Ultimate Guide to the Towns Near Zion National Park
Are you planning a trip to southern Utah but unfamiliar with all the little towns near Zion National Park? Wondering where to stay and what’s worth visiting outside of the park? I’ve got you covered! I grew up in the Zion area and live here now, so I can give you all the insider info about these desert towns.
The Best Towns Near Zion National Park
The southern Utah desert around Zion is home to many small towns that make great basecamps for exploring the area. Here are the top towns near Zion National Park that you should know:
Springdale
St. George
Kanab
Hurricane
La Verkin
Virgin
Cedar City
Orderville
Bonus: Las Vegas
All of these towns – with the exception of Las Vegas – are within an hour or so from the main entrance to Zion. I’m including Las Vegas here, too, since it has the closest major airport to Zion, so many visitors to Zion will spend at least a little time there.
1. Springdale
Springdale is truly the gateway to Zion National Park since it is located basically at the main entrance of the park. Though the population of Springdale is super small, visitors to Zion will find plenty of things to do in Springdale, including lots of shopping and great places to eat.
If you’ll be spending several days in Zion, Springdale is the place to be, since it is by far the closest of all the towns near Zion National Park. You can even walk into the park from town! There’s also a convenient free shuttle that runs through town and connects with the Zion National Park shuttle.
Get all the details about this town in my full guide to Springdale here!
LOCATION
You literally can’t get closer to Zion National Park than the town of Springdale, which sits right at the west entrance of Zion.
WHERE TO STAY IN SPRINGDALE
Cable Mountain Lodge has an amazing location and awesome amenities! The lodge is literally a 3-minute walk from the park entrance, so you can just use the pedestrian entrance and easily skip any traffic backups without worrying about parking. The pool here is so nice on hot desert days and has stunning views of Zion, and The Spa at Cable Mountain Lodge is the perfect place to recharge after hiking in Zion.
THINGS TO DO IN SPRINGDALE
When you’re not exploring all over Zion National Park, here are some of the things to check out in Springdale itself:
George Barker River Park – This park is the perfect place for a picnic along the Virgin River, and it also has an off-leash dog park.
Restaurants - Whiptail Grill serves amazing twists on Mexican food, while MeMe’s Cafe is famous for its crepes.
Shops & Art Galleries - Find a perfect southern Utah souvenir at one of the many art galleries, gift shops, and rock shops in Springdale.
Get all the details about this town in my full guide to Springdale here!
2. St. George
St. George is the biggest of all the towns near Zion National Park (other than Las Vegas, of course!). It makes an excellent hub for Zion and for exploring lots of other outdoor destinations in southern Utah.
St. George is a bit farther away from Zion than some of these other towns, but since it’s a bigger city, you’ll also find more amenities like stores and restaurants here.
Read more about all the things to do in St. George here!
LOCATION
St. George is just about an hour from the west entrance of Zion National Park. It has a small regional airport, so flying into St. George is an option from certain places.
WHERE TO STAY IN ST. GEORGE
The boutique hotel Inn on the Cliff is a wonderful place to stay in the city of St. George. It features tons of modern amenities for a very comfortable stay, as well as a complimentary boxed breakfast each morning. But the best reason to stay here is the rooftop pool and hot tub with stunning views of St. George while you soak and splash!
THINGS TO DO IN ST. GEORGE
Snow Canyon State Park - Snow Canyon is a hidden gem for the locals, and you have to check out the Petrified Sand Dunes.
Pioneer Park - This city park is such a fun place for scrambling on the desert sandstone and has great views of the surrounding area from Dixie Rock aka the Sugarloaf.
Restaurants - Morty’s Cafe hits the spot with unique burgers (including veggie options) and Farmstead offers amazing sandwiches and baked goods.
3. Kanab
Kanab is a charming little town surrounded by beautiful red rock cliffs and wide open desert. It is definitely one of the best little towns near Zion National Park to make your home base to explore Zion and the surrounding areas of southern Utah.
Kanab has a lovely small-town vibe, excellent lodging options, great places to eat, and is central to tons of great hiking trails and family activities.
Read all about why Kanab is a great destination for a family vacation here!
LOCATION
Kanab is just north of the Arizona border, about 35 mins from the east entrance to Zion National Park. It’s an especially great location if you also want to visit Bryce Canyon, since it’s just 1.5 hours from there, too.
