There’s no doubt about it: Zion National Park is special. In fact, according to a recent National Geographic ranking, it’s the third most popular national park in the nation, beaten out only by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon. And with its stunning, 2,000-foot-tall Navajo Sandstone cliffs and proliferation of diverse plant- and wildlife, it’s no surprise that so many visitors make the trek to Zion each year. (You might even spot a rare and endangered Mojave desert tortoise if you go.)
Still, some might also find themselves craving an alternative to Zion National Park, ideally one that offers plenty of its benefits without its drawbacks—which can include crowds, expenses, and a less-than-perfectly pet-friendly policy. (Leashed dogs are allowed on a single paved trail and in other developed areas, but none of Zion’s more rugged hiking trails.)
Fortunately, on that front, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn about five great destination dupes for Zion National Park—all of which are worth destinations in their own right.
1. Crowd-Free Dupe: Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
Utah may be home to more than its fair share of national parks—five, to be exact: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and, of course, Zion. But these reserves often get all the glory when Utah’s state parks also offer incredible sightseeing and adventure opportunities. Snow Canyon State Park in particular is an excellent destination dupe for Zion National Park precisely because it offers a very similar landscape with far fewer visitors. (In fact, the two reserves are only a 40-minute drive apart.)
Along with the same otherworldly red-rock canyons and cliffs, visitors to Snow Canyon State Park will also enjoy a substantial network of hiking trails, which offer 38 miles of possible paths worth exploring, all with a variety of difficulty levels and ambient scenery. Many of the trails can also be explored by mountain bike or on horseback, and ranger-led activities offer more opportunities for both education and entertainment. Incredibly, all of this is situated less than half an hour from St. George, which is home to some excellent RV parks.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Snow Canyon offers red rock canyons, sandstone cliffs, and desert landscapes similar to Zion—but with far fewer visitors (around 300,000 visitors annually, compared to Zion’s 4.5 million).
- The park’s smaller size means you can explore more in less time, offering a peaceful alternative to Zion’s popular spots like The Narrows.
Methodology:
- Compared the visitor statistics between Zion and Snow Canyon.
- Analyzed traveler feedback highlighting the serene atmosphere of Snow Canyon.
- Reviewed the geological features, such as red rock formations and canyons, for similarity to Zion’s landscape.
2. Budget-Friendly Dupe: Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah
Another hidden gem amongst Utah’s uber-famous national parks, Kodachrome Basin State Park is situated just 30 minutes outside of Bryce Canyon, which means it, too, offers very similar red-rock, canyonland scenery at a substantially lower price point than its better-known counterparts. Entry to Kodachrome Basin is just $10 per vehicle, and its well-maintained campgrounds charge $35 per night for standard sites (with no hookups).
Better yet for RVers—i.e., those who like to do camping right—a limited number of full-hookup spots are also available, and these are just $45 per night. As a point of comparison, some resort-style RV campgrounds near Zion regularly charge $100 per night or more for full-hookup RV camping, and that’s before you take the park’s $35 vehicle entry fee into account. Those numbers speak for themselves. (Psst: Here are the best RV parks in the area to consider for your upcoming trip.)
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Kodachrome Basin offers stunning rock spires and vibrant desert landscapes, similar to Zion’s striking formations, but at a significantly lower cost. The park charges just $10 for entrance, and its campgrounds are affordable and well-maintained.
- The park is quieter and less crowded than Zion, providing a peaceful and budget-friendly alternative for those looking to explore southern Utah’s beauty.
Methodology:
- Compared the entrance fees, lodging, and camping costs.
- Analyzed visitor feedback about the low cost of staying and exploring.
- Assessed the landscape and geological features for similarities to Zion’s rock formations.
3. Pet-Friendly Dupe: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Continuing our tour of the most-overlooked hidden gems in Utah—all of which also make excellent alternatives to Zion National Park and budget-friendly canyon trips on their own—we turn next to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which can also be found within a few hours’ drive of all the destinations named so far in southwestern Utah.
