Zion Hotels and Lodges: Where to Stay for Your Park Visit

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Zion

Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, with nearly 5 million visitors a year. Choosing the right place to stay can completely change your experience: less driving in the morning, access to the shuttles, and a few extra hours in the canyon. Here's our overview of the area, covering hotels and lodges only. Separate guides cover camping and RV stays.

The short answer: if your budget allows, stay in the park at Zion Lodge or in Springdale, the gateway town right next to the south entrance. For family stays or organized trips, Hurricane (28 miles) and St. George (37 miles) offer a much wider selection of hotels at rates two to three times lower.

For a full comparison of staying inside or outside the park, including practical tradeoffs, shuttle logistics, and the nighttime canyon experience, see the Zion lodging guide, which compares all the options based on your plans.

Park lodges and gateway towns (0)

All LodgesGateway towns

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

⚠ Lodge & Gateway town data is undergoing editorial review.

Staying in the Park: Zion Lodge

There's only one lodging option inside the park: Zion Lodge, operated by concessioner Xanterra. It's located in Zion Canyon, halfway along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, about 3.7 miles from Springdale's south entrance.

What Zion Lodge Offers

The lodge has three types of accommodations:

• Lodge suites (wood cabins): the most sought-after option, with a private porch, views of the Navajo Sandstone cliffs, and a genuinely authentic feel. Expect to pay between $300 and $400 per night during peak season.
• Motel rooms (Western Cabins): more affordable and arranged in rows, without exceptional views, but practical and just steps from the shuttles.
• Standard rooms in the main building: a middle-ground option with direct access to the lodge restaurant.

The lodge has a restaurant (Castle Dome Café for quick meals, Red Rock Grill for sit-down dinners), a gift shop, and direct access to the park shuttle stops.

Why Choose Zion Lodge

Staying in the park means being there at dawn, when the canyons are still in shadow and the parking lots are empty. Lodge guests can also drive in through the South Entrance before the shuttles officially begin running, which makes logistics easier in spring and summer. At night, the sky is free of city light pollution.

Reservations: Book Early

Rooms sell out within minutes when reservations open, 12 to 13 months ahead on recreation.gov. If you're targeting summer or spring weekends, book your date as soon as the calendar opens. Cancellations appear regularly, so checking recreation.gov 30 days out can pay off.

Hotels Around Zion: Gateway Towns

Springdale, the Most Convenient Option

Springdale sits right next to the park's South Entrance: the main street, Zion Park Boulevard, leads straight to the entrance booths. The park shuttles terminate at the Springdale entrance, and town stops serve hotels along the boulevard. During peak season, you can enter the park on foot or by bike from your hotel.

Springdale's hotel selection is concentrated, high-quality, and expensive. You'll find distinctive boutique hotels (Cliffrose, Cable Mountain Lodge, Desert Pearl Inn) along with a few B&Bs. During the high season, from May through October, rates for a double room regularly exceed $250 to $350 per night. The atmosphere is pleasant, with restaurants, galleries, and specialty grocery stores along the boulevard. Plan to book several months ahead for weekends from May through September.

Rockville and Virgin: Peace and Quiet 6 to 9 Miles Away

The towns of Rockville and Virgin lie 6 to 9 miles west of the park entrance along UT-9. They're small rural communities with a few Airbnbs, guesthouses, and the occasional bed-and-breakfast. There are fewer options, but they're often cheaper than Springdale and away from the boulevard crowds.

You have to drive to the park. You'll reach the visitor center parking lot or the shuttle terminal at the South Entrance. Allow 15 minutes on the road.

Hurricane: The Best Budget and Comfort Compromise

Twenty-eight miles west of Springdale, Hurricane has the area's major hotel chains: Best Western, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Hilton Garden Inn. Rates are much lower, often between $100 and $180 per night during peak season for a standard room.

It's a good choice for families with kids, groups, or travelers visiting several parks (Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches) who want a central base with parking, a pool, and breakfast included. Allow 45 minutes to drive to the Zion entrance.

St. George: The Largest City, Best for Longer Stays

St. George is 37 miles from Springdale and offers the region's widest selection of hotels: international chains, suites, hotels with fitness centers, and several distinct neighborhoods. It's also a hub for domestic flights, with a small regional airport, and a natural starting point for a road trip through southern Utah.

For a multi-day trip built around Zion, Bryce, and Canyonlands, St. George makes a convenient base. The drive to Zion via US-9 and I-15 is straightforward and takes about 50 minutes in normal conditions.

How Many Nights Should You Plan for Zion?

To see the park's highlights (Angels Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook Trail), two full nights in the area is a comfortable minimum. Three nights gives you time to add Kolob Canyons, 37 miles northwest on the same entrance pass, and hike without rushing.

If you're adding Zion to a Utah road trip with Bryce Canyon and Arches, two nights in the area is still the norm. See how to plan your days in Zion based on how much time you have.

When to Book and How Much to Budget

Booking Calendar

Zion is open 365 days a year, but demand for lodging varies widely:

• April through October: peak season. Springdale and Zion Lodge are often fully booked several weeks ahead. Book at least 3 to 6 months ahead for a spring weekend.
• November through March: much quieter. Last-minute availability is possible, especially in Hurricane and St. George. Winter daytime temperatures remain mild (46 to 59°F in January), but nights are cold (32 to 41°F).

The busiest periods coincide with American school holidays, including spring break in March, July 4th, and Labor Day in early September. Avoiding these dates reduces both pressure on lodging and trail crowds.

Lodging Budget: What to Expect

These rates are for a double room during the high season, from May through September. In the off-season, expect to pay 30% to 50% less. For seasonal price details and the best-value periods, the guide to the best times to visit Zion offers a month-by-month overview.

Our Recommendation by Traveler Type

Total immersion (no budget constraints): Zion Lodge, a cabin with a porch, and a wake-up call from the canyon. Book as soon as the calendar opens, 12 months ahead.

A local experience without overspending: a boutique hotel in Springdale (Cable Mountain Lodge, Desert Pearl Inn). Shuttle access from the hotel, a village atmosphere, and restaurants within walking distance.

Family or group on a controlled budget: Hampton Inn or Best Western in Hurricane. Pool, breakfast, parking, and a 45-minute drive to be in the park by 8 a.m.

Multi-park road trip: base yourself in St. George. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands are all within 3 hours. The Zion park overview will help you fit it into a Utah itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions