Ways to Experience Zion National Park and Utah’s Wilderness Without the Crowds

In 2021, Zion National Park attracted over 5 percent of all national park visitors—more than 5 million people navigating the Virgin River, crowding onto park shuttles, and capturing selfies among the iconic red rocks.

Many visitors opt to stay in Springdale, located about seven miles from the park entrance. This small town, home to 553 residents, becomes bustling with tourists who fill hotels and restaurants, leading to roads that only head one direction. Once you're here, your destination is clear.

To steer clear of the national park crowds, trace your finger about 30 miles west on the map to St. George, Utah. Here, you’ll find yourself roughly an hour from Zion, two hours from Bryce Canyon, and even closer to hidden gems like Snow Canyon State Park and Dixie National Forest—which we’ll explore shortly. You'll enjoy affordable accommodations, a variety of dining options, theaters, and museums, alongside numerous adventures comparable to those in Zion scattered across southern Utah.

“Staying in Springdale,” says Kyle Walker, owner of Grand Circle Tours, “limits your options to the most crowded spots.” Walker leads outdoor-focused tours throughout the Greater Zion area, showcasing Zion’s hidden treasures, like the Kolob Canyons, and places you might overlook. By choosing St. George, he notes, you’ll always have a viable option regardless of the season. “If you call me in April or December, I can provide a recommendation.”

He’s referring to St. George’s access to over 7,000 feet of elevation change and the wealth of stunning outdoor activities that often go unnoticed compared to Zion. Some of Walker’s guided tours include Cedar Breaks National Monument, a smaller version of Bryce Canyon with nearly identical vistas and significantly less foot traffic; the Canaan Mountain Wilderness, a tranquil haven along Zion’s southeastern edge; and Dixie National Forest, the largest in the state at nearly 1.9 million acres.

With its vast expanse, Dixie offers far more areas to discover than the 150,000-acre Zion—zooming out to the county level reveals even more options. “There are tens of thousands of acres of high-quality public land,” Walker points out, “and there are more trails in Washington County than in Moab.” For those in St. George faced with abundant choices, the experienced guide suggests starting with the 3.4-mile Yant Flat Trail, which leads to the stunning orange-and-white “Candy Cliffs”—similar in atmosphere to the Wave in Arizona but without the 5 percent chance of securing a permit.

To connect with adventurous hikers, Walker has teamed up with the Advenire in downtown St. George, the first and only full-service boutique hotel in the Greater Zion region. Its adobe exterior and distinctive Dixie dormers pay homage to St. George’s 1860s inn, the Big House; inside, the atmosphere is infused with “modern pioneer” style throughout 60 guest rooms and 22 suites. (The on-site restaurant, wood.ash.rye, offers one of the finest breakfasts in town, with biscuits that have garnered a loyal following.) The hotel, which opened in 2020, symbolizes St. George’s status as a booming destination; the collaboration reflects the Advenire’s understanding that the city could follow in the footsteps of Sedona or Moab.

St. George is definitely on the rise. “Since 2018, we’ve experienced a 10 to 15 percent growth in tourism year after year, even during COVID,” says Sara Otto, marketing manager for the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. The city’s expanding range of upscale amenities and enhanced outdoor infrastructure reflects this trend: in 2023, a 19-hole golf course will open on the lava fields of Black Desert Resort; the Utah Wine Trail launched in spring 2022, featuring all five locations in the area; and with $10 million in funding secured, an 18-mile paved trail for hiking and biking from the city to Zion is underway. “Growth is evident,” notes Otto, “and we advise visitors to avoid holiday weekends, but there are still plenty of open spaces.”

According to Otto, spring offers wonderful weather in St. George, with warm days and cooler nights that are easily managed with a bonfire or an extra layer. Crowds at Zion begin to swell from May to June, so plan your visit for March or April to make the most of favorable weather with fewer people.

While spending a day or two in Zion is a must, “make sure to explore the other Zion-like locations,” Otto suggests, “such as Snow Canyon State Park—we refer to it as Zion’s ‘little brother.’” Located just 10 minutes from St. George, this park features the same stunning Navajo sandstone formations as Zion but with significantly fewer visitors and some intriguing lava tubes to discover.

“There’s a unique feeling here,” Otto reflects. “I know it sounds cliché, but until you experience it, you can’t fully grasp it. It’s a blend of the people and the landscape, simply put. And the views just amplify that sensation.”