An Honest Take On One Of The Most Popular Parks

(And Why I Loved Bryce & Capitol Reef More)

Updated October 2026

I’m going to say something that you won’t see in most any other Zion National Park guide: Zion wasn’t my favorite Utah National Park (personal opinion here). It’s stunning, it’s iconic, and I’d still tell you to go. But when I think back on my Utah trip, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef are the ones that stuck with me.

Zion is Utah’s oldest national park, and its name means “heavenly city.” At just 229 square miles, it’s on the smaller side for Utah’s parks, but it’s one of the most visited national parks in the entire country. In 2025, it logged nearly 5 million visits, second only to the Great Smoky Mountains. That popularity is exactly why I wanted to rewrite this guide with an honest look at what Zion is really like, who will love it, and who might be happier spending those days in Bryce Canyon or Capitol Reef instead.

This Zion National Park guide covers everything you need to plan a visit in 2026 and 2027: the shuttle, Angels Landing permits, entrance fees, the best hikes, where to stay, and the brand-new rules for RVs. It also covers what to know if you’re traveling with dogs. These days that’s always on my mind, because Brian and I live full-time in our RV, Betty, with our three dogs: Freya, Loki, and Caly.

This post may contain affiliate links that are no extra charge to you, but allow me to keep The Well Worn Shoes up and running. Thank you!

Zion National Park at a Glance (2026)

• Location: Southwest Utah, about 1 hour from St. George and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas
• Entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, valid for 7 days
• Shuttle season (2026): March 7 – November 28, plus holiday service December 26 – January 2
• Permits needed for: Angels Landing (past Scout Lookout), The Subway, and top-down Narrows
• Dog-friendly trails: Just one, the Pa’rus Trail
• RV note: As of June 7, 2026, vehicles over the size limits can’t drive the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway, and there are no more tunnel escorts
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall

My Honest Take: Is Zion National Park Worth It?

Yes, Zion is worth visiting. But it might not be the Utah park you fall hardest for, and that’s okay.

When I visited Zion in early June, the crowds were starting to grow. Parking was a challenge. I applied for an Angels Landing permit and didn’t get one. And because the shuttle is the only way into the main canyon for most of the year, it’s hard to be spontaneous. You plan your day around the shuttle schedule, not the other way around.

None of that makes Zion a bad park. The canyon walls are jaw-dropping, the Canyon Overlook Trail was one of my favorite short hikes in Utah, and the shuttle drivers are like unofficial tour guides. But compare that to the other two parks:

• Bryce Canyon is my favorite Utah national park, and the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden combo is my favorite hike in Utah. If you want to escape the crowds, the Fairyland Loop gets a lot less foot traffic than the rest of the park.
• Capitol Reef felt like the opposite of Zion. Cohab Canyon was the only hike I had time for, and I didn’t pass another person on the trail (which is both awesome and creepy!).

The numbers back up the feeling. In 2025, Zion recorded nearly 5 million visits, while Bryce Canyon had just under 2 million and Capitol Reef had about 1.4 million. If crowds drain your energy (hi! hello! me too!), that difference is huge.

Zion Is Perfect For You If…

• You’re a hiker chasing bucket-list trails like Angels Landing, The Narrows, or The Subway
• You love being inside a canyon looking up, rather than on a rim looking down
• You’re happy to plan ahead for permits and plan your day around a shuttle
• You want lots of lodging, restaurants, and services right outside the gate in Springdale

You Might Prefer Bryce Canyon or Capitol Reef If…

• Crowds and shuttle lines take the magic out of a place for you
• You’re traveling with dogs (more on this below)
• You’re in a big RV or towing a long trailer
• You’re visiting in summer. Bryce sits much higher, around 8,000 feet, and stays far cooler than Zion’s canyon floor
• You want to drive the park at your own pace and stop whenever something catches your eye

Zion is open year-round! The best time to visit is anytime outside of summer. Summer can be sweltering (average 100℉), and the crowds are insane. I visited at the beginning of June, and it wasn’t bad, but the crowds were really starting to grow. May through September are the park’s busiest months with very large crowds. 

