Where to Eat in Zion National Park

Find out your options for where to eat in Zion National Park on your next trip! Plus check out our tips for camping and backpacking food.

Many national parks, especially in the western United States, are pretty far from major population hubs.

That means that if you're planning a trip, it pays to be aware of what your food options are — whether you're looking for restaurants or grocery stores.

The last time we visited Zion National Park in Utah, we paid careful attention to the choices. Here's what we found if you're looking for where to eat in Zion (plus notes on camping and backpacking food)!

1. (Maybe) Start with a Grocery Store Outside the Area

If you’re loading up on food for a vacation, try to do most of your shopping before entering the Springdale/Zion area.

You’ll pay a lot more for food if you wait until entering Springdale. One of the closest grocery stores (outside of Springdale) is the Walmart in Hurricane, about 30 miles west of the park.

2. The Markets in Springdale

There are multiple small grocery stores in Springdale, right outside the entrance to Zion. They’re a little pricier than grocery stores farther from the park, but are a nice option if you’ve forgotten something.

One market is located just off the pedestrian bridge near the Watchman Campground.

3. Where to Eat in Zion: The Springdale Restaurants

Springdale has a wonderful selection of local restaurants, and it’s definitely worth trying out some of them on your visit! We particularly loved Zion Brew Pub (which is just across the pedestrian bridge from the park entrance), and the two coffee shops we visited.

Perks is a small Utah chain of coffee shops with a location right outside the park entrance (not far from the Brew Pub).

4. Where to Eat in Zion: The Lodge

Zion Lodge has two restaurants and a beer cart. Want to eat out without leaving the park? This is how to do it.

The lodge is located at Zion Shuttle Stop 5. For more information on the park shuttle system, see our guide.

Within the lodge, Red Rock Grill offers a sit-down experience. They offer a breakfast buffet, as well as a lunch and dinner menu.

Castle Dome Cafe is a snack bar open seasonally.

5. Camping? Cook at Your Campsite

We love campfire meals. If you’re visiting in summer, you might want to plan some meals cooked on a camp stove since it’s typically already very hot outside. We love these camping quesadillas and camping curry.

6. Backpacking? Bring Freeze-Dried Meals

We brought freeze-dried meals for our backpacking trip on the West Rim Trail and they were perfect.

The local gear shops do have a limited supply of freeze-dried meals, but you’ll pay extra, so if possible I’d recommend bringing purchasing before entering the park area.

You'll need a backpacking stove to heat water.

Backpacking can be a great way to avoid the crowds at Zion, but make sure you know what permits to apply for.

Do you have any questions I didn't cover about food options in Zion? Let me know in the comments!