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This story is sponsored by Utah Office of Tourism.

There’s a reason early Utahns used a religious term to reference the state’s southwest corner—with its vibrantly varied backdrop of red rock, snaking rivers and dramatic gorges. Zion, for many, really is the promised land.

Today, Utah’s first national park draws more than 4 million visitors a year—visitors in search of fresh air, breathtaking landscape and nature’s most thrilling playground. When you visit, please respect the restrictions put in place to protect the parks for your visit and for future visitors. Visiting during off-peak times: early mornings and weekdays will help you avoid crowds.

If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park and the surrounding areas this summer—and there’s no better time for a staycation in your own state—here are some places to consider.

In Zion National Park

Whether you’re a novice to the great outdoors or a wilderness buff, you don’t want to pass up the mainstream sights and trails within Zion National Park. The park, which transports visitors from place to place via its shuttle service, boasts impeccably maintained trails to suit every capability and fitness level. (Please note that due to the pandemic, shuttle system is temporarily out of service, and during popular times parking and access to the park may be limited.)

From a stroll up the easy, paved Pa'rus Trail to the more strenuous (not to mention heart-pounding) Angel’s Landing, you can’t go wrong on any of Zion’s most popular trails. The Narrows is a great way to cool off, as you walk (or wade) through slow-moving, cold water through a narrow gap in the canyons. You’ll want to bring waterproof provisions for this part of Zion, however. There’s really no way to avoid getting wet in the Narrows!

Find more trails and things to do at Zion at VisitUtah.com. For a full itinerary of some of the region’s most popular sites, check out VisitUtah.com.

For smaller crowds, you’ll want to go when it’s not peak season, which is anytime outside of April through October. If you do visit during peak season, try getting an early start on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds, or visit in the evening.

You might also choose to spend time in the surrounding area to experience some amazing sights that aren’t in the national park. Coral Pink Sand Dunes are great for hiking and playing and photographers will love the vibrant colors accentuated by morning and evening light.

If you want to cool down on a hot summer day, Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek State Park are both less than an hour’s drive from Zion. And Glen Canyon and Lake Powell are less than two hours away.

St. George

Not far from Zion is St. George, one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The red rock surrounding the area is just a part of the draw to visit. You’ll find dozens of dining options, affordable and luxury lodging options and award-winning spas.

For the kids, stopping at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm and St. George Children's Museum is essential. The sandstone in the area that led to the discoveries of dinosaur bones is also what makes Snow Canyon State Park so alluring.

Technical climbers will find a natural playground at their fingertips in Snow Canyon. Families can enjoy long and short hikes, nature studies, photography, fishing and biking without driving too far out of the city center.

Springdale

With only 500 permanent residents, Springdale truly thrives on visitors—and the residents know how to treat them well. Just outside of Zion, the town has world-class accommodations, spas, dining, and all of the gear you need for a trip inside the park.

For those who need a morning pick-me-up and meal, you’ll find delicious eats at Cafe Soleil and Deep Creek Coffee. The health nuts will enjoy a stop at Sol Food for fresh deli items. Dinner options are in no short supply, as the local eateries and even breweries cook up savory dishes. Some reviewers on TripAdvisor claim Oscar’s Cafe has the best burgers and fries they’ve ever had—try one for yourself to see.

Cedar City

About an hour north of St. George is the charming Cedar City—home to Southern Utah University and the world-famous Shakespeare Festival. At nearly 6,000 feet in elevation, the city is a great place to cool off from the heat of southern Utah.

There’s plenty to see and do in Cedar City year-round, but the Shakespeare Festival might be the biggest draw to the area. While it’s temporarily closed to prevent COVID-19 spread, the summer festival is one for the books. In the fall, you can see three plays, free seminars and backstage tours of the shows.

The outdoor adventures don’t stop for the city, though. Brian Head Resort has premier downhill slopes that don’t close in the summer—mountain biking is popular in the warmer months. You can also find beautiful trails in Dixie National Forest to hike, bike and everything in between.

Kanab

A small town in southern Utah is probably the last place most people would guess is known as Little Hollywood. But it’s true—Kanab has a backdrop that draws filmmakers to the area. You can check out the Little Hollywood Museum to see a full rundown of the movies filmed in Kanab and the mark they left on the little town. There are even abandoned film sets you can check out nearby.

Since this is a great spot to slow down and enjoy all that the local region has to offer, consider dining in some of the top-rated restaurants. There’s everything from Italian food to eclectic takes on traditional American dishes.

Those who love climbing will enjoy Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon just 9 miles north of Kanab. It’s such a gritty, thrilling canyon, that 4-wheel drive is required, and a local guide is recommended. But the planning is worth it—VisitUtah.com says many people refer to the canyon as "Antelope Canyon without the crowds."

Plan your customized trip

There are many different trails you can take to get the most out of your southern Utah experience, but it all takes a little planning to make it worth your while. Check out VisitUtah.com’s recommended itinerary to get the most out of your trip. Not only do they have a recommended day-by-day schedule, they are also sure to mention fun pit stops like ghost towns, popular tourist spots and a little bit of the area’s history.

Before you pack up the car, make sure you do a little research on closures or modified schedules to the national and state parks in southern Utah. Get up-to-date on current COVID-19 precautions and how you can help everyone have a safe experience.