Where Grand Staircase stands out, though, is in its pet-friendly policies. For those who just can’t leave Fido at home, this reserve offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring with your trusty companion in tow. Just make sure you keep them leashed, attended at all times, and picked up after, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument can make for one of the most unforgettable pet-friendly travel destinations in the USA. Be sure not to miss Grosvenor Arch—and these well-appointed nearby campgrounds.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Grand Staircase-Escalante, like other destinations we’ve explored here, features vast deserts and rugged canyons and is pet-friendly for most trails and campsites.
- Zion restricts pets on many trails, while Grand Staircase-Escalante has several trails that are accessible to dogs.
Methodology:
- Researched pet policies and dog-friendly trails in both parks.
- Compared accessibility and reviews from pet owners.
- Assessed the landscape variety to provide both pet and owner with diverse options.
4. Family-Friendly Dupe: Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Leaving the pets at home is one thing. But leaving the kids at home? Not a chance. After all, family fun is one of the main reasons people get into RVing in the first place.
Fortunately, Capitol Reef National Park is one of the kid-friendliest national parks in the system. Not only does it offer fun Junior Ranger activities that help kids learn about the magic of the natural world around them, it’s also home to famous orchards. What kiddo doesn’t want to pluck fresh apples, apricots, peaches, pears, cherries, and plums with their own hands? It’s nature’s candy, which is one reason this is one of the most family-friendly national parks out there.
Capitol Reef also offers a lower-priced standard pass than many other national parks in the system at $20 per vehicle. Frequent visitors might consider upgrading to an annual pass for $35. With so many great campgrounds in the area to choose from, chances are you’ll be back again—and the park will keep having more to give as your kids keep growing.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Capitol Reef offers family-friendly hikes like the Grand Wash Trail and easy access to orchards—perfect for kids.
- The park has a historic district with opportunities for education and exploration, as well as less challenging trails than Zion’s strenuous hikes.
Methodology:
- Evaluated family-friendly rankings and visitor feedback.
- Compared trail difficulty, accessibility, and safety for younger travelers.
- Assessed available activities for families beyond hiking.
5. Outdoor Adventure Dupe: The Escalante Canyons, Utah
If you’re looking to get seriously rugged, Utah is definitely the place, and specifically the Escalante Canyons. Tucked in central-southern Utah (as part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, as mentioned above), the Escalante Canyons are truly out there, so only the most knowledgeable and confident canyoneers need apply.
Offering that inimitable Utah landscape—red rocks, slot canyons, and dramatic cliff views—the Escalante Canyons offer those who are ready the opportunity to enjoy adventures that are a bit more off the rails, so to speak. Rather than padding well-worn hiking trails, you might also slip inside one of these remote slot canyons to explore parts of the earth that few human beings have ever been to. Just be sure you put safety first and stay informed about possibilities like flash flooding.
Best of all, the whole of Grand Staircase-Escalante is vast and varied enough to support adventures of all shapes, sizes, and experience levels—from backcountry trails and wilderness experiences to less-strenuous options closer to the park entrance. Here are the top 10 campgrounds to choose from in the area.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- With a landscape similar to Zion’s but far further off the beaten path, adventurers can enjoy hiking, canyoneering, and exploring remote areas with challenging routes, similar to Zion’s popular hikes such as the Subway and Angel’s Landing.
- The canyons here are less crowded, allowing for solitude in nature and providing a rugged challenge for those looking for Zion-like adventure, but without the crowds.
Methodology:
- Compared outdoor adventure activities, such as slot canyon hiking, canyoneering, and backcountry exploration available in both parks.
- Researched traveler experiences and reviews, focusing on rugged terrain and challenging routes in the Escalante Canyons.
- Assessed the geological features, including narrow slot canyons and towering rock formations, that mimic Zion’s dramatic landscapes.
For those willing to venture into Utah’s lesser-known corners and canyons, wild adventures await, without the prices and crowds that might also be waiting at Zion National Park.
Of course, no matter which Utah destination you choose, you’re in for a treat—and the team here at RVshare will be there to help you make the very best of your time, no matter where you’re headed.
