Best of Zion

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First-Time Visitor Guide to Zion

A short, practical guide for a first visit: when to come, what it costs, how to get around, which hikes to start with, and where to base yourself.

The Short Version

Zion is a park of soaring sandstone walls, river canyons, and high plateaus. Most first-time visitors spend their time in Zion Canyon, the heart of the park, and stay in Springdale, the gateway town at the south entrance. The park has five areas, described on the Zion National Park overview. For the full picture, see the complete guide to Zion National Park.

When to Go

The best overall windows are April-May and late September-October. December-February is the quietest. Read best time to visit Zion for the month-by-month picture.

What It Costs

A private vehicle costs $35 to enter and the pass is good for 7 days. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Annual passes and free days are covered in Zion entrance fees.

Getting Around

For much of the year, the Zion Canyon shuttle is the way up the scenic road; in winter it usually pauses and you can drive it yourself. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Springdale's free town shuttle runs the length of the main road and connects to the canyon shuttle at the pedestrian entrance. See getting around Zion and shuttle, parking and access.

Good First Hikes

  • Riverside Walk - paved, flat, and the gateway to The Narrows.
  • Emerald Pools - tiered pools; the lower pool is stroller-accessible.
  • Weeping Rock - a quick paved walk to a dripping alcove. Rockfall has interrupted this trail before, so confirm it is open before you count on it. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
  • Watchman Trail - a moderate loop with views of Springdale and the lower canyon.
  • The Narrows - wading the Virgin River; best in late summer and fall.
  • Canyon Overlook - a short east-side trail with a big view.

See all of them in the Zion hike guides, or start with the best hikes and easy hikes.

Permits for Big Hikes

Angels Landing requires a permit to go past Scout Lookout, and The Subway also requires one. [VERIFY: nps.gov] The Narrows needs a permit only for the top-down through-hike; the bottom-up route from the Temple of Sinawava needs none.

Where to Stay and Eat

Most visitors base in Springdale. See where to stay for Zion, the stay guides, and the eat guides.

Sample Itineraries

Short on time? Try the 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day plans, or the Zion and Bryce road trip.