My Star Vacation Rentals

07/06/2023

Many people live in areas where there is so much artificial light that they don’t see many stars in the sky above them. This means that travelers often have stargazing high on their list of things to do. If you are visiting Zion National Park, you’re in luck…in 2021, Zion became an International Dark Sky Park!

This means that the park and our partners have taken steps to minimize artificial light to preserve a high-quality night sky experience for visitors. These measures also help wildlife maintain their natural patterns, many of which are nocturnal, especially here in the high desert during the hot summer months.

Night skies in and around Zion are spectacular year-round, with thousands of stars visible to the naked eye as well as planets, full moons, meteor showers, and other celestial events. Additionally, while all the stars in the sky are part of our Milky Way galaxy, the brightest part of the famous arc is visible from late spring to late summer here in the northern hemisphere.

Follow this link to learn more about stargazing in Zion, including helpful tips to safely get the best viewing experience, and discover more about the International Dark Sky Association and Colorado Plateau Dark Skies Cooperative, www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/sunset-stargazing.htm

01/03/2023

Nice!

*Shuttle Bus Update*

Our shuttle buses are on vacation!

They will not be in operation from January 2nd, 2023 to March 10th, 2023. Private vehicles are permitted to drive on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during this time until their return in March. However, the road will be closed once parking fills, be sure to plan accordingly!

01/02/2023

Plan ahead on this one!

Heads up! If you’re planning to hike to Angels
Landing between March 1, 2023 and
May 31, 2023, apply to our Seasonal Lottery for a
permit. You can apply any time before 11:59p.m. MT on
January 20.

Learn more at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding

12/21/2022

This is one of my all-time faves!

Some tips for one of our favorites!

🔆Permits are required to hike from Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch.
🔆Dogs are allowed on the hike, but they also need a permit. Use common sense on whether to bring them with you on hot days.
🔆This is a family-friendly hike, and one kids will love.
🔆Before you head for the Wire Pass trailhead, check road conditions here. You can also call the Paria Ranger Station at (435) 644-1200 for the most up to date information.
🔆If you are joining a tour, you should know that from mid-March until early November, Arizona is one hour behind Utah. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time.
🔆 It’s much faster and more rewarding to start at the Wire Pass trailhead.
🔆Don’t count on cell phone service once you reach the trailhead. If you need maps download offline Google maps and maps from whatever trail app you use.
🔆If you’re not on a tour, be sure to let someone know your itinerary and when you expect to be back.
🔆Pit toilets are available at the Wire Pass trailhead parking lot.
🔆Leave no trace, packing out whatever you pack in.
🔆Be smart about your abilities. Turn back when the hiking gets uncomfortable. You need to be prepared for a 10-foot ladder and water or mud along the trail.
🔆You do not need to carry rope to do this part of Buckskin Gulch.
🔆Do not count on water supplies in the canyons. Carry whatever drinking water you’ll need.

11/30/2022

Yay, you can drive in for the next while!

Fall has arrived at Zion National Park! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit this fall or winter:

👉Fall personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts November 28, 2022
Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting today, November 28.
👉Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close the road.
👉Shuttle service resumes December 23, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Shuttle service will resume in Zion Canyon and Springdale starting on December 23 for 10 days.
During these 10 days, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
👉Winter personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts January 2, 2022
The last day of winter shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale is January 1, 2022.
Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting on January 2, 2022.
👉Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close the road.
👉Shuttle service resumes in spring
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11/10/2022

Something for everyone!

Make time to explore the cliffs, caves, and canyons in this 150-year-old western town dubbed Little Hollywood. Kanab isn't far from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Ever heard of a little slice of heaven on earth called Zion National Park? Its east entrance is a mere 34 minutes from Kanab. The Gran...

05/27/2022

Memorial Day weekend is here! Are you prepared?

🎒 Pack your patience – holiday weekends are some of the busiest times in Zion. Remember that by choosing to come here, you are choosing to be part of the crowd. You aren’t IN traffic, you ARE traffic. Everyone that’s here wants to have an enjoyable experience just like you. The road through the park may close if parking is full.

📱 Plan like a park ranger – do your research beforehand on our website or through the NPS App to know what you want to do, what to expect when you get here, and how to make the most out of your visit.

🚌 Getting around - Shuttles are currently running from 7:00am to 9:00pm MT through the Town of Springdale. In the park:
- First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center leaves at 6:00am
- Last bus into the canyon leaves at 6:00pm
- Last bus out of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava leaves at 8:15pm. Don’t miss the last shuttle, or you’ll be walking along the road back to your car.

🥾 Angels Landing hikers – have your permit and ID with you. If you missed the Seasonal Lottery, you may still be able to apply for the Day-before Lottery. If you don’t have a permit, you can still hike up to Scout Lookout.

🌞 Stay safe – temperatures are on the rise, so make sure you don’t fall victim to heat illness! Bring plenty of water and food, wear sun protection, and listen to your body.

