How To Plan a Summer Trip To Zion: What’s New in 2025

Every time I have been to Zion National Park, adventures, stunning landscapes, and thrilling outdoor activities have made me make a promise to come back. 

A summer trip to Zion National Park is always special, and 2025 is no exception. In 2024, Zion National Park had 5 million visitors, the second-highest number among the country’s national parks. 

Furthermore, during the Memorial Day Weekend in 2024, 92000 people visited this national park. 

So, as we approach the Memorial Day Weekend in 2025 and the summer season in Zion is about to start in full swing, the park authorities have taken several measures. 

Also, there are a few changes and additions in the park attractions to make your summer trip to Zion more enjoyable.

Whether you’re into rock climbing, exploring the breathtaking views, or hiking in Zion National Park, you can be ready for a mesmerizing experience.

Also, don’t forget to consider accommodations like The Riv At Zion, which provides comfort and convenience near the park’s entrance. 

Moreover, this season, you can explore many features and additions in the park and in this Tour and Travel Guide, we are going to talk about them. 

A Summer Trip To Zion National Park: Know The Quick Facts Before Packing Your Bags

A Summer Trip To Zion National Park
  • Established: 1919
  • Area: 148,016 Acres
  • Elevation: 1117 to 2660 Meters
  • Standard Pass: $20-35
  • Pet Safety: The water of the Virgin River in the park has cyanotoxins and cyanobacteria. Cyanotoxins are very harmful to dogs and other pets. So, keep them on a leash during a summer visit to Zion National Park. 
  • Hours Open: 24/7 (All the facilities in the park have different opening and closing hours.)

Know About The Operating Hours Of Various Facilities In The Park 

Have a look at the table below to know the operation hours of the facilities in the park. The data here is updated on 7th May 2025. 

Park Facilities Hours Of Operation
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Information Desk
8 AM to 5 PM
Zion Forever Park Store8 AM to 7 PM
Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk
Allow at least 20 minutes to get a permit
8 AM to 5 PM
Zion Human History Museum10 AM to 5 PM
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM

Furthemore, before planning your summer trip to Zion National Park, you must note that the Zion Nature Center Junior Ranger Station is closed for the season. The Kolob Canyons Wilderness Desk also remains closed. 

Moreover, oversized vehicles can pass through the Zion Mountain Carmel Tunnel between 8 AM and 4:30 PM. 

How To Reach Zion National Park And Where To Stay?

Zion National Park is situated in southwestern Utah, and the closest airport is St. George Regional Airport, about 50 miles away. 

You can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park from there. 

Furthemore, you can fly into Las Vegas, Nevada, or Salt Lake City, Utah, and enjoy a scenic drive to Zion.

Talking about accommodations, nearby resorts offer a blend of comfort and convenience, and they are just a short drive from the park entrance. 

Do you want your stay to be more adventurous? You can give the luxury hotels and resorts a miss and choose camping or staying in cozy log cabins. 

Exploring Zion National Park: Things To Do During A Summer Trip To Zion National Park

The first thing you can do is hike to Angels Landing. This is my favorite route for breathtaking views. Furthermore, the Narrows will allow you to wade through the Virgin River between steep canyon walls.

  • You can join a ranger-led hike, take a photography tour, or even try rock climbing with experienced guides. 
  • If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider scenic drives or shuttle tours to take in the beauty of Zion without strenuous effort. 
  • Additionally, the park has recently upgraded facilities and expanded shuttle services, making it easier to navigate its popular areas. 

What’s New In 2025? Your Summer Trip To Zion Will Now Be More Exciting

In 2025, Zion National Park unveils several exciting updates to enhance your visit.

  • Noteworthy upgrades include improved facilities and expanded shuttle services, making it easier to access popular park areas. 
  • New interactive exhibits at the Zion Human History Museum offer fresh insights into the park’s rich cultural and geological background, providing a more immersive experience for visitors.
  • Additionally, the park introduces a range of events and programs like stargazing and nature workshops to engage and educate visitors. 

Things You May Have To Face During A Summer Trip To Zion National Park

Considering the record number of visitors to Zion National Park in 2024, you must be ready to face the following situations during your summer trip to Zion National Park in 2025. 

  • Heavy traffic congestion in the Zion National Park, and especially in the Springdale Area
  • Temporary and intermittent closures of the vehicle entrance station in the east and south of the park
  • Long waiting time while boarding the shuttle from Zion Canyon and Springdale
  • Long queues at the visitor center, trailheads, and park entrances

Tips For A Successful Summer Trip To Zion National Park

Tips For A Successful Summer Trip To Zion National Park

To maximize your enjoyment in Zion, avoid peak times by visiting on weekdays or early mornings, especially during the summer. 

