Why You Should Visit Zion National Park in November
- Arika Bauer
- Aug 19
- 5 min read
If you’re dreaming of the perfect autumn trip, visiting Zion in November will fulfill all your cozy fall fantasies.
Fall comes to the desert of Southern Utah a little later than it does in most areas of the country, so in November you’ll find gorgeous yellow foliage, crisp air that’s perfect for hiking adventures, and even some coveted solitude since the summer crowds have thinned out. Zion National Park in November really is one of the most magical times to explore the red rocks.
Visiting Zion in November: Things to Know
If you’re planning a trip to Zion in November, here are a few important things to know to help you plan, including typical weather in Zion in November, shuttle logistics, and where to find fall colors.
What to Expect for Weather
According to the Zion NPS website, the average high temperature in Zion National Park in November is 64°F with an average low of 37°F. The key to being comfortable while exploring Zion in November is to dress in layers, because it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings (and in the shade), but still pleasantly warm in the midday sun.
Snow isn’t super common in Zion in November, but it can happen—and honestly, I think you’re lucky if it does! The red rocks of the desert landscape dusted in white snow is an absolutely gorgeous sight.
Learn more about the weather in Zion during each season & the best time to visit Zion here!
Does the Shuttle Run in November?
Yes — the Zion Shuttle usually still runs throughout November, but the schedule is more limited. The hours it runs can be shorter, and sometimes it only runs on weekends. Be sure to check the Zion NPS website for the most updated Zion shuttle schedule in November.
Read my in-depth guide to using the Zion Shuttle here!
Fall Colors in November
Yes, you can definitely see fall foliage in Zion in November! While the yellow fall flowers like rabbitbrush usually bloom in October, the leaves of the cottonwood trees in Zion Canyon typically start turning yellow during the first week of November.
Check out my guide to the best places to see fall colors near Zion here!
Things to Do in Zion in November
November is one of the best times to explore Zion National Park — cooler temperatures and lighter crowds mean you can tackle all of the iconic hikes without the summer chaos (although do expect Thanksgiving weekend to be extremely busy). Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Zion in November:
Stroll Along the Pa’Rus Trail
One of my favorite easy hikes in Zion is the Pa’Rus Trail, and I especially love it in the fall! The trail is located right at the entrance to the park and runs along the Virgin River. The Pa’Rus Trail is lined with rabbitbrush that changes from yellow to creamy tan in late fall. You can still usually catch it in early November, and it’s so stunning! The cottonwood trees will all be yellow along the trail in early/mid November....yay!
Enjoy the Riverside Walk Trail
The Riverside Walk Trail is a great family-friendly hike that takes you to the start of The Narrows, so you can explore the area without getting wet on a cold November day. The path is paved and accessible for most people, and you still get the cool experience of the canyon walls rising up around you.
Find out more about the Riverside Walk Trail in my blog post here!
Hike the Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail is often overlooked for more popular trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows, but it shouldn’t be missed. This 3-mile round trip hike offers absolutely epic Zion views and is still doable with kiddos. Bonus: walking uphill actually keeps you warm on colder days in Zion.
Read more about hiking the Watchman Trail here!
Explore East Zion
The east side of Zion National Park sits at a slightly higher elevation than the main canyon of the park, and that means the leaves change here just a little bit sooner. But if you head to East Zion during the first week of November, you still will have a high chance of hitting peak fall foliage. I love to meander along Clear Creek to see all the beautiful fall colors here.
Take a Scenic Drive Through Kolob Canyons
The scenic drive through Kolob Canyons is an awesome activity on a cold day in November—so you can enjoy the gorgeous landscape while staying warm in the car. Kolob sits at a higher elevation than the main canyon, so the fall colors will likely be past peak in November, but it’s still incredibly beautiful.
Local Tip: Check the NPS website for road conditions — the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive can temporarily close due to snow or ice.
Check out my full guide to Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive here!
Visit Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Located about 45 minutes west of Zion near St. George and Hurricane Valley, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is an absolute must in November. The Red Reef Trail is especially spectacular in mid–late November when the cottonwood trees turn bright yellow. It also features beautiful red rock formations, arches, and petroglyphs.
Get all the details about visiting the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in my blog post here!
Tips for Visiting Zion in November
Daylight saving time ends in early November, so you’ll have shorter days—especially important if you’re trying to catch the sunset at a specific spot!
Bring warm layers — even if midday temps are pleasant, mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Check out my ultimate Zion packing list to figure out what to bring for visiting in the fall!
Be sure to check the latest Zion shuttle schedule in November so you know whether you’ll be riding the shuttle or driving your own vehicle.
Thanksgiving weekend is extremely busy — avoid that weekend if you want to enjoy Zion in November without the crowds.
Where to Stay Near Zion in November
Not all lodging stays open year-round, so it’s worth planning ahead for November. Springdale is the most convenient place to stay (right outside the park entrance), and November often comes with great off-season rates. Two of my favorite Springdale stays are Cliffrose Lodge and Cable Mountain Lodge — both offer cozy amenities (think jacuzzi) and are walking distance to the park entrance.
If you don’t mind a short drive, Hurricane and La Verkin offer more affordable options. You can also stay in East Zion/Kanab if you want to combine your trip with exploring the east side of the park or other nearby areas like Coral Pink Sand Dunes and the Kanab Sand Caves.
FAQ – Visiting Zion in November
Is November a good time to visit Zion National Park?
Absolutely! November is a fantastic time to visit Zion if you want cooler weather, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer crowds. Just avoid the Thanksgiving holiday if you prefer solitude.
Can you drive into Zion Canyon in November?
Sometimes. The park shuttle normally runs in November, but on a reduced schedule (often weekends only). On days when the shuttle isn’t operating, you *can* drive your own vehicle into Zion Canyon — just double-check the official schedule.
What should I wear when visiting Zion in November?
Think layers! Mornings and evenings can be cold, while afternoons are often sunny and warm. I recommend breathable base layers, a warm fleece or jacket, and a hat or beanie for the early part of the day.
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If you want even more fall tips and insider planning help, don’t forget to grab my Zion National Park Guide — it’s packed with personal recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
