By Emily Moench
This popular holiday weekend typically brings heavy crowds to Zion National Park, leading to longer-than-normal wait times at entrance stations and shuttle stops throughout Zion Canyon and crowded conditions on the park’s most popular trails.
Visitors who travel to Zion National Park this Memorial Day weekend are encouraged to use the free shuttle system and leave their cars in designated parking lots in Springdale. Saturday is expected to be much busier than the rest of the weekend with more moderate visitation on Sunday and Monday. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid long lines at park entrances and facilities or consider an alternative destination within southwest Utah.
“Southwest Utah has remarkable landscapes, and Memorial Day weekend promises to bring a large number of visitors from around the world to experience the region,” said Vicki Varela, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism. “We are encouraging visitors to consider expanding their itinerary to include destinations outside Zion National Park, particularly on Saturday, the busiest day of the holiday weekend.”
For visitors looking for a less crowded area than Zion Canyon within the park, the Utah Office of Tourism has assembled a list of recommended alternative destinations for the busy weekend.
Near Springdale and Zion National Park (south entrance)
These hikes provide spectacular scenic views of Zion National Park’s majestic cliffs and are close to hotels and restaurants in Springdale.
Chinle Trail: views of the West Temple, Mount Kinesava, Towers of the Virgin, Sundial, and the spires of Eagle Crags. An out-and-back trail allows you to tailor the distance of the hike to suit your group’s needs.
Coal Pits Wash: 5.6 miles round-trip (to junction with Chinle trail), moderate difficulty. The trail follows a long wash adjacent to a reliable stream dotted with waterfalls and adjacent to tall cliffs within Zion National Park. Access from Highway 9.
Northgate Peaks Trail on Kolob Reservoir Road: This family-friendly, out-and-back hike follows a gradual path through tall ponderosa pines to an overlook at 2.2 miles. Hike is higher elevation and cooler during midday than hikes in the main valley.
Eagle Crags: 5 miles round-trip, moderate difficulty. Accessed through the town of Rockville via an unpaved road, this hike provides spectacular views into Zion Canyon amid a pristine high-desert setting.
East side of Zion National Park
Higher elevation, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors creates an appealing alternative to the valley floor.
Observation Point & Cable Mountain: Approximately 6 miles round-trip, moderate difficulty. Accessed through Zion Ponderosa Resort, these two hikes, lead to spectacular views at the rim of Zion Canyon. Trail details and information at the Zion Ponderosa Resort.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Before Zion’s cliffs were stone, they were magnificent sand dunes of the color and texture found here. Explore the dunes on foot or by ATV, or look out over the ever-changing formations from the ADA-accessible overlook platform.
Within 60–90 minutes of Zion National Park
A spectacular array of remarkable parks, trails, and unforgettable landscapes surrounds Zion National Park. Here are three remarkable parks to explore.
Cedar Breaks National Monument: High-elevation plateau with views into stunning amphitheater reminiscent of Bryce Canyon. Renowned for its starry skies, Cedar Breaks will offer a ranger-led dark skies party every Saturday from May 27 to Aug. 12 at 8:30 p.m. at Point Supreme.
Brian Head Resort: A short distance from Cedar Breaks, Brian Head Resort offers mountain biking and hiking trails with several viewpoints looking into Cedar Breaks.
Snow Canyon State Park: Sheer Navajo sandstone cliffs, like those found in Zion National Park, and volcanic intrusions set the landscape for Snow Canyon’s many trails and scenic drives. Many options for hiking, scrambling, and rock climbing.
Emily Moench is public relations manager for the Utah Office of Tourism, Film & Global Branding.
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