Glamping in God's Country

Image 1: Campsite Location within Zion National Park Hiking Trails ; Image 2: Emerald Pools

While there are options around the park, it is important to remember that the only lodging in the park is the Zion Lodge. So be sure to book in advance, or it will be more difficult (and expensive) to book here. An alternate option to having 24/7 access to the park while staying in Zion is, of course, camping!

Image 1: Canyon Overlook Trail at Sunrise

I have my own glamping setup, and I know that not everyone wants to set up a campsite while on vacation. I saw many people and families who had rented RV's and camper-vans for their stay in the park. There are also options for booking glamping tents that are ready for you when you arrive to enjoy the experience of camping without the hassle of packing and setup/teardown. However, those are also located just outside the park, like many of the hotel accommodations.

Luckily, if you opt to stay in the park, you can eliminate the stress of waking up early to navigate traffic through the park and hunting for a coveted parking spot at the busy trailheads. A free shuttle that starts in the town of Springdale and makes nine stops throughout the park. It provides access to the vast array of trails as well as giving you access to the amenities of town if you prefer not to drive or are car-camping. Be sure to check out the cute town of Springdale, which has a selection of restaurants, breweries and eclectic south-western art displays and galleries. I'd advise talking with some locals at the grocery store or restaurants when you venture into town for supplies. They can give you an idea of what hikes and trails work best for your activity level.

Our campsite was right along the Pa'rus trail, which runs along the Virgin River. It offers beautiful views of the canyon lined with beautiful wild flowers and buzzing with wildlife such as deer, hummingbirds, rabbits and more. After a beautiful night of watching the stars dance uninterrupted by light and an early campfire breakfast, we set out for the Emerald Pools trail before the afternoon sun came out. Despite the convenience offered by the shuttles, since they are often the only option for those getting into the park late, they can be very busy and packed throughout the day, so we opted to walk from camp to many of the trailheads rather than waiting.

Regardless if you are planning to utilize the shuttles or adventure on foot, be sure to bring enough water and sun protection like sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. This is especially true during the summer months and even into the fall. I visited in October, and the temperatures were still exceptionally warm. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions and several algae concerns, many of my intended trails were blocked off for use. So, we ended the day early and enjoyed another walk along the Pa'rus trail.

The morning we departed, we woke up extra early to get to the Canyon Overlook trail to see the sunrise over the canyon. Be warned! There are no shuttles to this trail and there is very limited parking, so plan to get there early and bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to go up for sunrise. It's not a difficult hike, but you are along the cliff's edge and climbing up steep rocks at points, which can be a bit scary in the dark. Despite the short trek to get there, the views are unbeatable and you quickly understand the namesake "God's Country" as you see the sun rise above the canyon, slowing illuminating the canyon with hues of red, orange and gold.

While having the amenities of a hotel is an unbeatable luxury compared to camping, to truly experience being in the park as the sun sets and illuminates the reddened canyon and the Milky Way creeps its way across the sky as darkness sets in, is one you will never forget.

Over 5 million people visit Zion National Park per year. Needless to say, it can be VERY busy, depending on the time of year. Summer is both the hottest time of the year and peak season, with parking lots typically filling up by 8–9 am, at which point cars are not allowed.

The free shuttle runs regularly from March through November, on weekends in February and during the holiday season near the end of December. The first shuttle leaving the visitor center at 6 am.

Regardless of your accommodation decision, campsites included, please be sure to book far enough in advance. For less crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning (sunrise), mid-week days or during off-season months.

If you have specific trails you are planning to explore, be sure to check the Zion National Park website for information on conditions and closures before planning your trip. This will ensure you are prepared and avoid the disappointment I experienced not being able to hike through the famed Narrows.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Utah page.