What every Zion Visitor Needs to Know About Crowds
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- Zion National Park in Southern Utah has grown in popularity in recent years. In fact, in 2021 it was the second most visited National Park in the US. But why is it so crowded? Is it still worth visiting and why? In this video, we will answer these questions as well as give some tips for visiting during peak season. Thanks for watching!
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:29 Why is it crowded?
4:21 Is it still worth visiting?
5:54 Unique things to see
7:55 Tips on how to handle the crowds
9:18 Our Travel Guides
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Best day to visit is Super Bowl Sunday. Hardly a person in site and you can drive to the weeping rock.
Perfect idea!
My boyfriend and I went in mid-May and my biggest tip is get there before 6 am! We hiked the narrows and arrived at the park at 6 to get shoes and hiking sticks for the narrows, and the line was already almost an hour long! It was cold doing the narrows at that time but there werent as many people and it was actually peaceful. By the time we finished that hike the park was PACKED, but we didnt mind because we already did the one big thing and just chilled by the creek for the rest of the day. It worked so well we did the same thing for Angel's Landing the next day! Kinda stinks to wake up that early on vacation but 100% worth it!
Thanks for sharing.
Did you need a permit for Angels landing? I went in 2022 and found the permit system to be totally flawed.
@@zanaevans7403 no permits weren't required when we went, but I kinda wish they wish just because it was so uncomfortably busy on the trail. Not sure how that works though!
Well it was a lottery for up to 6 people. I was up at midnight in my hotel trying to navigate same national park web site all to lose 2 days off applying to the lottery. In the end I went to the park super early got the frist shuttle in to the canyon. Then at scouts look out there was no one checking for permits that early so I just hiked it with no permit. I've broken better laws then that what would they do take away my birthday? I drove there in mid April from Vermont I wasn't going to be denied!
@@zanaevans7403 wow what a process!!! It's so tough because everyone wants to use those same trails now. Glad you got to do it, I'm glad I did too cause it sounds like I might not get to again!
We went to Zion last August…we live near Disney World so we’re familiar with crowds…Zion was a nightmare! Even the path to the Narrows was packed with fellow tourists. We enjoyed many national and state parks in Utah, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. That said I will never return to Zion. If enough others feel the same as me, it would be a good thing and perhaps it would be a wonderful place to visit. Unless something changes, Zion is miserable during the peak season. Nice video, however. Love the other parks you guys highlight!
Go pre dawn. You have the whole place to yourself
OMG this is a timely vid. We were in Zion yesterday and experienced all of this. We couldn’t park to get the shuttle and weren’t willing to pay $20-$30 to park in Springdale and wait for two different shuttles. We had an amazing hike to Canyon Overlook but had to pass by the trailhead (and thereby through the tunnel and switchbacks ) three times. Beautiful park but a little congested for our tastes. Now we’re on to Bryce! Thanks this video.
Have a great time in Bryce! Enjoy.
Just visited the first week of Nov 2023 - this is a perfect time to visit and not as crowded ❤
Amazing landscapes of Zion.
your love for the national parks and the beauty of your country is inspiring!
Thanks!
I visited last summer (beginning of August), got in smoothly (east entrance) and arrived at the parking lot at about 7:15. And it was already almost full. First I did the hike to Scout lookout (no luck with the lottery), there were other people on the path, but it wasn't that bad. By the time I came to the Narrows it was ridiculously crowded. I still enjoyed it and besides - I can't blame all the others for wanting to see it too. I don't remember waiting too long for the shuttle. At least I got a lucky break with those. :)
Thanks for the video
Our pleasure!
Thanks for the Great narrative and introduction of the place. I will be heading to Zion this mid-Sep from Singapore
Enjoy!
We have been in Zion August 2022 and despite the daily 106F it was crowded, but we have expected that. We used our electric bycicles and had no issues with parking that way. The shuttle busses had worked out excellent also. The only small issue we had were reservations at restaurants, but if you are not so stuck up, it is easy to deal with that also as everyone in the business is very friendly. Go as a hicker and a friend of nature and you will have a wonderful time!
