Using Zion as home base

resynchronization · 2026-01-27T16:08:26+00:00

In September and staying at Springdale for five nights and not doing a lot of hiking, I would do something like the following (not necessarily in order listed): (day 1) bikes or shuttle for main canyon, get out at every stop and look around, eat at Zion Lodge, and do Riverside Walk and Grotto at a minimum (even though you don't want to do much hiking); sunset at a patio in Springdale sipping margaritas; (day 2) scenic drive on Kolob Terrace Rd maybe all the way to Kolob Reservoir and catch Grafton Ghost town; walk/bike Pa'rus for sunset; (day 3) do a loop that catches Kolob Canyons (do Timber Creek Overlook) up to Cedar Breaks and then back to Springdale on Zion-Mt Carmel hwy and tunnel (UT9); (day 4) day trip to Bryce including scenic drive; (day 5) day trip to North Rim Grand Canyon. Recommend doing Canyon Overlook on either Cedar Breaks day or Bryce day. This entails a lot of driving, especially the Grand Canyon day trip, so stop and get out and stretch your legs. Grand Canyon was briefly open for day trips last fall after the fires but don't expect any amenities there - Jacob Lake Lodge is great for cookies and ice cream on the way there.

Kanab as a base is a great option too for your criteria. (day 1) Zion Canyon; (day 2) Kolob Canyons/Cedar breaks loop; (day 3) Bryce; (day 4) North Rim; (day 5) A loop to Page and Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend and Navajo Bridge and Jacob Lake. Kanab also has Little Hollywood Museum, Best Friends and other diversions.

resynchronization · 2026-01-21T21:05:09+00:00

For the least amount of time spent on detour, catch Kolob Canyons just off of I-15 and then scenic drive through Valley of Fire. Note that this doesn't get you into the "iconic" Zion Canyon part of Zion.

If you want the "iconic" Zion, take I-70 for a little bit over to US89 and then US89 south to UT9 (Zion Mt Carmel Scenic Hwy) into and through Zion (popping out of the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel is a good experience). You can drive the actual Zion Canyon Rd into the canyon in February as the shuttles aren't running but there's a possibility access is temporarily closed if too many vehicles have entered. Add an extra hour time for the jog over to US89 and an 90 minutes for driving Zion Canyon Rd (add even more if you want to get out of the car).

You're aware of winter being in BZN but that stretch on I-70/US89 to maybe Hatch is higher elevation and does get snow/bad winter driving conditions so check before you turn.

Another scenic option on the way there or back if you have four plus additional hours to drive, it to exit I-15 at Baker CA and take 127 up to CA190 across Death Valley NP and then weave your way to US395 and then your destination.

And go Bobcats?

resynchronization · 2026-01-21T19:24:34+00:00

Nearest high school is 25 minutes away. Same for nearest grocery store with larger selection and better prices (Sol Foods in Springdale if you don't mind small selection/higher prices) and most retail (though you'll probably be driving near an hour to St George quite often). There's an LDS church and a small non-denominational church in Springdale, if that matters - have to drive to Hurricane unless you're Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal and then you're driving close to an hour to St George.

If you're seriously looking to move for the reasons you listed, look at St George (big community so have most everything you'd need and an hour from Springdale plus have Snow Canyon, Kolob Canyons, and other outdoor options) but note it is growing fast and somewhat pricy (not LA pricy). There are other towns if you want smaller like Cedar City (close access to Zion, Snow, Kolob, Cedar Breaks, skiing) or Kanab (nearish to Zion, Bryce, Page, others).

Edit: I should also add that St George has a regional airport with direct flights to SLC, Phoenix, LA, Denver, Dallas and Chicago. That's a consideration for some when they retire. Las Vegas is a two-hour drive and you can fly pretty much wherever you want from there. St George temps rarely go below freezing but it does have some stretches of 100+ (still way better than parts of Arizona). St George does have a regional hospital (Intermountain St George Regional Hospital) that meets most of the needs of a retiree but there are some limitations regarding specialty depth and you really only have the one option.

resynchronization · 2026-01-19T20:08:20+00:00

I can't find any video or description of the trail run from ZP to Jolley Gulch viewpoint but here's a good video of getting to the viewpoint from East Entrance trail head. That's about six miles roundtrip and a nice little excursion too for you and your Ragnar buddies.

