Discover Why September is the Perfect Time to Visit East Zion

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Zion National Park and East Zion. With cooler weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant autumn colors, September is the perfect off-season month to plan your Zion adventure. 

As the leaves begin to change, East Zion transforms into a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating the ideal backdrop for exploring everything the park has to offer. Whether you’re up for a rugged off-road journey, a peaceful horseback ride, or a scenic hike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this time of year.

September Leaf Peeping in Zion

Zion’s elevation, which ranges from 3,600 to 8,700 feet, means the timing of fall foliage will vary depending on where you are in the park. Here’s what you can typically expect in September:

• Early September: At the highest elevations (8,000’ to 10,000’), you may start to see some early color changes, but most trees will still be green.
• Mid-September: Trees at higher elevations will begin to show more dramatic shifts in color.
• Late September: The real magic begins! This is the start of peak leaf-peeping season.

Top 3 East Zion Adventures for September

To make the most of your visit, here are some of the top activities we recommend for experiencing East Zion in September.

Brushy Cove Fall Jeep Tour

This off-road adventure is exclusive to the fall season and takes you through the vibrant autumn landscape of East Zion. Starting at Zion Ponderosa, the 1.5-hour tour takes you up steep switchbacks and over rugged terrain in a 4×4 Jeep with open sides, giving you a front-row seat to some of the park’s most breathtaking views.

As you ascend 1,500 feet, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Zion’s iconic landmarks like West Temple, the Narrows, and Checkerboard Mesa. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of the area, and you might even spot wildlife such as mule deer, elk, and wild turkeys. This tour runs from the last week of September through the first two weeks of October, making it the best time to catch the fall foliage at its peak. Brushy Cove Jeep Tour is an unforgettable way to experience fall in Zion. 

Aztec Trail Horseback Ride

The Aztec Trail Horseback Ride is back for fall adventures! This guided ride meets in Kanab and is ideal for families to explore southern Utah’s backcountry on horseback. After a brief riding lesson, you’ll set out through the scenic hills and brush, with your wrangler sharing fun facts about the area’s history.

The guided horseback ride takes you through beautiful Johnson Canyon, past idyllic country homes, grazing animals, and stunning sandstone cliffs. It’s an intermediate-level tour, perfect for anyone aged 8 and up, and lasts about two hours. Enjoy a tranquil ride and fall colors while learning more about southern Utah’s unique landscape.

Hidden Creek Canyoneering Tour

For a bit more adventure, try the Hidden Creek Canyoneering Tour, East Zion Adventures’ newest family-friendly excursion. Bordering Zion National Park, this half-day tour takes you through a dry creek bed and offers the chance to explore cliffs, geological formations and a few small waterfalls. The hike is beginner-friendly and perfect for groups looking to experience Zion’s beauty without tackling the more difficult slot canyons. Enjoy the scenery and make lasting memories this September in East Zion.  

Fall Hiking in Zion National Park

No visit to East Zion is complete without hiking some of Zion’s iconic trails. Early fall is a great time to explore them without the scorching summer heat. Here are three must-try trails:

• Riverside Walk: This paved, family-friendly trail inside Zion National Park runs along the Virgin River, offering stunning views of Zion Canyon.
• Canyon Overlook Trail: This short but steep trail offers breathtaking views of Zion National Park’s main canyon and is much cooler in the fall.
• Observation Point: This 6-mile hike rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of Zion National Park, including Angels Landing. Best of all, you can access it right from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort!

Whether you’re leaf-peeping from a Jeep, saddling up for a horseback ride, or hiking one of Zion’s scenic trails, September is the perfect time for a Zion adventure. Book now.