Zion National Park Tips | 5 Things to Know Before You Go!

If you’re planning your very first trip to Zion National Park, there are a few things you need to know before you go!
In this video you’ll learn about the crowds, trails, lodging, when to go, and why this park is so exciting.
5 Things You Need to Know
0:35 Zion is extremely crowded
3:31 Zion is fabulous year-round
6:29 Book your lodging in advance
9:27 Zion has a mandatory shuttle
13:34 Zion is one of the most adventurous national parks in the country
These tips will get you started with your Zion National Park trip plans, but you can get a fully planned, hour-by-hour trip itinerary here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-it...
My goal is to make national park trip planning easy!
⭐️ Zion Can’t-Miss List: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/10-thin...
⭐️ Zion Ultimate Trip Planning Guide: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-na...
⭐️ Zion Itinerary: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-it...
Connect with Ash at Dirt In My Shoes
KZread: @DirtInMyShoes
Podcast: anchor.fm/exploringthenationa...
Website: www.dirtinmyshoes.com
Instagram: / dirtinmyshoes
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Пікірлер: 81

  • @TheKret8
    @TheKret8 Жыл бұрын

    I just bought the itinerary after watching this video. If you’re on the fence, it’s a wonderful resource! Very professionally done too!

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! I'm so happy to help, and I can't wait for you to visit Zion. Happy trails!

  • @mikeporter8705

    @mikeporter8705

    Жыл бұрын

    H OK w do you find it?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mikeporter8705 www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-itinerary

  • @ladybugmom10
    @ladybugmom10 Жыл бұрын

    We went there on Super Bowl Sunday of this year. There was hardly anyone there, there weather was beautiful and we were able to drive the entire park. It was perfect!

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    That's my favorite time of year to be in the park!

  • @melysuarez2260
    @melysuarez2260 Жыл бұрын

    So sweet. Very informative 😊

  • @scmarshall
    @scmarshall Жыл бұрын

    You helped me so much with planning my trip, i knew exactly what to expect! Thank you!!

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @danielsmyth2646
    @danielsmyth2646 Жыл бұрын

    Super super informative site! Fantastic job.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @limitlessends
    @limitlessends Жыл бұрын

    Great video!

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @mmp495
    @mmp495 Жыл бұрын

    I’m heading there in July 😮

  • @Flyers8810
    @Flyers88109 ай бұрын

    Your video was very good. As a somewhat close resident to Zion (Vegas) your video telling people what to expect is dead on. You earned a new subscriber and I look forward to future videos.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much!

  • @3NFamilyFun
    @3NFamilyFun3 ай бұрын

    If I am going this May (Friday of memorial day eek) what time should I aim to be at the visitors centre to get a parking spot?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    3 ай бұрын

    My Zion Itinerary covers all of my timing recommendations: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-itinerary/

  • @rayross997
    @rayross9979 ай бұрын

    Thanks from the east coast of Canada. Hope to make it to Zion in the not too distant future.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    9 ай бұрын

    Have fun!

  • @jadehare
    @jadehareАй бұрын

    This sounds amazing! I need to visit

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Ай бұрын

    You should!

  • @melysuarez2260
    @melysuarez2260 Жыл бұрын

    What are the hours to avoid ?

  • @thesylvanrose
    @thesylvanrose2 ай бұрын

    I just accepted a seasonal job living/working up inside the lodge area starting in a few weeks! Thank you for the guide. I haven't bee to Zion yet, they definitely emphasized the level of crowds more than anything else, but I can't wait for all of it. Any advice you'd give for living in a park like this for the next 6mo, either practical or about the area, etc? I've been doing my research and am hoping and anticipating it being a huge lifestyle change (ie tiny dorm living, no cell service), buuuut I'm also coming from across the country and inexperienced enough to be shopping for hiking shoes and rain gear along with the twin size sheets 🤣

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    2 ай бұрын

    That is so exciting! Working in the parks is the best! Make friends, and get out and have adventures. Ask other coworkers/rangers for their favorite spots :)

  • @xmomostephanie4028
    @xmomostephanie40288 ай бұрын

    I am trying to narrow down hiking shoes because we’re going the first week in Nov. what’s your recommendation? I got some light weight waterproof ones but my husband said they might be too light?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    8 ай бұрын

    Those should be fine, especially if that's what you feel comfortable hiking in. If you plan on hiking the Narrows, I'd rent the special shoes for that. But for everything else, you should be fine in some good quality hikers :)

  • @jerrybaker5774
    @jerrybaker57743 ай бұрын

    🖖🏻💐👏🏻excellent! Excellent! Super excellent, indeed! Blessings and Rewards for you and yours, always!💐👏🏻🤜🏻🤛🏻❤Jer 🕊

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @stephrainspirite9985
    @stephrainspirite9985 Жыл бұрын

    We are heading to Zion in a week. Is there any scenic route outside of the park without taking the bus and just driving? . We will have my mom handicapped so we need scenic drives without hiking.We are heading to Bryce in one day. Thank you

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    You can get a special permit to drive through Zion Canyon for someone who is not able to ride the shuttle -- you can find more info about that here: www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. All of the rest of the roads in and around Zion don't require a shuttle, you can just drive your own car. Have fun!

