Zion National Park
 

Looking for suggestions of how to avoid the crowds. Is there a way?
Seeking hiking trails (up to 5 miles), and vistas. And other suggestions too!
Will be there for 2 days in late September.

Thanks!

Zion seems to be busy all the time these days. We visited in January and it was still very busy.

For your best chance to avoid crowds....visit off peak, visit during the week, and get to the park as early as possible.

You might get some ideas from my trip report here:

https://www.fodors.com/community/uni...zones-1704430/

Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday at dawn.

Go to the Kolob Canyons Section--far fewer people. Check what is open at the end of September. They have had some SERIOUS flash floods this year. I am not sure what is open/closed. Check out the park web site at www.nps.gov If you click on my user name, you will see my trip report for Zion with teens. I love the Emerald Pools trail.

Go as early as you can--it is still warm in September. The earlier you go, the better chance for fewer people. Just make sure you check weather forecasts and check with with the ranger station--flash floods are no joke!

If you travel the valley road by bike (pedal or e-bike) you are more immune from any bus crowds. There's a bike shop or two in Springdale you can rent from.

It's about 8mi from the park entrance to the far end, with a slight but perceptable uphill all the way.

Zion
 

Thanks folks, I welcome any and all ideas!
We are not bicyclists, happy to try all alternate routes. Certainly will try the ranger station.

Thanks!

You can also take a drive up Kolob Terrace Rd to Lava Point. Northgate Peaks is a good short hike off of this road. This is a different section from Kolob Canyons but also higher in elevation. Both of these higher elevation areas will be less crowded than Zion Canyon.

Off of Hwy 9, Canyon Overlook trail is a short hike with a nice pay off. Parking is very limited so try early or late.

Within Zion Canyon where you'll have to shuttle unless you're staying at Zion Lodge, I also like the Emerald Pools loop for a short hike.