Trade the pumpkin patch for sandstone walls this fall.
If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park, fall is the time to do it. Trail treks feel easier with crisp air, the cottonwoods glow a pretty golden-bronze, and evenings practically beg for a campfire. With AutoCamp Zion as your starting point, here’s everything you need to know.
Where to:
Hike, climb, and canyoneer
The Narrows
This is the iconic Zion hike. Walk right through the Virgin River with sandstone walls towering hundreds of feet above you. Go bottom-up for a half-day adventure or tackle the full top-down route for extra bragging rights.
Orderville Canyon
Orderville is a Narrows tributary with a mix of rappels, swims, and squeezes through gorgeous slots. It’s a legendary experience if you’re into the full canyon thing.
The Subway
At the top of every canyoneering bucket list is The Subway—a tough trek with route finding, and plenty of scrambling—but the reward is the mesmerizing “Subway” tunnel you’ve probably seen in photos. The views are no doubt worth the challenge, just make sure to come prepped with layers and plenty of supplies. FYI: The Subway can get especially chilly during the fall months.
Keyhole Canyon
Keyhole is the way to go when you’re short on time as the whole thing can be completed in 1-2 hours if you’re comfortable. Quick rappels, narrow passages, and incredible photo ops along the way make this a favorite for technical canyon beginners.
Pro tip: A wilderness permit is required year-round for all technical canyons in the Zion Wilderness. Plan ahead and find more info here.
Eat and drink
FeelLove Coffee
Start your morning at FeelLove Coffee, a charming Springdale spot with strong espresso and delicious, healthy fare. Local tip: pop back in the evening hours to see it transform into a speakeasy-style hangout.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
Nothing tastes as crisp as a pint after a hike. At Zion Canyon Brew Pub, Southern Utah’s first microbrewery, you’ll sip local brews, listen to live music, and maybe even trade trail tips with fellow hikers doing the same.
Oscar’s Café has been a Zion favorite for years, serving up generous portions with a patio that frames the park perfectly. Regulars can’t get enough of the ultra-fresh guacamole and fish tacos.
Get spooky
Grafton Ghost Town
The abandoned Grafton Ghost Town feels tailor-made for autumn exploring, and it’s only about 20 minutes from AutoCamp Zion. Weathered cabins, a pioneer schoolhouse, and a small cemetery are nestled by dramatic cliffs. It’s a cool atmosphere year-round, but fall foliage turns it into a photographer’s dream. Old Western fans might recognize the scenery from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, partly filmed here in 1969.
See fall colors
Kolob Terrace Road
Just a few minutes from AutoCamp Zion is the entrance to one of the area’s best gems, Kolob Terrace Road. This 25-mile scenic drive winds past meadows and pine forests before topping out at Kolob Reservoir. By mid-October the aspen groves will have gorgeous hues, making the whole thing feel like a fall wonderland. It’s noticeably chillier up here, so toss an extra blanket in the car. Pro tip: pull off at Lava Point Overlook to snap your new phone background.
Fill your calendar
Zion Canyon Music Festival
Fall = festival season. On September 26 and 27 the Zion Canyon Music Festival brings live bands, food vendors, and craft booths to Springdale.
Butch Cassidy 10K/5K
Visitors can also keep it active on November 8 with the through Virgin, or walk through smaller art fairs and farmers markets on other autumn weekends.
Stay
After hiking, canyoneering, and soaking up scenery, AutoCamp Zion feels a lot like home. Fuel up with complimentary granola in the am, lounge by the pool during downtime, and dine with us any time of day. In short— focus on recharging for your next adventure, and let us take care of the rest.