  • @PabloVillaVideo
    @PabloVillaVideo Жыл бұрын

    To avoid shuttle crowds near the entrance to the park, can I park near the visitor's center and walk to the second stop?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, it's not a short walk if you don't park at the visitor center though. The other issue being that they usually load the shuttles quite full at the visitor center, so they aren't able to fit many people from the other stops until you get higher up the canyon and people start getting off!

  • @frachoi
    @frachoi10 ай бұрын

    I'm planning to go there on Christmas Day. I believe the park is open all year round. Are there crowds around Christmas time?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are the busiest times of the off-season, so I would definitely expect crowds. But it's magical!

  • @miraclebub
    @miraclebub2 ай бұрын

    We're staying at the Cable Mountain Lodge for 2 nights in mid October. Is renting a bike to get into the park a good idea or should we just stick with the shuttle? Thanks!

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    2 ай бұрын

    You could do either! But Cable Mountain Lodge is the perfect place to stay for easily catching the Zion Shuttle, so I wouldn't shy away from using the shuttle if you prefer not to bike to everything up the canyon.

  • @thetrailawaits498
    @thetrailawaits498 Жыл бұрын

    I'm more interested in hiking into zion and using the backcountry campsites, I see half are reserved and half first come. Do these fill up fast? Should I reserve a site if I want to thru-hike the narrows and then pitch a tent? And are the restaurants and shops inside zion a usable form of resupply? Such as cliff bars, granola,.. What's a good route that will take me on a 5 day loop from Springdale, through the park and back.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    You'll definitely need to reserve the Narrows in advance...those are highly competitive. Some of the areas, not as much. But Zion has gotten so busy that everything seems to be competitive there these days. You'll find basic necessities at the Zion Lodge...nothing fancy but they have some food items. I personally would start with the West Rim Trail if you're looking for a nice backpacking route. You used to be able to connect it with the East Rim in Zion Canyon without a vehicle by hiking the Observation Point Trail up to the East Rim, but now that trail is closed. But you could hike the West Rim, pick up your car and drive to an East Rim trailhead, and then do that section separately!

  • @thetrailawaits498

    @thetrailawaits498

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DirtInMyShoes there lies my dilemma, I don't have a vehicle. The plan is to fly into Vegas and hop a shuttle to Springdale. Then just hike for 5 days and end up back at Springdale. I just now realized the narrows can only be hiked fully if starting from the ranch and hiking downstream. I also just saw the zion traverse, so maybe it's best to catch a shuttle from Springdale to the start of the traverse (west to east) do the traverse in 3-4 days and then just do angels landing and the up and back narrows on the last 2 days. My concern is leaving my gear at either of the south entrance campground while out hiking. Can I trust leaving my $300 tent, $200 sleeping bag, and $200 air mattress in the campground?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thetrailawaits498 yeah, that makes sense. Your plan sounds good though...that would get you to the main highlights! People leave their camping gear at their campsites all the time. I understand the hesitation, but I've never had a problem like that when I stay in campgrounds.

  • @jsned2502
    @jsned25024 ай бұрын

    We applied for the spring permit, and did not get one. But on the website it says there are Day Before Lottery tickets. If we went there and camped close and applied each day for one of these permits what are the chances we would get one?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    4 ай бұрын

    The day before lottery is still extremely competitive, but I would definitely try for it!

  • @erinbroderick2819
    @erinbroderick2819 Жыл бұрын

    I go in the winter when there are no shuttles. You can just drive to the popular places.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, that's true!

  • @christianavalos7096
    @christianavalos70962 ай бұрын

    What time do crowds start to dissipate on a daily basis in late July, early August??

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    2 ай бұрын

    If you're looking for timing suggestions/trends, my Zion Itinerary includes that info: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-itinerary/ But in general, usually around 5 p.m. or so :)

  • @MrJonreed7
    @MrJonreed7 Жыл бұрын

    OK, so now that you have me nervous about the crowds, I'll be there around May 16th-17th. What time is recommended to arrive to beat the parking crowds?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    You should be nervous about the crowds haha...things get really bad in that park. My itineraries cover all of that, and you can find them here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ I wish you all the best!

