Plan Your Trip · Complete Guide
The Complete Guide to Zion National Park
Everything you need to plan a first trip: the five areas of the park, when to go, what it costs, how the shuttle works, which hikes to pick, and where to stay - with a link to a deeper guide for every topic.
The Short Version
Zion is a park of sandstone walls, river canyons and high plateaus in southwest Utah. Most first-time visitors spend their days in Zion Canyon, the heart of the park, and sleep in Springdale, the gateway town at the south entrance. Pick your area first, then your hikes: the park's districts are far apart and feel like different places.
The through-line of this site is simple: go off-peak if you can. The shoulder seasons and winter cost less, feel calmer, and show you a different canyon. If you only have a few minutes, start with the first-time visitor guide; if you want the full picture, keep reading.
The Five Areas of the Park
Zion is not one place. Where you point your car decides your trip.
- Zion Canyon - the famous scenic drive, the shuttle, Riverside Walk, The Narrows, Angels Landing and Emerald Pools.
- East side (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) - slickrock, the tunnel, and Canyon Overlook, Observation Point access from the east and the East Rim.
- Kolob Canyons - a quieter northwest corner reached from I-15, with Taylor Creek and Kolob Arch.
- Kolob Terrace - a high plateau road to Northgate Peaks, the Subway trailhead and the West Rim.
- Southwest Desert - low-elevation desert routes like Coalpits Wash and the Chinle Trail, good for winter.
The Zion National Park overview maps all five.
When to Go
The best overall windows are April-May and late September-October. December-February is the quietest, and the canyon looks different with frost on the cottonwoods. Summer is hot and crowded, so start early and plan for water-based hikes. Use the month-by-month guide to pick dates, then read what to expect in spring, summer, fall or winter. To dodge the crowds in any season, see Zion without the crowds.
Fees and Permits
A private vehicle pays $35 to enter, and the pass is good for seven consecutive days. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Annual passes and free-entry days are covered in Zion entrance fees.
Entering the park does not need a reservation, but some hikes do need a permit. Angels Landing requires one to go beyond Scout Lookout, and The Subway requires one. The Narrows needs a permit only for the top-down through-hike; the bottom-up route from the Temple of Sinawava does not. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Permit systems change, so confirm on nps.gov before you build a day around one.
Getting Around: The Shuttle
For much of the year the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is reachable only by the park shuttle, and in winter the shuttle usually pauses and you can drive it yourself. [VERIFY: nps.gov] A separate free town shuttle runs the length of Springdale's main road and connects to the canyon shuttle at the pedestrian entrance, so if you stay in town you can leave the car parked. Details are in getting around Zion and shuttle, parking and access.
Hikes at a Glance
These are the trails most first-time visitors choose, grouped by effort. Each links to a full trail guide. Distances and elevation come from our trail pages.
Easy and family-friendly
| Hike | Area | Distance | Elevation gain | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Walk | Zion Canyon | 2.2 mi RT | 57 ft | None |
| Pa'Rus Trail | Zion Canyon | 3.5 mi RT | 50 ft | None |
| Weeping Rock | Zion Canyon | 0.4 mi RT | 98 ft | None |
| Emerald Pools | Zion Canyon | 1.2-3.0 mi RT | 200 ft | None |
Moderate
| Hike | Area | Distance | Elevation gain | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watchman Trail | Zion Canyon | 3.3 mi RT | 368 ft | None |
| Canyon Overlook | East side | 1.0 mi RT | 163 ft | None |
| Taylor Creek Trail | Kolob Canyons | 5.0 mi RT | 450 ft | None |
Big days
| Hike | Area | Distance | Elevation gain | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Narrows | Zion Canyon | Up to 10 mi | Varies | Top-down only |
| Observation Point | East side | 8.0 mi RT | 2,100 ft | None |
| Angels Landing | Zion Canyon | 5.4 mi RT | 1,488 ft | Required |
| The Subway (Left Fork) | Kolob Terrace | 9.0 mi RT | 1,000 ft | Required |
| La Verkin Creek to Kolob Arch | Kolob Canyons | 14.0 mi RT | 1,050 ft | None |
Permit rules are a moving target. [VERIFY: nps.gov] More ways to choose: best hikes, easy hikes, family-friendly hikes and winter hikes, or the printable hiking guide.
Beyond the Trails
You do not have to hike to have a full Zion day. Ride the shuttle up the canyon and get off at the stops that interest you, drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway on the east side, or spend a morning on the paved Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk. The park is also home to desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and California condors, and our wildlife guide covers where to look for them. For photographers, start with the best photo spots and the photography guide.
Where to Stay and Eat
Springdale puts you at the shuttle and within walking distance of restaurants. Start with where to stay for Zion, then browse lodging and dining, or use the Springdale directory for the whole town. Budget-minded visitors can look at nearby Hurricane and La Verkin, and visiting off-peak lowers the price of nearly everything.
Sample Itineraries
- One day in Zion - the highlights without the rush.
- Two days - add a bigger hike.
- Three days - add the east side or Kolob Canyons.
- Zion and Bryce Canyon - a road trip pairing.
- Custom itinerary builder - tell us your days and interests.
Before you leave, run through the trip planning checklist.
Beyond Zion
Southern Utah rewards a longer trip. Bryce Canyon is a short drive east, and the Utah Mighty 5 guide links all five parks. Nearby towns worth a stop include Kanab, St. George and Grafton.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Zion National Park?
One full day covers the main canyon highlights, two days lets you add a bigger hike such as The Narrows, and three days lets you add the east side or Kolob Canyons without rushing. See the 1-day, 2-day and 3-day itineraries linked above.
What is the best time of year to visit Zion?
April-May and late September-October give the best mix of weather and trail conditions. December-February is the quietest and cheapest time to visit, and summer is the hottest and most crowded.
Do you need a reservation or permit for Zion?
Entering the park does not require a reservation. Specific hikes do: Angels Landing and The Subway require permits, and The Narrows needs one only for the top-down through-hike. Always confirm current rules on nps.gov before you go. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
Do you have to take the shuttle in Zion?
For much of the year the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible only by the park shuttle. In winter the shuttle usually pauses and you can drive it yourself. Confirm current dates and rules before you travel. [VERIFY: nps.gov]
Where should you stay for Zion National Park?
Most visitors stay in Springdale, the gateway town at the south entrance, which puts you a short walk from the shuttle. Cheaper options exist in nearby Hurricane and La Verkin, and in-park lodging is limited.
What are the best easy hikes in Zion?
Riverside Walk, the Pa'rus Trail, the lower Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock are the usual first choices. Most are short, paved or well graded, and reachable from the shuttle. Check that each trail is open before you plan around it.
Are dogs allowed in Zion National Park?
Leashed pets are allowed on only a few paved routes, the Pa'rus Trail being the main one. They are not allowed on most trails or on the shuttle. [VERIFY: nps.gov]