Is October good time for Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is open year-round, but about 70 percent of visitors come between April and September. If you have the flexibility, making the trip during the park's off-peak months of October through March means less crowded hiking trails and fewer view-blocking selfie sticks.



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Visiting Zion National Park in October can give you the best of everything the park has to offer. With the temperatures cooler and the crowds starting to wane, Zion can be more beautiful and more enjoyable than in other time of the year. Springdale is one place in particular that shines in October.

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Can I drive my private vehicle into Zion Canyon? A. From March through late November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation.

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Zion National Park is open all year, but buildings open and close at different times during the year. The National Park Service provides free shuttles in the town of Springdale and Zion Canyon. From early-spring until late-fall, riding a shuttle bus is the only way to visit Zion Canyon.

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In my opinion, September and October are the best months to hike the Zion Narrows. If you plan to do this as a day hike from the top-down, doing this before September 30 gives you about 13 to 14 hours to hike the route, allowing for drop-off time at Chamberlain's Ranch and the last shuttle of the day at 9:15 pm.

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The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in October is that the summer crowds begin to disappear and there is a lot more breathing room in the park.

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The biggest advantage of an October visit to Bryce Canyon is that the visitor numbers drop after September. The popular Rim Trail that travels around the canyon rim is packed with people in the summer. Hike this trail in October to marvel at the famous hoodoos, fins, and slot canyons — without the crowds.

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And from March to November, Zion's Scenic Drive is only accessible via shuttle. If you visit the park during off season, when the shuttle isn't running, you may enter in your private vehicle. Biking Zion's Scenic Drive is always allowed.

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3) Fall (September-October) The temperatures start to cool down, making outdoor activities more comfortable. The landscapes transform with vibrant fall colors, especially in places like Bryce Canyon National Park. Fall also tends to be less crowded than summer, offering a more peaceful experience.

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Ideally, you need two to three days to really explore Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to hike one of the longer trails such as Angels Landing or the Narrows and enjoy all the major viewpoints.

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Summer is the busiest time to visit Zion. Be prepared to share the park with around a half million other people each month. All available parking in Zion is often full by 9:00 am.

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Moderate crowds and temperatures in April–May and September–October make these months the best time to visit Utah and its national parks.

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In addition, Zion is known for its canyoneering and rock climbing opportunities, while Bryce is better suited for traditional hiking and nighttime stargazing. The climate in Zion is typically warmer than in Bryce Canyon.

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Bug Spray and Sunscreen One of the most important things that you can pack for your stay at Zion Wildflower Resort is bug spray and sunscreen. The park gets very hot, but it can also be humid with lots of bugs that can bite you all over.

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The closest airport to Zion National Park is in St. George, Utah – just 45 minutes from Zion National Park. The St. George Regional Airport is the nearest airport both in proximity and time.

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