When choosing between two iconic destinations – Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park – the decision can be both thrilling and challenging. Embarking on a desert retreat often means immersing oneself in the raw beauty of nature, and both parks offer experiences that capture the essence of the American Southwest in different ways. So how do you choose? Join us as we compare and contrast these two natural wonders, helping you decide which one aligns with your preferred type of adventure.
About Zion National Park
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant red rocks, and breathtaking vistas, Zion caters to hikers, bikers, and sightseers. The park’s diverse landscape offers a range of trails, from the challenging heights of Angels Landing to the watery trail of The Narrows and the leisurely Riverside Walk. Visitors can explore narrow canyons, chase waterfalls, and climb rock walls, providing an immersive experience with nature.
Getting to Zion National Park
To reach Zion National Park, hop on Interstate 15 if you’re driving, and take the Springdale or Zion Canyon exit. If you’re flying, the closest airports are St. George Regional Airport (SGU), which connects through Salt Lake City (SLC), and McCarran International Airport (LAS), both providing convenient access to the park with a car rental.
Adventures in Zion
Explore a realm beyond the ordinary in Zion, where thrilling canyoneering excursions and scenic drives promise an immersive encounter with nature’s grandeur. Lace-up your boots and explore some of the best adventures in Zion.
Hiking: Zion is renowned for its diverse hiking trails catering to various skill levels. Avid hikers can challenge themselves with trails like Angels Landing (permit required) or The Narrows, while casual sightseers can enjoy more accessible paths like Emerald Pools or the Riverside Walk. Only certain areas of Zion are open to pets, so explore our dog-friendly Zion activities guide if you plan to bring a furry companion.
Canyoneering: For thrill-seekers, Zion offers unique canyoneering opportunities, allowing you to explore the park’s stunning slot canyons with the guidance of experienced outfitters.
Scenic Drive: See the park’s highlights and enjoy a relaxed experience by taking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive via the Zion Shuttle. You’ll see breathtaking vistas and have the chance to soak in the park’s beauty without breaking a sweat unless, of course, you decide to hop off to explore at a trailhead or two.
Mountain Biking: Explore some of the best mountain biking the desert offers! Hit the trails with an expert guide and equipment provided with optional e-bike and self-guided rentals available.
Where to Stay Near Zion
Under Canvas Zion offers a luxurious desert retreat near Zion National Park. From March to November, our camp provides an unparalleled experience with fully furnished tents with cozy beds, ensuite bathrooms, and upscale amenities for comfort in nature. Recognized as a ‘Top 20 Resort in the Mountain West’ and a ‘Top Resort in the U.S. – Pacific Northwest & West’ by Condé Nast Traveler, Under Canvas Zion allows guests to sleep under the stars, enjoy al fresco dining, and complimentary camp programming in the great outdoors.
About Grand Canyon National Park
Discover a desert experience unlike any other at Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The vast canyon caters to thrill-seeking hikers who dare to venture below the rim and those looking for panoramic views from above. Trails such as the paved South Rim and Bright Angel offer varying difficulty levels, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the grandeur of this natural wonder. As the sun paints the sky, don’t miss the spectacular sunset vistas at Mather Point or Hopi Point, enhancing the allure of this immense and breathtaking landscape. For an easy-going activity, visit Grand Canyon Village to taste local history and a scoop of ice cream.
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park
To get to Grand Canyon National Park, use Interstate 40 if you’re driving and follow the signs to the park’s South Rim entrance. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are the closest gateways for air travel. From these points, you’ll find well-marked routes leading you to the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon.
Adventures in the Grand Canyon
Set out on an extraordinary journey through the Grand Canyon, where awe and wonder await at every twist and turn. Whether you prefer a leisurely hike, a scenic drive, or an exhilarating adventure, this iconic park promises an experience beyond compare.
Rim-to-Rim Hike: Embark on the ultimate adventure with Rim-to-Rim Hiking in the Grand Canyon, where the vastness of the landscape invites hikers to undertake an epic journey. Challenging routes unfold over 24 miles, offering unparalleled views of the canyon’s depths. While this 12-15 hour trek demands endurance, the rewarding experience makes every step worthwhile.
Mule Rides and River Rafting: Go below the rim with a mule ride to the canyon floor and embark on an exhilarating river rafting expedition along the Colorado River with a picnic lunch.
Panoramic Views along the South Rim Trail: The Grand Canyon’s numerous viewpoints along the South Rim cater to all visitors, from casual observers to pro photographers, and it’s even dog-friendly. The breathtaking sunrise and sunset views here are must-see spectacles.
Hiking and Driving Tour: Jump right into Grand Canyon National Park with ease & confidence as you marvel at the canyon’s beauty alongside an expert guide with transportation, a picnic lunch, snacks, and beverages, all provided for you with this combined hiking and driving tour.
