Holidays and long weekends have seen heavy visitation at 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 Labor Day weekend who arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon will avoid long lines at park entrances and facilities. Some may wish to consider alternative destinations within southwest Utah.
“Zion National Park works in close partnership with the Utah Office of Tourism to provide outstanding visitor experiences,” said Jeff Bradybaugh, superintendent of Zion National Park. “For visitors looking for a less crowded area than Zion Canyon within the park, UOT has assembled a list of recommended alternative destinations for the busy Labor Day weekend.”
“Southwest Utah has remarkable landscapes, and Labor 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.”
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.
Eagle Crags: 5 miles round-trip, moderate difficulty
Accessed through the town of Rockville via unpaved road, this hike provides spectacular views into Zion Canyon amid a pristine high-desert setting.
Gooseberry Mesa: Distance and difficulty varies
Renowned for slickrock mountain biking and awe-inspiring views into Zion National Park, this network of trails allows one to modify the distance and difficulty to suit your interests. Best access is via the Smithsonian Butte Scenic Byway (unpaved) off U.S. Route 59.
Coal Pits Wash: 5.6 miles round-trip (to junction with Chinle trail), moderate difficulty
Trail follows a long wash adjacent to a reliable stream dotted with waterfalls and adjacent to tall cliffs within Zion National Park. Access directly on Utah State Route 9.
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, 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 parks to explore.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
High-elevation plateau with views into stunning amphitheater reminiscent of Bryce Canyon. Renowned for starry skies, Cedar Breaks will offer a ranger-led dark skies party on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 8 to 10 p.m.
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. Labor Day events include live music and Kansas City-style barbecue.
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 exist.
Thunderstorms may bring flash-flooding in canyons and low-lying areas.
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