  • @3NFamilyFun

    @3NFamilyFun

    3 ай бұрын

    Did you determine when you are going to arrive at the visitors Centre parking lot so that you get a spot and get on the shuttle during your trip in May? I am trying to figure that out as well! Shuttles start at 7 AM but I imagine we definitely need to be in the parking lot before then

  • @peterschmitt9802
    @peterschmitt9802 Жыл бұрын

    Can you ride an e-bike up the shuttle only roads?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes!

  • @camisauder9711

    @camisauder9711

    Жыл бұрын

    We know some people who did that and said it was the best part of their trip.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    @@camisauder9711 yeah, it's gotten really popular. Zion is actually going to put in a dedicated biking/walking path in Zion Canyon now!

  • @angelatrinh1156

    @angelatrinh1156

    Жыл бұрын

    Where and how do you secure your e-bike when you want to go hiking?

  • @peterschmitt9802

    @peterschmitt9802

    Жыл бұрын

    @@angelatrinh1156 Just a standard bike lock. Of course I take the battery key with me as well.

  • @GULFSTREADREAM
    @GULFSTREADREAM8 ай бұрын

    Why is it that you don’t give the time that people should be at the parking lot for the shuttle ?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    8 ай бұрын

    You'll find specific timing recommendations for all of my favorite spots in Zion in this itinerary: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-itinerary/

  • @rayray4192

    @rayray4192

    7 ай бұрын

    This is a commercial for a $39 product. Which is fine.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    7 ай бұрын

    @@rayray4192 Haha I only mention it a couple of times, but good thing it's a dang good product that helps people have a better trip :)

  • @rayray4192

    @rayray4192

    7 ай бұрын

    @@DirtInMyShoes you can be proud of doing good work, and using your knowledge and experience to make money. Smart move. How about a little honest opinion about Angel’s Landing. My pilot friend says it’s like flying- be careful and mindful and you’ll be fine. Is Angel’s Landing Trail dangerous? The videos don’t look terrifying but they look like Parks should never allow anyone up there. Or is it camera angle and difficult to judge difficulty on video. The trail scares me which angers me because I don’t like being scare. Makes me feel weak.

  • @rayray4192

    @rayray4192

    7 ай бұрын

    @@DirtInMyShoes I wasn’t criticizing your business skills and making a buck. I was saying let’s be honest the video is a way to sell a product. It’s a smart move.

  • @KikiNation1
    @KikiNation1 Жыл бұрын

    I feel like this video was just about shuttles 🤣

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Жыл бұрын

    Haha that's accurate!

  • @jd87a
    @jd87aАй бұрын

    "There's certain times of day you don't want to go" -- Ok... what are they?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    Ай бұрын

    You'll find all of my timing suggestions in this Zion Itinerary: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/zion-itinerary/

  • @Tails977

    @Tails977

    23 күн бұрын

    She wants you to pay her for the information 🙄 So she doesn’t say much useful information in the video 👎🏻

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    23 күн бұрын

    @@Tails977 that's true! The itinerary contains way more information and includes walk-through videos. If I put all that info here on KZread, the video would be hours long and no one would watch it!

  • @gc641
    @gc6417 ай бұрын

    Bring your bicycle

  • @rayray4192

    @rayray4192

    7 ай бұрын

    Shuttle buses miss cyclists by inches constantly.

  • @rayray4192
    @rayray41927 ай бұрын

    So get up early and park and get on a shuttle bus to your trail head. Am I missing something?

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    7 ай бұрын

    Zion is a small park with a huge visitation...so yes, getting up early makes a difference, but that's not the only thing you can do to find solitude and have a more enjoyable time!

  • @rayray4192

    @rayray4192

    7 ай бұрын

    @@DirtInMyShoes I’ll be in the park for the first time November 12-14. I’ve watched 40 You Tube videos including yours, which is a good one because more than what trail to hike I need to know where to camp and about the shuttles. Sounds to me like Zion needs to build a huge parking lot like Colorado ski towns do like Aspen. $6 per day fee. Any boondock spots for free camping? I almost bought your itinerary today. I still might. I don’t mind not having a plan. All who wander are not lost, we are just living in the moment. A statement that drives planners wild.

  • @DirtInMyShoes

    @DirtInMyShoes

    7 ай бұрын

    @@rayray4192 that's a good time to be there, and it will be less busy at that time. I have a full video about the Zion Shuttle, so I would watch that one. I like campendium.com for finding boondocking near the parks!

  • @rayray4192

    @rayray4192

    7 ай бұрын

    @@DirtInMyShoes thanks so much!