Visitors to Zion National Park in 2021 accounted for more than 5% of all national park visits. This equates to more than five million tourists scrambling along the Virgin River, cramming into the park’s shuttles and snapping selfies among the park’s famous red rocks.

Many chose to stay in Springdale, which is about 11 kilometers from the park boundaries. The town of 553 citizens is full of tourists who flock to hotels and restaurants, and really he to the roads that lead only to one place. You know exactly where you are going when you get here.

If you want to avoid the national park crowds, follow the map to St. George, Utah, about 30 miles west. Here, you’re about an hour from Zion, about two hours from Bryce Canyon, and close to some of the more discreet locations such as: Snow Canyon State Park When Dixie National Forest— more on that later. Access to cheaper hotels. More restaurants, theaters and museums. And there are plenty of Zion-level experiences scattered throughout southern Utah.

“If you stay in Springdale,” grand circle tour“You’re pouring yourself into the fewest options with most people.” Walker conducts outdoor-focused tours throughout the Greater Zion area, giving guests offers the opportunity to see Kolob Canyons Spots you might not find on your own. Staying in St. George means you always have the option of sunny weather, he added. “If you call me in April or December, I might be able to answer.”

He alludes to St. George’s access to elevation changes of over 7,000 feet, and a plethora of exquisite outdoor options that surround the city in Zion’s shadow.Walker guided tours include Cedar Breaks National Monument, a mini Bryce Canyon with nearly the same views and some of the trail traffic.of Wilderness of Mount Canaan, a crowd-free oasis that stretches along Zion’s southeastern border.When Dixie National Forestthe state’s largest at nearly 1.9 million acres.

Thanks to Dixie’s size, there are far more spots out there than all of Zion at 150,000 acres. “There are tens of thousands of acres of really good quality public land, and Washington County has more trails than Moab,” said Walker. For those based in St. George and overwhelmed with options, our experienced guides lead you to the 3.4-mile Yant He Flats, which leads to the orange-and-white ‘Candy Cliffs’ with an atmosphere akin to Arizona’s Waves. We recommend starting with the trail. , without a 5% chance of obtaining a permit.

To reach curious hikers, Walker Advenia The Greater Zion Area’s first and only full-service boutique hotel in downtown St. George. The adobe exterior and Dixie Dormer are reminiscent of his 1860s inn, The Big House, in St. George. Inside, a “Modern Pioneer” vibe runs throughout his 60 rooms and his 22 suites. (In-house restaurant, wood, ash, rye, serving one of the best breakfasts in town, Biscuit attracts groupies. ) Opening in 2020, the hotel confirms that St. George is officially a rising city. The partnership speaks to Advenir’s recognition that the city risks going the way of Sedona and Moab.

St. George is certainly no secret. Sarah Otto, Marketing His Manager at the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, said:The city’s rapidly expanding list of high-end amenities and increased outdoor infrastructure reflect this growth.By 2023, a 19-hole golf course black desert resort; of Utah Wine Trail As of Spring 2022, we have all five spots in the area. With his $10 million in funding, an 18-mile paved hiking/biking trail from the city to Zion is currently under construction. “It’s definitely grown,” he says, Otto.

Otto says that spring brings great weather to St. George, with warm days and chilly nights, “nothing that bonfires and layers of clothing can’t cure.” Crowds in Zion begin to increase in May-June, so you can maximize the return from crowds to weather as you approach March-April.

And while you may want to spend a day or two in Zion, “Take turns,” says Otto. other Spots like Zion like Snow Canyon State Park. We call it Zion’s “little brother”. ‘Just 10 minutes from St. George, this park packs the exact same Navajo sandstone formations as Zion, but with significantly less crowds and a few bonuses. A lava tube for exploration.

“You feel something different here,” says Otto. No. Simply put, it’s the combination of people and land, and the scenery, well, it enhances that feeling.”