Zion National Park’s majestic red cliffs create a dramatic and colorful landscape, and autumn brings an even wider range of hues to the southern Utah park. As Zion heads into it’s fall season, visitors will find striking colors, beautiful weather, fewer crowds and the unparalleled vistas that are even more breathtaking when fall colors are in full glory.
Visiting Zion in Fall
As cooler temperatures make their way to Zion, colorful foliage is on it’s way. Still, it’s more than just leaves. The big picture is a glorious masterpiece of reds, yellows and orangs turning throughout the landscape, of golden cottonwoods lining the Virgin River, and spectacularly colorful views from the peaks of Observation Point and Angels Landing. Keep in mind that elevations within the park boundaries vary between 4,000 and 9,000 feet, and Zion Ponderosa is at 6,000 feet. That means different areas experience peak foliage at different times and from year to year. Many visitors are finding late September to mid-October to be the peak season for foliage in full color. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Early September: Highest elevations may begin to show some color change but most foliage remains green.
Mid-September: Trees at high elevations begin to change color.
Late September: Beginning of peak season.
Early October: Fall colors peak in Zion National Park and at Zion Ponderosa
Mid-October: Higher elevations are past their peak but colors still abound at middle to lower elevations.
Late October/Early November: Peak season inside the park/ in Zion Canyon.
While Kolob Canyon is currently closed for construction projects, this lesser-visited section of Zion National Park is usually one of the most beautiful and pleasant places to hike in autumn.
Zion Vacation Homes
With fewer visitors in Zion, that means a more peaceful and relaxing vacation and even more lodging available. It’s a great time to take advantage of off-season rates and specials for Zion Ponderosa vacation homes, Cabin Suites and Cowboy Cabins. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy stargazing around a campfire, hiking, Jeep adventures and more.
If you have the opportunity to visit Zion during autumn’s changing leaves, don’t miss it. So grab your camera and get ready to explore nature’s most magical season on Zion.
