Travel Information, Tours and Lodging
Driving Distance from Zion National Park, UT to Grand Canyon
- Zion to Grand Canyon North Rim is 110 miles, a 2 hour 5-minute drive.
- Zion to Grand Canyon East Rim is 108 miles, a 2 hour drive.
- Zion to Grand Canyon South Rim is 255 miles, a 4 hour 30-minute drive.
- Zion to Grand Canyon West Rim is 289 miles, a 4-hour 45-minute drive.
Zion National Park Tours
There are a several tour guides that offer great tours at Zion National Park, you can check out our list of recommended tours below, or read if you're looking for Grand Canyon tour options read our guide on canyon tours. Zion has amazing scenic drives, great campgrounds and guided trips that include a step accent up Angel’s Landing or a hike through the Zion Narrows. Canyoneering is also a popular past time, and Zion National Park has many technical slot canyons to choose from. Just keep in mind most of Zion’s hikes require a permit, which you can get in advance or at the visitor center. Zion is also well known for its rock climbing routes and you can see climbers ascending its big walls, or hire a professional tour guide and try it out for yourself.
Best Zion National Park Area Hotels
Zion Lodge is the only accommodation within Zion National Park and it books quickly during the high season, but there are several other popular lodging options in nearby towns. Just like Grand Canyon lodging, make a reservation well in advance if you want to stay here on your way to the Grand Canyon. Outside of the Park’s south entrance in Springdale, Utah there are many lodging options. If you leave Zion from the east entrance en route to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon National Park, there are a few lodges outside the park and in Mt. Carmel Junction. There are also three campgrounds in Zion National Park. Watchman and South Campgrounds are located near the South Entrance, while Lava Point campground is located at the north end of the park on Kolob Terrace Rd. For people with RV’s there are several RV parks outside the south entrance and one smaller park outside the east entrance.
Area Car Rental Options
Although there is a shuttle in the park, if you want to visit other National Parks like the Grand Canyon, it’s best to have your own vehicle. You can pick up a rental car in Las Vegas or any other major city you are traveling from. Once you arrive, there is a free shuttle in Zion National Park as well as several private companies that run shuttles in the area.
Closest Airports to Zion
The closest major airport to Zion National Park is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. St George UT a little over an hour away also has daily flights from Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
Best Restaurants and Dining Options
Inside Zion National Park the only place to eat is the Zion Lodge. Springdale, Utah right outside is your best bet close to the Park, or Mt Carmel Junction if you are headed towards the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park or Bryce Canyon. Kanab, Utah and Jacob Lake, AZ also have some great restaurants on the way to the North Rim.
Weather and Climate
Zion’s weather is known to be unpredictable, especially in the spring when storms are common. Overall, the spring and fall seasons are the best times to visit Zion but summer can be a great time too, especially if you plan on doing some canyoneering. Just keep in mind summer is hot and school is out so the park is very busy. Winter in Zion is fairly mild and although the park gets snow, clear sunny days in the 50’s are not uncommon and you’re sure to have more solitude during the low season both here and at the Grand Canyon.