Jeep Tour: Venture off the beaten path down historic stagecoach trails en route to the Canyon’s edge, where you will witness one of the world’s most magnificent vistas. This jeep tour adventure comes with an expert guide and custom safari 4×4 vehicles and takes you through Kaibab National Forest and along the Grand Canyon Rim.
Where to Stay Near Grand Canyon
Under Canvas Grand Canyon beckons travelers with its upscale accommodations. From April to October, guests can enjoy our glamping resort on 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance. Recognized as one of the ‘Best Resort Hotels in Arizona’ by Travel + Leisure and listed on Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘Top 15 Resort in the U.S. – Southwest,’ Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers a luxury experience in proximity to the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Canyon.
Zion vs Grand Canyon: Weather
When comparing the weather between Zion and the Grand Canyon, Zion emerges as the warmer of the two. Both parks have a high desert climate, but Zion boasts an average high summer temperature of around 98ºF, while the Grand Canyon lingers around 82°F. If you venture to the inner canyon of the Grand Canyon, temperatures can spike, averaging 103°F in the summer. Even in the peak of winter, Zion remains approximately 10°F warmer than the Grand Canyon, with daytime temperatures averaging around 54°F. Both parks share a similar annual rainfall of about 15 inches. Yet, the unique topography of Zion, with its narrow canyons and steep ravines, means visitors should watch for flash flood warnings and follow NPS guidance.
Zion vs Grand Canyon: Getting Around
When exploring Zion and the Grand Canyon, the modes of transportation differ. Zion National Park has a mandatory and complimentary shuttle system, which is operational from March through November. Visitors can conveniently park their cars in Springdale, where the shuttle picks up, ensuring efficient access to key attractions and minimizing traffic within the park. On the flip side, Grand Canyon National Park allows personal vehicle exploration and offers a complimentary shuttle service on the South Rim. Whether you seek the freedom of an open road adventure or the ease of a shuttle-guided journey, the choice is up to you.
Zion vs Grand Canyon: Size & Topography
Zion and the Grand Canyon differ greatly in size. Zion is more compact, at just 229 square miles, characterized by narrow canyons and the Virgin River that cuts through it. The focal point, Zion Canyon, extends for 15 miles, reaching depths exceeding a half-mile. To thoroughly explore Zion, we recommend spending two to three days, allowing time for hiking longer trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows and savoring key viewpoints. In contrast, the Grand Canyon is expansive, spanning over 1,900 square miles, and is home to the longest canyon in the world. The Grand Canyon itself stretches 277 miles in length, with widths of up to 18 miles in certain sections, and plunges to depths of more than a mile. The sheer enormity of the Grand Canyon contributes to an unmatched sense of grandeur. Similarly, for the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, we recommend dedicating at least two days to fully appreciate its expansive beauty.
Zion vs Grand Canyon: Popularity
Both Zion and the Grand Canyon welcome millions of visitors each year, with Zion’s popularity continuing to grow. Even though Zion is a smaller park, visitors typically find more solitude here than at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Peak season stretches a bit longer (April to September) than the Grand Canyon’s (May to August), and people tend to spread out to hit trails and activities in different park areas. Whereas in the Grand Canyon, only a handful of visitors venture below the rim, which leaves many people crowded at the viewpoints and the central hikes along the South Rim. It’s possible to avoid crowds at either park by visiting during the shoulder season or opting for less popular hiking trails.
Zion vs Grand Canyon: Wildlife
When it comes to wildlife, both the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park boast diverse ecosystems. The Grand Canyon is home to over 90 mammal species, almost 450 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians, with common sightings of elk, mule deer, and squirrels. Wildlife in Zion is similarly diverse. The park hosts over 75 mammal species, more than 290 bird species, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians, with mule deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous squirrels making regular appearances. While mammal sightings are comparable between the two parks, bird enthusiasts may find the Grand Canyon more enticing, with over 150 additional bird species to spot. Check out our guide to birding the Grand Canyon for tips.
Zion vs Grand Canyon: Stargazing
Both Zion and the Grand Canyon hold the prestigious title of International Dark Sky Parks, making them among the purest places in the world to behold the night sky’s wonders. Stargazers can marvel at constellations, shooting stars, meteor showers, and the Milky Way with minimal interference. While Zion stargazing is still considered some of the best in the U.S., the Grand Canyon’s higher elevation and remote setting, the Grand Canyon’s higher elevation and remote setting may give it a slight edge for those seeking an unparalleled celestial experience.
Choosing Your Desert Adventure
Whether you choose Zion or Grand Canyon National Park, both promise a unique and unforgettable desert retreat. For a touch of luxury in nature, Under Canvas offers exceptional comfort and adventure in both destinations. Book your stay now and embark on a journey where the desert’s wonders meet your every expectation. Can’t decide? No worries—Zion and the Grand Canyon are just a four-hour drive apart, making it easy to experience both in a four-to-five-day trip.