Zion National Park spans over 146,000 acres of pure magnificence. You’ve obtained the teetering climb up Angel’s Landing, the Narrows and its novelty hike by way of the river, and so many viewpoints that you simply’ll wrestle to resolve which to go to first. The hikes simply astound you in Zion National Park. But with a lot to do, it’s no surprise 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 among our favorites within the USA), we put collectively this deep dive into the realm to aid you resolve.
Best Places to Stay in Zion National Park
You have a couple of totally different choices for locating locations to keep in Zion National Park. There are restricted decisions in case you’d like to keep contained in the park itself (assume one lodge and many campgrounds), or you possibly can 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 resorts, and also you’ll simply want to drive into the park every morning to take pleasure in its common trails. Zion National Park lodging is fairly various.
In this information, we’ll weigh every part up for you to select the very best Zion National Park lodging to your journey. Whether you need a scorching tub, health heart, or personal deck overlooking wonderful views, we’ve obtained 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 sensible in case you’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 should 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 will need to perceive that in order for you a lodge expertise inside Zion National Park, test availability and e book upfront. Obviously, with only one lodge possibility, rooms go quick, particularly in peak months like summer season.
Otherwise, there are various 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 presents rustic cabins with a ridiculously handy location. While it won’t be essentially the most extravagant luxurious lodging selection, it undoubtedly qualifies as essentially the most luxurious place to keep in Zion National Park, provided that it’s the one place you possibly can bag an precise lodge room. There’s additionally a quiet, imposing magnificence to the property, with a darkish wood exterior lit up towards its sandstone cliff backdrop.
Zion National Park Lodge is open year-round and has implausible views. It’s simply probably the greatest resorts within the area, and its glorious 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 test availability at Zion National Park Lodge, which offers quick access to the park’s sights.
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 take pleasure in a hearth pit, horseback driving excursions, scorching air ballooning, and on-site yoga periods. The tents characteristic large beds; some have stargazer components, with clear sections to admire the evening sky. Under Canvas Zion is perhaps a moderately cheeky addition to the ‘inside Zion’ part, however the promise of beautiful glamping websites on the nationwide park border needs to be a robust sufficient promoting level for you. Definitely test 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 glad to ‘rough it’ to stick to a price range. It is additional into the park than its neighbor, Watchman Campground. The campground is primary however has water entry, showers, a laundry room, and bathrooms. There’s even a playground for households.
You can carry a tent or an RV. It is a simple stroll into Springdale for city facilities or a stroll to the shuttle for Zion’s principal trails and sights. 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 sights and city facilities. It’s a pleasant stability that makes South Campground price contemplating in case you’re touring to Zion on a price range.
Pros Of Staying inside Zion National Park
It is a superb location to entry all the paths, which provides 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 utilize the free shuttles and stroll across the park. Many sights 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 need 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 possibly can dine on the on web site restaurant.
There is little variety by way of lodge choices and pricing. If you take a look at resorts exterior Zion National Park, you’ll discover higher worth for cash.
You’ll solely see Zion moderately 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 greatest shout. The city is actually steps away from the south entrance of Zion National Park, that means you can nonetheless stroll to any of its principal sights in case you 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 sights however a extra city expertise than you get from in-park lodging. It is the place you possibly can 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 12 months. This shuttle runs by way of Springdale itself, that means you don’t even want to spend further 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 resorts sit towards a backdrop of sandstone cliffs, and the Virgin River snakes by way of the city. Thanks to the surroundings, it looks like you’re already within the park, and also you gained’t miss out on any of that ‘wow factor’.
Luxury: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection
Cliffrose Springdale is a phenomenal 4-star lodge on the riverfront in central Springdale. Upscale and immensely subtle, we vastly admire how Cliffrose Springdale balances trendy and conventional design. Its beautiful structure makes use of wooden and sandstone to seamlessly mix into the setting whereas showcasing massive, trendy home windows for ample pure lighting. Inside, every room presents a non-public deck or balcony with plush bedding and up to date decor.