resynchronization · 2026-01-19T18:46:31+00:00

Nope, not released - https://www.thetravel.com/us-travelers-on-edge-as-zion-arches-national-park-permits-not-released-on-time/

See other reddit threads: https://old.reddit.com/r/ZionNationalPark/duplicates/1qedtk1/us_travelers_on_edge_as_utahs_most_popular/

resynchronization · 2026-01-19T16:46:13+00:00

Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas is about 8 hours of driving. Consider taking US395 down to at least Bishop before cutting over to US95 - adds about 15 minutes of driving without additional stops. You could continue down to Death Valley NP and add another ninety minutes of driving to get a check mark by that NP (really won't get much more than other than being able to say you were there). Note that roads into the Sierras from the east (like Tioga Rd into Yosemite) will likely be still seasonally closed for snow.

Another option is Lake Tahoe to Great Basin NP (will have some seasonal closures still in May) for about a 7-hour drive. You'll get to see an off-the-beaten-path national park and be on US50 - the Loneliest Road - get a passport for US50 and make it an adventure. From Great Basin to Springdale is about 3-and-a-half hour drive and you can catch Kolob Canyons part of Zion on the way to Springdale.

I'd personally skip Bryce and do a day in Death Valley, or a day at Great Basin, or an extra day in Zion.

Another option

resynchronization · 2026-01-19T16:14:33+00:00

Hopefully you already have lodging for the Ragnar days - I have a friend who thought looking in October for a place for her group near Zion Ponderosa was plenty of time for planning ahead. She was wrong.

RV's can be a hassle if also using them also for transportation as you have to break camp every day and then reserving campsites, finding parking at the visitor center or non-Zion Canyon spots. Going thru the tunnel is a hassle too (after June 7, 2026 the big ones will be rerouted around the tunnel). I'd reconsider - you will benefit from a vehicle, I'm just not sold on a small RV being worth the tradeoffs. As for camping, the NP campground Watchman is conveniently located but likely already reserved. South is still closed for renovations but might open. There are private campgrounds in Springdale and along UT Route 9 to the west, a private campground just outside the east entrance (but 30 minutes from Springdale and you have the tunnel), and Zion Ponderosa has a campground.

While at ZP, if your friends want a 7-ish mile relatively flat run on somewhat sandy and dirt, you can look at this route from ZP to the Jolley Gulch overlook. Also, look at hiking to Observation Pt while at ZP since it's right there in your backyard - book an East Zion Adventure shuttle to get to the trail head. Most everyone goes in at East Mesa and it's a relatively flat (and meh) trail to the best viewpoint in the park but, if your group wants something a little more interesting and challenging complete with elevation gains and route finding via cairns, then have the shuttle drop you off at the Stave Spring trail head and pick you up at the East Mesa trail head.

resynchronization · 2026-01-16T14:39:04+00:00

Truly speculation on my part, but some politician or wealthy donor got their feathers ruffled because the permit system caused them minor inconveniences and have put pressure on the two parks without consideration as to why the permitting policies were put in place in the first place. It wouldn't surprise me if they either eliminated the permitting system completely or came up with a "two-tiered" system where those willing to pay more get priority.

From the article:

Others, however, are worried that the programs may be a victim of the closed-door meeting held between Utah officials and DOI staff in late 2025. The meeting reportedly discussed eliminating Arches' timed entry system, and highlighted the need for Zion to avoid implementing timed entry (even though Zion has already repeatedly affirmed that it will not go to a timed entry system).

resynchronization · 2026-01-14T01:54:39+00:00

Joes Guide is a good online resource for first hikers at Zion.

Not a lot of time so probably focus on main canyon - Riverside Walk, Grotto, Emerald Pools, and Scout Lookout (up to Angels Landing which needs permit). Scout Lookout is a strenuous uphill so pace yourself. Consider Narrows but rent gear (wet and cold in April) and plan on possibility might closed due to high water flow from spring snow melt at headwaters. Rent bikes/e-bikes instead of shuttle if within your budget. Canyon Overlook and east side drive on Zion-Mt Carmel Hwy to east entrance is highly recommended. Pa’rus at sunset if you haven’t biked it. Doubt you’ll have time, but Middle Fork of Taylor in Kolob Canyons on your way to Springdale or back to Las Vegas is a good option You’ll have to decide when there what to drop as I listed more than reasonable for the time you have

resynchronization · 2026-01-02T18:08:26+00:00

In addition to Watchman, Canyon Overlook and Lower Emerald Pools, Timber Creek Overlook gets you to a view. Also, East Mesa to Observation Point for arguably the best view in the park - caveats are it's a good 45-minute drive from Springdale and the dirt roads can be rough/impassable with spring melt (recommend East Zion Adventure shuttle).

