Solo Travel in Zion National Park: My Top Tips

Thinking about solo travel in Zion National Park, Utah? It’s only a 6 hour drive from Los Angeles, so for me, this trip was an absolute must. I went at the very start of November, fortunately before temps dropped way too low. It was a bit nerve-wracking to go on my first hiking trip alone, but I was seeking an insightful and reflective experience and thought I might find that surrounded by nature.

I wanted to journal, self-reflect on the year behind me, and look within for answers to questions I was seeking about the direction I was headed in my life. A hiking trip to Zion was the right fit.

If you’re thinking of heading out on your own solo journey through Zion National Park, I have a few recommendations for you!

Stay in Springdale, UT

Springdale is the closest town right outside the park. It’s a small, charming town with essentially one street running through it that leads up to the park entrance. If you’re doing solo travel in Zion National Park, I recommend staying in Springdale because it makes everything easy.

You can take a free shuttle from one of the stops in Springdale to and from the park. Staying a town away from Springdale might be cheaper, but you’ll need to drive and find parking to go to restaurants and such.

I was in the mindset of convenience for this trip, so I booked an Airbnb at an amazing location. This tiny home was so small, but it had everything I needed in an amazing location. It also felt very safe and comfortable, honestly like a little sanctuary surrounded by amazing views of the mountains.

It was pricey at $650 for 3 nights, but at the time it was so worth it and so needed. Plus, I had very few expenses outside of accommodation and gas.

If you like to camp, there are 3 campgrounds in Zion National Park. Watchman Campground is open all year, South Campground is closed in the winter, and the Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive away. I’d go with Watchman, but book 3-4 months or more in advance.

Decide which trails to take as a solo traveler in Zion

You’ll want to start your day early if you’re looking to hike to get the most of the daylight. Start at the visitors’ center, where you can ask a park ranger as many questions as you like, and pick up a map.

Angels Landing

I honestly wasn’t planning on doing Angels Landing, the famous hiking trail Zion National Park is known for. But I ended up doing it…. and I’m so glad I did!

In my case, it coincidentally turned out that a friend of mine happened to be passing through Zion at the same time as me! She was doing the hike the following morning with a group of friends and invited me to join. I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to rise to the occasion, even though I never dreamed of doing this hike on my trip.

And I’m so glad I did. At a challenging difficulty level, Angels Landing is recommended for experienced hikers. But even as someone with about “average” fitness, I managed to do the hike!

The drop offs are pretty terrifying, to be honest. You’ll be gripping onto a chain for dear life across some parts of the trail. When it’s cold, you’ll want gloves for your hands because the chains are freezing.

But would I do it again? Yes, probably! The feeling of accomplishment at the end was so, SO worth it.

The Narrows

Another popular trail in Zion. This trail involves hiking through the Virgin River, which is subject to flash floods, so you’ll have to check weather conditions before setting out. Towering walls on each side of this trail make for a stunning display of rock textures and colors. You must bring dry pants and poles, or rent supplies at Zion Outfitter.

I didn’t hike The Narrows because I didn’t want to rent water gear and have another early morning after Angel’s Landing, tbh. I just wasn’t feeling another strenuous hike (I was pretty sore from Angels Landing the day prior), this one completely on my own. But many people do it, if the weather conditions allow!

The Riverside Walk of Zion National Park

Also known as The Gateway to The Narrows, the Riverside Walk is considered one of the most scenic, family-friendly hikes of the entire park. It’s also wheelchair accessible. At 2.2 miles, it’s an easy, paved trail that leads up to the Narrows.

Sunlight streams magically through the canyon rocks here, and you can get an up-close view of the water. Even though I wasn’t ready to take on The Narrows, I loved seeing the excitement of fellow hikers either starting or returning from the trek.

Hop off the shuttle at Temple of Sinawava to enjoy this leisurely hike.

Pa’rus Trail

Another paved trail, this beautiful nature walk can be taken right at sunset for incredible views. Good for easy, flat walking to absorb nature and listen to the sounds of the wilderness surrounding you.

I took this one and actually got caught out there alone when the sun went down, immersed in immediate darkness. It was pretty scary…. because who knows what kind of wildlife is out there?! Or worse, other humans!

Fortunately, as my luck would have it, I bumped into a wonderful couple from Canada and they were kind enough to walk with me back to the bus stop. They felt like my adopted parents for 15 minutes! SO sweet.

Consider a Group Tour

Let’s say you’re flying in and out of Las Vegas, and aren’t able to rent a car, but are absolutely dying to see Zion National Park. I feel you!

The best option for you is to take a group tour. I love the tours by GetYourGuide – always reliable, fun, and super informative. I’ve often made friends on the group tours I’ve gone on as a solo traveler, which is one of the reasons I love tours.

This tour by GetYourGuide looks really incredible. I love how it’s limited to just 12 participants, which means you get the most bang for your buck and personalized attention. This tour includes hiking Angel’s Landing. For me, hiking with other people was essential and helped me feel so much more at ease! So if you’re like me, I suggest booking this tour! More details on that, below:

If you do have a car, you might want to opt for this Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour instead. It’s a sure way to get acclimated to your surroundings in a short amount of time – perfect for your first day arriving. This way, you can spend the rest of your trip actually enjoying yourself and prioritize what you want to see and do, instead of figuring out directions and having severe FOMO!

More details below:

Consider the seasons, weather, and sunset time for solo travel in Zion

As I mentioned above, be conscious of time. In the summer, you’ll likely have longer, hotter days (up to 100°F), but the park will be more crowded in the warmer months. That’s why I loved going in early November, before snowfall yet with fewer people in the park.

Some campgrounds are closed in winter, so be sure to check the park’s official website for current conditions and closures.

Eateries Inside & Out Zion National Park

Food! Let’s not forget one of the most important parts of any trip. Inside the park, I loved sipping down a beer and looking at the incredible view at Castle Dome Café, a small snack bar adjacent to Zion Lodge.

In Springdale, I came back almost every night for a meal at Casa de Amigos, where they really treat you like a friend! I loved the food so much the first night that I returned two more times during my short stay. Cheap and good eats, plus I loved the margarita.

For solo travel in Zion National Park, Casa de Amigos is a great spot that won’t give you a side-eye for eating alone.

And there you have it! My full guide to solo travel in Zion National Park. Any questions? Please leave a comment, or send me a DM on Instagram!

Don’t forget to get travel insurance before you head out on. your trip. I use WorldNomads for every trip I take, at home or abroad. Get your free quote here:

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