Zion in Spring

Weather & What to Expect

Spring warms quickly. March highs sit in the low 60s with chilly mornings near freezing; by May, canyon-floor highs climb into the 80s. Expect big daily swings - pleasant afternoons but cold dawns - so hike in layers. Higher areas like Kolob Terrace run 10–20°F cooler than the canyon floor, and can still hold snow into April.

What Makes Spring Special

This is the canyon's most alive season. Snowmelt feeds seasonal waterfalls that pour off the cliffs, the Emerald Pools are at their fullest, and the hanging gardens - maidenhair fern, golden columbine, scarlet monkeyflower - burst out of the seep lines on the canyon walls. Desert wildflowers brighten the sandy slopes, and the Virgin River runs full and loud.

The Catch: The Narrows & Crowds

The same snowmelt that feeds the waterfalls makes The Narrows dangerous or closed through much of April and May - the river runs too high, cold, and fast to wade safely. If The Narrows is your priority, plan for late summer or fall instead. Crowds also ramp up fast: spring break (March–April) and holiday weekends are among the busiest days of the year, and the shuttle is mandatory up the Scenic Drive.

Best Things to Do in Spring

• Emerald Pools - waterfalls at their seasonal best.
• Angels Landing - ideal spring conditions (permit required); start early.
• Wildflowers & hanging gardens along the Riverside Walk and lower trails.
• Wildlife watching - mule deer and newborn fawns along the river corridor.

Tips for a Spring Trip

• Book lodging early - Springdale sells out months ahead for spring weekends. Where to stay near Zion →
• Come midweek if you can; weekends and spring break are packed.
• Pack layers - cold mornings, warm afternoons.
• Don't count on The Narrows - check current river conditions before you plan around it.