***Timber & Tin
WHERE TO STAY IN KANAB
Kanab has so many great lodging options, depending on what you’re looking for! Check out the luxury safari-style tents at Basecamp 37° if you’re into glamping or make a reservation in a tiny home at Timber & Tin Kanab. And if you’re bringing your furry friend along, Best Friends Roadhouse offers pet-centric lodging.
THINGS TO DO IN KANAB
Hiking Trails - Kanab is a paradise for hiking! Some of the must-do hikes include Moqui Caverns, Belly of the Dragon, and the Toadstools.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary - Take a tour of the largest animal sanctuary of its kind in the US. It provides a home for well over a thousand animals and is a truly special place.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes - This stunning state park is the perfect place to try out sand boarding, which is kind of like snowboarding on desert sand dunes.
4. Hurricane
Hurricane is a hidden gem in southwest Utah, and it’s also my hometown! It’s an absolutely stunning desert landscape with Zion practically in the backyard. I love this area so much, and I think you’ll see why if you make Hurricane your home base for visiting Zion.
LOCATION
Hurricane is situated in the valley between Zion National Park and St. George. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Hurricane to the west entrance of Zion.
WHERE TO STAY IN HURRICANE
The lodgin options for Hurricane are really about all the Airbnb + Vrbo properties. There are also some excellent places to camp! Both Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks have campgrounds you can reserve ahead of time.
THINGS TO DO IN HURRICANE
Sand Hollow State Park - Spend a day playing in the sand, swimming, enjoying water sports, and cliff jumping at this fun state park.
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve - Enjoy nice hiking trails and seasonal waterfalls at this national conservation area. Red Reef Trail and Babylon Arch are two of the best hikes here.
Quail Creek State Park - The lake here has some of the warmest water temps in the state, and it’s an ideal spot to rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak.
5. La Verkin
La Verkin is basically right next door to Hurricane, but it has its own charms…like a lovely park along the Virgin River and my favorite little coffee shop!
LOCATION
La Verkin is located in the Hurricane Valley, about 30 minutes from Zion National Park.
WHERE TO STAY IN LA VERKIN
The Dwellings is a modern tiny home property on the rim of the Virgin River, overlooking Confluence Park. The setting is simply stunning, and the amenities are awesome, too. I highly recommend a stay at The Dwellings when you’re exploring Zion and southern Utah.
Read more about my experience staying at The Dwellings here!
***Future Zion Canyon Hot Springs Resort
THINGS TO DO IN LA VERKIN
La Verkin Overlook - A short hike to this overlook rewards you with amazing views down the cliffs to the Virgin River and an awesome perspective of the town of La Verkin.
Confluence Park - This 344-acre park sits at the base of basaltic lava cliffs. The Confluence Park Trail runs right along the Virgin River past rock formations and historical buildings.Â
River Rock Roasting Company - Enjoy your coffee and one of the famous cinnamon rolls on the patio for awe-inspiring views of the Virgin River and the basalt gorge it runs through.
In June 2025 the new Zion Canyon Hotspring Resort will be opening. Zion Canyon Hot Springs is a desert oasis with sections for families and adults. Enjoy mineral pools, a freshwater pool, and unique WorldSprings pools inspired by global hot springs. Relaxation awaits! CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INCREDIBLE NEW RESORT
6. Virgin
Virgin is another one of the cute little towns near Zion National Park in the Hurricane Valley. While it’s not quite at the doorstep of the park like Springdale, it’s very close and is a great place to stay.
LOCATION
Virgin is a bit east of La Verkin, so it’s slightly closer to Zion National Park at about a 15-20 minute drive.
WHERE TO STAY IN VIRGIN
I love absolutely everything about Zion WIldflower Resort in Virgin! The resort features a stellar location, an excellent property layout, and several different lodging options, from a glamping tent to a charming bungalow or even a covered wagon!
Find out why my kiddos & I think Zion Wildflower is such an amazing place to stay in this blog post!
THINGS TO DO IN VIRGIN
Sheeps Bridge Park - One of my favorite spots to cool off in the summer is Sheeps Bridge Park. This park along the Virgin River is the ideal spot to catch frogs, play in the sand, go tubing, and even do some very mild cliff jumping.Â
Grafton Ghost Town - A visit to this well preserved part of early Mormon history will make you feel like you stepped into an 1800's time portal! ​​You can walk the ground and even go into some of the buildings in Grafton Ghost Town.
Fort Zion - This funky gift shop is a fun little roadside attraction for kids with Old West style facades where you can find the perfect souvenir, visit the petting zoo, and get ice cream.
