Founded by Mormon Pioneers in 1862, the town of Springdale is the most recognized gateway to Zion National Park for a scenic Utah vacation. Nestled right at the park’s entrance, the town is small, only housing 454 residents, but offers some of the most unforgettable Zion National Park adventures. Plus, it’s known for its wonderful lodging and dining options.
Making Springdale your base camp gives you the convenience you need for a quintessential national park experience – you’ll save time, which you can invest in exploring the beauty of the park. Don’t forget the fact it places you within a short distance of other incredible travel experiences in Utah, including some of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park, which is a quick day trip as it’s only 84.8 miles away.
However, Springdale isn’t the only gateway to one of the most visited national parks in the US. Lesser-known small towns like Kanab guarantee beautiful Zion National Park adventures as well, and there are plenty of them. Like Springdale, these overlooked gems come with their own vacation experiences that make them unique travel destinations. Skip Springdale for these underrated towns in Utah near Zion National Park instead.
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8 Veyo
Located in western Washington County, on the edge of the Dixie National Forest, Veyo is among the most underrated small towns near Zion. Although it's a very small town with just over 350 permanent residents, it’s definitely big on outdoor fun.
The town gives access to everything, from scenic drives to caves, canyons, red rocks, and sand dunes. It’s a great destination, especially for families who can have lots of opportunities for fun, from enjoying the delicious pies at Veyo Pies to catching crawdads, swimming, and hiking at the Veyo Poll and Crawdad Canyon, the most popular attraction in town.
7 Kanab
Nestled just north of the Arizona state line, on Kanab Creek, Kanab is a scenic Utah town perfect for a Zion trip, as it’s only 30.1 miles away, taking just over 30 minutes to get to the park. Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon’s North Rim are all under one and a half hours away.
Besides, it hosts beautiful natural spaces of its own, including Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, which has striking scenery comprising pink sand and stunning red rock formations. Kanab also has a long history, first settled in 1864, and a visit to the Kanab Heritage House Museum will give you an insight into the rich history.
6 Washington
Situated about six miles northeast of St. George, Washington is an incredibly charming community with a unique blend of a rich history, breathtaking scenery, and outdoor recreation.
It boasts a vibrant arts community with a variety of experiences, like the “All About Art”, a two-day festival that celebrates local art and includes live music and culinary experiences. You can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, from hot air balloon rides to ATVing.
5 Hurricane
Founded in 1896, Hurricane is a gorgeous town that got its unique name from a whirlwind that blew off the top of a buggy of a group of local settlers, which the Mormon leader, Erastus Snow, was riding. Erastus Snow then said, “Well, that was a Hurricane. We’ll name this place “Hurricane Hill.”
Other than its proximity to Zion National Park, Hurricane is also within easy driving distance of many other beautiful attractions, including the Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Snow Canyon State Park. Hurricane’s proximity to Zion and other parks and monuments in Southern Utah as well as its quieter atmosphere makes it worth skipping Springdale for.
4 Cedar City
Also known as “Festival City, USA,” thanks to the fun festivals and events, including parades and bike races that occur throughout the year, Cedar City offers plenty of things to do, no matter the season.
Whether interested in biking, hiking, camping, stargazing, or skiing in the winter, there is never a shortage of fun adventures in this hidden gem near Zion National Park. Besides, you are also within driving distance of other world-class attractions like Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
3 Orderville
Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the USA, but if you want to enjoy a quieter side of it, head to East Zion, which also gives access to other iconic destinations, guaranteeing unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts. When you are on this side of this park, Orderville is a perfect basecamp.
It’s located right between Zion and Bryce Canyon, making it a remarkable gem for outdoor lovers. It’s home to many beautiful wonders, including Red Hollow Slot Canyon, Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon, and Cable Mountain.
2 Mount Carmel Junction
Nestled at the junction of U.S. Route 89 and State Route 9, Mount Carmel Junction is one of the most scenic places you can visit in Utah. Its scenery alone makes it worth visiting, but it comes with more adventures that will be worth your time as well.
It’s a destination for outdoor lovers, with plenty of hiking as well as off-roading adventures. Plus, it is not only near Zion but also within driving distance of Bryce Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
1 Rockville
Located in Utah’s southwestern corner, Rockville is one of the most underrated towns near Zion National Park that many people skip in favor of Springdale.
The town has a lot to offer, including a rich history that dates back to 1862 when it was founded by Mormon Pioneers, and despite going through numerous changes, has managed to maintain its charm.
Historians refer to it as “the last treasure in Utah,” and it has many amazing historical attractions you can explore, including Grafton Ghost Town, the most photographed ghost town in the West. It’s also known for exceptional outdoor adventures that treat you to some of the most scenic red rock vistas.