For many people, Zion National Park is a dream destination, with towering red rock walls, slot canyons and some of the most gorgeous sunsets in the country. Whether you’re a hiker, a climber or simply love the outdoors, there’s something here for you.
With almost 5 million visits in 2025, Zion is the second most visited national park in the US, and it isn’t always the easiest place to navigate. These are the things we think you should know before you go, from fees, permits and the shuttle to closures, food, wildlife and when to visit.
What to Know Before Going to Zion National Park
Zion is Best in the Early Morning
Zion is open 24 hours a day, but you’ll be rewarded if you set your alarm and rise with the sun. In the busy months, aim to be at the park by 7am, when the first shuttle leaves the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Why? Because the park gets really full during the day, with long shuttle queues and car parks that fill early. Mornings are calm, cool and quiet, you’re more likely to see wildlife, and you’ll share the trails with far fewer people. You’ll also have a much better chance of getting a parking space.
You’ll Need to Pay an Entrance Fee
Entry to Zion costs $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days. From 1 January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over also pay a $100 fee per person, unless they have an annual pass. If you’re visiting several national parks, an America the Beautiful annual pass can save you money; for non-US residents, it costs $250.
The Busiest Time to Visit Zion is Spring to Autumn
Zion is at its most popular from spring to autumn, when the weather is warm and the shuttle is running. Summer is very hot, with highs around 100°F in July, and the summer monsoon brings a risk of flash floods from July to September. Spring and autumn are the sweet spot for hiking, but they’re busy too.
In the high season, expect crowded shuttles, car parks and trails, and higher hotel prices. If you visit then, plan for early starts. See our guide to the best time to visit Zion for a month-by-month breakdown.
Winter is Quieter and Cheaper
Winter is Zion’s quietest season, with lower hotel prices and far fewer people. Outside the shuttle season, you can drive your own car up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Some trails can be icy, though, and in early spring, snowmelt often keeps The Narrows closed.
We visited in late April on one trip. The Narrows was closed because of high water and a few trails were shut, but we still hiked Angels Landing and explored the quieter Kolob Canyons. The shuttles were already running and there were plenty of visitors, but it was calmer than the summer months. See our guide to Zion in winter for more.
Zion National Park is Made Up of Several Different Areas
Most of the famous photos of Zion are taken in the main canyon, but there’s much more to the park. These are the main areas worth knowing about:
- Zion Canyon: home to Angels Landing, The Narrows, Zion Lodge and most of the best-known trails, and the only area served by the park shuttle. Most visitors only see this part of the park.
- East Zion: the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the tunnel, the Canyon Overlook Trail and Checkerboard Mesa. The drive is spectacular, especially early in the morning, when you might spot bighorn sheep.
- Kolob Canyons: in the north-west corner, reached from I-15, with red finger canyons and far fewer people. The Taylor Creek Trail is a highlight, with plenty of stream crossings.
- Kolob Terrace: a quiet high-country road north from Virgin, leading to Lava Point and trailheads such as Northgate Peaks and The Subway.
Trails and Roads Close Regularly
Rockfall, flash floods, snow and repairs regularly close trails and roads in Zion. As we write, for example, the Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs, the Kolob Canyons Road is closed beyond the South Fork trailhead, and the trails to Hidden Canyon and Observation Point from Zion Canyon are still shut after a rockfall.
Check the NPS current conditions page before your trip and again on the day, and pick up a leaflet and map at the entrance. The Narrows closes when the river is high or flash floods are forecast, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway sometimes closes for rockfall or roadworks, as it did for over a week in autumn 2026.
If things are closed, don’t worry: Zion has plenty of short hikes under 2 miles, so there’s always something to do, or you could visit some of the other national parks in Utah.
Big RVs Can’t Use the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Since 7 June 2026, vehicles longer than 35 feet 9 inches, wider than 7 feet 10 inches, taller than 11 feet 4 inches or heavier than 50,000 pounds can’t drive between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance, which includes the tunnel. Combined vehicles have a 50-foot limit. If your vehicle is too big, use the South Entrance and reach the east side the long way round.
