Explore Zion

How to reserve

A lottery hiking permit is required year-round for the chained section beyond Scout Lookout. Apply through the National Park Service permit program before you go — this is not a timed-entry ticket.

Good to know

The Scout Lookout section does not need a permit; the spine beyond does. Bring water and sturdy shoes.

Best time

Spring and fall mornings; summer heat is intense by midday.

Where to eat or hike

Pair with the West Rim or Emerald Pools afterward. Grab coffee in Springdale after you exit the park.

How to reserve

Bottom-up day hikes usually need no permit; top-down through-hikes require a wilderness permit via Recreation.gov.

Good to know

Check flash-flood forecasts every morning. Rent canyoneering shoes in Springdale if you go deep.

Best time

Late spring–early fall when water is manageable; avoid storm days.

Where to eat or hike

Start from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. Dry off and eat in Springdale afterward.

How to reserve

In peak season the canyon road is shuttle-only. Park at the visitor center and ride free shuttles; no advance ticket required for the shuttle itself.

Good to know

Private vehicles are restricted on the Scenic Drive when shuttles run. Check current NPS alerts the morning you go.

Best time

Early shuttle boardings beat the midday crowds.

Where to eat or hike

The Riverside Walk to the Narrows gateway is an easy add-on. Eat in Springdale on the way home.

How to reserve

No timed-entry permit for the Kolob Canyons scenic drive. Pay the standard NPS entrance fee on arrival or use an America the Beautiful pass.

Good to know

A quieter corner of Zion — red cliffs and short hikes without the main-canyon shuttle crowds.

Best time

Morning for cooler temps and softer light on the cliffs.

Where to eat or hike

Taylor Creek Trail is a favorite half-day. Plan food in Springdale or St. George on the return.

How to reserve

No reservation needed to stroll Zion Park Blvd — peak dinner hours can be busy, so call ahead for sit-down spots.

Good to know

Springdale is the gateway town at Zion's south entrance — coffee, tacos, pizza, and sit-down dining within walking distance of the park.

Best time

After a morning hike when you're hungry and the midday heat is building.

Where to eat or hike

Walk the main strip, then catch the shuttle back into the canyon or head home to the pool.

How to reserve

Day-use and camping are booked through Utah State Parks / ReserveAmerica when capacity is limited.

Good to know

Reservoir swimming, sand dunes, and OHV trails. Bring sunscreen — little shade on the dunes.

Best time

Late spring through early fall for water; cooler months for dune rides.

Where to eat or hike

About an hour from the retreat. Combine with St. George dining on the return.

How to reserve

No permit required. Short hike from the east side of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel — park at the Canyon Overlook trailhead.

Good to know

Family-friendly with big canyon views. Stay on the trail; drop-offs are real.

Best time

Late afternoon for softer light on the canyon walls.

Where to eat or hike

Pair with a drive through the tunnel and Checkerboard Mesa on the way back.

How to reserve

NPS: the Weeping Rock route is still closed. Access is only from the east via the East Mesa Trailhead off North Fork Road, on dirt roads that need high clearance or 4WD and can be impassable when wet.

Good to know

One of the highest viewpoints in Zion Canyon — plan a full morning and bring plenty of water.

Best time

Start early; summer heat builds fast on the mesa.

Where to eat or hike

East Mesa is about 1½ h plus a dirt road from the retreat. Springdale dinner on the return.

How to reserve

Standard NPS entrance fee or America the Beautiful pass. No timed entry for the main amphitheater viewpoints.

Good to know

Famous hoodoos and high-elevation air — it's cooler than Zion in summer but snow is common in winter.

Best time

Sunrise at Inspiration or Bryce Point for alpenglow on the hoodoos.

Where to eat or hike

About 2¼ hours from the retreat. Bryce Canyon City has food and fuel.

How to reserve

Day-use through Utah State Parks. Check capacity / reservation rules on busy weekends.

Good to know

Red-rock hiking, lava tubes, and petroglyphs — a St. George-area favorite without Zion's shuttle crowds.

Best time

Morning fall through spring; midday summer is hot on the sandstone.

Where to eat or hike

Combine with St. George lunch or an afternoon at Sand Hollow reservoir.

How to reserve

Permit required through two Recreation.gov lotteries: advance (https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309) and daily (https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251909). The daily lottery is entered by phone from inside a set area near Kanab.

Good to know

Extremely limited daily entries. Do not hike without a permit — rangers patrol.

Best time

Midday for even light in the sandstone bowl; shoulder seasons for cooler temps.

Where to eat or hike

Plan a full day from the retreat (about 2 h to trailhead). Kanab has food and fuel.

How to reserve

Free to visit. Drive the scenic road from Rockville south of Zion — respect private property and the historic structures.

Good to know

Best at golden hour with the Virgin River and red cliffs behind.

Best time

Late afternoon on the way back from Zion's south entrance.

Where to eat or hike

Short stop en route to or from Springdale. Pair with the Grafton–Zion scenic drive.

How to reserve

Day-use is typically first-come; check Utah State Parks for seasonal updates and OHV rules.

Good to know

Famous coral-colored dunes near Colorado City. OHVs welcome in designated areas.

Best time

Sunrise and sunset for color; midday is hottest on the sand.

Where to eat or hike

Easy half-day from the retreat. Bring water and closed-toe shoes for the dunes.