STATE
Utah
COUNTRY
United States of America
CONTINENT
North America
LANGUAGE
English
CURRENCY
US Dollar
BEST TIME TO VISIT
April to October
NEAREST AIRPORT
St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
EMERGENCY HELPLINE NUMBER
911
INTERNET ACCESS
Many hotels, motels and private RV campgrounds have either a public computer terminal or offer wi-fi (sometimes free, or costing $10 or more per day); ask when reserving.
In the national parks, wi-fi hot spots are rare (look for unsecured networks near visitor centers and lodges). Pay-as-you-go self-service internet terminals are rarely available and can also be slow, unreliable and/or expensive.
Nearby towns and cities usually have at least one copy center offering online terminals (typically $5 to $12 per hour) and wi-fi. Wi-fi abounds at restaurants and cafes.
Public libraries usually offer internet terminals (though these may have time limits and require advance sign-up or waiting in line) and sometimes wi-fi. Out-of-state residents may be charged a small fee for internet terminal use.
VISA
Currently, under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), visas are not required for citizens of 36 countries for stays up to 90 days (no extensions) if you have an MRP. If you don’t have an MRP, you’ll need a visa to enter the USA. Citizens of VWP countries must register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov) at least 72 hours before their trip begins. Once approved, ESTA registration is valid for up to two years. Citizens from all other countries need to apply for a visa in their home country. The process costs a non-refundable $131, involves a personal interview and can take several weeks, so apply as early as possible.
HOTEL
The town of Springdale is located right outside the South Entrance of Zion National Park and is the most convenient place to stay. From your hotel in Springdale, you can even hop on a free shuttle bus to the park. For better hotel rates you can also stay in St. George, a little less than an hour away.
LUXURY
Located in Springdale, the quaint riverside Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens offers a tranquil retreat on the edge of the Virgin River. A heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a riverside beach grace the property, and luxury rooms and villas come in a variety of sizes. Another outstanding accommodation option is the nearby Cable Mountain Lodge, also with a full range of suites and studio options. Both of these properties are set in beautiful surroundings and feature outstanding views.
MID-RANGE
Mid-range hotels in Springdale are slanted towards the upper end. The recently renovated Holiday Inn Express offers an outdoor pool, remodeled rooms, and beautiful common areas with huge windows and wood décor that blends in well with the setting. The Majestic View Lodge is another property to consider in this category, with, as the name suggests, spectacular views, along with an outdoor pool. For a more moderately priced mid-range option, La Quinta Inn & Suites St. George is a good choice, about 55 minutes from the park.
BUDGET
Two popular budget hotels in nearby St. George, less than an hour from the gates of Zion, are the Howard Johnson Inn & Suites and the recently remodelled Chalet Motel.
COST OF LIVING
There are ATMs in Springdale and Zion Lodge (Zion); Panguitch; Bryce Canyon City (Bryce Canyon); Torrey (Capitol Reef); and Moab (Arches). It’s always good to have some cash on hand for state park and camping fees. Gentle haggling is generally reserved for flea markets; otherwise, expect to pay the stated price.
Daily Costs
Budget: Less than $100
Tent or RV camping: $15–40
Self-catering, cafe meals: $15–25
Gas and entrance fees: $15–25
Economy car rental: $30
Midrange: $100–$250
Mom-and-pop hotels, budget chains: $50–150
Diners, local restaurants: $25–50
Gas, entrance fees: $15–30
Half-day hard-tail mountain bike rental: $25
Standard car rental: $45
Top End: More than $250
Upscale hotels, B&Bs: from $150
Upscale restaurants: $50–75
Gas, entrance fees: $15–30
Full-day full-suspension mountain bike rental: $75
Guided horseback trail ride: $65–90
SUV rental: $60