Zion National Park Tips: Parking & Transport
It’s a little sad that we need a whole section on parking and getting around, but with so many visitors, it’s essential.
Parking in Zion is Limited, Especially in High Season
Parking inside the park is included in your entrance fee, but there isn’t much of it, and NPS car parks often fill early in the day. The main car park is at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center; there’s also a small car park at the Canyon Overlook trailhead, and at Zion Lodge for hotel guests.
If the park’s car parks are full, there’s paid parking in Springdale. From there, you can ride the free Springdale shuttle to the park entrance, so allow a little extra time.
Free Shuttles Run Through Zion Canyon
For most of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars, and free shuttles run from the visitor centre to the Temple of Sinawava, the start of The Narrows. In 2026, the shuttle runs from 7 March to 28 November and again from 26 December to 2 January. Shuttles come about every 5 to 10 minutes in the canyon and every 10 to 15 minutes on the Springdale Line, and you don’t need a ticket.
The first shuttle leaves the visitor centre at 7am, and queues can be long by mid-morning. Don’t wait for the last shuttle of the day, which can be as early as 5pm in late autumn. Check the NPS shuttle page for the current timetable. The shuttles don’t go to the Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace or Canyon Overlook, so you’ll need to drive to those.
Top Tip: Take the shuttle to one end of the canyon and work your way back, hiking between stops. Which end you start at depends on which hikes you want to do, and in which order.
A Car is Essential for Getting to Zion and Exploring the Area
Zion isn’t an easy place to visit without a car. It’s fairly remote, about 160 miles from Las Vegas, with little public transport, and you’ll need a car for the Kolob areas, the east side and other parks nearby. We’d recommend renting one for the most flexibility, and comparing prices on a site like RentalCars.com. See our guide to getting to Zion for more.
Or Rent a Campervan to Cover Transport and Accommodation
We saw lots of people touring in campervans and RVs, parking up at Zion’s campgrounds and having a blast. Staying in the park means you can stargaze at night and be on the trails first thing, and you don’t need to own a van: you can rent one for your trip. Just check the vehicle size limits, and book your campsite well ahead.
Things to Know About Zion National Park: Food and Accommodation
There’s Only One Place to Eat Inside the Park, So Bring a Packed Lunch
The only places to eat inside Zion are at Zion Lodge: the Red Rock Grill restaurant and the seasonal Castle Dome Café, by the shuttle stop. It gets very busy at lunchtime, so you’re much better off bringing a packed lunch and just picking up a cold drink at the lodge.
For dinner, Springdale, right outside the park, has far more choice. We really liked the food at the Spotted Dog, and Zion Canyon Brew Pub, by the pedestrian entrance, is great for a cold beer and pub food. If you’re heading east to Kanab, Rocking V Cafe is known for its comfort food, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. See our guide to the best restaurants near Zion for more.
Stay in Hurricane or Go Camping to Save Money
Staying at Zion Lodge or in Springdale is convenient, but it can be pricey. We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale, which is keenly priced for Springdale, with spacious rooms. For cheaper hotels, head to Hurricane, about 30 minutes’ drive from Springdale, where good options include:
- Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane Zion National Park
- Comfort Inn & Suites Zion Park Area
- Sleep Inn & Suites Hurricane Zion Park Area
Alternatively, camp in Zion. A campsite gets you a guaranteed parking space, a fire ring and a place to pitch your tent or park your RV. Watchman Campground, next to the visitor centre, is open all year and is a lovely spot for stargazing. Book well ahead on Recreation.gov: Watchman opens six months in advance, and the park campgrounds are full almost every night from mid-March to late November. For more ideas, see our guides to where to stay in Zion and the best hotels near Zion.
Tips for Visiting Zion National Park: Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
You Need a Permit for Angels Landing
If you’ve heard of Zion, you’ve probably heard of Angels Landing, a thrilling trail along a narrow fin of rock with drops of over 1,000 feet on either side. Some people visit Zion just to hike it.
Before permits were introduced in 2022, the chains section got so crowded that hikers were stuck in dangerous queues along the ridge. Now you need a permit from a seasonal lottery, or a day-before lottery, on Recreation.gov. If you don’t get one, you can still hike as far as Scout Lookout, which has superb views of its own.
