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How to Book a Zion Red Rock Hiking Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Zion Red Rock Hiking Trip

Hike the red rocks in late winter without the summer crowds, and spread the $1800 cost over 15 months interest-free.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $120.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Zion in late winter is quiet and sharp. The summer shuttle lines are gone, the canyon walls look deeper against crisp blue skies, and you can actually hear your boots on the trail. It gets cold at night, but daytime hiking weather is ideal if you layer up and stick to spots like Angels Landing or the Watchman.

A solid trip out there runs about $1800 once you cover flights to Las Vegas, a rental car, park passes, and a place in Springdale. If you want to pay that down over time without interest eating into your budget, using an intro window is a clean way to do it.

A 0% intro APR is not free money; it is a hard deadline. If you still owe money after the 15 months ends, regular interest kicks in on whatever balance remains, so set up an automatic payment of $120.00 each month to clear it in time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick late winter dates

    Aim for February or early March. The park is peaceful, permit lotteries are easier to win, and you avoid the desert heat. Just check trail conditions before you head out, since higher paths can hold patchy ice.

  2. 02

    Fly into Vegas and drive

    Las Vegas is the most practical airport for Zion, sitting roughly three hours southwest of the park entrance. Renting a car at the airport gives you the flexibility to haul gear, grab groceries in St. George, and move on your own schedule.

  3. 03

    Base yourself in Springdale

    Springdale sits right at the south entrance, meaning you can walk or take a town shuttle straight to the visitor center. Late winter rates are much lower than peak season, making it affordable to stay close instead of commuting from Hurricane.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost across 15 months

    Put the travel costs on the Discover it® Cash Back, which offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Splitting your $1800 trip across that 15-month window comes out to $120.00 per month, letting you pay it off gradually with zero interest charges.

  5. 05

    Pack gear for cold rock trails

    Canyon trails get slick in shaded spots during late winter, so pack traction cleats and sturdy hiking boots. Dressing in moisture-wicking layers keeps you comfortable when morning canyon chill turns into mild afternoon sun.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I need a permit for Angels Landing in late winter?

Yes, Angels Landing requires a permit year-round for the chained section. The winter lottery has much better odds than summer, but you still need to apply online in advance or try for the day-before lottery.

Is Zion reachable without a rental car from Vegas?

Private shuttles run between Las Vegas and Springdale, but they limit your schedule. Having a rental car is usually cheaper for groups and lets you explore nearby spots like Kolob Canyons or Snow Canyon State Park.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment during the 0% intro period?

You still need to make minimum payments on time every month, even with a 0% intro APR. Missing one can trigger late fees and might cause you to lose your promotional rate early.

Can I hike The Narrows in late winter?

You can, but you will need full cold-water drysuits, neoprene socks, and canyon boots from an outfitter in Springdale. The Virgin River is freezing and water levels can rise from snowmelt, so check river flow rates before renting gear.