Introduction
The spring season is a great time to visit Zion National Park. The weather is warm, the crowds are small and you can enjoy your favorite activities without worrying about being in the sun too long. If you’re planning to visit the park, here are 14 things to do that we think will make your trip even more memorable:
Hike in Zion National Park
Hiking is a popular activity in Springdale, and it’s not hard to see why. Zion National Park has an endless number of trails that range from easy to strenuous, so there’s something for everyone. If you want to experience the best of what Springdale has to offer, then hiking should be included on your itinerary.
The best time to hike in Springdale is either early spring or late fall—the weather is cooler and much more pleasant than during summer months when temperatures can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C). You can also enjoy great views without having to worry about pesky tourists! There are several ways for getting around the park if you don’t have your car or bike:
- Shuttle buses run frequently throughout the park; however, they only stop at certain locations along each route so check their website before planning your trip by bus!
- Many hotels offer free shuttles every morning including breakfast with them which gives visitors access points where they can get on public transportation instead of paying full price just like most visitors do during peak season when traffic jams are common due to overcrowding issues caused by too many cars trying driving through narrow roads without enough space between lanes.”
Kayak at Virgin River Gorge
- When: Spring and summer are the best times to kayak, as the weather is nice and it’s still warm enough to stay out on the water for hours.
- How: You can rent a kayak from Springdale City Park or Quail Creek State Park.
- What you’ll need: A life vest and plenty of sunscreens (and maybe even a hat).
- How to get there: You can take a shuttle from Zion National Park. It costs about $15 per person each way, but also includes admission into Zion National Park for one day (the shuttle runs from April through October).
Admire the Views at Zion National Park Observation Point Trail
If you’re looking for a hike that the whole family can enjoy and still have time to see the sunset, then this is your trail.
The Virgin River flows through Zion Canyon and you get to see it from many different vantage points on this short trail. The best part is that there are no steep inclines so even if you’ve got kids in tow or if you’re not used to hiking, this one won’t wear you out.
With views of Zion Canyon and some awesome rock formations, it’s definitely worth stopping by!
Climb Angels Landing
There is no better way to enjoy Zion National Park than by hiking the narrow trail up Angels Landing. The strenuous trek is not for everyone, but if you are up for a challenge and want an incredible view of Zion Canyon, this hike is worth it. The trail requires hikers to ascend 600 feet in only 1 mile on a narrow path with steep drop-offs on either side. Hikers must use chains that run along the side of the trail as hand-holds as they ascend. It’s recommended that hikers bring hiking poles because there are many places where your hands can slip from these chains causing injury or death if you aren’t careful!
Angels Landing is best done in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler—especially during the summer months!
Raft down the Virgin River
- Rafting down the Virgin River is one of the best things to do in Springdale, Utah.
- The river is a bit more challenging than the Colorado River.
- It’s perfect for all skill levels!
- You can rent a raft or bring your own, but if you do bring your own, make sure to get it inspected by local authorities before you go out on the river!
Ride the Dexion Line Trolley Tour
The Dexion Line Trolley Tour is a great way to see Springdale, and one of the best ways to get around. You’ll be able to hop on and off at different stops throughout the park, checking out locations like Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Zion Lodge. The tour is narrated by an audio guide, so you can learn all about how much work it took to build Zion National Park (more than 2 million pounds of dynamite!). The trolleys are air-conditioned too!
If you want your tour in English or any other language, there are language options available at each stop. There are also tours for kids (called “Hop On Hop Off Trolley”) which include fun activities like scavenger hunts along with sightseeing!
Explore Snow Canyon State Park
Springdale’s Snow Canyon State Park is a great place to explore. The park has well-marked trails that are perfect for hiking, especially during spring. You can also see the petroglyphs and take in the panoramic views from the top of the canyon.
The best part about visiting Snow Canyon State Park is that it’s free! Your next-door neighbors are paying $10 or more just to get in, so be sure to make the most of this opportunity before summer comes around and hikes go up in price.
Drive along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a must-do while you’re in Springdale. This scenic road covers 13 miles and has the most stunning views of Zion National Park. It’s an easy drive that leaves you feeling like you have just climbed out of the car after seeing some of God’s most beautiful creations!
