Visiting Zion in the fall feels as if you just stepped foot into a painting – a masterpiece of blazing oranges, brilliant red and glittering golds set against the striking canyon landscape. For a truly unforgettable experience, a drive through Zion Canyon and hiking the crisp leaves on colorful trails is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Are you ready to plan your fall Zion getaway? Let’s get started!
Pick Your Dates
Once summer ends, the crowds thin out and Zion becomes yours again. Trails are less crowded and so are the shuttle buses. Fall is one of the best times to visit Zion, thanks to a colorful autumn season that extends well into November. You really can’t go wrong with whatever fall dates you choose.
Getting Around
The Zion shuttle system continues to run along the Scenic Drive through mid-November, including Thanksgiving weekend. Click here for the current shuttle schedule.
Enjoy Mother Nature’s Masterpiece
Leaves begin changing at higher elevations in September, and thanks to varying elevations, fall’s colors last well into November in Zion. The drive into the park from the east entrance along Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel offers a spectacle of fall colors.
Fall colors along the Riverside Walk, Zion National Park. (National Park Service)
EXPLORE ZION
Wildlife Watching
Fall is the time of year to see some of Zion’s most impressive wildlife. Bighorn sheep, mule deer and wild turkeys are just some of the amazing wildlife that’ easy to spot in fall. Early morning park visitors often gave a good chance of seeing wildlife, especially since there are fewer people in the park first thing.
Take a Hike
What’s better than hiking in Zion? Hiking in Zion when the temperature is below 80 degrees. Depending on the month and time of day, you’re likely to experience temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees, with maybe just a little rainfall here and there. Zion’s elevation ranges from 3,700 to 8,700 feet, so there’s plenty of mild weather to enjoy.
Many Zion visitors say fall is the best time of year for serious hikers to hit the trails. Autumn hikers in Zion can enjoy mild temperatures and lighter crowds on the trails. Fall is a great time to hit the most popular trails such as Angels Landing and The Narrows. Observation Point is another great trail to catch, either from the bottom up by starting in Zion Canyon, or from the top across Zion Ponderosa property. (Bonus: Hiking across Zion Ponderosa means avoiding the steep 2,000-foot incline from the bottom of Zion Canyon!)
Choose Your Adventures
Zion Ponderosa recreation packages adds excitement to your Zion adventure. Choose canyoneering, horseback riding, guided hiking, ATV tours and rentals, sunset Jeep tours, wagon rides, mountain biking and so much more.
RESERVE YOUR LODGING
Fall means great deals on lodging near Zion National Park. Located just 10 minutes from the east entrance of Zion National Park, our ranch resort features 4,000 private acres with a full range of lodging: camping, glamping, cowboy cabins, cabin suites, western wagons, Conestoga wagons, and of course our world-class luxury vacation homes.
Current specials include:
• Vacation homes: Reserve two nights at off-season rate (20% discount) and receive third night at 50% off, when also purchasing a $100 gift card.
• Cabin suites: Reserve two nights at off-season rate (10% discount) and receive third night at 50% off, when also purchasing a $100 gift card.
• Glamping: Reserve two nights at off-season rate (10% discount) and receive third night at 50% off, when also purchasing a $100 gift card.
Click here for full details on all of our fall specials
Check out this 3-day itinerary to make the most of your fall Zion getaway!
