Are you looking for the closest city to Zion National Park while traveling through Utah? Here you may find a list of the best and closest metropolitan areas to Zion National Park. The towns around Zion National Park range from sleepy canyon gateways to bustling little cities with plenty of lodging and dining options. There are more things to do and see on the south side of the park, but the east side might provide a great home base for exploring the rest of Southern Utah's attractions.
In this St. George Greater Zion overview, we have some suggestions, whether you're looking to sleep out under the stars in a tent, snuggle up in a cozy lodge, enjoy the amenities of a high-end, modern hotel, or ride horses at a rustic ranch.
Plan a trip to Zion National Park
It would be a shame to miss Zion National Park on a trip to St. George. There are several breathtaking sights in Utah that can only be experienced there. Explore hidden tunnels, towering peaks, and pristine gorges in this national park.
Nonetheless, a visit to Zion National Park should take more than a few days. Two very different sides of the region may be seen on treks to Angels Landing and The Narrows. You can count on Zion, with its gushing waterfalls and barren desert, to be one of the most memorable stops of your trip.
Since hotels in St. George are more affordable and there are more dining options, many tourists choose to stay there while visiting Zion National Park. Some people decide to rent a property, so the decision is on you. You can spend the whole day at the park if you feel very daring and pressed for time.
Springdale
St. George Zion Village overview has to include Springdale. If you want to be near Zion National Park, this city is your best bet. Just beyond the park's southern entry gate is a small village with a number of hotels, restaurants, and outdoor leisure enterprises.
The shuttle service for the national park runs from the park's entrance to nine different stops in Springdale. Overflow parking is available in Springdale for a charge in lots and along the road when the visitor center lot is full, which is most mornings during peak season.
Springdale is the best base for visiting Zion National Park, but it also has the highest prices. If your hotel has its own parking lot, you may be able to avoid paying the Springdale parking charge completely.
Hildale
For both religious and political reasons, Hildale has been in the spotlight in recent years. The city, on the other hand, is fascinating and conveniently located. Since it is a sister city to Colorado City, it has its own government. You can visit any city as a visitor, as well as the Colorado City Municipal Airport. If you need a convenient alternative to getting to the airport, Hildale is a great option. Additionally, according to experts at Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage in Washington, the variety of services available to you will be greater than in Springdale. The "Edge of the World Brewery" in Colorado City is a well-regarded microbrewery that is perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking. The towns of Hildale, Arizona, and Colorado City, Utah, provide various hospitality options and shopping.
About an hour and a half separates you from Zion. On the other side, if you don't mind a two-hour round-trip drive, Hildale is a great place to base oneself due to its abundance of entertainment options.
Hurricane
Hurricane is one of the most popular smaller cities outside of St. George and is a short 30 minute drive to Zion park. What's great about Hurricane is it's close to Sand Hollow Reservoir and the sand dunes. It's the place to get warm water year-round for boating, great fishing, and even cliff jumping. A few new vacation home resorts are available here such as Zion Village, Copper Rock on the Copper Rock Golf Course, and Pecan Valley. Each of these resorts offer private vacation homes with spas or pools and plenty of space for a group or family to enjoy the area for a few days or week.
Santa Clara
Santa Clara is a popular part of St. George that many tourists never see. The community bike lanes that make getting around so much easier are a big hit with the locals. There is a huge community park with fields, playgrounds, and a splash pad just outside Paradise Village or Ocotillo Springs, and the bike lanes link to all of these amenities, as well as Harmon's Grocery, Cafe Rio, and other nearby dining options. The trails are safe for pedestrians of all ages since they are devoid of vehicular traffic.
One of St. George's most popular attractions, the Tuacahn Amphitheater, is located within walking distance from Santa Clara. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Snow Canyon State Park, and a whole lot more are all within driving distance.
Dinosaur footprints
Numerous dinosaur fossils have been discovered in Utah, making it one of the states in the United States that is virtually a paleontologist's dream. Near St. George, there are also some remarkable examples of petrified dinosaur footprints. The best place to begin is at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site on Johnson Farm, which features hundreds of authentic fossilized dinosaur tracks. The tiny museum sits on the site of a prehistoric lake, and its star exhibit is a huge, well-preserved stretch of dinosaur trackway, together with dozens of other enormous, detailed fossilized footprints. The layout of this site makes it kid-friendly.
There are two walks close to St. George, where you might be able to discover fossilized dinosaur tracks, providing you with an "in the wild" experience with dinosaur footprints. The Dino Cliffs Trail may be found in Washington, Utah, while the Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks can be seen in the vicinity of Hurricane.
Snow Canyon
Want to see some more stunning landscapes? Then go 20 minutes from St. George to Snow Canyon State Park for a day trip. Red cliffs, white mountains, and beautiful panoramas characterize the landscape, which is reminiscent of the National Park.
In the colder months, the trails in Snow Canyon are rarely busy with other hikers. If you want to see Jenny's Canyon, the Whiterocks Amphitheater, and the sunset from atop the petrified sand dunes, all you have to do is follow the short and easy pathways there. The best part is the low admission price of only $6 per car.
In conclusion
Whether you're searching for great hiking, sightseeing, or cultural activities like art galleries and museums, this St. George Zion Village overview has you covered. Vacation rentals in St. George put you in the heart of the action while also providing a quiet place to retreat during downtime.
