Springdale

Springdale is a town in the Dixie region of Utah, just outside of the southwest entrance to Zion National Park. The town serves as the primary gateway community for visitors to Zion, with hotels, restaurants, shops, and outdoor outfitters lining the main street.

Springdale sits at an elevation of about 3,700 feet in a narrow valley along the Virgin River. The town is essentially one street — UT-9 (Zion Park Boulevard) — with everything aligned along this corridor. The climate is mild, with hot summers and mild winters, making it an excellent base for year-round visits to Zion National Park.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Las Vegas (LAS), 150 miles away. There is a municipal airport in St. George (SGU), 45 minutes from Springdale, with flights arriving from major cities such as Salt Lake City.

By Car / Road

Most people get here by taking Utah State Road 9 off I-15 north of St. George, and following the road east through the town of Hurricane. You can also get here from the east by taking US Route 89 and turning west onto State Road 9, taking you through Zion on the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. SunTran provides public bus service from St. George into town.

This is pretty much a one-street town; just about everything in Springdale is aligned along UT-9. Everything is fairly close together, making it easy to walk around town. Bicycling is also a good way to get around town or into Zion. As part of Zion National Park's free shuttle system, Springdale has a route running through the town April-October with 9 stops.

• DeZion Gallery — 1051 Zion Park Blvd. 10AM-dark, daily. Fine art gallery with Southwest themes.

• Zion National Park — The main reason most people come to Springdale. The park entrance is at the east end of town.

• Hiking — Zion National Park offers world-class hiking, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry routes.

• Canyoneering — Several outfitters in town offer guided canyoneering trips in Zion's slot canyons.

• Mountain biking — Trails in and around Zion offer excellent mountain biking.

• Rock climbing — Zion's sandstone cliffs provide world-class climbing opportunities.

• River activities — Tubing and wading in the Virgin River are popular summer activities.

Springdale has a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining. In August 2015, the city gave up defending its ordinance against chain restaurants, so some chains may appear.

• Zion Pizza & Noodle Company — 868 Zion Park Blvd. Some of the best food in town. Great pasta, pizzas, salads and beer.
• Bit and Spur — 1212 Zion Park Blvd. Quality Mexican food. Try the spicy lamb gigot.
• Oscar's Cafe — 948 Zion Park Blvd. Daily 7AM-9PM. Good burgers.
• Thai Sapa — 198 Zion Park Blvd. Authentic Thai food in the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Imax Theatre complex.
• Spotted Dog Cafe — 428 Zion Park Blvd. Fine dining.

• Zion Canyon Brew Pub — 95 Zion Park Blvd. Daily 11:30AM-10PM. House-brewed beers.
• Deep Creek Coffee Company — 932 Zion Park Blvd #3. Coffee and light fare.

• Budget: Cable Mountain Lodge, 147 Zion Park Blvd. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Convenient to park entrance.
• Mid-range: Driftwood Lodge, 1515 Zion Park Blvd. Nice lodge with good amenities.
• Upscale / heritage: Cliffrose Lodge, 281 Zion Park Blvd. Beautiful grounds and gardens with river access.

• Sol Foods Market — 995 Zion Park Blvd. Full service supermarket with a deli and camping supplies. Open daily 7:30AM-9PM.
• Tribal Arts Zion — 291 Zion Park Blvd. Native American jewelry, baskets, and other art from across the Southwest.
• Zion Outfitter — 7 Zion Park Blvd. Outdoor gear store that rents bikes, waterproof hiking equipment, and river rafting tubes. Has showers and laundromat.

• Zion National Park — The main reason most people come to Springdale.
• Grafton ghost town — Just south and west of Rockville, between Springdale and Hurricane.
• Hurricane — About 25 miles west on UT-9.
• St. George — About 45 miles west of town.
• Bryce Canyon National Park — About 80 miles northeast. Spectacular hoodoos and amphitheaters.
• Kanab — About 55 miles east. Gateway to multiple national parks and monuments.