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Zion National Park Kayaking
Kayaking Near Zion National Park
Despite Zion's arid, rocky desert scrubland, there are some great places near Zion National Park to rent a kayak or take a kayak tour and cool off from the summer heat. To kayak within Zion National Park, a permit is typically required. Unless you are an advanced paddler, we recommend hitting up one of the reservoirs just outside the Park. We will help you find the best places to get your paddle on near Zion!
Why kayaking is great in this area
There is so much to love about kayaking near Zion National Park – from epic scenery to pleasant paddling conditions, we think experiencing the Zion area through paddling is one of the best choices you can make! Here are just a few of the things we love so much about kayaking in this region:
Beat the Heat with a Dip
Zion National Park is in the heart of southwestern desert and temperatures can soar to extremes in the summer months. Kayaking offers a unique way to enjoy all that dusty, red beauty while staying cool and wet!
Perfect for the Whole Family
The places we recommend for kayaking near Zion National Park don't require any special skills or even much physical fitness. It’s a great activity for involving the whole family – from toddlers up to grandparents!
When to Go Kayaking in Zion
Like so many desert destinations, Zion National Park is a land of extremes. In any given season, night and day temperatures can differ by as much as 30 degrees!
Temperatures and water levels are the two most important things to keep in mind when planning a Zion kayaking trip. In the hottest summer months at Zion, kayaking can be a lot of fun because it’s an activity that invites you to take a dip and cool off! In the colder winter months, kayaking with the proper gear on safe water can also be a serene, unique experience.
Peak Zion kayaking season is usually the spring months of April and May and the fall months of September and October, because of milder temperatures and pleasant, sunny days. Average rainfall is about an inch a month during these times, with highs in the 70s and 80s.
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Can you kayak in Zion National Park?
Expert paddlers can get a permit to kayak The Narrows on the Virgin River, but this trip is exclusively for very experienced paddlers who are ready to handle Class V rapids. A better way to kayak in the Zion area is to rent a kayak or take a tour on one of the nearby reservoirs. The scenery is stunning, and it's a great way to cool off! TripOutside features the best kayak rentals and tours near Zion.
Where can I kayak near Zion National Park?
There are plenty of spots for kayaking near Zion National Park. Our favorite spots include Gunlock Reservoir, Sand Hollow State Park, and Quail Creek State Park. TripOutside features the best kayak rentals and tours for your Zion adventure.