Zion vs. Bryce Canyon vs. Capitol Reef

	Zion	Bryce Canyon	Capitol Reef
2025 Visits	5 million	2 million	1.4 million
The Vibes	Inside a deep canyon, big physical hikes	Rim views over a sea of hoodoos	Quiet, historic Fruita orchards, empty trails
Getting Around	Mandatory shuttle most of the year	Drive the scenic road yourself	Drive the scenic road yourself
Dogs	Pa’rus Trail only	Paved Shared Use Path and the paved Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points	Fremont River Trail (to Hattie’s Field), Visitor Center to Fruita Campground trail, and the orchards
My Favorite Hike	Canyon Overlook Trail	Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden	Cohab Canyon

Well Worn Shoes Tip: If you’re doing the Utah Mighty 5, don’t make Zion the only park you give real time to. Give Bryce and Capitol Reef at least a full day each. I promise you won’t regret it.

How To Get To Zion National Park

By Air

The closest airport is St. George Regional Airport, about an hour away, but it’s small and flights there can be very pricey. The closest major airport is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, about 2.5 hours from Zion.

Personally, I flew into Salt Lake City. The downside is the 3.5-hour drive to Zion. The good news? That drive is stunning!

By Car (or RV)

A vehicle is a must. No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll need to drive to Zion. The park roads are paved, so you don’t need 4-wheel drive.

Doing a Utah national parks road trip? Here are estimated drive times to Zion from nearby national parks:

• Bryce Canyon National Park: roughly 1.5–2 hours
• Capitol Reef National Park: about 3 hours
• Arches National Park: about 4.75 hours
• Canyonlands National Park: about 5 hours

Zion RV Tunnel Restrictions (New in 2026)

This is the biggest change at Zion in years, and if you’re RVing like us, you need to know it.

Starting June 7, 2026, Zion began enforcing size and weight limits on the entire Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance, not just the tunnel. The old system, where you paid for a tunnel permit and rangers stopped traffic to escort your rig through, is gone. Your vehicle is considered “large” if it exceeds any of these limits:

Single Vehicles:

• Length: 35’9″
• Width: 7’10”
• Height: 11’4″
• Weight: 50,000 lbs

Combined Vehicles (like a truck towing a travel trailer):

• Total length: 50′
• Trailer length: no more than 26′ from hitch to rear axle
• Width: 7’10” / Height: 11’4″ / Weight: 50,000 lbs

Measurements include mirrors, tires, AC units, bike racks, and anything else you’ve added. Measure your rig before you go!

If you’re over the limits, you can still visit Zion from the South Entrance (Springdale). You can park in the large-vehicle lot by the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (if there’s room), stay at Watchman or South Campground, visit Zion Lodge with a reservation, or drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the shuttle off-season. You just can’t drive east past Canyon Junction toward the tunnel. Keep in mind that means the Canyon Overlook Trail, which sits on the east side of the tunnel, is out of reach in an oversized rig. Unhitch and take your tow vehicle instead. We’ll take the van once it’s built because it’s just easier at Zion.

Well Worn Shoes Tip: If you’re heading between Zion and Bryce in a big rig, plan a detour around the park on state highways. Check the alternative routes on the NPS Large Vehicles page before you leave, and don’t blindly trust your GPS, which may send you down dirt roads.

Getting Around Zion: The Zion Shuttle

Zion is easy to navigate, but the rules change depending on when you visit.

During shuttle season (March 7 – November 28, 2026, plus December 26 – January 2): Personal vehicles aren’t allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the road to the most popular trails. You’ll park at the Visitor Center or in Springdale and ride the free shuttle. No ticket or reservation is needed, but you do have to pay the park entrance fee.

Outside shuttle season (mostly winter): You can drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive yourself. Parking turns into a free-for-all, so wake up early to grab a spot.

How the Zion Shuttle Works

There are two separate shuttle lines:

1. Springdale Line: Loops through the town of Springdale and drops you at the park’s pedestrian entrance. This is the one for you if you’re staying at a hotel, rental, or campground in town. It starts later than the park shuttle, around 8 a.m.
2. Zion Canyon Line: Runs inside the park from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava. The first shuttle leaves the Visitor Center at 7 a.m. The last shuttle out of the canyon leaves Temple of Sinawava between 7:15 p.m. (spring and fall) and 8:15 p.m. (summer). Times change throughout the season, so check the current schedule.

