Zion National Park in Spring

Visiting Zion National Park is an incredible experience year-round. While many visitors come during the peak summer season, Zion National Park in Spring offers a change with blooming wildflowers, stunning green landscapes, and cooler temperatures that make for comfortable hiking.

Learn more about when spring begins in Zion, the kind of weather you can expect in Spring in Zion, and the top activities in Zion in Spring to enjoy during this season.

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Zion National Park Spring Weather

Spring in Zion National Park brings warmer temperatures and the start of life across the landscape. By March, daytime highs generally reach around 55°F (13°C), making for pleasant hiking weather, while evenings are cooler, with lows around 37°F (3°C). Temperatures continue to rise through April and May, bringing even milder days and comfortable evenings.

Spring also brings moderate rainfall, with about six to eight days of rain in March and April, making the Zion scenery more green and come to life. Many people wonder if there’s snow in Zion in March, and the answer is yes, it’s possible! March is typically the wettest month of the year, with about 8 days of rain or snow, depending on the park’s temperatures.

Do many people visit Zion during Spring?

Spring offers a quieter experience in Zion compared to the busy summer months, though it’s still livelier than winter. Spring sees around 1.485 million visitors out of the annual 4.65 million, which is around three times the amount of visitors in winter.

What to do in Zion National Park in Spring

Nearly all activities in Zion National Park revolve around the outdoors, from enjoying scenic views to hiking the many trails. During spring, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive reopens to the shuttle system, which begins running in March, this means that you will no longer be able to drive your car down the canyon unless you are staying at Zion Canyon Lodge. All visitors must take the shuttle to explore the canyon, stopping at designated spots to access trailheads or to get out and take photos.

The Zion History Museum is open in early March to visitors, and the visitor center is open with extended hours as the season progresses. If you’re planning a spring visit, bring layers for cooler mornings and enjoy the beautiful, accessible trails.

Spring Hikes in Zion

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Zion, especially if you make sure to wear the right clothing for changing temperatures, as it change a lot between early morning and mid day. If conditions are dry, most trails should be open for you to explore and enjoy, though in March 2023 there was some snow in the park. As we get into April and May, you can expect more trails to be open and warmer weather.

Hiking The Narrows in Spring

The Narrows is generally open in Spring, though as the snow starts to melt in the mountains in April, it does mean that the water levels in the river can rise too high and make it too dangerous, so the narrows are closed.

Make sure to check at the visitors center or on the National Parks website for up to date information as to whether they are open. The Narrows have been known to be closed from April until late June!!

Hiking Angels Landing in Spring

It has been snow to get snow in March on Angels Landing and when this happens the trail can be closed, or it is required to wear crampons to do the hike. From late March it is very rare for the trail to be closed though if it is raining heavily then the path can become slippery.

Zion National Park Spring Camping

Spring camping in Zion National Park is available at the Watchman Campground, which is located near the visitor center at the South Entrance. Reservations are required year-round, and you can book up to six months in advance. Currently it is the only campground open at the South Entrance as the South Campground is currently closed for renovation.

Each campsite accommodates either a tent or RV and includes a picnic table and fire ring. Electric sites are available for $30 per night, while tent-only sites are $20 per night. Restrooms are on-site, but for showers, you’ll need to visit nearby Springdale, just a short walk from the park.

Lava Point Campground, normally opens in May, though this is weather dependent and is located near the Kolob Entrance. Here you will find no running water, only primitive campsites that need to be booked in advance.

What to wear to Zion National Park in Spring

When visiting Zion in spring, dressing in layers is key, as temperatures can be cool in the early morning and evening but warm up considerably during the day. Bringing a backpack for storing extra layers is useful as you remove layers throughout the day.

If you’re planning to hike The Narrows, you will want to rent a drysuit in March and probably water shoes and neoprene socks in April and May. these can be rented in Springdale which is just outside the park. For those hiking Angels Landing, check the conditions before you start; if there’s lingering snow or ice, crampons may be necessary. Always stop by the visitor center to check the latest trail and weather conditions before setting out.

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