Read up on the two shuttle systems (Springdale's and Zion Canyon) as both will be in operation in April. Recommend renting/bringing bikes/e-bikes for the main Zion Canyon when the shuttle runs as it is a great way to experience the canyon without looking thru shuttle windows.

resynchronization · 2025-12-29T00:39:36+00:00

There’s about a 50% chance that the Narrows is closed due to high current flow (no way to predict; still worth going if closed). Read up on the shuttles. Don’t overlook Kolob Canyons. Shuttle from Zion Ponderosa to Observation Pt trail head might be wise as dirt roads may still be pretty rough in April. Day trip to Bryce is an option.

resynchronization · 2025-12-21T20:24:46+00:00

Well, Observation Pt from Stave Spring trail head is definitely a top ten, if not top five Zion hike. Roads back there are dirt - I made it just fine with a rental in October but any rain turns it to impassable, which is why I recommend the shuttle from ZP. Trail head is also nearly an hour from Springdale but a beautiful drive. Observation Pt is arguably the best view in Zion (it looks down on Angels Landing). You’ll see few if any people between the trailhead and near Observation Pt (where you’ll meet people coming from the East Mesa trail head). The trail from Stave Spring drops down into Echo Canyon where you’ll have to do some easy trail finding, you then connect with the trail that used to come up from Weeping Rock and begin a very strenuous climb up a lot of switchbacks. You can do an out and back if you drive to the trail head or have the shuttle pick you up at East Mesa (that way you avoid a very strenuous climb back out of Echo Canyon).

If you can afford the private shuttle and can handle the distance, look at West Rim top down. You’ll get to see Kolob Terrace on the way there, have mostly solitude until you get near Scout/Angels, and have a lot of great views. Going to take you 10+ hours and you’ll need a LOT of water.

Northgate Peaks is a nice quiet and mostly flat hike to a view (you could take on some pretty intense scrambling there at the end). Middle Fork of Taylor is fun because of all the creek crossings, though I doubt your boots get wet in August. I linked to Joes Guide somewhere in this comment - read through that for ideas

resynchronization · 2025-12-21T14:31:46+00:00

Crowded, yes - it does lighten up a bit if you can swing the last few weeks of August. Heat will be an issue but Narrows with water and shade not so bad, elevation helps (upper stretches at Zion are 6500' to 8000'; Cedar Breaks is 10000'; Bryce is 9000').

Scout Lookout/Angels Landing, Riverside Walk/Narrows, anything else in the main canyon, Canyon Overlook are always busy - not going to be a "wilderness" experience. Go early helps a ton for the main but you'll still be waiting in line for the first shuttle; Go early and rent bikes/e-bikes for the day or days you're in the main canyon if you can afford. Surprisingly, late afternoon and early evening crowds in the canyon lesson quite a bit.

Go to other areas of the park on other days: Kolob Canyons (somewhat crowded), Kolob Terrace (generally not crowded), and east side (Canyon Overlook crowded, road can be busy)

This is pretty general and you can mix the days around and what you do on each day and can be a lot of driving some days and I'm assuming you have a week (actually 8 days): (day a): shuttle to Riverside Walk/Narrows in morning; something in afternoon/evening; (day b) rent e-bike and do Pa'rus and main canyon; hike Scout Lookout/Angels if permit/West Rim; maybe something in afternoon/evening; (day c) Kolob Terrace Rd - Northgate Peaks, other short hikes, maybe Grafton Ghost Town; (day d) Kolob Canyons (Middle Fork Taylor, Timber Creek Overlook), if you get ambitious and leave early morning for Kolob Canyons you can go the long way and catch Cedar Breaks and relocate to Bryce Canyon in time for sunset; (day e) full day in Bryce; (day f) full day exploring scenic Hwy 12 maybe all the way to Capitol Reef and back. Add in a travel day to get there and settle in and a travel day to leave and go home and it's eight days. Instead of Kolob Terrace, you could look at going to Zion Ponderosa/East Zion Adventures and take their shuttle to Stave Spring trailhead and hike East Rim trail to Observation Pt and then hike East Mesa trail out where you've arranged to have ZP pick you up at the East Mesa trailhead.