My boyfriend and I are coming to Zion in less than a month and your videos have been SO HELPFUL! We are excited to have a chance to explore Zion, and your videos have been insightful for what to expect!
Have a great time and thanks for watching.
We visited in mid-April of this year. We stayed at the Lodge in the park, which we recommend. Totally eliminates parking concerns.
But we booked those reservations 10 months earlier. We did not experience long lines as described in the video but that probably was due to the fact that it was in “shoulder season” and mid-week. We are in our late 60’s and early 70’s with some mobility issues so The Narrows and Angels Landing were not in our plans, but we enjoyed a number of the easier hikes. The shuttle system is great. Without it the Park would be paralyzed with automobile traffic.
During our stay there was a LOT of talk among the rangers and staff about the inevitability of instituting a pass/lottery system for Park entry to Zion in the near future. At least during peak season.
Our recommendation…book early. REALLY EARLY.
Thanks for sharing! Glad you had a great time.
Great video. I was able to snag a reservation for august. Is it easier to get around if you’re staying at the watchman campground? Your pictures a t the start of the video were so cute!
If you're staying at the Watchman Campground you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot every day. You can get on the shuttle right from there.
Went in June of 21. It is simply too crowded to go during the tourist season, it is like an amusement park. I'd rather spend my 7-10k on a three week trip in National Parks in the off season.
It was great in November.
I did Zion back in 2021 when they still implemented the timed entry shuttle boarding system. It was crazy crowded then, and I survived Angel's Landing at my age [I've got boots older'n Cheryl LOL]. I wish that rock was ticketed at the time, because the crowd, and I hit the trail at 0700, made for a testy return trip. Although I must tell you, I really enjoyed that cigar up top, guys.
Glad you got to experience Angels Landing!
Really great video guys. I visited the national park last year and managed to book a spot at the campsite. Best advantage is that you don't have to look for parking. 😊
In case you don't manage to get tickets for Angel's Landing (or if you are too scared like me 😉) , I highly recommend to hike to observation point from East Mesa Trailhead. Gorgeous view. I really enjoyed the Parus trail and Canyon overlook for sunset as wel. Bear in mind though that there is not a lot of parking for the latter.
Thanks for sharing!
Could you arrive even earlier and just wait in the parking lot?
My wife and I absolutely love your videos! We utilized them two years ago for our visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton and it made our trip so much less stressful. Thank you very much for all the effort you put into them.
We are visiting Zion and Bryce the first week in June. In your opinion is it going to be crazy there at that time? I am retired from the NPS and expect crowds. LOL! Just wanted to see what your experience is at Zion during that period.
Thank you again for all your hard work and for sharing your experiences with us.
I’ve been to Zion and Bryce in June and August. There are a lot of people. It helps to arrive before 9am or late in the afternoon when people are leaving. It’s also pretty warm in Zion by 11am or noon. My favorite in Zion is riding eBikes. And I love the Queen’s Garden and surrounding hike in Bryce.
Thanks for the info! We’ve heard that it pays to get there early for sure. We plan on checking out the Queens Garden and several other trails as well at Bryce. Thanks for the suggestion. Hopefully the temps won’t be too bad early June. Thanks Again!
I agree with @linzzz519, it will probably be crowded, as schools will be out for the summer, but if you arrive early or later in the afternoon, you will avoid the largest crowds. Have fun.
We spent two days at Zion and one gem hardly ever mentioned that we did was drive Kolob Terrace Rd. which parallels the west side of Zion for 21 miles. Very few hiking trails but the multiple vista views are more than worth the drive. The KTR culminates with a scenic view at Lava Point. I highly recommend this scenic drive .
Thanks for sharing.
Me and my wife visited the weekend before Labor Day 2023, and it wasn't really crowded. The weather was nice too. We parked outside the park and took the free shuttle in, and hiked one of the easier hikes. Had dinner at the Lodge . So nice!!!!
Very cool! Glad you had a great time. Thanks for watching.
@@WereintheRockies well, thank people like you who make these videos to help us!
I was just there May 10-13th. It was slow. There was not a lot of people and even the staff at places I went said the same thing. Didn't have to wait for shuttles really. I stayed in Springdale and it was a breeze. The Weather was between 78-82 each day. I couldn't have chosen a better time.