Spring in Zion National Park is beautiful, and the fall season also offers pleasant weather and fewer visitors, providing a more serene experience. 

1. Pack The Right Gear For Your Summer Trip To Zion National Park

    Make sure to pack the right gear for your activities. Sturdy hiking shoes, ample water, sun protection, and layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures are essential. 

    If you plan to hike, the Narrows, water shoes, and a walking stick will be necessary to navigate the riverbed. 

    A camera is also a must to capture the park’s stunning landscapes.

    2. Stay Hydrated And Stay Updated About The Weather During Your Summer Trip To Zion

      Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas to avoid heat exhaustion. 

      Familiarize yourself with the park’s shuttle schedule and routes to streamline your travel within the park. 

      Keep a map handy and know your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

      Lastly, check for any trail updates or weather advisories from park rangers before heading out daily. 

      It’s The Right Time To Plan A Summer Trip To Zion National Park

      With the latest upgrades and new activities, there’s never been a better time to visit. 

      From exhilarating hikes to serene drives and educational programs, every moment in this remarkable national park will contribute to a memorable and fulfilling trip.

      Share on Social Media

      Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

      Leave a Reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      title-img Related

      READ MORE Komodo Island

      A Cruising Tour of Komodo Island

      BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 13, 2022

      Located in the Flores Sea, Komodo Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to see fantastic scenery and wildlife in Indonesia. Komodo Island is about 30 minutes from Labuan Bajo by boat. Labuan Bajo is a small town in Flores, the closest town to Komodo National Park. A cruise around Komodo is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the island's famous dragon at the Komodo National Park. These massive reptiles that are notoriously shy of humans sometimes appear on beaches. Komodo National Park is the world's most important marine region because of its abundance of fish and coral and its unique geographical position. You will get a chance to see dragons in their natural environment. In addition, you can snorkel and dive in some of the world's most pristine waters. Organizing For the Cruise Komodo Island cruise tour is a must-take when in Labuan Bajo. Your komodo island cruise itinerary will depend on how many days you have available and if you want to do some island hopping. Tours typically last for three and five days and include meals and accommodation. The tour price includes full board meals, all hotel accommodations, transfers to and from Labuan Bajo, snorkeling gear, towels, drinking water on the boat ride over to Rinca island (weather permitting), and marine park fees. In addition, there are some additional optional costs, such as land tours on Rinca, diving in the Komodo National Park, and many other things. Additional Resource: 5 Things To Know Before Travel To Papua New Guinea What You Need for the Trip Aside from the usual pre-trip needs like packing, passport, and visa requirements, you will also need to bring the following items for the Komodo Cruise: Sunscreen Hat Sunglasses Bathing suit Towel Insect repellent Closed shoes (sandals are not allowed on the boat) What You Will Experience When Cruising The Komodo cruise covers visits to the islands of Rinca and Komodo and some small islands along the way. The pace of the trip is leisurely, thus providing you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. The Komodo Cruise Tour takes you around the island of Komodo, home to the Komodo dragon. You will encounter the best scenery in Indonesia, from pristine white sand beaches to crystal clear waters. Moreover, there are plenty of exciting sights to see while cruising around Komodo, including: The pink beach of Komodo resulting from the presence of coral and bleached shells The incredible mangrove forests that line the coast and harbor birds and other wildlife The many small villages that dot the island, each with unique culture and history All these and more make Komodo Cruise Tour an unforgettable experience and a must-do when visiting Indonesia. Finally, the Komodo cruise Tour is not just about Komodo itself; you will, of course, see plenty of other islands while cruising around the area. These include Rinca, Padar and Gili Motang. Each has unique charms and is worth visiting. At Komodo Island, you will see more of the unique flora and fauna that are not found anywhere else in the world. It is the only place in the world where you can see Komodo dragons and pygmy elephants living side by side. What to do next After the Komodo Island Cruise Tour? Head back to the port and take a picture with the Komodo dragon sign Explore Labuan Bajo and its surrounding area Visit Rinca Island to see more Komodo dragons Take a trip to Bali Or, relax on the beach in Labuan Bajo No matter what you choose to do, your Komodo Island Cruise Tour will be an experience you'll never forget. Final Submission The Komodo Cruise is an experience of a lifetime. The cruise is a necessary activity when visiting the island of Komodo. This fantastic tour takes you around the beautiful island and its surrounding waters, providing plenty of chances to see some of the best scenery Indonesia has to offer. You will find everything from pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters to mangrove forests and small villages with unique cultures. Read Also: Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations in India Top 10 Places To Visit In Singapore