05/16/2022

heads up

Heads up! The shuttle schedule will change for summer starting on May 22! 🚌

Zion Canyon Shuttle -
🌞 First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 6:00am MT
🏜 Last bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 6:00pm MT
🌙 Last bus out of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava: 8:15pm MT You don’t want to miss the last bus, or you’ll have a long dark walk back along the road – in fact, try to get on an earlier bus if you can!

Springdale Town Shuttle –
🌞 First bus into town from the Majestic View: 7:00am MT
🌙 Last bus into town from Zion Canyon Village: 9:00pm MT

Remember, you can always check the shuttle schedule on the NPS App or on our website.

03/26/2022

Know before you go!

It's almost time! Remember to bring your permit to hike Angels Landing starting on Friday, April 1.

Visiting soon but don't have a permit yet? You can apply to get one starting on March 31 in our Day-before Lottery.

Learn more about our permit lotteries and the hike at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding

03/02/2022

It's all different now!

On March 15, 2022, the Bureau of Land Management will implement a new mobile-based geofence system for obtaining daily lottery permits to hike at the geologic feature known as “the Wave,” within Coyote Buttes North, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Today, the Recreation.gov webpage pushes to production. This means the page will be read-only until the “go-live” date on Mar. 15 and is when the public can use the new mobile-based geofence system to apply for permits at https://go.usa.gov/xzYSm. Until then, read & explore the BLM Coyote Buttes North webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xzgMb. Recreation.gov Bureau of Land Management - Arizona

12/03/2021

Heads up everyone

Planning a trip to Zion? On and after April 1, 2022, hikers going to Angels Landing will need a permit. The NPS will issue permits using online lotteries. The first lottery opens on January 3, 2022. Learn more: https://go.nps.gov/lta3tq

12/01/2021

We love this drive, just never do it after a rainstorm. The dirt road has a lot of clay in it and it gets very slippery.

Pack your camera, water, snacks, maps, and hiking shoes for fun adventure in Cottonwood Canyon.

05/29/2021

Big change from the past year!

In response to updated guidance on transit systems in National Parks and COVID-19, Zion National Park is discontinuing the temporary shuttle ticket system for Zion Canyon. Tickets for the shuttle will no longer be needed starting Friday, May 28, 2021. Previously purchased tickets will be prioritized at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center shuttle queue at or following the time of day indicated on the ticket.

First come, first serve shuttle ridership (as in the past) will return beginning Friday, May 28th. Shuttles will load and depart the Zion Canyon Visitor Center from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. MDT.

Shuttle bus capacities will be similar to pre-COVID. In order to meet safety requirements, each passenger must be seated or have a standing room handhold (railing, stanchion, seat bar, overhead grasp handle). The current shuttle stops will remain the same.

Masks are still required while waiting in shuttle lines and while riding the shuttle. Park visitors travelling together are encouraged to maintain separation from other groups and to follow COVID-19 sanitation practices.

Visitors are reminded to and plan ahead. Please see the park website for current alerts and information about arriving to and recreating within the park.

05/17/2021

You got to be either early in the day or late in the day......

Parking fills at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center every day and is very hard to find between 9am and 3pm. If you are arriving between those times, here are a few things to think about:

- There is very limited overflow parking available at roadside pullouts, the Museum, and near the South Campground. You will need to walk from these parking areas back to the visitor center.
- There is plenty of parking available in Springdale, some of which is an easy walk away from the visitor center. If you park farther away in town, you may want to use the free Springdale Shuttle to reach the visitor center.
- If you are traveling to other parts of the park to explore, expect limited parking availability and plan to arrive early to ensure you can park your car. Remember, you cannot drive yourself on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive but there are other roads you can drive.
- Please park legally and responsibly by parking only in areas designated for cars (paved or gravel parking areas).

Shuttle tickets are required to use the park shuttle. Read more on our website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-tickets.htm

05/15/2021

YaHoo!

Marking the official opening for the 2021 season, the gate at the entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open Saturday, May 15th at 6:30 a.m. 🙌🙌🙌

05/13/2021

Shuttle tickets will now be $2 each.

Earlier this year, the public was asked to comment on a proposed fee increase for shuttle tickets. Based on your feedback, this $1 fee increase has been approved. Starting this Friday, May 14th, shuttle tickets will cost $2 per ticket.

This increase in price will help cover staffing and operational costs related to the temporary ticket system that has been introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tickets are non-transferrable and are only available online at recreation.gov.

05/10/2021

There are more than 9, but this is a good start!

With so many things to do in Kanab, Utah, you'll want to spend a week or more in the area exploring all of the geological wonders.

05/07/2021

Yep, we are in full season here!

If you are planning a trip to Zion this summer, make sure you have a transportation plan. The main Zion Canyon is currently only accessible via the park shuttle system, which requires a ticket to ride. That means if you want to hike any of the trails along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you will need a shuttle ticket or an alternative plan. Private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at this time.

Tickets for the shuttle are only available online through recreation.gov and are non-transferrable. An ID check is required to verify that the person who purchased the ticket is present. The entire group must be together in order to board the shuttle. To learn more about how to use the shuttle system, visit: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm