Of the five National Parks in Utah, Zion (not “Zion’s”) is the most-visited. It drew 4.6 million visits in 2023 (only slightly less than the Grand Canyon’s 4.7 million). The park’s popularity makes visiting in peak season, well, kind of a bummer. The peak of those visits happens from April through early September. This makes late September and October two of the best times to explore. Temperatures cool and the crowds thin out. There will be other visitors for sure (especially on the Instagram-bucket-list hike Angel’s Landing, which requires a permit for only the latter half of the trail.) But it’s much easier to find spaces of solitude. Take for example, the second most popular hike in the park, The Narrows (pictured above). This “hike” is a scramble up the Virgin River. The area near the trailhead is busy, but fortune favors the bold. The further you go upriver, the less folks there are. To tolerate the cold water, rent a Narrows hiking package from Zion Adventure Company (zionadventures.com) or Zion Outfitter (zionoutfitter.com). They include felt bottom boots that make scrambling over the rocks easier, waders and even full dry suits.
How to Explore Zion National Park in the Fall
Zion is Utah’s lowest park in both elevation and latitude, so its weather tends to be fair year-round. During the fall in Zion National Park can expect rain but rarely snow. You’ll encounter cool temperatures, especially in sunless canyon bottoms like The Narrows. Springdale, located just below the park entrance, is for the most part open for business in the winter season, but restaurants and stores often limit their hours. The Cable Mountain Lodge has a helpful “what’s open” guide.
The Big Hikes
Angel’s Landing — Distance: 5.4 miles
This is a pre-lawyer hiking trail. It’s a butt-kicking climb to the very top of Zion Canyon, famously completed by a “chain route”—where the vertiginously narrow trail offers chain handholds as you crawl up tummy-turning sections with sheer drop-offs. Yes, people have fallen. No, they did not survive. Yet the trail remains open, perhaps because the payoff is so spectacular—a perch on Angel’s Landing with stunning views in every direction and a sense of fear-facing accomplishment. Do not do this hike in less-than clement weather.
The Narrows—Distance: 9.4 miles
The Narrows is a scramble up the Virgin River. You splash over and around river-rock bowling balls as towering rock walls close together as you ascend the canyon. In the summertime, people tackle The Narrows in sandals and shorts, but in the off season you’ll need some gear. Rent a dry suit from Zion Outfitters (zionoutfitter.com). The thick, rubbery suits keep the water out and you warm and dry inside. And although you’ll look like you belong on a Star Trek landing party, you’ll feel invincible wading through the chest-deep water near the top. The kit also comes with extra-grip water shoes and a giant wooden pole that makes your scrambling easier. The hike terminates at the backcountry boundary (permit required). And although you’re not hiking uphill, all the wading and clambering is tiring, so remember you’ll have to return the way you came. Consider turning back before you’re all gassed out.
Off-season Eats
Whiptail Grill
Whiptail Grill is a cute cantina in a converted gas station, serving creative takes on Mexican cuisine. 445 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, whiptailgrillzion.com, 435-772-0283
Off-season Stay
Cable Mountain Lodge
Located right at the mouth of Zion Canyon, Cable Mountain Lodge is practically in the park. The lodge has standard hotel rooms as well as family-sized suites with kitchens and plenty of space. Bonus: The hot tub is open year-round. 147 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, cablemountainlodge.com, 435-772-3366
Find more tips and tricks on Utah’s National Parks in the office season, here
