Memorial Day Weekend Guide for Zion National Park Travel Tips and Family Adventures

If there’s ever a time to explore Zion National Park, Memorial Day weekend is one of the best. Spring is winding down, summer is waking up, and the desert is full of life. The weather hits that sweet spot where it’s warm enough to enjoy every outdoor activity on the menu, but not yet blazing hot. And while yes, it’s a holiday weekend, which means crowds are definitely a factor, it’s also one of the most vibrant and energizing times to visit the area. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, this guide has everything you need to make Memorial Day in Zion National Park one to remember.

Why Memorial Day Weekend is a Sweet Spot for Visiting Zion

By late May, the chill of early spring has faded and you’ll find Zion bursting with color. The cottonwoods are fully leafed out, the river is running strong from the last of the spring runoff, and the cliffs glow in that golden light that photographers dream about. Mornings are crisp, afternoons are warm, and evenings cool off just enough to enjoy a hoodie and a fire pit.

For many travelers, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season. That means more traffic heading into Springdale and more folks lining up for shuttles, but it also means a lively, exciting atmosphere with more services open, more energy around town, and more opportunities to experience what makes Zion so iconic. Plus, thanks to the extra day off, you can take your time and really settle in.

Zion Family Activities Worth Planning For

If you’re traveling with kids or just want a low-stress itinerary, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to take advantage of Zion’s more accessible activities. The Riverside Walk is a perfect introduction to the park, giving you dramatic scenery with a paved trail and plenty of shade. You’ll walk alongside the Virgin River, hear birds echoing through the canyon, and get those first goosebumps when the cliffs start to tower over you. It’s also a great teaser for The Narrows, which usually starts to open up in late May depending on the flow rate. If the water levels are still too high, don’t worry. There’s no shortage of alternatives.

Lower Emerald Pools is another solid option for families, offering a mix of scenery, waterfalls, and just enough climbing to make kids feel like they’ve accomplished something big. The trail is short, the views are classic, and depending on how ambitious you’re feeling, you can tack on the middle and upper pools for a longer loop.

For those looking to get outside the main canyon and avoid the shuttle system altogether, Kolob Terrace Road is a dream. You’ll find scenic turnouts, light crowds, and several pull-off trails that offer solitude and jaw-dropping views. Drive as far as Lava Point for an overlook that feels a world away from the hustle of the valley floor.

Holiday Travel Tips for Visiting Zion

Let’s not pretend Memorial Day weekend is a hidden secret. It’s one of the busiest weekends of the year in southern Utah, and if you’re not prepared, it can be overwhelming. But with a few smart travel tips, you can absolutely enjoy everything Zion has to offer without losing your mind in the process.

First, book early. Accommodations fill up months in advance, especially in Springdale. If you missed the boat on hotel rooms, look for lodging in nearby towns like Rockville, Virgin, or even La Verkin. They’re all within a short drive and tend to be a little less chaotic.

Second, embrace the shuttle. From mid-March through late November, private vehicles aren’t allowed in Zion Canyon. The shuttle system is efficient, free, and gives you front-row access to the park’s most famous hikes. The earlier you catch it, the better. Early morning rides are quiet, cool, and give you the chance to beat both the sun and the crowds.

Third, bring your patience. Zion draws a lot of first-time visitors during holiday weekends, and not everyone reads the rules or trail signs. If you’re seasoned, be gracious. If you’re new, ask questions. And if you want a quieter experience, consider exploring the east side of the park or heading out toward Kolob Canyons, which is still part of Zion but sees a fraction of the visitors.

Bonus Experiences You Won’t Want to Miss

One of the best ways to make Memorial Day weekend feel less like a holiday and more like an adventure is to see Zion from a different angle. And there’s no better way to do that than with a helicopter tour. Not only do you skip the crowds entirely, but you get to see the entire Zion region from the air, which is something you truly can’t appreciate until you’ve done it.

Spring is one of the best times for Zion helicopter rides because the visibility is often incredible. Clear skies, bold color, and just enough contrast between red rock and green valleys to make every photo look like it belongs on a postcard. You’ll fly over the West Temple, Kolob Canyons, Canaan Cliffs, and even parts of the Virgin River that are otherwise inaccessible by car or foot.

These tours run daily, and for Memorial Day weekend, it’s smart to book in advance. If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, consider a private tour that includes options like custom photography, longer flight paths, or even pairing with a remote landing experience.

Evening Ideas and Local Flavor

After a full day of hiking, exploring, or flying, there’s no better reward than good food and an epic sunset. Springdale and the surrounding area have plenty of restaurants with outdoor patios, perfect for cooling off and relaxing after a big day. Some of the best sunset views in the area come just outside the park gates, especially along the mesas where you can see the sun drop behind the ridgelines in layers of color.

Local shops stay open later during holiday weekends, so if you’re looking for a souvenir or a last-minute gear purchase, you’ll have plenty of options. And if your legs still have a little energy left, consider a short drive out to Gooseberry Mesa for an evening stroll along the rim. The views are unreal, and the cool breeze up top is the perfect way to close out a warm spring day.

Why Memorial Day in Zion Is More Than Just a Vacation

At its core, Memorial Day is about more than just hiking and long weekends. It’s a chance to pause, to appreciate the beauty around us, and to spend time with people we care about. Zion has a way of bringing that sentiment front and center. Standing beneath those cliffs, watching the light shift across the rock, or hearing the wind move through the canyon walls puts things in perspective.

For families, couples, and solo travelers alike, Zion over Memorial Day weekend is a memory-maker. It might not be the quietest time of year, but it might just be the most memorable. Whether you’re checking off a bucket list item or simply taking a well-earned break from the real world, Zion has a way of delivering more than you expected. And that’s exactly why it keeps pulling people back, year after year.

So pack your hiking boots, your camera, your best playlist for the drive in, and maybe a little extra patience. Memorial Day in Zion is something special. All you have to do is show up, look up, and soak it all in.

Created On 19 May 2025