Springdale Zion

While exploring Zion, Springdale is not always the best option if you would like your trip to include some of the regions other national parks and monuments

When in Zion, Springdale is only a hop skip and a jump away. Zion’s gateway community, Springdale boasts a plethora of lodging options and eateries, as well as one-of-a-kind art galleries and gift shops. The town provides an excellent preview of Zion since the park’s sandstone monoliths envelop it on three sides. From April to October, the town boasts a free shuttle system that transports visitors to a staging area just across the Virgin River from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, where visitors can catch a shuttle into Zion Canyon, the most visited portion of the park. The transition between park and town is practically seamless.

While it is the closest lodging option to Zion, Springdale is crowded in the summer. To avoid the crowds, you can book your lodging in Panguitch, Utah and expand your trip’s itinerary to include other popular scenic destinations in southern Utah, including Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. All of these scenic attractions, in addition to Zion, are all within 75 miles of Panguitch. You can visit a different park a day and look forward to a different scenic spectacle than you saw the day before when you make your base camp a central location such as Panguitch.

Before coming on your vacation or while you are on your trip, contact the Garfield County Travel Council, located in downtown Panguitch, for the latest information on southern Utah’s scenic treasures. We will help you build an itinerary that includes scenery you want to see within your desired time. When you talk to one of our friendly staff members, you will realize that when visiting Zion, Springdale is not always the best option if you want to visit other natural wonders!