you don’t need to tire your self out on main trails solely to miss the shorter routes and experiences.
Where not to keep in Zion National Park
When staying in and round Zion National Park, we advocate staying inside a 30-minute drive. You need to maximize your time within the park, and by staying additional away, you’ll lose a substantial chunk of your day to driving. This is worse on your power ranges and itinerary and means different persons are extra doubtless to beat you to these treasured few automotive parking spots. Make your life simpler by staying shut to the park and its entrances. Similarly, whereas trip leases and Airbnbs are nice, having a extra formal lodging website is nice for added luxuries on the finish of a protracted day.
These are just a few of the locations close to Zion National Park that we’d counsel avoiding:
1. Hildale
Hildale is a city bordered by Colorado City on the Arizona border. It has some fairly beautiful glamping websites and a historical past carefully interlinked with Warren Jeff’s cult—which is fascinating for anybody concerned about darker US historical past.
However, extra appropriate choices exist for these wanting to keep close to Zion. We advocate avoiding this spot because it takes over an hour to attain the nationwide park by automotive. Travel time will take up a substantial portion of your day and tire you out earlier than you even arrive.
If you’re on the lookout for glamping, take a look at Under Canvas Zion as a substitute. It’s positioned within the Kolob Terrace area, only a 35-minute drive from the park.
2. St. George
St. George is the primary port of name if you enter Utah from Nevada, and if you happen to’re driving from Las Vegas, you’ll move straight by this southwestern metropolis. It’s a cool place, with petroglyphs, dinosaur stays, and doorstep entry to Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. An wonderful place to cease on a highway journey? Absolutely. But we wouldn’t advocate staying right here in order for you to go to Zion National Park.
St. George is just a bit bit too removed from the park entrance, taking round an hour a technique by automotive. You’ll in all probability drive by Hurricane, too, which implies you typically catch metropolis site visitors at peak hours.
Instead, keep in Hurricane itself for half your every day journey time after which take a day journey to St. George to see all it has to provide on non-Zion day.
3. Kanab
Kanab is tough to rule out as a result of it’s a quirky border city. However, it’s a bit too far to justify selecting it for lodging when visiting Zion National Park. It takes roughly an hour to attain the park from Kanab.
We will say, although, to keep in Mt. Carmel Junction after which make a day journey to Kanab. Kanab has Little Hollywood Land and dozens of close by trails, together with Moqui Cave Natural History Museum and a few slot canyons.
Why we love Zion National Park
To be trustworthy, who doesn’t love Zion National Park? The park is overflowing with character and beauty. You can admire the sandstone canyon walks and slim ridges or stroll by rivers. It’s the form of nationwide park that challenges preconceptions. It’s no marvel it’s thought-about one of many finest nationwide parks within the USA.
Zion National Park is a straightforward ardour level for us as we love our climbing trails and US nationwide parks. There’s a lot to see. Check out a number of the points of interest round Zion National Park, too; don’t simply pigeonhole your self into strolling the key trails. Visit the lesser-visited slot canyons and state parks dotted round its edge.
Its surrounding space is simply a part of Zion National Park’s magnificence and attract; deciding the place to keep in Zion National Park is a good choice. Whether you choose a spot close to a Zion National Park entrance, keep contained in the park itself, or choose a extra distant base—just like the thrilling metropolis of Hurricane—we hope you’ve a beautiful time.