Visit Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park
A drive through Kolob Canyons is a great way to spend a day in Zion National Park. It’s a small part of the park, but the beautiful scenery makes it well worth the trip.
There are many hiking trails to choose from here, so you can hike as far and as long as you like. The scenery will keep your eyes busy no matter where you go: if you hike on top of some rock formations or along the riverbed, you’ll see stunning views of cliffs and waterfalls; if you hike into the thick forest areas around Kolob Arch (an arch spanning two walls), sunlight peeking through tree branches will make it feel like an enchanted forest. You might even spot deer and coyotes during your trek!
At nightfall, head back down into Kolob Canyon for an experience unlike any other: stargazing at Bryce Point! This unique opportunity allows visitors to look up at constellations without light pollution from nearby cities interfering with their vision; even if star-gazing isn’t something that interests you normally, this place is well worth checking out just for its uniqueness alone!
Stand beneath a waterfall at Weeping Rock Trail
- Weeping Rock Trail is a short hike that will take you up to the Virgin River.
- This trail is great for cooling off from the heat of Zion National Park.
- At the end of this trail, there is a waterfall with a pool for swimming or taking a dip in.
If you enjoy hiking, there are many other trails in Zion National Park where you can explore some amazing views like Angel’s Landing and Observation Point. While these trails can be challenging, they are also rewarding once you reach the top!
Zion National Park has many different activities to do during springtime such as kayaking and biking on several different rivers or streams within the park boundaries. It’s also open during all four seasons so even if it rains while visiting Springdale, visitors still have plenty of options when exploring this beautiful area.”
Dangle your feet over the rim at Emerald Pools Trail in Zion National Park
This is a great place to take the kids, and it’s a wonderful way to see some of Zion’s most beautiful scenery. The trail itself is only 1.5 miles long, but several spur trails lead off from the main path that allows you to explore more if you choose. There are three pools along the trail, each with its unique beauty:
- The first pool has waterfalls on both sides of it;
- The second pool can be accessed by climbing down some stairs;
- And finally, there is Emerald Pools itself (pictured above), which sits at an elevation of 5300 feet! This area gets especially crowded on summer weekends, so plan accordingly if you don’t want your peace ruined by screaming children jumping off rocks into Emerald Pool (which I would have done in my youth).
Cross the Bridge to Riverside Walk in Zion Canyon
There are so many things to do in Springdale, it can be hard to narrow down your list. If you want to see the most popular attraction in Zion National Park, then cross the bridge.
The natural sandstone arch is part of the Narrows hike and is located in the upper pool of this hike. This is one of two bridges that were built by engineers as hiking trails through The Narrows. The other bridge is called Wire Pass Bridge: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/wirepassbridge-trailhead-to-narrows_gpscoordinatesmap_anddirectionsforhikingthewirepassbridgetothenarrows_andbackagainorjustdownstreamtowhapahoeptrailhead#section2
Marvel at the views from Cable Mountain Lookout Trail
The Cable Mountain Lookout Trail is a strenuous trail that will reward you with stunning views of the surrounding area and the valley below. The hike begins at the top of Hawks Rest Peak, where you will be greeted with panoramic views of Springdale and Lone Peak Wilderness areas. From there, continue down to Cable Mountain for even more spectacular sights!
The hike is long but well worth it! If you’re not up for hiking down to Cable Mountain Lookout, stay put at Hawks Rest Peak or just enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the gorgeous vistas before heading back up again. If you choose to continue on your journey toward Cable Mountain Lookout, it’s an easy downhill walk along ledges until reaching your destination: an old telephone operator cabin built by local rancher John Risden in 1927.
There are plenty of fun and beautiful things to do here.
Springdale is a great place to visit any time of year. The weather is always nice, the people are friendly and there are plenty of things to do here. If you’re planning your next trip, check out some of our favorite things:
- Go hiking
- Enjoy the views from one of our many overlooks
- Visit nearby Zion National Park
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a place to visit during springtime, this is it. We have a variety of different activities that will suit anybody’s taste. From hiking up Angels Landing in Zion National Park to rafting down the Virgin River, we have something for everyone! So whether you’re traveling solo or with your family and friends, come enjoy all that Springdale has to offer!
