Zion

Written By kathy tang

Camping, Canyon Hikes, and Cozy Nights By the Fire

A fall trip to Zion National Park that was the perfect mix of adventure and cozy camping. We visited in October, hiked The Narrows through the river, faced our fears on Angels Landing, and spent our nights by the campfire with friends.

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Zion in the Fall

I went to Zion in October and honestly 10/10 recommend. It was crisp but not freezing - peak cozy camping weather. My friends and I road-tripped from San Diego, and pulling up and seeing those massive red rock cliffs for the first time was unreal.

We had reserved a campsite in advance, set up camp when we arrived, and immediately slipped into camping mode. Our first night was all about a bonfire, cooking a classic camp dinner, and playing games under the stars.

Hiking the Narrows

The next day is when the real adventure began. We woke up with the sunrise, made hot coffee and breakfast, and fueled up for a big hiking day. We rented hiking sticks and waterproof pants and shoes because we were doing The Narrows.

The Narrows is a slot canyon hike where you actually walk through the Virgin River, surrounded by tall canyon walls on both sides. Most of the hike is through water, weaving around rocks and sandbars, which makes it feel really different from a normal trail. The water was cold but manageable, and we ended up doing about six miles round trip! By the time we got back to camp, we were exhausted and so ready for another campfire dinner.

Angels Landing Day

The next day we hiked Angels Landing, which is one of the most famous (and challenging) hikes in Zion! It has steep elevation gain and a final section with chains and narrow ridges that definitely gets your heart rate up.

The exposure on the last stretch is intense, and there were definitely a few moments where I had to stop, breathe, and talk myself through it. My legs were tired, my palms were sweating, and it pushed me way out of my comfort zone. But we made it to the summit, and the views from the top were unbelievable!

Wrapping Up the Trip

Our nights always ended the same way - campfire, simple meals, and games with friends. It was one of those trips that felt balanced: big adventures during the day, slow and cozy at night.

Zion is a place that makes you slow down, look around, and feel really small in the best way. I’d go back in a second.

Now that you've heard my Zion story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit

    • Spring (April–May): great weather, snowmelt makes waterfalls stronger.

    • Fall (September–October): October was amazing! Cool temps, lighter crowds, and fall colors.

  • Getting There: The closest airports are Las Vegas (LAS) (about 2.5–3 hours and St. George Regional Airport (SGU) (about 1 hour).

    • Most people rent a car. Zion is spread out, and having your own car makes it easier.

  • Permits and Safety: Angels Landing requires a permit via a lottery system

  • Weather: Always check weather and flash flood warnings, especially for The Narrows

  • Packing Essentials: Comfortable hiking shoes or boots, layers, waterproof jacket or windbreaker, hat and sunscreen (there’s not much shade), refillable water bottles, headlamp or small flashlight if you’re camping.

Accommodations

  • Camping inside the park – the most immersive, books fast

  • Camping just outside the park – easier to reserve, still very close

  • Hotels in Springdale

  • Glamping tents or cabins

If you’re visiting during peak seasons, reserve early! Campsites and lodges fill months in advance.

Hiking in Zion: The Narrows and Angels Landing

  • The Narrows - Instead of walking on a traditional dirt trail, you’re hiking directly through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls on both sides. In some areas, the canyon narrows dramatically, and the light reflects off the red rock in the coolest way!

    • Rent gear in Springdale if you don’t already have it (water shoes, neoprene socks, trekking pole).

    • Distance: Big Springs is about 9.4 miles round trip, but you can turn around whenever!

    • Difficulty: moderate, mostly because you’re walking on slippery rocks and moving water

  • Angel’s Landing - Zion’s most famous (and most challenging) hike. It includes steep switchbacks, major elevation gain, and a final section with chains and narrow ridges with major drop-offs on both sides.

    • Distance: about 5.4 miles round trip

    • Elevation gain: around 1,500 feet

    • Important: a permit is required via lottery

    • Wear shoes with great traction! The rock can be slick.

kathy tang