What Every Zion Visitor Needs to Know About Crowds

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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[ladybugmom]

Best day to visit is Super Bowl Sunday. Hardly a person in site and you can drive to the weeping rock.

[RaquelNavas]

We love spending time in Springdale Utah 0:34

[svwisc]

Just visited the first week of Nov 2023 - this is a perfect time to visit and not as crowded ❤

[vincentspione]

Best time to visit... January, no crowds, no shuttle, and the weather isn't too cold. Average tourist number in July 17, 000/day, January 2500/day. Weather was in the high 50's and during the day hikes were possible all over. Even the narrows, with rented waders is possible. The lodge is open and prices are lower and includes breakfast. I have been in April and that works sometimes but you have to work it around Easter breaks to avoid crowds. In January you can drive anywhere, find parking and enjoy the park as it should be enjoyed. I disagree that it is to get folks out in nature, 17, 000 people in the park a day isn't nature anymore, it is like walking down 5th Ave in NYC!

[wild_harmony]

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?

[katrinaevexx]

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!

[rlp]

Went to Zion last year. It was Awesome

[trueeco]

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.

[hightidelowtide]

Capital Reef #1
Canyonlands #2
Arches #3
Bryce Canyon #4



Zion #5... IT'S BEUTIFUL BUT WAAAAY TOO MANY PEOPLE

[auroranite]

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.

[mknoyce]

Guessing a 3pm Angels landing hike at 102° is a really bad idea even with a 2L water bladder backpack ?

[stelyac]

For the best view with the sun is it better in the morning or in the afternoon for Angels Landing

[nickgleis]

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.

[wncjan]

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.

[mmeszmurrized]

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.

[PavewayJDAM]

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.

[MB-qxvn]

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.

[thomastschirhart]

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.

[Twofortheroad]

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.

[robertdonadee]

Zion is great, Go in the offseason. Early March, late October.