The Zion Canyon Line makes nine stops, and the drivers announce each one:

1. Zion Canyon Visitor Center
2. Zion Human History Museum
3. Canyon Junction
4. Court of the Patriarchs
5. Zion Lodge
6. The Grotto
7. Weeping Rock
8. Big Bend
9. Temple of Sinawava

A one-way ride through the whole canyon takes about 45 minutes. Shuttles come every 5 to 10 minutes in the canyon and every 10 to 15 minutes in Springdale.

Well Worn Shoes Tip: Don’t wait for the last shuttle of the day. If it’s full or you miss it, you could be walking up to eight miles back to your car. No thanks!

Zion Entrance Fees and Passes (2026)

• Private vehicle: $35 (valid 7 days)
• Motorcycle: $30 (valid 7 days)
• Per person (on foot or bike): $20 (valid 7 days)
• Zion Annual Pass: $70 (Zion only)
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 for U.S. residents, $250 for non-residents

You can buy your pass online in advance or pay at the entrance gate.

New for 2026: Non-U.S. residents ages 16 and older pay an extra $100 per person at Zion, on top of the standard entrance fee, unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Bryce Canyon is one of the 11 parks with this new fee, but Capitol Reef isn’t.

If you’re visiting more than one of Utah’s national parks, I highly recommend the America the Beautiful Pass. It pays for itself fast on a Mighty 5 road trip.

2026 Free Entrance Days

Fee-free days now apply only to U.S. residents. The remaining 2026 dates are:

• October 27 (Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

For the full rundown on what changed in 2026, check out my 2026 National Parks Guide.

Best Time To Visit Zion National Park

Zion is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The best time to visit is anytime outside of summer. May through September are the park’s busiest months.

Spring & Fall

The shoulder seasons are the best times to hike and explore. Temperatures are more pleasant, and the park is a little less crowded. Spring snowmelt can raise the Virgin River high enough to close The Narrows, so if The Narrows or the Subway are on your list, consider going in September.

Summer

Expect temperatures in the 90s, often over 100. Take breaks, hike early, and plan to escape the heat midday. From mid-July through September, it’s also monsoon season, so be extra cautious on canyon hikes like The Narrows and the Subway. Honestly, if you’re visiting Utah in summer, I’d lean toward Bryce. It’s so much cooler up there.

Winter

Zion in winter is stunning, but it’s not for everyone. Snow isn’t likely on the canyon floor, but a winter storm can blanket the red rock, and it’s spectacular. The crowds thin out, and when the shuttle isn’t running, you can drive the scenic drive yourself, so Zion feels much more like the other Utah parks. I’m hoping to do this in winter 2026/2027.

The Best Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion is famous for its hiking, with show-stoppers like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and the Subway, plus plenty of easier trails. This is where Zion really shines.

Angel’s Landing (*Permit Required)

• Distance: 4.5 Miles 
• Rating: Difficult 
• Elevation Gain: 1,827

Angel’s Landing is Zion’s most famous hike: a narrow, chain-assisted climb along a sandstone ridge with huge drop-offs on both sides. It’s considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. By all accounts, the reward is worth the risk. I couldn’t get a permit for my trip, so it’s still on my list.

You need a permit to hike past Scout Lookout. Permits are given out by lottery on Recreation.gov:

• Application fee: $6, non-refundable, covers up to 6 people
• Permit fee: $3 per person if you’re selected
• Seasonal lottery: Rank up to seven preferred dates and times

2026 seasonal lottery windows:

• Spring hikes (March 1 – May 31): applied February 13 – 25
• Summer hikes (June 1 – August 31): applied April 1 – 20
• Fall hikes (September 1 – November 30): applied July 1 – 20
• Winter hikes (December 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027): apply October 1 – 20, 2026

Day-before lottery: Apply from 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mountain Time the day before you want to hike.

Well Worn Shoes Tip: No permit? You can still hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout without one, and the views are fantastic.

You’ve also got the options of a guided tour that takes care of the permit for you. Like this Zion National Park: Angels Landing Guided Hike with Permit.

The Narrows (Bottom-Up to Big Spring)

• Distance: Up to about 9.4 miles round trip
• Rating: Difficult (you’re hiking in a river)
• Permit: Not required for bottom-up day hikes to Big Spring

The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion, and you’ll be wading up the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. Be prepared to get wet! You’ll want waterproof hiking boots or canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, and a walking stick. Catch the shuttle early to beat the crowds.

Before you go, check three things:

Water quality: Toxic cyanobacteria have been found in the Virgin River. Don’t drink the river water, even filtered, and keep your face out of it. Bring all the water you’ll need.