7. Cedar City
Cedar City is the closest of the towns near Zion National Park, but it is a great place to stay, especially if you want to visit the Kolob Canyons area of the park…and I do highly recommend checking out Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive!
Also, if you’re visiting in the winter, Cedar City is a fun winter wonderland, since it sits at higher elevation than the surrounding areas. It’s also close to the ski resort of Brian Head.
Check out this blog post for more about all the fun things to do in Cedar City!
LOCATION
Cedar City is about an hour north of Zion. It also is located at a couple thousand feet higher elevation than the other towns near Zion National Park. It’s also just 1,5 hours from Bryce Canyon National Park.
WHERE TO STAY IN CEDAR CITY
Cedar City has a lot of chain hotels, but not too many more interesting lodging options. The Barn Airbnb is an exception, and it’s an especially great place to stay for a family or big group. The property is on a working farm and has all the amenities you need with all the comforts of home for up to 14 guests..
THINGS TO DO IN CEDAR CITY
Brian Head Resort - While Brian Head is a ski resort in the winter, it also offers plenty of summer activities, including mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, and more family fun.
Duck Creek Village - This village sits at the edge of a large mountain meadow at an elevation of 8,400 feet and is a popular summer destination for hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, ATV riding, and mountain biking.
Cedar Breaks National Monument - Cedar Breaks is often called a mini Bryce Canyon, with its massive amphitheater featuring stone spires, columns, arches, pinnacles, and intricate canyons.
8. Orderville
Orderville is a tiny town that is absolutely perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful escape in Southern Utah. The quaint town is set against a backdrop of red rock cliffs, canyons, and mesas, so it’s a simply stunning place to spend some tranquil time in the desert. Since it’s located smack dab between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Orderville makes a great basecamp if you want to visit both parks.
Check out this blog post for more about all the fun things to do in Orderville!
LOCATION
Orderville is located about 30 minutes east of the east Zion entrance station and 1 hour southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park.
WHERE TO STAY IN ORDERVILLE
East Zion Resort in Orderville is a must-stay destination with some of the best views in southern Utah! Offering options like tiny homes, yurts, and glamping tents, the treetop cabins steal the show, perfectly framing the breathtaking scenery. East Zion Resort has it all—heated pool, two hot tubs, picnic tables, and firepits for ultimate relaxation. After enjoying the outdoor amenities, you can unwind in your cozy cabin under the stars.
THINGS TO DO IN ORDERVILLE
Maynard Dixon Living History Museum - Explore the Maynard Dixon Living History Museum for a step back in time! Tour his well-preserved home, studio, and bunkhouse while admiring reproductions of his stunning art. Start at The Thunderbird Gallery for an intro video and beautiful exhibits. Free for kids 12 & under!
The Shop Coffee Co - The Shop Coffee Company in Orderville offers great coffee, delicious food, and unique local gifts—perfect for a quick treat and souvenirs!
Rock Shops - Orderville’s rock shops are a treat for all ages! The Rock Stop offers unique rocks, gifts, coffee, and soft-serve ice cream—perfect for a sweet break. Nearby, Orderville Mine Rock Shop also boasts a great selection, and you might just find a gem to take home!
BONUS: Las Vegas
Las Vegas isn’t exactly one of the towns near Zion National Park, but it is the biggest city in the region, so a lot of people begin their visit here by flying into the Vegas airport. While it’s too far away to recommend staying here when visiting Zion, you can definitely add on a day or two to your trip to explore Las Vegas.
Get all my tips for the road trip from Las Vegas to Zion here!
LOCATION
Las Vegas is a 2.5 hour drive from Zion National Park, so it’s not the best place to stay when visiting Zion, but it is often the most convenient airport to fly into. Then you can rent a car and drive to stay at one of the other towns near Zion National Park.
THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS
Red Rock Canyon - This gorgeous canyon about half an hour outside of Las Vegas attracts hikers and rock climbers with its stunning sandstone walls and desert scenery. A timed reservation is required to drive the scenic loop during peak season from October-May.
Valley of Fire State Park - This Nevada state park features a breathtaking landscape of red sandstone formations, petrified trees, and petroglyphs. Don’t miss the Fire Wave formation and the cool White Domes!
The Strip - For a serious change of pace from the outdoor adventures, spend some time strolling down the Vegas strip to check out the neon lights of the casinos.
Hope this guide helped you get a little more familiar with the towns near ZIon National Park!
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
