We went to Zion National park in early April and the weather was amazing for hikes. We brought some layers of clothes and went back to our car for lunch and to exchange clothes part of at through the day. Day 1: We parked in Springdale and took the free shuttle to the visitor center in mid afternoon. We bought our American the Beautiful pass when we got there (since we were heading to Bryce National Park and the Grand Canyon later in our trip). We did the “upper”, “middle” and “lower” Emerald pools trials, and then went to the Canyon Overlook for sunset. Day 2: We had an early start so that we could get a parking spot at the visitor’s centre parking lot. We hiked up to “Scout Lookout” (this is where the trial splits to either go to Angel’s Landing (permit required) or continue on the West Rim trial. We did the West Rim trial for a while and it was beautiful! The sites are different and there are less people as you go past Scout Lookout. We climbed back down to the shuttle and returned to the visitor centre for our picnic lunch and then rented hip waders, water hiking boots and a walking stick from Zion Outfitters (right across the bridge from the visitor centre) to hike up the Narrows. The gear kept us dry and my feee stayed warm with the neoprene socks they loaned us. The water was quite frigid but was usually only up to calf/knee level for the majority of the hike. We went up part way and came back. I went really slowly because I knew that we had 5 more days of hiking and I didn’t want to hurt myself and. It be able to do the other hikes we had planned. I’d recommend doing this as your last hike of a hiking trip in case you twist an ankle😉 Zion was really beautiful to drive through (which we did a couple of time).

Zion is epic. The Par'us trail near the visitor center has some epic views of the cliffs and is dog friendly! We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and actually found a space to park near the visitor center. I would highly recommend stopping by and attempting to find parking so you can do the near by trails.

The visitor center is a fantastic facility. The park rangers and park staff at the information desks were so busy they had a line nearly out the door but they were so helpful and happy to assist. The visitor center was our first stop to talk to a park staffer about conditions in the park and how to get to certain trails, like the famous Narrows. The information we got from the park staffer was absolutely essential to our park visit and I’m so glad that they were available to assist us, for free. The lines for the shuttle at the visitor center were already quite long by the end of March 2025 and it seemed like the staff was working extra hard but they were efficient and got everyone through as quickly as possible with great attitudes. The rangers and park staff like info desk and shuttle drivers really make or break the visit to the park. Thank you!

The staff was fun to be around! I really appreciated the international presence in Zions. Whether you're going to enjoy nature, bond with friends and family, or just want to get out of town, I would highly recommend visiting! If you're on a budget, definitely get gas before St George or Hurricane. The prices are higher the closer to the resorts and park itself. Hope this was helpful!

Get there early by 8 am lot is full. Plan to stay the day and ride the shuttle throughout the park. This is a beautiful national park worth all the waiting. Look for mountain goats on the drive in.

Zion is an amazing treasure. You have to go at least once in your life! That being said, it’s overrun with people! I was there in a Friday, but it was a Friday in early April so I thought it wouldn’t be bad. It was pretty packed! The emerald pools are actually a fairly nasty color, and though the Narrows are my favorite hike in the summer, the river walk to them in spring was lack luster. I just don’t understand the pull to this park that makes it *so* crowded, even in the off season. It’s gorgeous but small and narrow, parking is a joke at this point until they figure something better out (though I really appreciate the frequent shuttles!) You have to park in Springdale for $15-$40 and ride a shuttle to get to the entrance now. Go to Canyonlands or Capitol Reef and get more space and nature with a fraction of the people and crowds.

Stunning views! Had to go to scenic drive twice to enjoy the ride. Need to go to Canyon view point to fully appreciate the area. Short hike and amazing overlook

Did Angel's Landing hike. The hike was amazing. The first pic, you end at the top of that!!! Some parts do test your nerves a little. 4 stars because we went off season on a Sunday. The lines were crazy(line to get in, line for the tram, lines of people on the trail.). The whole area charges quite a bit for parking. Seriously, there were parking meters on the dirt off the road side. Since we had to park and walk in, better signage would have been helpful. But like a lot of parks now...the overcrowding is out of control. I hate the permitting and lottery system, but understand it is needed.