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Zion in June

The Narrows is usually open and wading is a relief from the heat, but the canyon is hot and packed. Hike at dawn.

TradeoffsHot, highs near 93F (34C), very dry
Zion Canyon, United States
ZionPhoto: Michael Gäbler, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

June is a month of real tradeoffs in Zion. The Narrows is usually open and wading is a relief from the heat, but the canyon is hot and packed. Hike at dawn.

Weather
Hot, highs near 93F (34C), very dry
Crowds
5 of 5
Prices
5 of 5

What June is like in Zion

June is hot and very dry, with highs near 93F (34C). The canyon is packed, and exposed trails feel brutal by midday. The upside is The Narrows, which is usually open now, and wading through the river is a welcome relief from the heat. Prices stay at their peak.

It suits families and hikers who plan around the heat, starting at dawn and resting in the afternoon. It is a poor pick for anyone who struggles in hot weather. For milder temperatures, come in April or October instead. Book Springdale lodging early for June.

Make the most of June

What is especially good about Zion this month.

01

The Narrows season

Hiking upstream from the Temple of Sinawava is usually possible now. Late June starts the window when the water is lower and warmer for families.

02

Dawn hikes

Early starts on the Watchman Trail or to Scout Lookout beat both the heat and the crowds.

03

Riverside shade

The Riverside Walk and Pa'rus Trail stay near water, pleasant for kids on hot mornings.

What to pack for June

  • Canyoneering shoes and a walking pole for The Narrows
  • A dry bag for your phone and snacks
  • A wide-brim hat and strong sunscreen
  • Electrolyte packets and plenty of water

Our timing tip

Hike The Narrows at first light and turn around before midday, and always check the flash flood forecast first.

Book Zion for June.

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What's on in June

Spring snowmelt and high water

Roughly March to June, varies with snowpack

The Narrows closes when the river flow is too high; big snow years can keep it closed into June.

Things to do in Zion

Full guide
01

The Narrows from the bottom

No permit is needed to hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava. Rent canyoneering shoes and a pole in Springdale; check the flash flood forecast first.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

02

Angels Landing

Permits are required, through seasonal lotteries and a day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. Without one, hike to Scout Lookout for a strong consolation view.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by shuttle

The free shuttle runs most of the year; get on at the visitor center early to beat the lines.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Canyon Overlook Trail

A short hike off the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway with a big view. Parking is tiny, so go early or late.

Tickets and tours →

05

Kolob Canyons

The park's quieter northwest section, with its own entrance off Interstate 15 and a scenic drive to red finger canyons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

Emerald Pools

An easy family trail to pools and seasonal waterfalls, best in spring.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Ride the first shuttles of the morning. By mid morning in spring, summer, and fall, lines at the visitor center shuttle stop can run long.
  • Stay in Springdale and walk or take the town shuttle to the park entrance; the park lots often fill by 8am in busy seasons.
  • Hike The Narrows at first light and turn around before midday, when the crowds peak.
  • Head to Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace Road for the same red rock with a fraction of the visitors.

Know before you go

  • Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season, which typically runs from about March through late November and briefly over the winter holidays. Outside those periods, you can usually drive it.
  • The Narrows closes when the Virgin River flow is too high or flash floods threaten; spring snowmelt and summer monsoon storms both cause closures.
  • Angels Landing requires a permit year-round through seasonal and day-before lotteries. The rules and application windows can change, so check the park's current permit page.
  • Large vehicles need a paid tunnel escort through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, and some oversized vehicles are not allowed at all. Check size limits before towing or driving an RV.

Zion in June, quick answers

Is June a good time to visit Zion?

June is a month of real tradeoffs in Zion. The Narrows is usually open and wading is a relief from the heat, but the canyon is hot and packed. Hike at dawn.

What is the weather like in Zion in June?

Hot, highs near 93F (34C), very dry.

Is Zion crowded in June?

June is peak crowd season in Zion; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Zion in June?

Spring snowmelt and high water (roughly march to june, varies with snowpack).

Keep planning Zion.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Zion in MayThe month before: Warm, highs near 82F (28C)Best
  2. 02Zion in JulyThe month after: Very hot, highs near 100F (38C), monsoon stormsThink twice
  3. 03Zion in SeptemberThe next best month: Hot to warm, highs near 90F (32C), coolingBest

Also at their best in June

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What kind of trip? Pick any.

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