Plan a Trip to Zion National Park in November
Visiting Zion National Park in November is amazing because the temperatures are “just right” to enjoy all the outdoor activities!
Use this Zion National Park travel guide to plan your November vacation: what to pack, where to stay, and things to do at Zion in November.
Check out all the information below about visiting Zion in November: weather, services, and all the things to see, do and photograph.
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What to Pack for Zion National Park
DOWNLOAD: Zion National Park packing list for summer and winter!
- Hiking shoes – waterproof hiking shoes for winter
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
- Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
- Columbia fleece jacket – insulated coat in the winter
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing – base layers in the winter
- Lip balm with UV protection – summer and winter
- Sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
- Hand lotion
- UV sunglasses – summer and winter
- Travel hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!
A Photo Tour of Zion National Park
Take a visual tour through Zion National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Visiting Zion National Park in November
The weather is the best reason to visit Zion National Park in November. The mornings and evenings will get cold, but the daytime temperatures are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, biking, canyoneering and landscape photography.
It’s a stark contrast to the heat of Zion National Park in the summer! If you want to take advantage of spending all day outdoors, then November is a great time to visit Zion!
But be prepared for crowds. Zion is the most-visited Utah National Park and it’s pretty much crowded all year long!
Does the Zion Shuttle Run in November?
Yes. The Zion National Park shuttle is running every day in November so check the shuttle schedule for the most updated information. In the fall the shuttles start running a little less frequently and for less hours each day.
There will be limited parking at Zion National Park and the town of Springdale so plan to start your day early to get a parking spot in town and a spot on the shuttle.
We recommend you take the first shuttle into Zion Canyon to access the hiking trails there early before the crowds start.
Another tip is to plan late afternoon hikes, but be sure you time it right so you don’t miss the last shuttle leaving the canyon, or it’s a LONG walk back to your car!
Weather at Zion in November
The days are moderate and the mornings and evenings are cold this time of year at Zion. In November the highs are usually around 64 degrees and the lows around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be prepared with an insulted jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves so you can get out early to enjoy the outdoor activities at the park to beat the crowds.
Check the forecast for rain or snow before you go. If you’re there when it rains, you’ll enjoy pop-up waterfalls!!
What Services Are Available in November?
Zion National Park is open all year long. It is open every day of the year. The Zion shuttle system runs during the month of November, check the website for the hours of operation.
Check the website for the most current facilities hours for Zion:
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center
- Park Store
- Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk
- Zion Human History Museum
- Zion Nature Center
- Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
Zion campgrounds are usually full every night during November. Plan ahead to find the best places to stay in Zion National Park.
Can you drive through Zion National Park in November?
Vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon during the month of November. You’ll need to use the shuttle system.
You can drive the other three Zion National Park scenic drives in the park: Mt. Carmel Scenic Byway, Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons.
What is the Best Time to Visit Zion?
We like to avoid the crowds at national parks, so winter is one of our favorite times to travel. Check out our list of best times to visit Zion National Park to see which time of year or month works best for you!
From our experience, Zion in November is amazing because the weather can’t be beat to enjoy all the outdoor activities at the park. BUT we recommend you avoid the holiday weekends in November!
Zion does get HOT during the summer, so the best times to visit would be spring, fall and winter.
Things to Do at Zion in November
Check out all the fun things to do at Zion National Park in the month of November!
Zion Scenic Drives in November
While visiting Zion National Park in the fall you are able to drive three of the four Zion National Park scenic drives. In November you may see pop-up waterfalls during a rainstorm which is so cool!
The Zion Canyon road is only accessible via the shuttle. It’s an amazing 6.5 miles of the most incredible rock formations and hiking trails.
A must-do drive is along Highway 9, Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. From Zion Canyon you’ll head up switchbacks, drive through a cool tunnel that’s 1.1 miles long and make your way through stunning landscape to the east entrance. Stop at any of the pullouts to take photos, or even take a hike.
A great way to avoid the crowds is to explore the Kolob Terrace road that’s accessed west of Springdale in the town of Virgin. You’ll see a different side of Zion there.
And if you don’t mind driving 40 miles north of Zion Canyon, you can drive the Kolob Canyons section of the park.
Zion Hikes in November
November is the perfect time for Zion National Park hikes because you’re NOT sweating and worrying about heat exhaustion like you do during the summer. The temperatures are “just right” during the day, especially when you’re exerting energy. We recommend layers for those cold mornings and evenings.
Remember there are Zion hikes without the shuttle if you don’t want to battle the crowds! Be sure to check whether permits are required for any of the hiking trails you want to explore.
Angels Landing pilot program: On and after April 1, 2022, hikers going to Angels Landing will need a permit. The National Park Service (NPS) will issue permits using online lotteries at Recreation.gov.
Canyoneering in November at Zion
The Subway and The Narrows are two famous trails for canyoneering at Zion. Canyoneering trails involve route finding, rappelling, hiking, and swimming!
Some of these technical hikes require a permit, and all overnight trips in these areas also require a permit. If you want to give it a try, check out these canyoneering tours!
Photography in November at Zion
If you’re a landscape photographer, check out our guide all about Zion National Park photography.
The best times to photograph the park are sunrise and sunset when the light isn’t as bright as midday. You won’t actually see the sun rising or setting due to the high stone walls in the park. You’ll be photographing the reflected glow onto the red rocks.
Our favorite Zion National Park photo spots are:
- History Museum back patio: sunrise
- Canyon Overlook: sunrise
- Three Patriarchs (shuttle stop): early morning
- Riverside Walk (shuttle stop): early morning
- Highway 9 landscape and bighorn sheep: early morning and evening
- Checkerboard Mesa: early morning and evening
- Pa’rus Trail: sunset
- Kolob Terrace: sunset
Use our Zion National Park Photography Guide with a list of photo spots and tips for taking pictures at the best time of day at this breathtaking park!
Wildlife at Zion in November
November is a great time to see wildlife in the park like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Deer can be found in Zion Canyon and along the Pa’rus trail in the morning and evening.
The bighorn sheep can be found along Highway 9, so keep your eyes open as you take that scenic drive or explore the area on foot!
Bicycling in November at Zion
Did you know you can access Zion Canyon by bike? Bicycling at Zion is a fun way to get around the park. You can rent bicycles in Springdale. Be aware of the rules for riding your bike at Zion:
- Bicycling is permitted on the park roadways and the Pa’rus Trail. The areas closed to bikes: all other park trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
- Bikes must be ridden single file on the right side of the park roads and Pa’rus Trail. Due to the narrow park roads, there is a limit of 6 bicycles or less for every cycling group.
- Wear your helmet.
BUY ZION GUIDES & MAPS AT AMAZON
Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Travel Guide
- Zion National Park Packing List
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
- Things to do at Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
- Camping in Zion National Park
- RV Parks near Zion National Park
- Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
- Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
- Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
- Vacation Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants.
