You want to experience the stunning beauty of Zion National Park, but you’re not sure where to fly in for the best views? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of the different airports near Zion National Park to help you decide which flying destination is right for you.
Introduction
Zion National Park is a breathtaking destination located in southwestern Utah, and the best airport to fly into for efficient and easy access is the St. George Regional Airport. Other nearby airport options include Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Cedar City Regional Airport. However, St. George Regional Airport is an excellent option for many reasons. Namely, it’s only a 45-minute drive to reach the park, making it the closest option. Additionally, the airport is small and less busy, which means less hassle and waiting time for travelers. Furthermore, it’s connected to major hubs like Salt Lake City, Denver, and Los Angeles. Therefore, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, St. George Regional Airport is a great choice for those looking to explore Zion National Park.
Where to Fly in For Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah, United States, and the nearest airports are Salt Lake City International Airport, located about 300 miles north, and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, located about 160 miles southwest of the park.
If you prefer a scenic drive, you can also reach Zion National Park via the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which runs through the park and connects to US Route 89 to the north and US Route 9 to the south. Regardless of where you fly in, you will need to rent a car or take a shuttle to get to the park. Many shuttle services operate in the area, offering transportation to and from the major airports and other nearby destinations.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit Zion National Park is in the shoulder season, from March to May, and October to November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
The best time to visit Zion National Park is during the shoulder season, which is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller, making it an ideal time to explore the park’s trails and scenic areas. If you plan to fly to Zion National Park, the closest major airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, which is about 170 miles away. Alternatively, you can fly to Salt Lake City International Airport, which is about 300 miles away, but offers more frequent flights and better connections. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to reach Zion National Park.
Pro tip: Make sure you book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially during the peak season from June to August, to secure availability and avoid high prices.
How to Get to Zion National Park
Zion National Park can be accessed by several airports located within a reasonable distance from the park.
The major airports closest to Zion National Park are:
St. George Regional Airport: This is the closest airport to Zion, located at a distance of 30 miles. It offers several daily non-stop flights from Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Mesa, and Denver.
McCarran International Airport: Located in Las Vegas, it is 160 miles away from Zion. It is a major hub for several airlines and offers a wide range of international and domestic flights.
Salt Lake City International Airport: Located 308 miles away, Salt Lake City International airport is a major hub for several airlines, and it offers many international and domestic flights. Once you arrive, you can hire a rental car or use the shuttle service to get to the park from the airport. Note that the scenic drive in Zion is only accessible by park shuttle.
Pro Tip: Book your flights in advance and compare various options to get the best deals on flights to Zion National Park.
What to Do in Zion National Park
If you are visiting Zion National Park, the closest airport is the St. George Regional Airport located in Utah, United States. The airport is about 56 miles or a 1-hour drive away from the south entrance of the park. Another option is to fly into McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is about 170 miles or a 2.5-hour drive from the park’s east entrance. From Las Vegas, you can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach the park. Overall, choosing the right airport to fly into depends on your travel plans and preferences for transportation. While the St. George airport is the closest, the Las Vegas airport offers more flight options and accommodations for travelers who want to extend their stay beyond Zion National Park.
Accommodation Options Near Zion National Park
There are several accommodation options available near Zion National Park, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly campsites. Here are some of the top options to consider:
1. Zion Lodge: Located inside the park, this lodge offers rustic yet comfortable rooms, cabins, and suites. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, gift shop, and shuttle service to nearby trails.
2. Cable Mountain Lodge: Situated just outside the park, this lodge boasts spacious rooms and suites with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and laundry facilities.
3. Watchman Campground: This popular campground offers tent and RV sites with access to water and electric hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, and a dump station.
4. Red Rock Inn: This charming bed and breakfast in Springdale features cozy rooms with private balconies and modern amenities. Breakfast is included, and guests can take advantage of the on-site hot tub and sauna.
If you’re flying in, the closest major airport to Zion National Park is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, which is about 160 miles away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to get to the park.
Tips For Planning a Trip to Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located near several airports, making it easy to plan your trip. While Las Vegas and Salt Lake City airports are the most convenient airports to fly into for Zion National Park, there are other options to consider. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is the closest major airport to Zion National Park, about 160 miles away. From there, you can rent a car and make the scenic drive to Zion in approximately three hours. Salt Lake City International Airport is about 300 miles away from Zion National Park, but it offers more flight options and may be a more affordable alternative, depending on your location. You can rent a car or take a shuttle from the airport to Zion. St. George Regional Airport is the closest airport to Zion National Park, just 45 minutes away. However, this airport has limited flight options and may be more expensive.
Pro tip: Regardless of which airport you fly into, plan to arrive during daylight hours to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way to Zion National Park.
In conclusion, the best airport to fly into for Zion National Park is the St. George Regional Airport. This airport is only a 45-minute drive from Zion National Park and offers daily flights from major cities like Denver, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Plus, it’s a small and easy-to-navigate airport, making your travel experience hassle-free.
Other airport options include Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport, but they are further away from Zion National Park, adding extra travel time to your trip.
Regardless of which airport you choose, Zion National Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover, offering stunning scenery, excellent hiking trails, and peaceful surroundings.
