Planning a visit to our Zion resort cabins in 2023? With many national parks across the country facing record visitor numbers, some have begun to take measures to limit crowding. For a few parks, this means implementing new reservation and entry ticket systems.
Arches National Park, for instance, will require a time-entry ticket that must be reserved in advance. Without a ticket, guests won’t be able to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily from April 1 to October 31.
There are several national parks that you can visit on a day trip during your stay at Water Canyon Resort. The most popular options are Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Wondering whether you’ll need reservations to visit these parks during your stay in Zion Utah cabin rentals? Keep reading to find out!
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is perhaps the most popular day trip from our Zion resort cabins. The park is just under an hour’s drive from our Hildale resort. This makes it easy to get to the park early in the day for some hiking, and still return to our Zion Utah cabin rentals for an evening of rest and relaxation.
Do You Need Reservations to Visit Zion National Park?
You will not need a reservation to visit Zion National Park. Despite being the most popular national park in Utah, Zion won’t be requiring reservations or tickets to visit the park in 2023. This means that you can plan a last-minute, spontaneous visit to the park from your Zion resort cabins.
While you won’t need a reservation to get into the park, there is one popular activity that does require one.
Do You Need a Reservation to Hike Angels Landing?
If you want to hike Angels Landing during your visit, you will need to have a reservation.
In 2022, the National Park Service launched the Angels Land Pilot Permit Program. Under this program, all guests hoping to hike past Scouts Lookout on the trail are required to present a permit.
The process of getting an Angels Landing permit is a little more complicated than getting permits for other activities, like canyoneering in Water Canyon. Instead of simply asking for a permit and receiving one, you’ll need to enter a random giveaway.
Permits are available through two lotteries. The first lottery is held the previous season. The second is held daily, and awards permits for the following day. There is no way to obtain a permit the same day. If you’re hoping to hike Angels Landing during your visit, you’ll want to make sure to enter the Seasonal Lottery to increase your chances of getting a permit.
If you don’t get a permit, don’t fret. There are plenty of other amazing hiking trails to enjoy.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is another popular Utah national park. It’s located just under two hours from our Zion Utah cabin rentals. This park is known for its stunning natural amphitheater, towing hoodoos, and range of hiking trails. This park sees far fewer crowds than Zion National Park.
Do You Need a Reservation to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park?
You do not need a reservation at this time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Many first-time visitors to Southern Utah don’t realize that they can visit the Grand Canyon during their trip. While the more popular South Rim draws the majority of the park’s annual visitors, the North Rim is just a short drive away from our Zion resort cabins.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is just under a two-hour drive from our resort. Here, you’ll not only enjoy stunning panoramic views of the canyon but will also find another visitor center and lodge where you can shop for souvenirs or ask a ranger for hiking recommendations.
Do You Need a Reservation to Visit the Grand Canyon?
Reservations or timed-entry tickets are not required for visiting any part of Grand Canyon National Park. This includes both the North and South Rims.
Planning Your National Park Adventure at our Zion Resort Cabins
Visiting national parks during your stay at our Zion resort cabins is a breeze. With no reservations required for any of the three national parks located just a short drive away, it’s easy to plan your trip.
The only reservation that you’ll need to worry about is for Angels Landing. If you’re hoping to hike this iconic trail, make sure to check out the dates for the Seasonal Lottery to give yourself a better chance of landing a permit.
Water Canyon Resort is a great base camp for your national park adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of hiking Angels Landing or want to spend a relaxing weekend enjoying our Zion Utah cabin rentals, book your next stay today!