Plan Your Trip ยท Basics
Getting Around Zion
Zion is easy to navigate once you know the pieces: two ways to ride, a walk-in entrance, and a few areas where you drive yourself.
Your Options
Zion is set up so you can leave the car behind for most of a trip. The main ways of moving around are the Zion Canyon shuttle, the Springdale town shuttle, your feet, and your own vehicle in the places and seasons where that is allowed. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
The Zion Canyon Shuttle
The Zion Canyon shuttle serves the scenic road, and when it operates it is mandatory: personal vehicles are not allowed on the Scenic Drive in season. It typically runs from mid-March through late November. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Stops named in the hike guides include the Visitor Center (Stop 1), Human History Museum (Stop 2), Zion Lodge (Stop 5), The Grotto (Stop 6), Weeping Rock (Stop 7), and the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9), the last stop.
The Springdale Town Shuttle
Springdale runs a free town shuttle along its main road, with stops near the hotels; check with the town for its current schedule. It connects to the Zion Canyon shuttle at the pedestrian entrance, and the canyon shuttle's own season and schedule are set by the National Park Service. [VERIFY: nps.gov] More on the Springdale page.
On Foot and by Bike
Springdale runs right up to the park's pedestrian entrance, so you can walk in. Inside, the Pa'rus Trail is paved and mostly flat, with bikes and leashed dogs welcome, and it starts at the Visitor Center.
Driving Yourself
Some places you drive to yourself. Kolob Canyons has its own entrance off I-15 and is not on the canyon shuttle, and the Timber Creek Overlook trailhead is at the end of Kolob Canyons Road. [VERIFY: nps.gov] The Canyon Overlook Trail sits on the east side, just past the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, also off the shuttle route; its lot is tiny, fills at first light, and stays full most of the day. Kolob Terrace is reached by road from Virgin.
In winter the canyon shuttle typically pauses, and you can drive the scenic road in your own car. Trails can be icy and days are short. [VERIFY: nps.gov] See Zion in winter.
Putting It Together
For a first trip, stay in Springdale and ride into the park, then add a driving day for Kolob Canyons or the east side. The parking and access page covers the parking side, and the 2-day itinerary shows how it fits together.