Think visiting national parks is something reserved for those planning to take on a challenging hike or roughing it with some backcountry camping? Think again! One of the best things about our country’s national parks is that they have something to offer every type of visitor. This includes families with young children and seniors who want to enjoy the park’s beauty without having to take on a challenging hike.

But while anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy a Zion adventure, doing a little pre-planning can help you make the most of your visit. If you’re looking to enjoy a visit to The Bungalows at Zion in your golden years, keep reading. We’re breaking down a few tips that seniors can use when planning their next national park trip.

Consider Visiting During the Off-Season

One big benefit that comes with traveling during your retirement is the ability to visit tourist hotspots during the off-season. While only a handful of national parks experience issues with crowding, the ones that do are the most popular, and some of the most beautiful parks out there.

Take Zion National Park for instance. The second most-visited national park in the country, during the summer and holiday weekends, crowds can cause lines to form at trailheads and make finding parking a challenge. But visiting during the off-season not only means fewer crowds, but also the chance to experience a side of the park that few visitors ever get to see.

Other parks that are great to visit during the off-seasons are Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Take Advantage of the Senior Pass

The National Park Service offers an annual pass, called the America the Beautiful pass. For just $80, cardholders can enter any national park, national monument, and a variety of other federally-protected lands and landmarks, for free for an entire year. 

Seniors get an even better deal. Starting at age 62, you can purchase the Senior Pass, which is good for entry into any national park, monument, etc., and is good for life. If you don’t want to pay the $80 all at once, you can also opt for a $20 annual pass. Hold onto your previous passes. After you have accumulated four, you can turn them in for a lifetime Senior Pass.

In addition to getting you into the park for free, your pass also gets you entrance for three additional adults and discounts on expanded amenity fees like camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Start Your Hike Early in the Day

You don’t have to be an avid hiker to get up close and personal with the beauty of our nation’s national parks. While there are strenuous, lengthy trails in every park, there are also plenty of accessible options. Whether you need a shorter length or a flat surface, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

If you are planning to hike, aim to get on the trail early in the day. During warmer weather, this will help you avoid the heat of the middle of the day. It’s also good for avoiding crowds, ensures that you have plenty of time to complete your hike before dark, and will likely mean you have more energy than you might later in the day. This is one of the best tips for making the most of your Zion adventure!

Stay Close to the Action

Whether you’re looking to avoid a long drive back and forth from your hotel to your national park of choice, want to avoid some traffic, or just want to make sure that you can get to the park early, staying close to the action is a good idea during your Zion adventure.

If you’re visiting Zion, staying in Springdale means that you can catch the Springdale Shuttle, which makes nine stops throughout town, ending with a stop at Zion Canyon Village. From there, you can walk to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle, which takes you through the park. You won’t have to worry about fighting traffic or finding parking and can easily get to all of the park’s most iconic trails and landmarks.

The Bungalows at Zion is conveniently located on Shuttle Stop 6 on the Springdale Shuttle line. This means that you can leave your vehicle parked at your private Zion Bungalow, and ride to the park. No worrying about finding parking elsewhere in Springdale!

Don’t Be Afraid to Plan a Day of Rest

There’s no shame in planning a day or two of rest during your Zion adventure. Regardless of your age, a day off of hiking and exploring will help replenish your energy and leave you feeling more relaxed. After all, you are on vacation!

The Bungalows at Zion is the perfect place to enjoy a day of relaxation. Rest in your private, spacious Bungalow. Opt for a two-story Bungalow, and you can sip coffee or maybe a glass of wine on your private balcony while taking in the views of Zion National Park in the distance. 

Planning a Zion Adventure at Any Age

Regardless of your age, with a little pre-planning, anyone can enjoy an incredible ZIon adventure! If you’re a retiree looking to take advantage of your flexibility, planning a visit to Zion National Park during the winter months is a great way to make the most of your trip. It can even help you save some money on your next stay at The Bungalows at Zion!

Right now, when you book a stay of two or more nights before March 15, you’ll enjoy a 40 percent discount on your entire stay! Use the money you save to enjoy a delicious meal, an e-biking adventure, or maybe a few extra nights during your Zion adventure! Book today to take advantage of this amazing deal!