Best of Zion

Places Near Zion

Zion National Park

Zion is a park of soaring sandstone walls, river canyons, and high plateaus. This page is the overview - where its distinct areas are, what to do in each, and where to go next on the site.

Happening Soon

Events & News Around Zion

Nov 2-7, 2026 · Zion Canyon & Springdale

Zion National Park Art Invitational

Sixteen acclaimed landscape painters take over Zion Canyon for a week of live demos, a gala and art sale, and a final-day wet-paint event. Proceeds support the park.

Event details →
Sandstone slickrock and pine trees on the east side of Zion National Park Pale slickrock slopes and pines on the east side of Zion National Park

The Park in Five Areas

Our hike guides split the park into areas, each with its own character. Zion Canyon is the heart of the park and home to its most iconic trails. Kolob Canyons is the remote northwest corner, reached via a separate entrance off I-15. Kolob Terrace is a high plateau reached via Kolob Terrace Road from Virgin. The East Rim sits east of the canyon at a higher elevation, and the Southwest Desert is the low, dry corner near Rockville. Start with the full Zion hike guides.

Where to Stay and Eat

Most visitors base in Springdale, the gateway town right at the park's south entrance. See Springdale, where to stay near Zion, and where to eat. For budget and services, Hurricane and St. George are the alternatives.

Getting Into and Around the Park

From Springdale you can walk or ride the free town shuttle to the pedestrian entrance, where it connects to the Zion Canyon shuttle. Entry fees, the shuttle schedule, and any permits or reservations for particular hikes are set by the National Park Service and change, so confirm them before you go. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Plan Your Trip

Use our trip planner to shape an itinerary around the areas above, and browse the photography section for scenery from the park. Related planning pages: best time to visit Zion and Zion entrance information. If Zion is one stop on a bigger trip, read the Utah Mighty 5 guide or look at Bryce Canyon, the classic pairing.

More Nearby

Zion is surrounded by small towns and other parks. The places hub lists them all. Official information lives at nps.gov/zion.