Naturally, this means hiking trails and shuttles can become unbearably crowded during the high season.

The basic tourist seasons can be broken down as follows.

Plus, the weather can be uncomfortably hot in high summer.

View of the valley in Zion National Park

Credit:Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

It may be the middle of winter, but daytime temperatures remain comfortable.

Some trails may close due to icy conditions.

If you’re looking for good weather and smaller crowds, consider September or October.

Zion Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah

David Gregg/Getty Images

Fall temperatures fluctuate, but the autumnal colors are stunning.

Thunderstorms are most common in July and August.

A good rule of thumb is to check Zion’scurrent conditions, no matter the season.

Autumn view of Zion Canyon from Observation Point

Getty Images

Be sure to bring appropriate clothing and plenty of water to protect yourself in all scenarios.

This is when you’ll also have fewer crowds to deal with and more lodging availability.

Best Times to Visit for Hiking

The Narrowsare a major highlight of the park.

Hiking the narrows, Zion National Park

beklaus/E+/Getty Image

However, you should always be mindful of flash flooding regardless of the season.

HikingAngels Landingis a popular once-in-a-lifetime experience for those brave enough to tackle it.

Most people hike it in the summer months.

The official National Park Service sign that marks the east entrance to Zion National Park in Utah

Getty Images

Note that both of these hikes require visitors to reserve a permit before heading off.

For other more casual hikes and open trails, it’s still important to keep the weather in mind.

The most comfortable time for the sport is during the summer when the water is warm and shallow.

If youre looking for more remote camping options, hike to backcountry sites.

So be sure to check the conditions before heading into the backcountry.

It’s also very hot in July and August, with daytime temperatures often reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the summer and on holiday weekends like Easter, it can be hard to find affordable accommodations nearby.