Sounds wonderful!
Thank you for posting. I found it both informative and depressing. Depressing in the sense that the last time I visited in 1996 there were no crowds. My Dad and tent camped in the park campground back then with no reservations. Nice campground. Lots of LDS/FLDS (not sure which) wearing traditional pioneer clothing, which I always find very cool to be around. Why are there crowds now compared to 30 years ago?
Thanks for watching. Social media has played a big part in visitor-ship.
Went to Zion last year. It was Awesome
Glad you enjoyed it!
Only complaint about Zion was being overcrowded. Zion was beautiful
Your video is inspiring, especially what your wife says about the spiritual feeling she connects with in Zion. Would November be a less crowded month to visit?
Thanks for watching. Yes, November is a less crowded month.
My wife and I have hiked and camped Zion about 10 times. Last visit, we went horseback riding in the high country 6500 above zion because it is too crowed. I will never wait in line to do anything out doors. That ruins the majesty of nature and the solitude we seek. I disagree about the shuttles. I hate the shuttles and any form of government control. Closing the park to cars fine. Let people walk and hike into the park.
thanks for sharing and for watching.
Enjoying your videos as I get ready for my 3rd trip to Zion. The previous two have been in Feb. and March so I am a little nervous about coming in August. Bringing along a few first timers and visiting during the week so I am hoping we get lucky with the crowds. First time using the shuttle system has me a bit nervous but your explanation has helped alleviate some of that worry. Great advice about entering the park later in the day, I think that will be beneficial for us. Either way, I'm just excited and fortunate to be able to visit once again!
Thanks for watching! If you haven't seen our video about the shuttle system, watch it! It will help a lot: czcams.com/video/bAeKP1V4om8/video.html You got this! Enjoy your trip this August.
This is not why I go to NPs....I go to get away from people. I really think they should put the most visited NPs on a rotation, closed one year open the next to give the parks a chance to rebound.
That could be interesting.
As a landscape photographer Zion impossible to get a good photo at, there's too many people. The bridge is now closed, people come from around the world to take that photo from the bridge and now you can't. Park rangers are totally stress out due to the overcrowding and the shuttle busses are God awful, talk about not seeing anything. Over population at the park started in 2015 when the state of Utah came out with the commercial " Come see the mighty five parks in Utah" since than Utah parks have gotten way, way overcrowded. Now I drive right by Zion and it used to be my favorite park.
There are a lot of people but if someone hasn't ever been, we still tell them to come see it! It's too beautiful not to. Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!
Zion is a busy park - no doubt. But time of year, time of day and where/what you're doing can either put you right in the thick of the crowds, or make it possible to avoid them, fairly successfully. I made my 2nd visit to Zion this month, with both trips being in October - and I'd highly recommend that time to visit solely for the fact that the daytime temps are much more comfortable. But I also made my plans so that I'd be able to park, the shuttle lines would be short, and the trails more empty. Most days I arrived by 7:15 and was hiking as the sun was rising. Beautiful scenery, some people around but not heavy crowds. One day I hiked to Observation Point on the East Mesa trail - relatively few do that hike, and the view at the end is spectacular! I hiked the Narrows both trips, starting out early in the morning and going far enough in that very few people were around. I took the Springdale shuttle into town for an early lunch (11:30) and was one of 2 people on the southbound bus! One day I drove Kolob Terrace Road (no one around!) and then went to over to the main park at 3 pm. Parking was available, no shuttle lines and apparently everyone leaves around 6 in October, so I watched the sunset from a very secluded spot along the river, all alone! Really, the only congestion I experienced were the down-canyon shuttles during mid-afternoon, which were packed but tolerable since they are just for getting from point A to point B.
October is a great time. Thanks for sharing your tips!
For the best view with the sun is it better in the morning or in the afternoon for Angels Landing
It is beautiful anytime of the day!
Tooo many people to even consider. There are many other places in the area with no crowds and same types of scenery. We are going to be in the area late September for a few weeks and will not visit Zion because of crowding, long lines and lotteries.
Other places you’d recommend?
@@brandyslist Nope - because I don’t want them to get crowded either.