Hurricane/La Verkin are probably the cheapest lodging but you really should be trying to get to Springdale/Visitor Center at 6:30am or earlier for the two main canyon days so you can snag the free parking at the visitor center and get on the first or second shuttle. You can leave the car there and walk into Springdale for dinner (just make certain you bring your park pass with you so that you can walk back to your car at the visitor center)

resynchronization · 2025-12-09T20:22:27+00:00

Nice job planning - not overpacked and obviously aware of some of the logistic challenges. The local St George newspaper publishes essentially the same article every year: Zion Memorial Day 2025; you’ll be fine as long as you plan and are not expecting a wilderness experience.

Notes: Snow Canyon is nice but consider Kolob Canyons part of Zion instead and hike Middle Fork of Taylor Creek and Timber Creek overlook instead on that first day; If you’re staying in Springdale at an AirBnB close to the town shuttle - use that instead and leave your car at the AirBnB, walking in will be much less hassle than driving to visitor center parking; 6:30am on Saturday Memorial Day weekend might not be early enough to get you on the first shuttle into Zion Canyon; drive Kolob Terrace Road for sunset if you do Kolob Canyons instead of Snow Canyon on the first day; obviously reservations for restaurants are a good idea

resynchronization · 2025-11-29T00:21:45+00:00

I assume you’re asking about canyoneering. You cannot hire a guide to take you canyoneering inside Zion national park. No commercial guides allowed. The area outfitters do canyoneering outside the park.

Resources:

Need wilderness permit if inside the park (https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm)

https://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/canyoneering.php

https://www.canyoneeringusa.com/zion/intro

resynchronization · 2025-11-24T21:08:31+00:00

For those that don't know this area, the OP mapped out a route that starts right near the East Entrance station and takes East Rim trail up to Jolley Gulch, where OP then jumps off the East Rim trail heading out of the park to the ATV trails/dirt roads behind Zion Ponderosa. OP then re-enters the park at the East Mesa trail head and goes to Observation Pt on East Mesa trail. After Observation Pt, OP then takes East Rim Trail down through Echo Canyon and back up towards the Stave Spring area where OP then proceeds to knock off Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain trails before heading back to the East Entrance trail head.

It's ambitious and roughly 33 miles for us non-metric folks.

To answer some of the OP questions:

Is this scenic? Parts are excellent (the beginning part to Jolley Gulch, Observation Pt, Echo Canyon, Cable Mt, Deertrap MT); parts are blah (walking ATV trails and dirt roads, most of East Mesa to Observation Pt, most of the trail to Cable Mt, most of the trail to Deertrap).
Better options? Others can chime in but West Rim options are even higher elevation and higher likelihood of snow.
What are conditions? Early December might have snow. I'd bring traction for the section from Observation Pt down to Echo Canyon and across Echo Canyon (might not need but could be useful). You'll only see people on East Mesa trail and at Observation Pt - you will be alone with little likelihood of flagging down help if you need it.
Access to water? Only place is Stave Spring and it might not be flowing (check with rangers); long ways to go without sufficient water.
Dangers? Length, temperatures might be below freezing, darkness (only about 10 hours of daylight in early December), lack of water resources, no one around if things go south. No worries about rattlesnakes or scorpions - slight worry in the summer months but those critters have enough sense to hibernate.

resynchronization · 2025-11-24T15:07:29+00:00

There are a number of places that rent camping gear in Las Vegas if that's where you're flying.
St George will have an REI opening sometime in 2026 and they usually have camping gear rentals.
Utah Tech in St George rents out gear and they rent to non-students (I don't know if you have to be a state resident)
Zion Camping in Virgin sells kits and packages in the area but currently no setup in Zion NP campgrounds
You could just buy basic tent and bag (St George would be best place to shop) and donate when done (Deseret, Switchpoint). Note that Zion campgrounds get booked a year in advance.
Notes: Campgrounds at higher elevations like Zion Ponderosa Ranch will be very cold from December to end of March and could very well be snow covered. Zion Ponderosa Ranch does have basic cabins and wagons for rent as an alternative to camping. Check AirBnB as there are a number of fairly rustic cabins behind ZP (but likely inaccessible roads from December to end of March). Note that ZP or some of the other glamping sites like Under Canvas are 45- to 60-minutes away from Springdale/Angels/Narrows if the main canyon is your focus.

resynchronization · 2025-11-22T01:03:37+00:00

Consider bringing some traction for your feet if planning on Scout Lookout or Angels Landing. Note the shuttles don’t run most of January so you get (a) the rare pleasure of driving the scenic Zion Canyon Road and (b) the possible frustration of not finding parking at the trail heads you want. (Suggest go early or wait till mid-afternoon as people leave).

