How does the shuttle work?

From spring through fall, private cars can't drive the Scenic Drive — you park in Springdale or at the visitor center and ride the free shuttle. In winter you can drive it yourself.

Do I need a permit for the Narrows?

Not for the bottom-up day hike from the Temple of Sinawava. You do need a permit for the 16-mile top-down through-hike.

Springdale is right at the south entrance and walkable to the shuttle. Lodging inside the park (Zion Lodge) is limited and books up a year out.

A triangular sandstone mountain overlooks green and yellow foliage. A cloudy blue sky is overhead.

National Park · Utah

Zion National Park

Zion is a desert canyon you walk through, not look down into. The Virgin River carved 2,000 feet of Navajo Sandstone into a slot you can wade up, and the main canyon is closed to private cars most of the year — you ride a shuttle. It's small, intense, and gets very crowded.

Best time to visit

March-May or October-November. Summer is brutally hot and the shuttle line at 9am is an hour long. Winter is quiet, cars are allowed, and the cliffs glow in low sun.

How long you need

Two full days. Three if you want to do the Narrows top-down or Angels Landing without rushing.

Don't miss

The Narrows — wade upriver from the Temple of Sinawava as far as you want
Angels Landing if you scored the permit lottery (chains, exposure, the works)
Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail (the back route is open when the front isn't)
Canyon Overlook Trail — 1 mile, huge payoff
Kolob Canyons section, an hour north, almost empty

What people get wrong

Showing up at Angels Landing without a permit. As of 2022 you need one — they're issued by lottery, and rangers check. Also: people walk the Narrows in sneakers and regret it within 20 minutes. Rent canyoneering boots and a walking stick at Springdale.

About Zion National Park

Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of years. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.

Things to do

Arts and Culture
Astronomy
Stargazing
Biking
Road Biking
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Canyoneering
Climbing
Rock Climbing
Guided Tours
Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Weather & when to go

Zion is known for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and day/night temperatures may differ by over 30°F (16°C). In summer, temperatures in Zion National Park often exceed 100°F (38°C). Zion experiences monsoons from mid-July into September that result in an increased risk of flash floods. Always be aware of the threat of storms and lightning and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Winters are generally mild.

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
$35.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$30.00
Entrance - Snowmobile
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
$20.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$20 per person. Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$70.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$80.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$190.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
A commercial tour is defined as one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Vehicles with commercial tours of 1-6 people (not including guide) pay $35 per vehicle + $20 per person with a total fee not to exceed $70. Passengers can use valid weekly, annual, lifetime, or appreciation passes.
$20.00
Nonresident
Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Zion National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
$100.00

Operating hours

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is open every day of the year.

Campgrounds

Watchman Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
South Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Lava Point Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

FAQ

How does the shuttle work?: From spring through fall, private cars can't drive the Scenic Drive — you park in Springdale or at the visitor center and ride the free shuttle. In winter you can drive it yourself.
Do I need a permit for the Narrows?: Not for the bottom-up day hike from the Temple of Sinawava. You do need a permit for the 16-mile top-down through-hike.
Where should I stay?: Springdale is right at the south entrance and walkable to the shuttle. Lodging inside the park (Zion Lodge) is limited and books up a year out.