Wow, we are going next week. I hope is not that crowded
How was your trip? Hopefully the crowds weren't bad.
We will be staying at the Zion Lodge, is the shuttle still a nightmare if we're inside the park? Do we have to get tickets every day for the different trails at the Visitor center?
From Zion Lodge, you could do Emerald Pools Trail, Grotto Trail, and the Sand Bench Trail without having to get on a shuttle. However, for the other trails in the park, a shuttle ride is recommended. The only trail you have to get a reservation ticket for is Angels Landing (but the ticket is only required for the top 0.5 mile...the chains section). Everyone is welcome to hike the first 2 miles of Angels Landing until they get to Scouts Lookout.
Very busy
Is it true that parking starts to open up around 11AM because some folks get there at 7Am and leave a few hours later. I read that if you cant get there by 7am you need to wait until after 11:AM. Thanks!!!
That is definitely possible, but you'll be taking a chance. Yes, people that arrive early may leave around lunch time but those vacated spots fill up fast.
With the narrows being closed (literally booked from Louisiana to go the the narrows lol) are there other hikes that are just ad beautiful? Nearby. We are leaving in june
And observation point from the east mesa trailhead. It is a really easy hike but with breathtaking views over Angel's Landing and the rest of the canyon. There is hardly any parking at the trailhead though but there is a paid shuttle. So I took a shuttle with eastzionadventures for only $7 (that was last year). Highly recommend this hike especially in the morning when you have the best views
@Robert Spanjers oh my goodness than yall so much. My son whose 9 and I are so do excited. We will be in Springdale and will be going to east zion adventures for slot canyon horseback riding. That will be so perfect sunrise 🌅 then horseback!! Thank you so much 💓
@@tinabergeron you're welcome. That sounds like a great day! Have fun.
Hopefully by the time you get there the Narrows will be back open. Even if you can't hike the Narrows, you should walk the Riverside Walk trail to the end (where the Narrows starts). It is a beautiful walk.
Is there a link to the audio guide?
The audio guide only comes with the purchase of our travel guide (itinerary). Here is the link to our Zion Travel Guide: wereintherockies.com/zion-packages/
I am doing Bryce canyon this month. Do you think I should pick Arches over Zion? I would like to drive my own car and have freedom to hike freely.
I meant pick arches over zion later in the year.
If you can get a permit to do Angels Landing, I say go to Zion. Do the Narrows and Angels Landing. It'll be worth it.
I love Zion… it’s my favorite place on earth. I go early or later to avoid crowding. After a rain it’s usually less crowded, too, but I wouldn’t risk the Narrows then.
What bothers me is when people don’t rearrange to go single file when people are passing on a trail both ways. People need to have better etiquette in that regard. I have just stopped and stood still many times, because people coming the other way won’t stay on the right. They always look at me bewildered as they nearly walk into me. I don’t get it!! I’m not sure where they are expecting me to go when they are walking 2-3 across. Do you have any pointers for this phenomenon?
Zion is great and yes, it would be great if people had better trail etiquette. I don't have pointers, just be patient.Thanks for watching!
Are there also hour long waits to board the shuttle at its various stops along its route through the canyon? When are the best times of the year to visit to avoid the crowds?
The wait to get back on the shuttle can be long, depending on the time of day and time of year. Early spring and late fall are definitely the best times to avoid the crowds.
I was totally planning on driving 17 hours south to zion next week till I watched this video. Let me guess... a bunch of people from California....
It's still worth going, especially if you've never been. Just pack your patience and you'll be fine.
I’m discouraged to visit any of the top parks. Lucked out at Zion on 2018 no crowds in September. Since “C” everyone wants to go. Which I understand. For me I’ll find new places to explore and be happy without being herded like cattle.
Have fun exploring! Thanks for watching.
Need timed entry and reservations. Too many people= miserable experience.
I don’t like but can tolerate the crowds. But I can’t stand the horrible parking situation with Zion. Woke up at the crack of dawn to barely snag a spot in Springdale which only lasted until 5pm or I would be ticketed. The whole shuttle system made it feel like Disney world. I absolutely loved the other Utah Mighty Five parks and fine Zion super overrated.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
As a kid and young adult living in Utah in the 1950, 60 and 70 going to Zions as no big deal. There where no international people in fact hardly any people. And no we didn't think it was too crowded cause it wasn't .