River flow: The Narrows closes when the Virgin River runs over 150 CFS (cubic feet per second).

Weather: The park closes The Narrows when there’s a Flash Flood Warning. Never go in if rain is in the forecast. This canyon is known for flash floods.

Want some guided help on The Narrows? Check out this The Zion Narrows Hike with Lunch or this Famous Zion Narrows: Expert Guidance, Stories, & Geology.

The Subway

• Distance: 7.2 Miles 
• Rating: Difficult 
• Elevation Gain: 1,348 ft 

The Subway is a gorge that resembles a subway tunnel, and you will be surrounded by canyon walls with fantastic views along the trail. Keep in mind this trail is not for the faint of heart and can require swimming through deep pools and even rappelling. Proper shoes and neoprene socks are recommended. You will need a wilderness permit to hike The Subway. 

Easier Zion Hikes

Short on time or not up for a big hike? These are still worth your time.

Canyon Overlook Trail

• Rating: Easy to moderate
• Location: East side of the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel

If you can only do one hike in Zion, I recommend this one. I loved it! Parking is tight, but I was able to find a spot in June. It’s good for most skill levels, but keep an eye on kids, because the sand on the rocks makes some sections slippery. Remember that oversized RVs can’t reach this trail anymore.

Riverside Walk

• Distance: About 2 miles round trip
• Rating: Easy
• Shuttle stop: Temple of Sinawava

A paved, mostly flat walk along the Virgin River to the start of The Narrows. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of The Narrows without getting wet.

Lower Emerald Pool

• Rating: Easy
• Shuttle stop: Zion Lodge

A short walk to a pool and seasonal waterfall. If you have a little more energy, continue to the Middle Emerald Pool.

Pa’rus Trail (The Only Dog-Friendly Trail)

• Distance: About 3.5 miles round trip
• Rating: Easy, paved
• Start: Zion Canyon Visitor Center

This paved path follows the Virgin River and is the only trail in Zion that allows dogs and bikes. More on Zion with dogs below.

Trail Closures To Know About

Zion is a geologically active park, and rockfall has changed some classic hikes:

• Weeping Rock Trail reopened in September 2025 after a two-year closure.
• Hidden Canyon and the East Rim Trail to Observation Point from Weeping Rock remain closed long-term because of rockfall. You can only reach Observation Point from the east side of the park via the East Mesa Trail.

Always check the Zion Current Conditions page before you go.

• Distance: 1.5 Miles 
• Rating: Easy 
• Elevation Gain: 127 ft
• Time: Generally 45(ish) Minutes

Is Zion National Park Dog-Friendly?

This is where I have to be honest: Zion is one of the least dog-friendly national parks, and it’s a big reason I lean toward other Utah parks now that we travel with three dogs.

In Zion, leashed pets (6-foot leash max) are allowed:

• On the Pa’rus Trail
• Along public roads and in parking areas
• In developed campgrounds and picnic areas
• On the grounds of Zion Lodge

Pets are not allowed on any other trails, in wilderness areas, on the shuttle, or in public buildings. Since dogs can’t ride the shuttle, you can’t take them into Zion Canyon during shuttle season unless you walk or bike in. And never leave your pup in a hot car. Zion is hot.

Where to go with dogs instead:

• Bryce Canyon: Dogs are allowed on the paved Shared Use Path and the paved section of the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points, so your pup can see the hoodoos too.
• Capitol Reef: Dogs can walk the trail from the Visitor Center to Fruita Campground and the Fremont River Trail as far as Hattie’s Field, and explore the unlocked orchards.
• Nearby state parks: Snow Canyon State Park and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park are great dog-friendly alternatives near Zion.

Well Worn Shoes Tip: If you really want to hike Angels Landing or The Narrows, book a local dog daycare or boarding in Springdale for that day. That way you get your big hike and your pup stays cool and comfy.

A Scenic Drive Through Zion National Park

Get those playlists ready! There are three scenic drives in and around Zion, all paved, so you don’t need a 4×4.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

This is the road that winds through the main canyon to the most popular trailheads. It’s only about 6 miles long, but during shuttle season you can only see it from the shuttle. Honestly, the shuttle is a fun way to see it, because the drivers share stories as you go. In the off-season you can drive it yourself.

Keep an eye out: if you’re lucky, you might spot the California condors that nest on the cliffs near Angels Landing.

Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway

If you’re entering from the east, or road-tripping between Zion and Bryce, you’ll likely drive this one. It’s full of switchbacks and takes you through the historic 1.1-mile tunnel completed in 1930. The shuttle does not run on this road, so you’ll drive it yourself. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid traffic. And remember the new 2026 size limits if you’re in an RV or towing.

Kolob Canyons Road

This scenic drive in the park’s northwest corner is a bit out of the way, but it’s worth it, and it’s far quieter than the main canyon. The road climbs past switchbacks to views of the “finger” canyons. At the top, the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint is a great spot for a picnic lunch, with views of the green forest against the red rock.

Other Things To Do in Zion

Visit the Zion Human History Museum

Learn about the people who called this canyon home long before it was a national park. It’s important to remember that all our favorite national parks were once Indigenous land. Ancestral Puebloan people lived in the Zion area roughly 1,500 to 800 years ago and left behind rock art and dwellings. The Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) people were the first to name the canyon and surrounding areas, and they still live in this region today. The museum also covers the Mormon settlers who arrived in the 1800s and the park’s creation in 1919.

The canyon is considered sacred by many Native American cultures. Legend says gods inhabited the canyon, and some tribes would not enter it after dark. I don’t blame them!

Catch a Zion Sunrise or Sunset

There’s something about a desert sunset that hits differently. At sunrise the sandstone cliffs glow orange, and at sunset the sky lights up in pinks and oranges. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it! Some top spots:

• Canyon Junction Bridge
• Court of the Patriarchs
• Canyon Overlook
• Watchman Trail
• Timber Creek Overlook (Kolob Canyons)
• Kolob Terrace

Stargazing in Zion

Good news for night owls: Zion was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021, joining Bryce Canyon and the rest of Utah’s Mighty 5. The Pa’rus Trail and the Human History Museum area are great, easy spots for stargazing.

Please don’t hike the more challenging trails at night to stargaze. Those trails have cliffs and drop-offs, and you might find yourself face to face with a mountain lion. No thanks!

That said, Bryce Canyon’s night skies are still my favorite. Its high elevation and remote location make for some of the best stargazing in the country.

Where To Stay Near Zion National Park

Book early! Lodging inside the park and in Springdale fills up fast, especially from spring through fall. From mid-March through late November, the campgrounds are full almost every night.

Camping in Zion (Including RV Camping)

• Watchman Campground: Open year-round, right next to the Visitor Center and shuttle. All sites require reservations, which open up to 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov. Loops A and B have electric hookups, which is rare for a national park, but there are no water or sewer hookups at the sites. Sites run $35 per night for non-electric and $45 for electric. No generators.
• South Campground: Reopened May 29, 2026, after a long rehabilitation. It’s seasonal, has no hookups, and reservations open just 14 days in advance.
• Lava Point Campground: A small, primitive, seasonal campground high on the Kolob Terrace. It’s not suitable for RVs.

RV Tip: Rigs over the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway limits can still stay at Watchman or South Campground, as long as you enter through the South Entrance. Just don’t plan on heading east through the tunnel when you leave.

Hotels and Glamping in Springdale

• Zion Lodge: The only hotel inside the park
• Under Canvas Zion: Glamping (I want to do this so bad!)
• Zion Wildflower: Glamping
• Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park: About 1 mile from the park
• SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park: About 1 mile from the park

Staying in St. George

St. George is about an hour from the park, and lodging is often cheaper:

• Inn on the Cliff
• Hampton Inn & Suites St. George
• Courtyard by Marriott St. George

What To Pack for Zion National Park

Zion’s weather can swing from scorching hot to chilly in a single day, and a lot of its best hikes involve water, sand, and slickrock. Packing the right gear makes a huge difference!

You can find all my favorite picks on my Zion National Park Packing List.

Hiking Essentials

• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip for sandy, slippery rock
• A daypack big enough for water, snacks, and layers
• A hydration bladder or large water bottles. Plan on at least 1 liter per person for every 2 hours of hiking, and more in summer
• Trekking poles or a walking stick
• Salty snacks and electrolytes to keep you going in the heat
• A first aid kit
• A headlamp, just in case a hike takes longer than planned

For The Narrows and The Subway

• Waterproof hiking boots or canyoneering shoes
• Neoprene socks to keep your feet warm in the cold river
• A dry bag for your phone, keys, and snacks
• A sturdy walking stick for balance on the slippery river rocks

Sun and Heat Protection

• A wide-brim sun hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• A cooling towel for those 100-degree summer days
• Lightweight, breathable layers. Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, especially in spring and fall

For Your Pup

• A 6-foot leash. It’s the maximum length allowed in the park
• A collapsible water bowl and plenty of extra water
• Paw protection. Pavement and rock in Zion can get hot enough to burn paws in summer
• Poop bags. Always pack it out!

