Zion National Park is one of the most visited parks in the Southwest, and it’s easy to see why! Although it’s on the smaller side in terms of Utah National Parks, at just 229 square miles, its awe-inspiring scenery makes it one of the most beloved National Parks in the United States. Zion means “heavenly city” and is the oldest National Park in Utah. It’s famous for the reddish hue of its cliffs, Zion is ruggedly beautiful. Use this Zion National Park Guide to plan the perfect visit to this breathtaking park.
- The Basics: Zion National Park
- The Top Things To Do At Zion National Park
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The Basics: Zion National Park
Where Is Zion?
Zion is in the southwest corner of Utah, around an hour from St George and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas.
How To Get To Zion National Park
By Air
The closest airport to Zion National Park is St. George Regional Airport. This is a smaller airport and will come at a very steep price. Surprisingly, the closest airport to Zion is actually in Nevada. You can fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Vegas, only 2.5 hours from Zion National Park.
Personally, I flew into Salt Lake City, but the downside to flying into SLC is that you have a 3.5-hour drive to Zion National Park. The good news? The drive is stunning!
By Car
A rental car is a must! No matter where you come from, you’ll need to drive to Zion National Park. The roads in Zion are well-paved, so you don’t necessarily need a 4-wheel drive to get in and around Zion.
Doing a Utah National Parks Road Trip? Here are the estimated Drive time to Zion National Park from nearby National Parks
- Bryce Canyon National Park – 1.25 hours
- Capitol Reef National Park – 3 hours
- Arches National Park – 4.75 hours
- Canyonlands National Park – 5 hours
(Post on how I did all 5 Parks in 7 days coming soon)
Getting Around Zion
Zion is incredibly easy to navigate, but there are a few rules for getting around the park depending on the time of year you will visit.
If you visit Zion National Park in December or January, the only way to get around the park is with your car because the shuttles do not run. Keep in mind this makes parking a free-for-all. Winter is the less busy season at Zion, but you won’t be the only one in the park, so wake up early to grab a parking spot!
Navigating The Zion Shuttle
If you’re visiting the park between February and November, your only choice for getting around the park is using the free shuttle service. The service is first come, first serve.
The first shuttle leaves the Visitors Center around 7 am, and the last shuttle of the day leaves the Temple of Sinawava at about 6:15 pm. When you arrive, you can find the full schedule at any of Zion’s shuttle stops. The shuttles are used to reduce emissions and parking issues and do a great job of doing just that. They make it more difficult to be spontaneous in the park, and you will have to plan your visit around the schedule.
Although the Zion Shuttle is not tricky to navigate, knowing how to navigate the system will make your trip to Zion so much easier. Two separate shuttles maneuver in and around Zion National Park, but only one operates inside the park.
The first shuttle loop goes through Springdale and makes different stops around town. This is the shuttle for you if you’re staying at a rental, hotel, or the campgrounds around Springdale.
Once inside the park, the second shuttle loops through eight points of interest throughout Zion National Park. There is no need to worry about missing stops because the bus driver will tell you when to get off for each point of interest. These include:
- Zion Human History Museum
- Canyon Junction
- Court of the Patriarchs
- Zion Lodge
- The Grotto
- Weeping Rock
- Big Bend
- Temple of Sinawava
Entrance Fees and Reservations At Zion National Park
Zion Standard Entrance Fee: $25-$35. These passes are valid for 7 consecutive days (this includes the day you purchased them). You cannot purchase Zion National Park entrance fees before arriving at the park.
2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
All National Parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance 2024 National Park fee-free dates:
- Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
- Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
- Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
- Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day
You can also purchase the America The Beautiful Pass if you visit more than one of Utah’s National Parks, I highly recommend this.
Best Time To Visit Zion National Park
Zion is open every day of the year! 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.
Spring & Fall
The shoulder seasons, Spring and Fall, are the best times to visit the park, but each season has a unique appeal depending on what you want to do in the park. For instance, spring and fall are the best times to visit if you are looking to hike and adventure in the park. The temperatures are more pleasant, and the park is less crowded.
If you want to hike the Subway and the Narrows consider visiting in September, it’s the best time to hike through the river.
Summer
If you visit Zion in the summer, be ready for temperatures in the 90’s and possibly over 100. Taking breaks and preparing to escape the heat is a good idea. From mid-July to September, it’s also monsoon season, so you’ll want to be more cautious if you do any canyon hikes such as the Narrows or the Subway.
