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Zion Shuttle, Parking and Access

Parking in Zion is tight, so plan around it. Here is how the season, parking, and hikes with access limits fit into your plan.

The Big Picture

Zion's parking is tight, and the shuttle is the answer for most visitors. The National Park Service sets the shuttle schedule, parking rules, and fees, and they change, so confirm them before you go. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Shuttle Season

The Zion Canyon shuttle typically runs from mid-March through late November, and when it is operating it is mandatory up the scenic road. [VERIFY: nps.gov] In winter it usually pauses, so you can drive the scenic road yourself from early December into early March. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Details on Zion in winter.

Parking

Zion's parking fills by mid-morning in peak season. [VERIFY: nps.gov] The workaround is to stay in Springdale and leave the car at your hotel. Springdale has a free town shuttle along its main road; check with the town for its current schedule. It connects to the Zion Canyon shuttle at the pedestrian entrance, and you can also walk in. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

The Canyon Overlook lot on the east side is tiny, fills at first light, and stays full most of the day, and parking on the highway shoulder is prohibited. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Arrive at first light; if the lot is full, plan something else nearby.

Entering the Park

A private vehicle pays $35 and the pass is good for 7 days. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Keep your pass; you will need it to re-enter if you park in Springdale and ride the shuttle in. More in Zion entrance fees.

Permits and Access Limits

  • Angels Landing: a permit is required past Scout Lookout, awarded through lotteries on Recreation.gov. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
  • The Narrows: the bottom-up route needs no permit; the top-down through-hike requires a wilderness permit. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
  • The Subway: a permit is required and demand exceeds supply. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
  • Timber Creek Overlook: no permit; Kolob Canyons has its own entrance off I-15 and is off the canyon shuttle. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Planning Around It

Go early, and plan a driving day for the areas the canyon road does not reach. See getting around Zion for the full picture, or the first-time visitor guide.