Zion National Park is one of the perfect vacation areas made with red-rock cliffs, life-giving water, and the most exciting hike in any park. If you plan to visit the National Park but can’t figure out the best places to stay in Zion Utah, we got you covered.
This blog will guide you on some of the best options to stay in when visiting Utah Zion National Park Hotel.
#1. The Zion Lodge
This is the only hotel found in the National Park. It is very close to the red rock cliff right at the heart of Zion Canyon. Staying at the location has several advantages, especially if you want to explore all that is within the National Park.
For instance, it takes just a short walk from your hotel room to hike Angels Landing or Emerald Pools in a few minutes. You also don’t have to fight for parking space at the visitor center because there is a mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle directly from the lodge.
The beautiful part of this zion canyon lodging is the experience you get after everyone has left or before everyone gets there. Although national parks are not particularly popular because of their comfort or amenities, Zion lodge is an exception.
Asides from being among the best places to stay in Zion Utah, it also has a television, wifi in each hotel room, and air conditioning to improve its outstanding location and ambiance.
#2. Springdale
Another place you could stay when visiting the Zion national park is the town of Springdale. This Utah Zion national park hotel is located outside Zion’s most popular South Entrance and is one of the best national park gateway towns.
If you want to explore a variety of food, Springdale is one of the best places to get delicious food options. This Zion canyon lodging has several shops, activities, and its own shuttle service to take you to different locations around town and drop you off at the pedestrian entrance to Zion National Park.
Once you drop off at the entrance, you will cross a bridge above the river, then pay at the entrance station. The entrance station will lead you right to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, where you will have access to the Zion Canyon Shuttle that takes you to major areas of interest in the Park.
You can decide to leave your car in town and go into the Park using a shuttle, especially if you don’t want to struggle over a parking space at the visitor center. However, it takes only 5 minutes to get to the park visitor center if you want to use your own vehicle, but parking can be problematic.
#3. Mt. Carmel Junction
Another place to stay in Zion Utah is Mt. Carmel Junction. This Utah Zion national park hotel is located close to the East Entrance of Zion; however, there aren’t as many amenities here; the place is not that big.
This location is also a 45 minutes drive to the main sights in the Park and closer to Checkerboard Mesa if you are visiting from Zion. You will also see a couple of restaurants and gift shops. However, this is the quiet, more relaxing, and less tourist side of Zion Canyon lodging.
#4. Hurricane
Hurricane, which is the closest town with lots of moderate grocery stores and amenities, is one of the places to stay in Zion Utah. This hotel is a 30 minutes drive from Springdale and the park’s South Entrance.
This is a actually good choice for anyone who wants to save money while visiting because the hotels in Hurricane are cheaper than those found in other towns. If you don’t want to stay here, you can choose other convenient options that’s close to the park.
Zion National Park Entrances
Zion national park has three major entrances that provide options for places to stay in Zion Utah. They include;
#1. South Entrance of Zion
This is the main entrance into the Park, which is also a few steps to Zion Canyon Visitor Center. This is considered to be a convenient entrance location for anyone who wants access to the major points of interest in the Park.
#2. East Entrance of Zion
This is one of the smallest entrances on the Park’s east side. Here you will find a few small hikes and the beautiful Checkerboard Mesa.
#3. Kolob Canyons Entrance of Zion
This entrance is a 45 minutes drive from the main part of the Park. It is a beautiful section of Zion; however, it is not the best option for guests that want to explore the best of Zion because it does not connect to the rest of the Park by road.
Conclusion
Whether you want to walk out of your room to the beautiful sights of Zion or you don’t really mind driving for a couple of minutes, the above-mentioned options should guide you on places to stay in Zion Utah.