There are two kinds of people who visit Zion National Park.
Those who leave speechless.
And those who leave… typing.
This post is about the second group.
Some visitors arrive at Zion, experience it fully, and still decide that the appropriate response is a one-star review on Yelp or TripAdvisor. Not a mild complaint. Not a thoughtful critique. A full commitment to dissatisfaction — documented for the rest of the internet.
Naturally, I went looking.
What follows is a carefully curated collection of Zion’s worst reviews: dramatic, confusing, occasionally poetic, and completely sincere.
I didn’t collect them to argue. I collected them because they’re fascinating. And funny. And oddly educational.
Consider this less of a takedown and more of a guided tour through expectations, assumptions, and what happens when reality refuses to cooperate.
If you love national parks, you’ll probably laugh.
If you’re planning a trip to Zion, you’ll probably plan better.
And if you’ve ever wondered how one of the most iconic landscapes in the country can still earn a one-star rating — this is your answer.
Hilarious Bad Zion National Park Reviews
I figure I’ll take the scenic drive. Nope. No one is allowed on that road. WTF. Later I learn you need to take some kind of shuttle. How do you get to the shuttle? I HAVE NO IDEA!!! No point going to the visitor center and asking if all the staff there are going to be rude and condescending like the harpy at the east entrance. … Was out of there by 11AM. Literally spent an hour at Zion with the majority of that time stuck waiting to go through a tunnel. Worst national park experience ever. Not worth the trip. Don’t do it.
TripAdvisor
Zion is the worst park we’ve been to in the US. As a fellow hiker summed up nicely: “They want your money but they don’t want you here.” The only trails marked, maintained, or depicted on park maps are the overcrowded trails you have to take a shuttle to get to. … None of the trails outside the shuttle ones have visible or obvious trailheads & asking park rangers is a waste of time because they will just tell you to go to the shuttle trails.
TripAdvisor
Probably the worse national park out of all of them. You have to take a tram packed with a bunch of people and the other areas weren’t that great.
TripAdvisor
This photo (above) is from the Kolob Canyons area of the park – where there is no shuttle. If you want to avoid the shuttle, there are other options for visiting Zion without the shuttle.
Toxic Cyano bacteria in the Virgin River. Kolob Canyon road closed because of unrepaired road damage. Noxious weeds everywhere.
Yelp
Much to [sic] crowded. No parking space in the park. No space outside the park. (Cost: 40 dollars!) … Buses clearly not airconditioned and crammed with people. We decided not to go. … Maybe it’s less worse if you go very early, better skip it at all.
TripAdvisor
They have a road called scenic drive that you can’t drive…. glad we came all the way here to be turned away. Nothing else but hiking in 100+ degree heat. Hence the pre-recorded voice on
Yelp
It is March and they won’t allow private vehicles on scenic hi way of the national park. Way to go National Park System. Keep the scenery from being enjoyed except for a few people.
Yelp
The shuttle was monotone and a little depressing to listen to the drive. No thanks.
Yelp
Save your money and time and go to one of the other parks instead. Unless you’re a serious hiker you’ll find sights that are just as amazing at any one of the other parks
Yelp
I love Zion. If you do too, you can find more info here:
➡️ Guide to Zion National Park
➡️ 1-3-day Zion National Park Itineraries
What did you think of these reviews? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
💡 Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
‼️ Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Zion National Park? Read my Guide to Zion National Park
📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Zion? Get a detailed 1 – 3-day Zion National Park Itinerary
🛏️ Are you looking for a place to stay near Zion National Park? Find a vacation rental near Zion National Park
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about Zion National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Zion National Park
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.