ZION AREA RECREATION // COMMUNITIES
Don’t want to wait in line to get into Zion National Park? Springdale and the surrounding communities offer things to do while you wait for the crowds to die down.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Washington County, in Utah’s southwest, beckons tourists with its stunning red rock scenery and year-round appeal. Home to Zion National Park’s western side, it features must-see destinations like the dramatic Snow Canyon State Park and the recreational paradise of Sand Hollow State Park. The vibrant city of St. George offers a comfortable base with diverse lodging, dining, and shopping options. Whether you’re hiking through breathtaking landscapes, enjoying water sports, or exploring local attractions, Washington County provides a fantastic gateway to Southern Utah’s adventures with a touch of urban convenience.
Springdale (gateway to Zion’s main South Entrance)
Nestled right at the southern entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale serves as the charming gateway to this natural wonder. Dominated by towering canyon walls that rise dramatically around it, the town offers a welcoming atmosphere with a range of lodging, dining, and outfitting options catering to park visitors. Beyond its convenience, Springdale boasts its own scenic beauty, with the Virgin River flowing through it and stunning vistas visible from almost every vantage point. It’s a vibrant hub where the spirit of adventure and the tranquility of nature meet.
A free shuttle system efficiently connects the town to the park’s scenic drive, making it easy to access trailheads and viewpoints.
Rockville (5 miles west of the South Entrance)
Just a few miles down the road from the bustling gateway town of Springdale, Rockville offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere near Zion National Park. This small town retains a charming, historic feel with older buildings and a slower pace of life. Surrounded by striking red rock formations that echo the grandeur of the nearby park, Rockville provides a peaceful retreat while still offering convenient access to Zion Canyon via a short drive. The Virgin River also meanders through Rockville, adding to its scenic appeal, making it a place to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the area at a relaxed pace.
Virgin (15 miles west of the South Entrance)
A bit further west from Zion’s main entrance, the small town of Virgin, home to Red Bull Rampage, offers its own unique character. Situated along the scenic Virgin River, the town is framed by the dramatic red cliffs that define this corner of Utah. With a more rural feel than Springdale, Virgin provides a quieter base for exploring Zion and the surrounding area, offering a handful of lodging options and local businesses. Its location allows for access to both the main entrance of the park and the Kolob Canyons section, as well as the diverse landscapes heading toward St. George.
La Verkin (21 miles west of the South Entrance)
Nestled a bit further west and south from the immediate Zion corridor, La Verkin offers a local experience while still providing access to the wonders of Southern Utah. Situated at the confluence of the Virgin River and La Verkin Creek, the town boasts its own scenic charm with views of the surrounding mesas and access to outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the nearby Hurricane Cliffs. La Verkin provides a range of amenities and serves as a convenient base for exploring not only Zion but also the diverse landscapes stretching toward St. George and beyond.
Hurricane (23 miles west of the South Entrance)
Located southwest of Zion National Park, Hurricane offers a vibrant community with a blend of local charm and outdoor adventure appeal. Situated near the scenic Hurricane Cliffs and the popular Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks, it’s a hub for off-roading, boating, and exploring the surrounding red rock landscape. Hurricane provides a wide range of amenities, including shopping, dining, and lodging options, making it a convenient base for visitors exploring Zion and the greater St. George area.
Toquerville (24 miles west of the South Entrance)
Nestled east of Hurricane and a bit farther from the immediate Zion corridor, Toquerville offers a tranquil, small-town atmosphere steeped in history. Surrounded by picturesque agricultural lands and the familiar red rock scenery of Southern Utah, Toquerville exudes a peaceful charm. Its historic architecture and slower pace of life provide a contrast to the more bustling tourist towns closer to Zion, while still offering convenient access to the region’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Virgin River also flows nearby, adding to the town’s scenic appeal and sense of quiet charm.
KANE COUNTY
Encompassing a vast and dramatically beautiful expanse of Southern Utah, Kane County is a land of iconic red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and diverse landscapes. Home to the east entrance of Zion National Park, as well as part of the sprawling Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the county is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. Scattered throughout its scenic terrain are charming small towns like Kanab and Orderville, offering a taste of local life amid the grandeur. Kane County’s rich geological history and stunning vistas make it a captivating destination for exploring the heart of Utah’s canyon country.
Kanab (42 miles southeast of the South Entrance)
Located southeast of Zion National Park, further along the scenic highway toward the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Kanab serves as a central hub for exploring a vast network of natural wonders. Often called “Little Hollywood” due to its history as a filming location for Western movies, Kanab offers a friendly, small-town vibe with a range of lodging, dining, and outfitting options for adventurers. Its strategic location provides easy access to not only Zion’s east entrance but also Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and numerous other stunning landscapes and hiking trails. Kanab embodies the spirit of exploration in Southern Utah, acting as a welcoming basecamp for discovering the region’s diverse beauty.
Orderville (29 miles northeast of the South Entrance)
Nestled east of Zion National Park and a short drive from its less-visited east entrance, Orderville offers a glimpse into a quieter side of Southern Utah. This small, close-knit community is surrounded by rolling hills and scenic vistas, providing a peaceful retreat away from the busier tourist areas. Orderville has a rich history and retains a charming, small-town feel, offering a more local experience for visitors exploring the region. Its location provides convenient access to the eastern sections of Zion, as well as the scenic drive toward Bryce Canyon National Park, making it a quiet base for discovering the diverse landscapes of Southern Utah.
Glendale (33 miles northeast of the South Entrance)
Located further east of Zion National Park, along SR-9 toward Mount Carmel Junction, Glendale offers a peaceful rural setting amid the stunning landscapes of Southern Utah. This small community is nestled in a valley surrounded by colorful cliffs and rolling hills. Glendale retains a charming, small-town atmosphere and serves as a less-crowded base for exploring the eastern side of Zion National Park and the scenic route toward Bryce Canyon. Its location offers a quieter experience of the region’s natural beauty, with opportunities for scenic drives and enjoying the surroundings.