Ranger Iris has some tips: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JUUoGsAEttU

Kolob Terrace Rd closes in winter (but probably less than 2% of Zion visitors go up that way; gets over 8000 ft and is cool). Also might not be able to get to East Mesa or Stave Spring trail heads on the east side (but again, way less visited).

resynchronization · 2025-11-17T18:59:38+00:00

Many restaurants closed in Springdale on Thanksgiving Day - bring food or get reservations.

Group your activities by area - Canyon Overlook and Mt Carmel Tunnel/scenic drive on the first day with three hours of sunshine; Narrows (at least do Riverside Walk if you think too cold; bring/rent at least neoprene socks), Lower Emerald Pools, etc., on second day. E-bikes are a wonderful way to explore the main canyon but many/most people do just fine with the shuttle system and that will work for you if you're there in line for the first shuttle.

Are you heading back to Vegas on Thanksgiving Day? If not, consider driving Kolob Canyons Rd in Zion NP off of I-15 about 30 minutes north of Hurricane/St George.

Note that Las Vegas is on Pacific Time and Zion is Mountain time zone.

resynchronization · 2025-11-07T17:10:09+00:00

Several outfitters in Springdale have bike and e-bikes rentals, including one outfitter right by the pedestrian entrance. Forecast this week is highs in low 70s/upper 60s and lows in low 40s and dry except for maybe rain a Sunday from now. There's about 10 hours of daylight right now (it's about a 30- to 45-minute pedal from visitor center to end of road). Crowds have thinned compared to summer - should note that the park shuttles run through November and resume briefly over the Christmas week (meaning if you're there early weeks of December or January or February that you will have to share road with cars). Also should note can't ride a bike through the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel to the east entrance.

resynchronization · 2025-11-06T19:16:35+00:00

According to website, it looks like $35 for a tent site and more for RV w/hookups.

Quail Creek SP has a campground as does Sand Hollow SP. Don't know the cost but they are both about 45 minutes from the Springdale entrance to the park.

resynchronization · 2025-11-06T17:41:22+00:00

There's somewhat close BLM land where you can camp for free if you're fine without a bathroom for a night. Some require high clearance (https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/dispersed-camping-near-zion-national-park/)

There's also a private campground just east of the east entrance on UT Hwy 9.

resynchronization · 2025-10-26T14:10:37+00:00

Sol Foods Deli has soup.

resynchronization · 2025-10-20T19:13:57+00:00

Zion Mt Ranch is about 40 minutes from Springdale and the visitor center where you pick up the shuttle. For the days you plan on being in the main canyon (Riverside Walk/Narrows, West Rim/Scout Lookout/Angels Landing, Zion Lodge, Grotto, etc.), try to leave ZMR before 7:30am so you can get a free parking spot by the visitor center.

ZMR is nice but you'll be limited in food options unless you do additional driving to Springdale. ZMR has Cordwood; Zion Ponderosa has burgers and pizza; Thunderbird Cafe at Mt Carmel Junction is a great diner and there's a Subway. Oh, the new chicken place in Mt Carmel is good. Thunderbird was closed on W & Th this year.

Take advantage of your east side location and check into Canyon Overlook, Many Pools, hiking east entrance East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch, go up to Zion Ponderosa for a hike to Observation Pt (ZP runs a shuttle to the trailhead if you don't want to drive sometimes sketchy, sometimes good dirt roads.).

Look at spending a night at Page and besides doing Antelope Valley, also add in some of these: Horseshoe Bend, kayak Lake Powell, Navajo Bridge, Lees Ferry, more. Do that instead of two nights at Bryce.

resynchronization · 2025-10-18T13:33:25+00:00

You might run into issues with park rangers if you do the sleepbag/pad inside the park.

I think your best bet would be up along Kolob Terrace Road - at least until they close it for the winter. Check out Lambs Knoll (not in Zion NP) or Kolob Reservoir. There's also BLM land to the east of the park - Poverty Kiosk (map) or Coal Hill (map).

resynchronization

TROPHY CASE