For Smaller Crowds, Head to the Kolob Canyons
The Kolob Canyons, in the north-west corner of the park, are much less crowded than Zion Canyon but just as stunning. They’re about an hour’s drive from Springdale, off I-15. Good hikes here include:
- Timber Creek Overlook: a short, easy walk to a viewpoint at the end of the Kolob Canyons Road.
- Taylor Creek Trail: a 5-mile round trip through a canyon, with plenty of stream crossings, ending at the huge Double Arch Alcove.
- La Verkin Creek to Kolob Arch: a strenuous 14-mile round trip to one of the largest natural arches in the world.
The Kolob Canyons Road is currently closed beyond the South Fork trailhead after a rockfall, and the Taylor Creek Trail is closed after flooding, so check the NPS conditions page before you go.
Overnight Hikes and The Narrows From the Top Need a Wilderness Permit
If you’d prefer peace and quiet, Zion has several backcountry routes and campsites. You’ll need a wilderness permit for any overnight trip, and for some day trips, including the top-down Narrows and The Subway. Most are booked on Recreation.gov through advance reservations or lotteries, and some walk-up permits are available at the visitor centre. You don’t need a permit to hike The Narrows from the bottom as far as Big Spring.
Not a Hiker? There are Plenty of Other Things to Do
If you’d rather not hike, there’s still plenty to do in and around the park:
- Horse riding, from Zion Lodge from mid-March to October
- Cycling the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, with bikes and e-bikes for hire in Springdale
- Canyoneering and abseiling, with guided trips just outside the park
- UTV and jeep tours on the east side
- Scenic helicopter flights from Virgin
See our guide to the best Zion tours for more. Note that tubing and inflatables aren’t allowed on any river in the park.
Heat, Water and Flash Floods Need Taking Seriously
Summer temperatures in Zion Canyon regularly top 100°F, and many trails have little or no shade. Carry plenty of water, at least a gallon per person on a long summer hike, and hike early. Don’t drink from the rivers: the North Fork of the Virgin River has been under a toxic cyanobacteria advisory, and filtering doesn’t remove the toxins. Slot canyons are dangerous in a flash flood, so check the forecast and closures before you go in.
The Stargazing in Zion is Amazing
Zion is an International Dark Sky Park, and we’d highly recommend spending some time in the park after dark: the stargazing is incredible. The Milky Way is faintly visible to the naked eye, and much clearer in long-exposure photos taken with a tripod.
On foot, stick to the Pa’rus Trail, which is paved and easy to follow in the dark; the area around Watchman Campground is good too. Download a night sky app to identify the constellations, check cleardarksky.com for conditions, and aim for the week around the new moon. During the shuttle season, you can’t drive up the canyon at night, so staying near the entrance makes it much easier.
Other Insider Tips for Zion
Zion’s Best-Kept Secret? Its Sunsets
Plenty of people leave before dark, but Zion’s sunsets are one of its highlights, when the red rock glows in the evening light. Good spots include:
- The Pa’rus Trail
- The Canyon Overlook Trail
- The bridge over the Virgin River on Highway 9 at Canyon Junction, with views of the Watchman
- The Watchman Trail, when it reopens
Look Carefully and You’ll See Wildlife, but Watch Out for Bats
Early in the morning and late in the afternoon, you have a good chance of seeing wildlife. Zion is home to mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, wild turkeys and plenty of birds, as well as rarely seen mountain lions. We saw this deer on the Watchman Trail just after sunset, and it didn’t even flinch as we walked quietly past.
Keep your distance from all wildlife and never feed it. Watch out for rattlesnakes on the trails, and for bats at night. We learned that the hard way: while photographing the night sky in Zion, one of us was bitten by a bat and ended up in the ER for rabies shots. If you’re bitten or scratched by a bat or any wild animal, get medical help straight away. It’s rare, and the night skies are still spectacular, but be careful.
The Grotto Trail, an easy 1-mile path between Zion Lodge and The Grotto, is a good place to look for wildlife in the morning and evening. It runs right next to the road, though, so don’t expect a wilderness experience.
