Zion National Park
National park · Washington County
Utah
Highlights
Towering red cliffs & slot canyons with iconic hikes like Angels Landing
Towering red cliffs & slot canyons with iconic hikes like Angels Landing
"Attracting heavy visitation this year, the park has high demand for iconic hikes and experiences and can feel crowded during peak summer hours; some signature routes now require permits, so early planning is essential. To improve your visit, secure any necessary permits well in advance, opt for less-popular trails or campsites, check for shuttle or timed-entry rules, and pack extra supplies because ranger-led services may be reduced." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A very popular park with narrow, winding roads and limited parking, making it a poor choice for driving an RV through the main areas; visitors are better off using the free shuttle to reach trailheads such as Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and the Narrows. RVs that attempt the upper roads should note that the Zion‑Mount Carmel Tunnel requires an escort and a $15 fee." - Ellen Carpenter
"Included in a five-day Intrepid Travel “Active-ism” adventure that pairs it with the Grand Canyon, this park is part of a limited-edition trip that blends outdoor activities with activist-led discussions to raise awareness about threats to U.S. national parks. Each departure is co-led by an Intrepid guide and a guest activist (Alex Haraus on Nov. 1 and Wawa Gatheru on Apr. 14, 2026); the itinerary starts at $1,446 and was created in response to recent National Park Service staff layoffs and proposed budget cuts. Offered at a reduced cost and unique within Intrepid's global offerings for featuring activist hosts, the trip aims to empower travelers to learn, advocate, volunteer, or donate in support of park protection." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A dramatic canyon park with scenic drives through towering sandstone cliffs and shuttle-served trailheads for iconic hikes like Weeping Rock and Angel’s Landing, offering both accessible viewpoints and challenging routes amid striking red-rock scenery." - Rob Kachelriess
"I exclaimed “This is beautiful!” constantly during my December 2023 visit—driving through the Zion‑Mount Carmel Tunnel into a sea of red rocks was only the opening act for the hike‑able mesas, canyons, and sky‑high sandstone that make this 146,597‑acre park one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited; it draws over five million people a year and requires some planning (shuttle system, permits for certain hikes, and an entrance fee). I loved the stargazing opportunities—Zion is DarkSky‑certified—and birding (over 290 species), but I also noted practicalities: watch the weather for summer monsoons and flash floods, consider the America the Beautiful pass if visiting multiple parks, and be prepared for permit logistics and shuttle timetables in high season." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
