If you’re looking to save a little money on your next Southern Utah vacation, you have a few options to choose from.
One great option is to plan your getaway outside of the popular tourist seasons. Winter is often referred to as Zion’s Secret Season. Fewer crowds in the park mean that you can often get a lower rate at Zion hotels than you can during the summer months. But mild weather and fewer crowds also make for a great time to explore the park. Another way to save is to book a weekday getaway at Cliffrose Lodge rather than visiting on the weekend.
But what about saving money on the entrance fee for Zion National Park? Free entrance days at Zion might be your chance.
Entrance Fees at America’s National Parks
Of the 419 national parks in the U.S., 116 of them charge an entrance fee. While this means that just over a quarter of all parks cost to get into, those 116 parks include many of the country’s most popular ones, including Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite.
Entrance fees range from just a few dollars per person to up to $35 or more per vehicle. In most cases, the entrance fee gets you access to that park for 7 days. However, it does not allow access to multiple parks. You’ll need to pay the entrance fee at each park that you visit.
Zion National Park Entrance Fee
Like most of the country’s most popular national parks, Zion National Park charges an entrance fee. Private vehicles with fewer than 14 passengers pay $35 for a seven day entrance pass. If you’re entering on a motorcycle, you’ll pay $30 for yourself and one additional rider. During the winter months, the rare visitor entering on a snowmobile will pay $20. And if you’re using the Springdale Shuttle or walking to the entrance of the park from our Zion resort, you’ll pay $20 per person over the age of 15.
Grand Canyon National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance Fees
Zion isn’t the only national park that you can visit during your stay at our Zion lodge. Bryce Canyon and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are also close enough for a day trip. Both charge an entrance fee.
Both the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park charge the same fees as Zion. You’ll pay $35 per personal vehicle with up to 14 passengers. Motorcycles pay $30 to enter. Those entering on foot pay $20 per person.
Free Entrance Days at Zion National Park
When you consider just how much adventure you can enjoy during seven days in a park like Zion, a $35 entrance fee for your family might not sound too steep. But if you are looking to save a little cash on your next visit to Cliffrose Lodge, planning a visit around one of the Free Entrance Days at Zion is one option.
Every year, the National Park Service designates at least a few days when entrance fees for all parks are suspended. In the past, as much as a week’s worth or more days were set aside as fee-free.
In 2024, there will be six free entrance days:
- January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 20: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Should You Visit During a Free Entrance Day at Zion?
If you’re looking to save a little money during your visit to our Zion lodge, visiting during a free entrance day at ZIon might seem like a good idea. However, these free entrance days are just that —individual days. If you’re planning to head into Zion multiple times during your stay at CLiffrose Lodge, you’ll still wind up paying the park’s entrance fee.
These days tend to draw a crowd to the park as well. This can mean a busier day in the park, lines at shuttle stops, and crowded trails.
Additionally, if you know that you’ll visit more than one park during your vacation, or multiple national parks in the upcoming year, there’s a better way to save some money. The America the Beautiful pass is an annual pass that provides access to any National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee. For just $80, up to four people, one or two named cardholders and two to three guests, can enter any national park as often as they’d like for one full year. That means that you can visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon during your stay at Cliffrose Lodge for just $80, compared to the $105 you would spend on individual entrance passes.
Planning Your Visit to Cliffrose Lodge
Ready to start planning your first Cliffrose Lodge visit of 2024? Whether you’re planning a visit around a free entrance day at Zion, taking advantage of the Secret Season, or planning ahead for a summer adventure, now is the time to book your stay!