However, the true cause we added this luxurious lodge to this information is its scorching tub, hearth pits, and seasonal outside pool. It has an actual outside ambiance the place company can loosen up with totally different actions after a busy day in Zion National Park. Imagine soaking in a scorching tub at your lodging after an extended day in Zion.
Furthermore, Cliffrose Springdale is a delegated cease on the Springdale shuttle to the park, so reaching the primary Zion trails is straightforward.
Mid Range: Red Rock Inn Cottages
Red Rock Inn Cottages has snug 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 in case you do need to improve your expertise, you possibly can splurge on a particular room with a non-public 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 a number of effort into its inside design and making it visually interesting. This lodging is the place you possibly can keep in Zion National Park to sit back in a scorching tub and embrace homely comforts. Check availability upfront as this can be a common lodging selection and is open year-round.
Budget: Zion Canyon Cabins
Zion Canyon Cabins are lovable 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 among the most budget-friendly lodging in Springdale—which, bear 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 hearth pits. The communal hearth pits are nice for assembly new individuals, and there’s an outside grill and BBQ space for cooking. It may appear slightly dear, but it surely’s price reiterating that Springdale lodging costs are greater than in different areas. There’s only a premium price ticket due to its handy location. Still, comparably, Zion Canyon Cabins are your best choice for snagging essentially the most aggressive worth.
Pros Of Staying in Springdale
You can simply catch the shuttle, drive, or stroll into Zion National Park. Springdale is actually handy, and it’s situated subsequent to Zion’s south entrance.
Springdale has many facilities, together with many lodge choices and eating places, so you possibly can price range higher with extra decisions.
Springdale is widely known for its magnificence and is a genuinely fairly little city and place to keep. You’ll take pleasure in 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 test availability and e book upfront. Also, be ready for crowds in peak seasons.
Springdale wants extra sights (if we’re being choosy). It is gorgeous, however in any other case, it’s a launchpad to see Zion National Park moderately than a vacationer vacation spot in its personal proper.
Prices could 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 facet 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 manner 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 very candy place to keep. If you need someplace barely much less common (learn: busy) than Springdale, that is the place to keep in Zion National Park. It has a number of eating places, present retailers, and an all-necessary gas station. Accommodation is proscribed, however you may have many resorts and RV parks to select from. If you need to really feel slightly within the sticks, Mt. Carmel Junction is right. It has respectable facilities however is way much less touristy.
Mt. Carmel Junction can also be an awesome 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 way of 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 awesome location to get extra out of your journey and detour from the usual vacationer path. The close by mountaineering trails are a lot quieter than the foremost trails in Zion, so it’s a pleasant stability to your itinerary.
Luxury: Zion Mountain Ranch
Zion Mountain Ranch is essentially the most luxurious lodging possibility in Mt. Carmel Junction. The historic ranch has a mix of wood cottages and opulent suites—all adorned in luxurious, conventional previous Western type. And even higher, there’s a herd of bison on an on-site reserve, which is wonderful 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 awesome place to embrace the extra rural, genuine environment of Mt. Carmel Junction. Definitely test availability for its beautiful suites.
Mid Range: Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge
Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge is a bit more trendy, 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 mild and boutique-style, offering a peaceable area to retreat to after all of your sightseeing and mountaineering 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 total, it’s a fairly 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 greatest budget-friendly lodging. Mt. Carmel Motel & RV Park is undoubtedly essentially the most competitively priced place to keep within the space, with primary however snug rooms and a helpful location to head into Zion National Park. The motel is modest and down-to-earth however in a tasteful manner.
The motel has solely six rooms, so you’re assured a extra lowkey environment. Each room has a mini fridge, microwave, and low machines. Of course, that is nice for holding your consuming payments low, and you’ll improve to a cabin possibility that options its personal personal kitchen for a self-catered keep, too. If you need a price range keep within the Mt. Carmel space, this motel is for you.
Pros Of Staying in Mt. Carmel Junction
Mt. Carmel Junction presents a extra genuine and fewer touristy expertise. It is extra relaxed than different locations like Springdale.
