Zion VS Grand Canyon
Both Zion-Utah and Grand Canyon-Arizona are excellent parks to visit. However, there are a few differences
- Grand Canyon is much bigger than Zion
- You can get to both by driving but there is a train connection to the Grand Canyon
- Zion is less crowdy and perfect for families with smaller children
If you want to get a detailed idea of Zion and the Grand Canyon, keep reading this article.
Zion VS Grand Canyon: Quick Comparison
The table below shows a quick comparison between Zion and Grand Canyo.
| Factors | Zion | Grand Canyon |
| Location | Utah | Arizona |
| Best Time to Visit | March to MaySeptember to October | March to MaySeptember to October |
| Getting there | Aircraft, Car | Aircraft, Train, Car |
| Wildlife | Mule Deer, California Condor, Mexican Spotted Owl, Desert Bighorn Sheep | Kaibab Squirrel, California Condor, Pronghorn Antelope |
| Things to do | Hiking, Driving, River Rafting | Hiking Driving |
Zion VS Grand Canyon: Detailed Discussion
Location
Zion National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Utah whereas the Grand Canyon is located in the northwest corner of Arizona.
Zion is located near Springdale, at the convergence of the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert. With an area of 229.058 square miles, it’s approximately 30 miles northeast of St. George.
On the other hand, the Grand Canyon stands out as a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River. Part of the Grand Canyon National Park, it spans 1,217,262 acres across Coconino and Mohave counties.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit both Zion and Grand Canyon are during spring and fall. This means you will have a great time from March to May and September to October. Keep in mind though, that this is when you will find the parks to be most crowded.
You can visit it during winter but the experience might not be what you would expect in Keystone or Copper Mountain.
Getting There
You can get to both Zion and the Grand Canyon by airplane and train. If you are driving then Las Vegas is the most conveniently distanced city from both the parks.
Getting to Zion National Park is quite manageable with a few options. The closest major airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), which is approximately a three-hour drive from the park. Another option is to fly into Salt Lake City (SLC) and take a five-hour drive to reach the park. St. George (SGU) has a smaller airport with service from Dallas.
If you’re driving, the main entrance in Springdale is accessible from State Route 9 or Interstate 15. Alternatively, you can take an Uber or taxi to the park and catch the Zion shuttle at the visitor center. Once you’re in the park, the free Zion Canyon Shuttle Service is available to help you get around easily.
Getting to the Grand Canyon National Park is straightforward, offering several transportation options. If you’re flying, the closest major airports are in Phoenix, Arizona (PHX), and Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS). Phoenix International Airport is particularly convenient for reaching the South Rim, while Las Vegas serves as a common gateway to the West Rim.
For those seeking a unique travel experience, both Amtrak and the Grand Canyon Railway provide train services to the park. If you prefer the flexibility of driving, the South Rim is about 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona. Taking the scenic route via Ariz. 64 and U.S. 180 allows you to enjoy the journey as you approach this natural marvel.
Wildlife
Both Zion and Grand Canyon have a wide range of wild animals to find. In Zion, you will find, Mountain Lion, and Western Rattlesnake. Whereas in the Grand Canyon, you might come across Kaibab Squirrel and Californian Condor.
On top of that, there are a few animals that are common to both the parks such as the Mule Deer. But overall, you will find a wide array of animals, everything from Peregrine Falcon to Pronghorn Antelope.
Things to do
Both Zion and the Grand Canyon National Parks offer breathtaking natural beauty, each park has its unique activities that make the experience distinctly memorable. In Zion, you can do hiking, and canyoneering and go for scenic drives along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. In contrast, the Grand Canyon boasts hiking experiences, river rafting along the Colorado River, and mule rides for a unique and scenic journey.
Zion National Park offers an array of activities for nature enthusiasts. Hike through renowned trails like The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and Observation Point. Take a leisurely drive along the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway to soak in breathtaking views of the park’s unique rock formations.
Thrill-seekers can try canyoneering, involving rappelling and navigating through narrow canyons. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy observing bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various bird species. For a different perspective, embark on a guided horseback ride and connect with the park’s beauty in a more leisurely manner.
At the Grand Canyon, explore the numerous hiking trails, such as the iconic Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail, offering stunning views of the canyon. Hop on a helicopter tour to witness the grandeur of the Grand Canyon from above.
For a unique appreciation of the canyon’s beauty, enjoy a rafting adventure along the Colorado River. Take a mule ride along the canyon trails for a memorable and scenic journey, encountering diverse wildlife like California condors, mule deer, and various bird species.
Which One to Choose Between Zion and Grand Canyon?
Just like Gardiner or West Yellowstone, choosing between Zion and Grand Canyon is difficult. If you are a nature enthusiast who wants to experience a diverse option for hiking then Zion is the perfect place to go. Apart from this, it is relatively less crowded and perfect for families with young children.
As a thrill seeker who wants to go on a more challenging hiking terrain, the Grand Canyon is the perfect spot. Moreover, it is so huge that the experience there can be overwhelming yet beautiful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Zion and Grand Canyon are amazing spots that you should try. However, make sure to factorize what your preferences are and then based on that choose the most ideal spot.
