How to Book Zion National Park

Zion National Park in southern Utah is one of America’s most-visited public lands — in 2024, it welcomed nearly 5 million visitors, second only to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (which is more than four times Zion’s size).

The brilliant red sandstone formations of Zion are a topographical treasure, with striated sedimentary layers made across millions of years from flowing waters and uplifting earth. The Virgin River carves its way through the primary section of the park, and many hiking and biking trails follow its course today, winding through wide and dramatic canyons and stunning narrow gorges. 

As a repeat guest, I can attest that visitors can access so many of Zion’s most popular features with relative ease. But it’s not a place to just check off your list — it’s a place to appreciate, and worthy of a multi-day visit rather than a short pit-stop. Local operators such as Zion Guru help travelers navigate the park (and its seasonal crowds) with expertise.

Here’s what travel advisors should know about the park, with some words of wisdom from Zion Guru owner Jonathan Zambella, who regularly helps travelers experience Zion to its fullest potential.

Accessing Greater Zion Via Springdale, Utah 

A Zion National Park vacation can be incomparably straightforward, because the park’s busy south entrance is right in the town of Springdale, Utah, where boutique hotels, casual shops and eateries and a few art galleries are all walking distance from the park’s entry. Then, just inside the park gate is Zion Canyon Visitor Center — an efficient, dependable and complimentary shuttle system runs by here most of the year, scooping up park guests and delivering them to the most popular trail heads. 

This shuttle system makes a do-it-yourself Zion visit feasible. On my own first visit to the park, my family and I used the shuttle to access the Emerald Pools trail and to see Zion Lodge, which has operated in some form since 1925. We also accessed the Watchman Trail by foot, right from the Visitor Center. And plenty of pedestrians walk or bike into the park from Springdale, bypassing parking troubles. Private vehicles are actually not allowed beyond the entry-adjacent main parking lot — a wise rule that allows park shuttles to move freely and cyclists to use the roads safely, too. 

Working With Local Operator Zion Guru

On my second visit to Springdale and the national park, I went on three bookable excursions with Zion Guru. Every adventure was led by expert guides who brought so much to the experience, from requisite gear and transportation to confidence. On their half-day canyoneering trip, Guru guides Meghan and Lindsey literally talked me off ledges in Lamb Canyon, despite my initial intentions of not rappelling at all. I left the canyon feeling 10 feet tall and on an epic adrenaline high.  

In the late afternoon, Lindsey and Meghan got our group of riders set up on Rad Power pedal-assist e-bikes at Zion Guru’s headquarters, set in the heart of Springdale. Then, we cruised right into the park for a multi-hour ride, stopping to pay our entry fee before zooming along the Pa’rus Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Wild turkey and deer surprised us as we cruised past the Court of the Patriarchs, Big Bend and the Temple of Sinawava, each one a revered and awe-inspiring sight bound to make even the mightiest cyclist feel small.

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After returning our bikes, we prepared for our third excursion — the next morning, when we would depart bright and early for a watery trek in The Narrows. Zion Guru rents all the gear clients need to tackle this famous river walk, including dry bibs, neoprene socks, hiking sticks and more.

This was a bucket-list hike for me, and our guides, Lindsey and Claire, proved critical. They kept us in the shallower portions of the river (so water didn’t get into our dry bibs) for miles upstream; pointed out springtime wildflowers and unique fauna, such as the swimming American Dipper; and even taped up an ankle when one member of our group was tripped up by the shifting rocks of the riverbed. We made it approximately three miles up (through slot canyons and rocky “rooms”) and three miles back with their guidance.

Why Zion Guru

Zion Guru owner Zambella fell in love with greater Zion in 1996 — he lost his East Coast job in investment banking, headed west on a road trip, saw the Utah red rocks and never looked back. 

“I was just instantly enamored with the place,” he said. “I thought, ‘I have to move here.’ I had a new job lined up at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, but I couldn’t do it.”

Zambella jumped into the outfitting and guiding world of Zion, and dedicated himself to it for years. In 2015, he started Zion Guru.

“I wanted to bring a more holistic style to the tourism business here,” he said. “I didn’t want it to be about ‘doing Zion.’ I wanted to offer experiences that empower and inspire as we explore.”

Zion Guru regularly works with travel advisors, curating private excursions for couples and groups or VIP packages that span multiple days. Ensuring clients experience fewer crowds is the top priority, and Zion Guru knows the ins and outs of the park well enough to make that happen. Case in point: My own hike in The Narrows was not overly crowded at the height of spring travel, as Zion Guru got us on the trail by 8 a.m.

And, if clients can be convinced to stay and play longer in Zion, Zambella has plenty of suggestions.

“We often advise people that three days is the minimum for a Zion trip,” he said. “We might sneak in a fantastic hike on arrival day, or a short half-day hike. And going with a guide gives you an awesome opportunity to get into an environment you wouldn't see anywhere else. Then, the top things I promote doing on a three-day visit are the half-day canyoneering trip, The Narrows, e-biking and hiking up to Scout Lookout or Angels Landing — if clients can get the permit for it.”

Obtaining a permit for Angel's Landing is “somewhat cumbersome, but doable,” according to Zambella. As a commercial organization, Zion Guru has to pull permits six months in advance, so sometimes the dates they have access to don't align with a client’s trip.

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For any client looking to hike The Narrows, Zambella and his team are the best outfitter — in fact, Zambella is credited with building up the infrastructure that now exists for travelers to trek in the Virgin River.

“When I first moved out here, there was no real industry for river hiking,” he said. “The uniqueness of the Narrows requires you to get your feet in the water, so, back in 1996, I started designing footwear. We were able to secure a relationship with [Italian footwear company] Fitwell. They are building these shoes by hand that are comfortable and grippy to help us have a great experience.”

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, located less than 1 mile from Zion National Park’s Springdale entrance, is looking fantastic after a rebrand and complete redesign late last year. Now part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, the 132-room property nods to camping and the great outdoors with natural colorways, a check-in desk illuminated by lanterns, beautiful wood furnishings and floors and Zion-inspired artwork and decor. Fire pits off the lobby and a great pool with grand red rock views are additional bonuses. 

Scout Bar and Grill, set at the lobby level and with a patio facing Zion Park Boulevard, makes an ideal refueling station. There are banana-macadamia-nut pancakes in the morning.  A delicious fried chicken sandwich and barbecue brisket plate await diners later in the day. As the sun sets and hikers leave the trail, the bar fills up with guests and locals alike — and after a full day of exertion in Zion, comfort food never tasted so good.