Cooler weather and colorful fall foliage are on their way to Zion! While Zion National Park is beautiful in every season, fall brings something indefinably magical to the region. Swirling autumn leaves contrast beautifully against Zion’s sandstone cliffs and gentle autumn breezes cool the canyons, creating pleasant temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. What more could we ask for? We’re welcoming autumn with open arms, and we’ve got a few ideas for your fall trip to Zion.
Zion’s colorful fall leaves
Here in East Zion, we’re known for our stunning red rock landscape but in the fall we also have our fair share of colorful foliage. Whether you’re hiking in the main canyon or canyoneering in the backcountry, you’re in for brilliant reds, blazing oranges and shimmering golds complemented beautifully by Zion’s sandstone cliffs and canyons. Leaves begin changing at higher elevations first, and then work their way down to the canyon floor sometime in October.
Autumn adventures in Zion
Guided canyoneering in Zion area slot canyons is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and such a treat in fall. Cooler weather and exciting rappels make for an amazing adventure. Come squeeze in a trip with East Zion adventures before winter sets in. For newbies to the canyoneering adventure, Zion Ponderosa’s climbing wall is great practice. And for those who aren’t quite sure a 110-foot rappel is for them, East Zion Adventures offers a new walk-in UTV slot canyon adventure where guests can have an Antelope Canyon-like experience on foot.
If you’re headed to Zion for fall break or a well-deserved staycation, a scenic Jeep tour is a perfect addition to your trip. Whether you choose the Radio Tower, Brushy Cove or Checkerboard Mesa jeep adventures, you just can’t beat seeing the beauty of our unique landscape from the very top. A shorter sunset Jeep tour is the perfect ending to a day full of fun and East Zion adventures for those looking to maximize their time in the park.
Hit the trails in fall
On horseback or on foot, there’s nothing quite like hearing the autumn leaves crunching softly along the serene, beautiful trails. Lesser-known trails like Watchman Trail and Taylor Creek in Kolob Canyon offer hikers spectacular scenery this time of year. For true social distancing, take a hike to Cable Mountain or Observation Point right from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Visit Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks
Zion Ponderosa’s location on the east side of Zion National Park means you’re ideally positioned for exploring beyond the park. Unpack once and stay awhile to explore nearby attractions such as Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. If you’ve never been to either, you’ll fall in love with the mystical hoodoos that define the park’s landscape and the changing leaves at various elevations between September and November. Bryce Canyon is just 75 minutes from Zion Ponderosa, and Cedar Breaks National Monument is just about an hour. (Keep in mind that the road to this high-elevation mini Bryce Canyon typically closes for snow by mid-October.)
Social distancing, naturally
If the adventures, cooler temperatures and stunning autumn beauty aren’t enough to convince you to visit Zion in the fall, then how about the fact that there are fewer people? Once peak season slows down, crowds dissipate, shuttles are less crowded, and in some places it feels like you have the park all to yourself. We know solitude is on your mind, and there’s nowhere better for social distancing, naturally, than the east side of Zion National Park.