Well Worn Shoes Tip: Don’t forget a physical map or downloaded offline maps. Cell service is spotty throughout the park!

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Know Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Zion

• Arrive early or stay late. Zion is incredibly popular. The first canyon shuttle leaves at 7 a.m., and the park empties out in the evening, which is a magical time to be in the canyon.
• Check current conditions. Before you head in, check the Zion National Park website for trail closures, river flow, flash flood warnings, and shuttle updates.
• Don’t rely on your phone. Many places in Zion don’t have cell service. There’s free Wi-Fi at the Visitor Center and Zion Lodge.
• Make reservations ahead of time. That goes for campsites, hotels, and Angels Landing permits.
• Measure your RV. Seriously. The 2026 size limits are strictly enforced.
• Leave No Trace. National parks are some of the most heavily visited places in the country, and Zion sees nearly 5 million visits a year.
• Stay on designated trails. Wandering off-trail damages fragile desert soils that take years to recover. And please don’t carve or write on the rock.

Zion National Park FAQ

Is Zion National Park worth visiting?

Yes! Zion has some of the most dramatic canyon scenery and bucket-list hikes in the country. Just know it’s also one of the busiest national parks, so plan for crowds, permits, and the shuttle. If you prefer quieter parks, add Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef to your trip too.

Is Zion or Bryce Canyon better?

It depends on your travel style. Zion is better for big, physical hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. Bryce Canyon is better if you want cooler temperatures, easier crowds, gorgeous rim views of the hoodoos, the freedom to drive the park yourself, and a bit more access for dogs. Bryce is my personal favorite, but ideally you’ll see both. They’re only about 1.5 to 2 hours apart.

Is Zion overrated?

I don’t think Zion is overrated, but I do think it’s over-crowded. The scenery lives up to the hype. The experience of sharing it with nearly 5 million visitors a year, plus planning around the shuttle and permits, is what lets some people down. Visit in the off-season or start very early, and Zion feels completely different.

Should I visit Zion or Capitol Reef?

If you only have time for one and want the famous hikes, choose Zion. If you want solitude, history, and trails where you might not see another person, choose Capitol Reef. It sees a fraction of Zion’s visitors.

How many days do you need in Zion?

Two to three days is ideal to ride the shuttle, do one big hike, and see the highlights. If you’re short on time, you can see a lot in one day. Check out my One Day in Zion guide.

Do you need a reservation to enter Zion National Park?

No. You don’t need a reservation or timed-entry ticket to enter Zion or ride the shuttle. You only need to pay the entrance fee. You do need permits for Angels Landing, the Subway, and the top-down Narrows.

Can you drive through Zion National Park?

Yes. You can drive the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway (Route 9) through the park year-round, as long as your vehicle is within the 2026 size limits. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season.

Can RVs go through the Zion tunnel?

Only if they’re within the limits: 35’9″ long for a single vehicle (50′ combined, with a trailer no more than 26′ from hitch to rear axle), 7’10” wide, 11’4″ tall, and 50,000 lbs. As of June 7, 2026, the tunnel escort permit is gone, so larger rigs have to take another route.

Are dogs allowed in Zion National Park?

Yes, but only in limited areas. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Pa’rus Trail, along roads and in parking lots, and in campgrounds and picnic areas. Dogs aren’t allowed on any other trails or on the shuttle.

When is the best time to visit Zion?

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) offer the best weather for hiking. Summer is hot and crowded, and winter is quiet but cold, with The Narrows often too cold to hike comfortably.

Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Zion?

Absolutely, just go in with the right expectations. Zion is a bucket-list park with jaw-dropping scenery and some of the best hikes in the country. But if you want quiet trails, room to be spontaneous, or a trip with your dogs, don’t skip Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. For me, those were the parks that stole the show.

Have you been to Zion? Did you love it, or did another Utah park win your heart? Let me know in the comments!

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