You have a great deal of totally 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, providing you with extra stability to 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 should be glad 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, that means tons of facilities to your go to and many leisure. If you’re extra of a metropolis lover, Hurricane is essentially 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 awesome base to discover many various sights round Utah. It additionally has extra residential sights, like a cinema, golf programs, splash pad, espresso retailers, 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 mountaineering trails. You have every part you want in your doorstep.
Hurricane is our prime suggestion for anybody who desires limitless 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 presents tastefully embellished deluxe studios, full with personal terraces. If you need a luxurious base in Hurricane, The Dwellings is a superb selection. Each studio incorporates a kitchenette and scorching drinking-making amenities. Guests have a self-contained dwelling area, with bedrooms and adjoining seating areas, plus ample entry to outside area.
Spending lengthy days in Zion, it’s good to know you may have someplace peaceable to retreat to and rejuvenate. For further peace of thoughts, there’s parking on-site and household rooms for individuals who’d like them. The lodge was solely in-built 2020, so the decor is fashionable and tasteful too.
Mid Range: Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane
Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane is situated 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 town’s motion. As a series lodge, this property is extra like a conventional lodge expertise, with a grand foyer and visitor room structure. The 3-star lodge has a 24-hour reception desk and a spacious automobile park. It is a good base in Hurricane and ticks all the required packing containers 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 can be about as central as you will get in Hurricane. You’ll have doorstep entry to town’s leisure and facilities like eating places, excellent for getting essentially the most out of your expertise. It is just a few 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 possibly can’t prime this lodge.
Each room comes with espresso machines, minifridges, and microwaves. Anyone enthusiastic about price range journey is aware of the magic of this magic mixture. You’ll give you the option to squirrel away leftover meals safely and take advantage of grocery procuring. You additionally get a non-public toilet, 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 environment 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 loads 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 remains 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 glad driving at the least an hour return every day.
Hurricane is a metropolis moderately than a scenic city, so you’re going to get a special 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, in fact, weighing up between a scorching tub or pool is fairly thrilling.
Before you go, although, let’s take a look at among the mostly requested FAQs. Here’s some quickfire info that might aid you slim down your decisions.
Where do individuals keep when visiting Zion National Park?
Most individuals keep in Springdale, because it’s the closest city exterior the nationwide park and has essentially the most lodge and facilities choices.
Is it higher to keep inside or exterior Zion National Park?
It depends upon what you take pleasure in doing. Overall, we’d suggest staying simply exterior of Zion National Park. You gained’t discover a lot of a distinction in case you keep in Springdale.
Is it higher to keep in Zion or Bryce Canyon?
Both supply related lodging decisions, with one central lodge in every park and a cluster of resorts 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 at the least three days in Zion National Park. We counsel greater than three days in order for you to hike a couple of vital 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 suggest 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 to your vitality ranges and itinerary and means different individuals are extra doubtless to beat you to these treasured few automobile 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 web site is nice for added luxuries on the finish of an extended day.
These are a couple of 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 attention-grabbing for anybody considering darker US historical past.
However, extra appropriate choices exist for these wanting to keep close to Zion. We suggest avoiding this spot because it takes over an hour to attain the nationwide park by automobile. Travel time will take up a substantial portion of your day and tire you out earlier than you even arrive.
If you’re searching for glamping, try Under Canvas Zion as a substitute. It’s situated 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 in case you’re driving from Las Vegas, you’ll move straight by way of this southwestern metropolis. It’s a cool place, with petroglyphs, dinosaur stays, and doorstep entry to Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. An glorious place to cease on a highway journey? Absolutely. But we wouldn’t suggest 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 method by automobile. You’ll in all probability drive by way of Hurricane, too, which suggests you typically catch metropolis 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 supply on non-Zion day.
3. Kanab
Kanab is troublesome 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 way of rivers. It’s the type of nationwide park that challenges preconceptions. It’s no surprise it’s thought-about one of many greatest nationwide parks within the USA.
Zion National Park is a simple ardour level for us as we love our mountaineering trails and US nationwide parks. There’s a lot to see. Check out among the sights round Zion National Park, too; don’t simply pigeonhole your self into strolling the foremost 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 may have an exquisite time.