Plan Your Trip to Zion National Park
This Zion National Park travel guide helps you plan a first visit without spending hours figuring out what is actually worth your vacation time. Zion packs a surprising amount into one canyon, with towering sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River winding below them, narrow slot canyons, waterfalls, hanging gardens, and trails that range from an easy riverside walk to the exposed chains of Angels Landing.
You will find what not to miss, where to stay, when to visit, and how to work around the shuttle system without wasting half your day. I’ve also included the experiences that make Zion memorable, from walking into the Virgin River in The Narrows and looking down on Zion Canyon from Scout Lookout to driving through the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel and watching for bighorn sheep near Checkerboard Mesa.
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Zion National Park at a Glance
Location: Southern Utah near Springdale
How much time: 1 full day for the highlights; 2–3 days if you want to hike
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for milder temperatures
Best challenging hike: Angels Landing with a permit
Best Angels Landing alternative: Scout Lookout
Most unusual hike: The Narrows when conditions are safe
Best short hike: Canyon Overlook Trail
Best easy walk: Pa’rus Trail
Best scenic drive: Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway
Best wildlife: Bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild turkeys, and California condors
Where to stay: Springdale or Zion Lodge
Good to know: You normally need the Zion Canyon shuttle during the main visitor season
Before you go: Check shuttle schedules, Angels Landing permits, trail closures, river conditions, flash-flood risk, and weather
Zion National Park Travel Guide
Top 10 Things to Do in Zion National Park
1. Hike Angels Landing with a permit or stop at Scout Lookout
2. Hike The Narrows when river and weather conditions are safe
3. Ride the shuttle through Zion Canyon
4. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail
5. Walk the Pa’rus Trail
6. Explore the Emerald Pools trails
7. Drive the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway to Checkerboard Mesa
8. Walk the Riverside Walk to the entrance of The Narrows
9. Look for bighorn sheep on the east side of the park
10. Drive Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
Where is Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert meet. The closest airport is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Rent a car and take I-15 to SR-9 to enter Zion’s south entrance; this is a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. There are two main regions of Zion National Park: Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon. Park highlights are the Altar, Weeping Rock, Temple Pulpit, Angel’s Landing, and the Narrows.
Facts About Zion National Park
- The Anasazi occupied the area around 1,5000 BC and Zion was originally named Mukuntuweap.
- The area became a national monument in 1909 and a national park in 1919.
- Zion National Park is 146,597 acres and receives 4.5 million visitors a year. It is the fourth most visited national park.
- Zion Canyon is 16 miles long and 3000 feet deep. Angel’s Landing is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.
- Flash floods in the Virgin River remove 1 million tons of sediment a year causing the canyon to continuously change.
- Kolob Arch, in Kolob Canyon backcountry, is 287 feet long.
- Endangered California Condors live in Zion.
Best Time of Year to Visit Zion National Park
Fall temperatures range from 60-90 degrees and crowds thin. This is a great time to view the changing colors of the leaves. Wildflowers bloom in April. Spring temperatures range from 40-60 degrees and the Narrows hike is often closed due to high water levels from April – early June. Summer is hot and crowded with temperatures between 90- 100+. Flash floods occur from late July through September. Winter temperatures range from 30-50 degrees. Trails are often icy and may close but the valley dusted in the snow is gorgeous.
Accommodation in Zion National Park
There are 3 campgrounds in Zion National Park. Watchman is open year-round, while South and Lava Point are seasonal. Reservations are required. Zion National Park Lodge is open year-round. The lodge has hotel rooms, suites, and cabins. Backcountry camping is available by permit. Nearby Springdale has camping and hotel accommodations.
Transportation in Zion National Park
Cars are not permitted on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from mid-March through November. Shuttle service is provided with hop on hop off service at popular trailheads. Shuttles leave the visitor center every 6-10 minutes and provide a narrated history of the park. There is limited parking at the visitor center. If the lot is full, park in nearby Springdale and take the free shuttle to the visitor center then switch to the park shuttle. Download the free park narration for self-guided use when visiting the park from December through April.
How Many Days Should I Plan for Zion National Park
It is possible to visit Zion National Park in one day. 2-3 days allow enough time to visit the park and do the most popular hikes at a leisurely pace.
Zion National Park Travel Guide, Best Viewpoints
Zion National Park is popular because it is beautiful. Not-to-miss viewpoints include Observation Point, Angel’s Landing, Canyon Overlook, Canyon Junction Bridge, and the West Rim Trail.
Popular Zion National Park Hikes With Shuttle Stop
- Shuttle Stop 1, Visitor Center: Walk the Pa’rus Trail to Canyon Junction, 3.3 miles RT.
- Shuttle Stop 5, Zion Lodge: Hike 1.5 – 3 miles to the Emerald Pools.
- Shuttle Stop 6, The Grotto: Climb Angel’s Landing for panoramic views, 5.4 miles RT, or hike Walters Wiggles/Scouts Lookout, 4 miles RT.
- Shuttle Stop 7, Weeping Rock: Weeping Rock, Hidden Canyon Overlook, and Observation Point are all closed.
- Shuttle Stop 9, Temple of Sinawava: Walk the 2-mile RT Riverwalk Trail past weeping walls to the Narrows.
- Hiking East of Zion: Zion Canyon Overlook, 1 mile RT
Things to Do at Zion National Park
- Drive to scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and watch for bighorn sheep.
- Watch the sunset from Canyon Junction Bridge or Lava Point.
- Head to Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon for canyoneering.
- Photograph the Court of the Patriarchs and Temple of Sinawava.
- Learn about Native American culture at the Zion Human History Museum.
- Enjoy a picnic in the Grotto.
- Check out Weeping Rock.
- Drive the scenic 5 miles of Kolob Canyons Road and stop at the viewpoints.
- Cycle the Pa’rus Trail.
- Drive through the Zion Tunnel to Checkerboard Mesa.
- Check the Zion National Park Service for current events
Tips for Visiting Zion National Park
- This park gets very crowded, get in line for the shuttle 30 minutes before the first run. 6 am in the summer and 7 am in the spring.
- Parking in Springdale and using the free shuttle is the fastest way into the park.
- There is no gas at Zion National Park, fill up in Springdale.
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center has free WiFi.
- Cell phone service is inconsistent, download offline maps.
- This area is desert; bring plenty of water, and sunscreen, and dress in layers.
- Pay attention to the weather and wear shoes with good traction, sandstone is slippery when wet.
- Springdale prices are high, purchase water and supplies before Springdale.
- Don’t waste precious time, map out hikes and shuttle stops before entering the park.
- There are 2 restaurants in the park at the lodge: Red Rock Grill and Castle Dome Café.
- Check for trail closures. Currently, Hidden Canyon, Observation Point, and Weeping Rock trails are closed due to a rockfall.
- Allow 8 hours to hike the Narrows and 4 hours to hike Walters Wiggles.
- Be aware of cyanobacteria toxin levels in the Virgin River from harmful algae.
- The Narrows is often closed from mid-March through mid-May due to high water levels.
- Never enter the Narrows slot canyon when rain is expected.
- Rent hiking gear for the Narrows and the Subway hike from Zion Guru.
- Expect to wait in line at Angle’s Landing, start early!
- Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.
- Vehicles 11’4” or taller or 7’10” or wider can not drive through the Zion Tunnel.
- Learn bear safety
- Practice Leave No Trace Principles
- Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass and keep exploring National Parks
Bookmark and Pin Zion National Park Travel Guide
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