      READ MORE creative truck cap camping ideas

      7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures

      BY  Mashum Dec 14, 2021

      Living in a truck camper shell is amazing as I am a truck camper. It really bothers me if things inside my camper shell are not well organized. At the beginning of my journey, I couldn't manage the ways to keep everything in place, but over the years with my research, I have gathered creative truck cap camping ideas. If you are an ardent traveler, then it is necessary for you to have creative ways to vibe with your gear, who becomes your one and only companion on the road. I was always very fond of decorating my stuff and when I finally had the chance to have a truck and decorate it, I never stopped having creative truck cap camping ideas. I have buddies who are just like me love to adventure, or maybe I am like them, but there is one thing that makes me and my friend Mr. Truck different is the way we look after each other. Launching Winter 2022, The Klubb is a new kind of social app that is redefining wellness for the next generation of movers and shakers. Designed for high-performers, The Klubb takes the private club experience and packages it into a user-friendly social app that gets you, "Outside. Together". Join the waitlist today to be a part of the next evolution of social apps. In the meantime, check out their journal, Klubb Mag, for amazing athletic vacation destinations and outdoor activity recommendations Enough about the story of me and my life. It's just something a truck camper will relate to. In this article, I will be sharing my 7 creative truck cap camping ideas with you guys who are new to this world. Let's dive in! 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures I am an adventure freak therefore the most places I visit are Jungles. I love how busy roads turn into greenery, instead of honks I hear birds of different types chirping, how a deer suddenly plays the role of a stop sign. I love everything about nature. But there are disadvantages as well when you don’t have a concrete shelter to spend your day and night underneath. You can also stay here if you like solo travel. Here are some creative truck cap camping ideas that have helped me and will help you too. 1. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Simple Sleeping The place you are going to create for sleeping totally depends on the model of your truck. But let me tell you my Toyota Tacoma camper shell has a very comfortable sleeping spot. The sleeping place in any camping truck is easy to build. My truck has notches on the sides of the bed that let me lay down straight without bending my knees. I have placed two sheets of plywood on top of my bed, which is covered with an outdoor carpet as I am really sincere about my stuff getting damaged. 2. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- DIY Drawers As I said earlier that I like things organized, therefore to keep my tiny things secured I went with wheeled latching boxes, which you might use for under-bed storage. Apart from the sleeping platform I really needed to install sliding drawers that help me keep my clothes, jewelry, and kitchen accessories safe. It is quickly accessible as well. Add some locks to your drawers if you have something precious to secure. Other than that prevention is better than cure. 3. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Drawing Drapes The most important thing to do is to have privacy even if it's a truck you are living in. To maintain privacy hanging drapes is as important as decorating the inside of the camper shell. Installing drapes is also a creative interior idea. Drapes do not only give you privacy, but you don't have to open them when you are inside. You can keep them open when you are out of your camper shell, as it will keep away the prying eyes that search for your belongings. 4. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Bedding Sleeping in a truck bed is very different from sleeping on a bed in a room. In my camper shell, I have built boxes over the wheel wells, on both sides of the truck. I did it because I travel with my pooch and he is very comfortable in his own place, especially where he sleeps. Therefore I have two beds in my camper shell. My friends generally call this idea of mine a truck bed camping setups. And I am pretty good at setting up things in small spaces. The two beds leave an aisle in the middle of them to let me and my pooch swing our legs. You can also check out truck bed camping videos on Youtube. 5. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Solar Lighting Now, who doesn't want to decorate their place with some lights? As you know lights are not only for decorating but it really helps at night, when I am camping just right outside a jungle. I let my lights rest on the dash of my truck to get all the energy from the sun rays in the morning till noon. In cloudy weather this might not work, therefore you should always have a backup plan like having a rechargeable kong headlamp. 6. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- The Ultimate Drawer I also have this mega drawer of mine, though I have small drawers too, this big drawer takes in all the stuff I have and storage for other things. I actually don’t regret installing it. But one thing you must consider is that large drawers should have dividers. The dividers help you find things or else everything will get tangled with each other and things will be hard to find. Packing cubes are another creative interior idea that is really good for soft gear and clothing. 7. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- The Workplace Since I am a writer and I earn my living through it, I had to have an office in my camper shell. Ask me how? I managed. Let me break the ice. At the end of my truck, the place where the door opens is where my office is situated. I have installed a flexible wooden slab, screwing the base to the walls of the truck. Now I can easily sit on the edge of my bed, where my pooch sleeps. And pull the slab towards, place my laptop on it and voila!. It is big enough to keep my food bowl and coffee cup on it. Wrapping It All Up Here you go with all 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures. All of the above ideas are applied by me in my own way. You don't have to do the exact thing I did. Rather try to outsmart these ideas by bringing more creativity to it. You can also try a DIY truck topper, and see where it gets you. All the best for the life you have ahead of you. A small message from one traveler to another. Leave a comment in the comment section and share your experience with me. I would love to read them and reply as fast as I can. Read More: 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World A Guide To National Parks In Virginia – Latest Guide What To Look For When Purchasing A Beach Tent For Vacation