We are doing a horseback ride in Bryce Canyon that ends around 11:00 am. Do you think we would have enough time to drive over to Zion, take the scenic shuttle ride to the end, and do the narrows hike? We are headed to the Grand Canyon the following day (RV camping) so that would be our only shot at seeing Zion. We are doing two nights in Moab (Arches and Canyonland), one night in Capitol Reef, and two nights in Bryce. Might be our only shot at seeing something in Zion.
I love that you’re doing the horse ride! Is it through canyon trail rides? Remember they are the only one that goes into the canyon. To answer your question, yes, you should still have time to do the narrows
@@WereintheRockies Thanks Matt. Yes it is through Canyon Trail Rides. We saw your recommendation on another one of your videos and booked through them. We are staying at Ruby's Campground in Bryce. We had an opportunity to add several nights onto our west coast trip. We decided, after binge watching all your videos on the :Big Five" , to spend the extra time exploring those parks.
I usually don't care about the crowds honestly because you can find a remote airbnb in Mt Carmel and escape the crowds.
The whole park including hiking trails is one big line. And you can’t hike the best two trials unless you get a waiver and rent gear. Shittyyyy
it is definitely crowded!
Could you not just go in at 3-4am and take a nap in your call while the shuttles open?
I believe the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to personal vehicles the whole shuttle season, not just the daily hours.
@@WereintheRockies I meant at where the shuttle parking lot is
Yes you can, but it’s really not necessary. The Springdale shuttle is great. We’ve never had an issue with the shuttles
Was at Zion last week, what a disappointment. At 8:00 am all the parking in Zion and Springdale was full! They may need to also implement an entrance pass like they've done at Arches, this would stagger the amount of visitors. They need to do better than this shuttle system so that everyone has a chance. We drove up to Kolob Canyon and enjoyed that area instead. Up at Kolob the road is out and will be for quite sometime so you can only see part of the Park. Overall, Zion was a HUGE disappointment!
Thanks for sharing your experience with us and our viewers. Thanks for watching.
You want to talk about Crowded. Go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg.
I went to Zion, took a long time to get to the visitor center, drove around for 15min looking for a parking spot. NO GO. Drove out and will never go back. TOO CROWED. The shuttle won't allow dogs and dogs are only allowed on one path in the whole park.
Thanks for sharing.
I have never been to Zion, but if I got there and saw the line for the shuttles, I would leave immediately. I hate waiting in line and find it a complete waste of time, no matter what I'm in line for.
Sounds like a great attitude to miss out on a hell of a lot of amazing things in life. Must suck to be so inpatient.
@@JS-cu3mv I think that people standing in line misses more than me, as I see a lot of places, where it's not necessary and where not many people come.
If you ever do make it to Zion, come early spring or late fall.
If you come during the winter when the shuttles are not running you won't have to wait in any lines :)
@@ericthornberg Great. Unfortunately my job only allows me to travel in July
TOoOoOoO crowded!!!!
Look out for
skunks,
cougars,
wood ticks,
pee sheep,
falcons,
porcupines,
(malaria) mosquitoes,
etc.
Go to the West Desert instead, west of Delta.
Tougher on the photographer who has to be at the exact location in the right lighting, weather etc etc
for sure!
National parks have become nothing more than amusement parks with a nature-theme experience. And with the advent of selfie cameras, social media, and influencers, the jig is up. So, If you're interested in experiencing true serene nature settings these days without all the rif raff, the only options are far away places or colder climates. And you're gonna need more money than the average vacationer. Think The Torngats, Svalbard, Kluane, Baffin Island, etc.
Too crowded as most popular parks and places.
I am going there in July 4th😂
How was it?
@@bonniecreevy2642 Unfortunately my trip was cancelled due to some minor bike accident. but i'm heading there in next year august instead (so maybe I'll have better luck lol)
Talk about explosions- Yet another couple extolling the obvious on a routine, if not banal, video travelogue. Enough already!