There’s never a bad time of year to plan a visit to the best vacation rentals Zion has to offer. Watchman Villas is a destination for outdoor lovers, adventure seekers, amateur photographers, families, couples, and more. Our spacious private villas offer the comforts of home with a luxurious touch. They’re great for cozying up during a winter visit to Zion, for relaxing after hiking in Utah on a hot summer day—and for sitting on your private patio enjoying the vibrant colors of fall.

Fall is one of the best seasons to plan a visit to luxury resorts near Zion National Park. But don’t just take our word for it. Keep reading to learn a few reasons why you should plan a stay this fall.

Crowds are on Their Way Out

If you visited Zion during Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day weekend in the past couple of years, you may have experienced some record-breaking crowds. It’s not unusual on these weekends for lines to form at shuttle stops, and for traffic to back up in Springdale on your way to luxury resorts near Zion National Park.

But with Labor Day weekend now passed, the crowds of summer have finally begun to thin. Zion is entering what is known as a “shoulder season.” The term refers to the two seasons, one before and one after, the rush of tourists that visit the park during the summer months. Both the spring and fall shoulder seasons are great times to visit because so few people are able to. 

Whether you want to do some hiking in Utah on Zion’s most popular trails or just want a more relaxing experience, visiting during the fall is a great way to avoid some crowds. While the crowds might be thinner, it’s still a good idea to opt for the best vacation rentals Zion has to offer close to the park’s entrance. That way you won’t have to waste a second of your trip driving to and from the park!

Color is On it’s Way in

With its red rock cliffs, lush green valleys, and a brilliant blue sky above, Zion is already a colorful place. But few visitors to the region realize that it becomes even more so during the fall.

When most people think of visiting a national park to see the leaves change color, they think of parks on the East Coast or in the Midwest, like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Acadia National Park. While you might not get the same level of fall color change in Zion, the park is home to a variety of trees that erupt in color this time of year. And when you combine this with the colorful landscape, you’re in for a treat.

The bright yellows and reds of the changing leaves pop out against the backdrop of the Navajo sandstone cliffs. This makes for stunning views and perfect photos. While the exact time frame during which the leaves change varies each year depending on the weather, October through early November is often the best time to experience the colorful landscape.

Temperatures are Cooling

Another big benefit of visiting Zion in the fall is the temperatures. Where it isn’t unusual for the daily high to hit triple digits in July and August, by September, things have begun to cool off. The average daily highs and lows for the fall months are as follows:

• August: High 85/Low 55
• September: High 78/Low 48
• October: High 66/Low 39
• November: High 56/Low 31

Even as the temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in November, with the right clothing, this makes for ideal conditions for some hiking in Utah.

The Shuttles are Still Running

If you’re afraid that visiting Zion in the fall means giving up the convenience of the shuttle system, don’t fret. Both the Zion Canyon Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle operate until late November each year. When you stay in the best vacation rentals Zion has to offer, you can still hop on the Springdale Shuttle and ride it to the Visitor Center, then transfer to the Zion Canyon Shuttle for a ride through the park. Plus, with fewer crowds in the parks, you won’t have to worry about waiting in line for an hour or fighting to find parking at the Visitor Center.

Planning a Fall Stay in the Best Vacation Rentals Zion Has to Offer

If you’ve never had the chance to visit the best vacation rentals Zion has to offer during the fall, make 2023 your year. There’s still time to plan a visit to Watchman Villas this fall. Book your stay today to see for yourself what makes this season in Zion so special.