      READ MORE Road Trip

      Road Trip USA: Adventures Across The States

      BY  Arnab Dec 15, 2023

      Imagine a journey where each turn of the road reveals a new facet of America's vast beauty. A road trip across the United States is not just a travel plan, but a voyage into the heart of diverse landscapes, rich histories, and vibrant cultures. Stretching from the towering redwoods of California to the historic lighthouses of Maine, this journey offers an unrivaled exploration of the American spirit. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this guide is your compass to navigating the endless possibilities of an American road trip. Meticulous Route Planning The success of your road trip hinges on careful planning. This task, as exciting as it is daunting, involves more than just tracing lines on a map. Consider the time of year – are the mountain passes open? Are the coastal roads crowded? Weigh the appeal of famous highways like the Pacific Coast Highway against lesser-known byways that might offer hidden treasures. Also, think about your interests – are you after scenic beauty, historical sites, or urban exploration? Utilize online mapping tools to chart your course, but leave room for spontaneity and surprise detours. Vehicle Selection and Preparation Selecting and preparing your vehicle is critical. Your car is your companion, home, and sometimes, your savior. Depending on your route, you might need a 4WD for rugged terrains or a convertible for breezy coastal drives. Ensure a comprehensive check-up of your vehicle – tires, brakes, engine oil, and coolant levels. Equip your car with essentials like a first-aid kit, spare tire, flashlight, and a toolbox. Consider the comfort too – ergonomic seat cushions, sun shades, and a playlist of your favorite tunes can transform hours on the road into an enjoyable experience. Smart Packing and Lodging Choices Packing for a road trip is a balancing act between necessity and convenience. Choose luggage that is compact yet spacious, and prioritize items that serve multiple purposes. Pack clothing suitable for varied weather conditions, and don't forget essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlights, and a portable charger. When it comes to lodging, mix it up. From camping under the stars in national parks to experiencing the charm of local motels or the convenience of apartment rentals – like a cozy stop in a quaint Texas town – your choices add texture to your journey. The Comfort of Apartment Rentals Amidst the allure of motels and campsites, don't overlook the comfort of apartment rentals, especially for longer stays in major cities. These rentals offer a homely feel, often coming with fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and more space to relax. They're ideal for travelers seeking a temporary home base to explore areas more thoroughly. In cities like Austin, Texas, good apartment rentals can enhance your experience, allowing you to live like a local, explore neighborhoods off the beaten path, and perhaps even save money on dining out. Platforms like Airbnb or VRBO make finding these hidden gems easy and reliable. Plus, staying in an apartment gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals, offering an authentic and immersive experience. Culinary Exploration A road trip is a ticket to the diverse culinary landscape of America. Each state offers its signature dishes, from Texas BBQ to New England clam chowder, creating a mosaic of flavors. Avoid the monotony of fast-food chains; instead, seek out local diners, food festivals, and street food vendors. These places don't just offer food; they serve a slice of the local life, seasoned with stories and traditions. Remember, in every bite, there's a story to tell. Flexibility is Key The beauty of a road trip lies in its flexibility. While it's good to have a plan, be open to impromptu changes. A hidden beach here, a small-town festival there, or a recommended detour for breathtaking views – these unplanned moments often become the highlights of your journey. Embrace the unexpected, and you'll find that the best adventures are sometimes the ones you never planned. Embracing Local Cultures and Communities As you traverse different states, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures. Attend community events, visit local markets, and engage in conversations with residents. Each community has its own rhythm, stories, and traditions – from the vibrant street art of urban neighborhoods to the rustic charm of rural towns. These interactions enrich your understanding of the country and its people, adding depth to your travel experience. Documenting Your Journey Documenting your road trip is important, but balance is key. While capturing moments on camera and jotting down notes in your journal, remember to also live in the moment. Feel the breeze, breathe in the landscape, and engage fully with the experience. These memories, both documented and etched in your heart, will be the treasures you carry long after the journey ends. Conclusion A road trip across the United States is more than a mere journey – it’s an exploration of the soul of a nation. Each state you cross, each road you travel, tells a part of the grand story of America. With thoughtful planning, a spirit of adventure, and an openness to the unexpected, you are ready to embark on a voyage that promises diversity, excitement, and the discovery of the boundless American spirit. So, pack your bags, fuel up your car, and set off on an adventure that awaits across the States! Read Also: 7 Best Places To Elope In The USA 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Best Kentucky National Parks In USA You Should Know About