Winter
Zion in winter is stunning, but it’s not for everyone. While snow isn’t likely, it is a possibility if you visit during a winter storm. Snow blanketing Zion makes it spectacular, and there are also fewer crowds during the winter months.
Know Before You Go – Zion National Park
- Zion National Park is one of the most visited parks in the United States, meaning it’s always crazy busy!
- Check the Zion National Park website for closures and current information before you head to the park.
- Don’t rely on your phone because many places in Zion do not have cell service.
- Arriving at the park early is an excellent idea because parking is limited.
- Plan your hikes ahead of your visit to the park.
The Top Things To Do At Zion National Park
Honestly, Zion National Parks will leave you awe-struck and oohing and aahing all day, no matter what you choose to do. The ecosystem in the park features a kaleidoscope of colors with pines, turquoise lagoons, and, of course, the infamous Utah red rocks.
HIKE!
Zion is known for fantastic hiking, including its show stoppers Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and The Subway. With over 100 hiking trails, there is something for everyone.
Angel’s Landing
- Distance: 4.5 Miles
- Rating: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 1,827
Angel’s Landing is by far the most famous hike in Zion National Park, a grueling 5.4-mile out-and-back trail considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. However, by all accounts, the risk is worth the reward (I wasn’t able to get a permit for my trip).
Due to the overwhelming number of hikers who attempt to hike Angel’s Landing, the trail is now on a permit system. The permits are done by lottery, and you can actually apply for the permit before your trip to Zion. It costs around $6 to apply for a permit, and the fee covers an application for up to 6 people. Keep in mind this is a non-refundable permit application fee.
For the seasonal lottery, you can pick up to 7 preferred dates and times that you want to do the hike. You can apply for the lottery at different times depending on the season you are looking to hike:
- March 1 – May 31: Lottery opens on January 1
- June 1 to August 31: Lottery begins on April 1
- September 1 to November 30: Lottery opens on July 1
- December 1 to February 29: Lottery opens October 1
The Narrows (Bottom To Big Spring)
- Distance: 8.9 Miles
- Rating: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 695 ft
The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion, and you will be hiking the crystal-clear waters of the Virgin River. A word of caution: be prepared to get wet! Check the weather forecast and keep in mind you should not attempt this hike if rain is in the forecast; the canyon is known for flash flooding. You will need waterproof hiking boots, neoprene socks, and a walking stick for this hike. Make sure to catch the shuttle EARLY to try to beat the crowds.
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.
Other trails in the park if you don’t have enough time for these day hikes:
Canyon Overlook Trail
- Distance: 2 Miles
- Rating: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 157 Ft
- Time: Takes Between 20-30 mins
Riverside Walk Trail
- Distance: 1.9 Miles Out and Back
- Rating: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 193 ft
- Time: Generally Around 90 Minutes
Lower Emerald Pool
- Distance: 1.5 Miles
- Rating: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 127 ft
- Time: Generally 45(ish) Minutes
Hiking not for you?
A Scenic Drive Through Zion National Park
Get those playlists ready! One of the best ways to take in Zion’s stunning scenery is from the comfort of your own temperature-controlled (particularly helpful in summer) vehicle. Roll down the windows and take in those gorgeous views.
There are 3 scenic drives that are both inside and outside the park, all of which give you a taste of the awe-inspiring Zion Canyon. These are fully paved, so you don’t need a 4×4 to traverse them.
Zion – Mt. Carmel Highway
If you are entering the park from the East, the odds are that you will drive the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway. You may also drive this scenic route if you are road-tripping to Utah’s Might 5.
You can take this Zion Scenic drive via the shuttle during the summer or drive it yourself in the winter for an up-close view of Zion Canyon. Using the shuttle for this route is fantastic because bus drivers often tell stories and tell you about points of interest along the drive.
Many people head to the east entrance using the Zion – Mt. Carmel highway, so if you want to drive this route without a ton of traffic, make sure to get in the park in the early morning or late afternoon.
Zion Scenic Drive
The Zion Scenic Drive is the road that winds through the main part of the park and leads to the most popular trails. This scenic route is around 54 miles, and only shuttles can traverse this road during peak season for emission and traffic reasons.
While you cannot drive the Zion Scenic Drive from March to November, you can drive at its full length if you’re visiting Zion in the winter. Since summer is the most popular time to visit Zion (myself included – I went in early June), most people don’t get to experience this drive.
If you visit Zion during the summer, your only option is to take the Zion Scenic Drive via the shuttles. Honestly, the shuttle is an enjoyable way to see the park because the bus drivers are like unofficial tour guides.
