Zion Canyon in southern Utah is popular with tourists because of its natural beauty and many incredible hiking trails. Like most national parks, you need to spend multiple days here to fully take in all that nature has to offer. This can seem daunting if you’ve never visited southern Utah or are unfamiliar with the park. The good news? You have plenty of options for Zion National Park lodging. Some of the best are included here.
Where should I stay when visiting Zion National Park?
Although the canyon itself seems remote, there are many nearby towns where you can stay near Zion National Park. The first decision you’ll need to make is which park entrance to use. Zion National Park has three entrances, and there are accommodations near each one.
The South Entrance
The southern entrance near Springdale, Utah is the most popular. Because of its proximity to St. George, Hurricane, and other nearby towns, there is plenty of lodging here. Those will be covered later in separate sections on both Springdale and St. George.
The East Entrance
Located on Highway 9 as you drive west, this entrance is a little ways from the nearest city, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great options for lodging near Zion National Park. The nearby towns of Mt. Carmel and Orderville are both home to highly-rated hotels, and are only about a 20-30 minute drive to the park. Where the east entrance really shines though, is in non-traditional accommodations.
The most popular option is renting a yurt. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy nature without having to pitch a tent, it’s the perfect option. Most yurts offer queen or king beds, a kitchen, fire pit, air conditioning, and shared bathrooms and barbeques.
And their biggest selling point is the location. While each site is run by a different company, they are all situated near Orderville, Utah, and offer stunning views of the east side of Zion Canyon. In the evening, you get a live 4k sunset experience before being treated to a gorgeous display of stars in the dark night sky. In the morning, it’s only a 20-minute drive back to the breathtaking canyons you overlook as you eat breakfast.
Similar to the yurts in location and style, Safari tents are also popular near Orderville and Leeds, a town about 40 minutes from the park. Kind of like tipi camping, these tents are a luxury version of traditional camping. This is glamping at its best. They provide queen beds, a kitchen, a fire pit, heating or air conditioning, and bathroom facilities.
To see if the east entrance makes sense for you, click here for directions to Orderville.
The Kolob Canyon Entrance
Kolob Canyon is the northwest section of Zion National Park, and does not connect to the main part of the park unless you hike from Kolob into Zion Canyon. Much more remote than Zion Canyon, this place is popular with adventurers looking for longer hikes and fewer people. So while there is an entrance and visitors center here, there are no services or accommodations. If camping is your thing, Kolob is a great place for that.
Can you stay inside Zion National Park?
By McGhiever – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21448232
Yes! You can stay at Zion Lodge in the park itself. Even though it is the only place to stay in Zion National Park, its location isn’t the only reason Zion Lodge is so popular. A rustic log-cabin style hotel, Zion Lodge contains multiple room options and every amenity you could want.
The lodge itself has traditional rooms with queen or king beds, as well as suites. If having your own space is more your style, the lodge also offers separate cabins within steps of the lodge itself. Each cabin has one or two beds, a separate bathroom, a private porch, and a beautiful gas log fireplace.
Whether you prefer a room or cabin, you won’t have to go far for a delicious meal. The Red Rock Grill restaurant is located in the main cabin of the lodge, and offers everything from salmon and steak to traditional breakfast fare. A favorite with visitors, the stunning views of the canyon’s soaring walls and craggy cliffs out the front windows make eating here an enviable experience.
And if you are looking for something a little more casual, the seasonal Castle Dome Cafe is the perfect option. They offer simple options throughout the day during the summer, including cinnamon rolls in the morning and burgers and fries from afternoon to evening.
Just remember, this is the only lodging in Zion National Park. If you want a room, make sure to plan well in advance and book your room early. You may need to book a year or more in advance to ensure you can stay in the park.
Click here for directions to Zion National Park Lodge.
What are the best hotels near Zion National Park?
The southern entrance is the place to go if you prefer a hotel room. The nearby cities of Springdale, Hildale, Hurricane, and St. George provide a multitude of options.
What town is closest to Zion National Park?
Springdale should be the top option if proximity to the park is your number one concern. Located just outside the park, this small town of less than 1,000 caters to tourists from all over the world. With over two dozen restaurants, a movie theater, a playhouse, and multiple spas, Springdale provides everything you need to explore and relax on your visit to Zion National Park. And, with over 20 hotels, you can find one that meets your needs and budget. For directions to each respective hotel, simply click on its name.
Some of the best hotels in Springdale are:
The Desert Pearl Inn–Under $300 a night during peak season, their location is unrivaled. Each room’s deck overlooks the pool while providing a stunning view of the largest cliffs in the park. The grounds and rooms have been designed to reflect the native landscape.
La Quinta Inn and Holiday Inn–More budget-friendly chain options, these beautiful hotels offer all the amenities you will need while visiting the park. They’re also two of the top-rated by visitors, so you know you’re getting a place you will be happy to come back to after a long day in the park.
Cliffrose Lodge by Hilton–Less than a 10 minute walk from the park entrance, this is one of the premier hotels in Springdale. With its modern rooms, a restaurant and full bar, and luscious gardens, this is the perfect place to rest your tired legs.
Where should I stay in St. George?
St. George is a great place to consider when looking for Zion National Park lodging. Although about 50 minutes from Zion, St. George has much more to offer than the other small towns near the park. Shake the red sand from your shoes and spend your evening shopping, golfing, swimming, or even taking in a Broadway show at Tuacahn after a day at the park.
Some of the more unique and highly-rated hotels in St. George are listed here:
Inn on the Cliff–This may be the coolest hotel in St. George. Located on the top of a small plateau overlooking historic St. George, the views from every room are incredible. Each balcony sits on the cliffs and offers a unique view of the city framed on all sides by red rock buttes. The luxurious rooms and cliffside pool and hot tub make your stay an experience rather than just a place to sleep. And your dining options are just as wonderful as the hotel itself. Each morning your breakfast is delivered right to your room at your request. For lunch and dinner, the Cliffside Restaurant next to the hotel is one of the top rated in the state. Offering everything from fresh seafood to steak, ribs, and specialty pasta, you’ll eat your meal while enjoying the same cliffside view you get from your balcony.
The Inn at Entrada–This is another unique option with spectacular views of the red rocks cliffs and desert landscape so prevalent in southern Utah. Instead of traditional hotel rooms, the Inn offers ‘casitas’ of varying sizes. Beautifully designed and decorated, they feel like an upscale home away from home. Each little home contains a garage, patio, and living space, so you can maintain your family’s privacy. If you have a big group, they also offer large, 5-bedroom casitas with a full kitchen, a private bbq area, and a private putting green. The best part? The amenities here are unsurpassed. The resort provides an outdoor pool, tennis court, garden, a sauna, and an on-site restaurant. To top it off, the inn even backs up to a golf course, so it couldn’t be any easier to hit the links. There’s no better place to spend your southern Utah vacation.
St. George Inn & Suites–If you are looking for a family-friendly hotel, this is the best option in town. Why is this place so great for families? The first is the variety of room types—they offer a bunch of different suites and conjoining rooms to accommodate your family, no matter the size or ages of your kids. The second reason is the amenities. This motel offers two large pools as well as two play areas, one of each indoors, and one of each outdoors. Not only that, but they offer a full breakfast every morning and a fitness center for adults. And with its budget friendly prices, this will be a place the whole family will enjoy.
Book your place and get excited!
Make a reservation, pack your bags, and lace up your hiking boots! No matter where you choose to stay, you will find that your time spent at Zion National Park will be something you remember forever.