Keep an eye out because if you are lucky, you may be able to spot the infamous condors that nest on the cliffs just north of Angels Landing from this route.
Kolob Fingers Scenic Byway
Although this scenic, 10-mile drive is a bit out of the way of Zion National Park – it’s worth the drive! Featuring intense switchbacks throughout 10 miles, this scenic route provides views overlooking the “red finger” Canyons in southern Utah.
At the top of the drive, you will find the Kolob Canyon viewpoint, an excellent spot for a picnic lunch. Here, you can see the beautiful contrast of green forest along the canyon floor with mountains jutting up in eight beautiful displays: Buck Pasture, Nagunt Mesa, Bullpen Mountain, Langston Canyon, Burnt Mountain, Timber Top Mountains, and, of course, Kolob Canyon.
Visit The Zion Human History Museum
Learn about Zion’s indigenous settlers at the Zion Human History Museum. You can also learn about life for the Euro-American colonizers who established the park in 1919. The museum also includes exhibits showcasing the everyday life of Mormon settlers, who arrived here in the mid-1800s.
Quote: It’s important to remember that all our favorite National Parks were once indigenous land. The Anasazi (Ancient Ones) people inhabited Zion approximately 1,500 to 800 years ago. They left behind cliff houses and rock art throughout the park. The Paiute Indians occupied the canyon in 1858 when Nephi Johnson first arrived in what would become Zion National Park.
At the Zion Human History Museum, you will learn about the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) people, who were the first to name the canyon and surrounding areas. The Paiute resided in this spot from about 1250 CE to today.
The canyon itself is considered sacred by many Native American cultures. Legend has it gods inhabited the canyon, and many Native American tribes would not enter it after dark (I don’t blame them!)
Catch A Zion National Park Sunrise or Sunset
There is just something about a desert sunset that hits differently. In the park, the sun rises and lights up the sandstone cliffs in orange hues, and when the sun descends, you won’t believe the vibrant pinks and oranges that light up the desert sky. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this magic!
Some of the top sunrise and sunset spots in the park include:
- Timber Creek Overlook
- Canyon Overlook
- Watchman Trail
- Observation Point
- Kolob Terrace
- Canyon Junction Bridge
- Court Of the Patriarchs
Stargazing At Zion
Zion National Park is not recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, like my favorite Utah National Park, Bryce Canyon, the park is still perfect for viewing billions of stars. Zion has made enhancements that reduce the amount of light pollution in the park, which keeps the visibility of the stars in the sky at the max.
Although you can see the sky from anywhere in the park, the recommended spots are the Pa’rus Trail and the Human History Museum. Please do not attempt to hike one of the more challenging trails to stargaze, these trails have cliffs, drop offs, and you might find yourself face to face with a mountain lion at night – no thanks!
Where To Stay At Zion
There are plenty of lodging options within the park and directly around Zion in Springdale, Utah. Book in advance because vacancies in the park and Springdale can be challenging, particularly during popular summer months. Another option is St. George, less than an hour west of the park.
Zion/Springdale Accommodations
- Zion Lodge – only hotel inside the park
- Watchman Campground – camping inside the park (176 sites)
- Under Canvas Zion – glamping (want to do this so bad!)
- Zion Wildflower – glamping
- Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park – hotel (1 mile from Zion)
- SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park – hotel (1 mile from Zion)
- George Accommodations
- Inn on The Cliff St. George – hotel (30 minutes from Zion)
- Hampton Inn & Suites St. George SunRiver – hotel (32 minutes from Zion)
- Courtyard by Marriott St. George – hotel (31 minutes from Zion)
Tips For Visiting Zion National Park
- Stay updated on park conditions by using the Zion National Park website you can get up-to-date information on trail closings, park facilities, and health and weather warnings.
- Make reservations ahead of time because Zion is an extremely popular tourist destination, so expect accommodations to book early, especially during the summer. Most campsites take reservations 6 months in advance.
- Leave No Trace – This is especially important in national parks, which are some of the most heavily trafficked hikes in the United States.
- Stay On Designated Trails because wandering off-trail can also harm delicate desert landscapes that can take years to grow back. Carving or vandalizing rock is becoming increasingly common and should not be done under any circumstance.
- Enter the park early or stay late because Zion is incredibly popular! One way to beat the crowds is by arriving at or around sunrise. In the spring, the shuttles begin service around 7. The park also begins to clear out in the evening as people return to the hotel, making this a great time to experience the valley.
Are you ready for your Zion National Park adventure? I can’t wait for you to experience this fantastic (if not crowded park). Have you been to Zion? What did you think?
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