The Ultimate Zion National Park Travel Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is Zion?
• Where is Zion National Park located?
• How to Get to Zion?
  • Airports Near Zion National Park
  • Cities Near Zion National Park
  • Getting Around Zion National Park
    • Zion Canyon Shuttle
    • Springdale Shuttle
• Where to Stay In and Around Zion National Park
• When to Visit Zion National Park
• Weather in Zion National Park by Season
• Things to Do in Zion National Park
• Where to Eat in Zion
• Budgeting
  • Transportation Cost
  • Lodging Cost
  • Meal Costs
  • Miscellaneous Expenses
• Zion National Park FAQs

Come explore Utah’s first national park, following the paths of Native peoples and early Mormon settlers.

Trek through rugged deserts and slot canyons, pass beneath weeping stones into lush oases, and wander cool ponderosa pine forests high in the mountains.

Zion National Park is far more than mesas and canyons—and more visitors discover that each year.

Its soaring pink and gray sandstone, crisscrossed mesas, and fleeting waterfalls are hard to resist.

Shaped by over 150 million years of sedimentation and uplift, Zion’s geology is among the tallest and most striking in the world. Nine distinct rock layers reveal a vivid story of color, fossils, and time.

With Shaka Guide, you won’t just see Zion—you’ll understand it through stories of geology, history, and the natural world. And once you arrive, you’ll see why there’s truly nowhere else like it.

What is Zion?

The park has four distinct regions. These are: 

• Zion Canyon
• Kolob Canyons
• Kolob Terrace
• East Zion

While many visitors will only choose to visit Zion Canyon, the park's most popular area, if you’re taking Shaka Guide’s Zion National Park Tour, we’ll give you the chance to explore all of Zion.

Where is Zion National Park located?

Zion National Park is in southwestern Utah, about two hours from the Grand Canyon and under three hours from Las Vegas. Its central location makes it a popular stop on Southwest National Park road trips.

How to Get to Zion?

by ImagineGolf by Getty Images

Zion is located on UT-9 in southwestern Utah. If you're coming from the west, enter through Hurricane; from the east, start at Mt. Carmel Junction near Kanab. Both routes lead to the park’s main entrance near Springdale.

Airports Near Zion National Park

• SGU Regional Airport-47 miles, 1 hr, St. George, Utah
• Cedar City Regional Airport-61 miles,  1 hr 10 minutes, Cedar City, Utah
• McCarran International Airport-173 miles, 2 hr 50 minutes, Las Vegas, Nevada

Cities Near Zion National Park

• Hurricane, Utah-24 miles, 30 minutes
• St.George, Utah-42 miles, 55 minutes
• Cedar City, Utah-58 miles, 1 hr
• Las Vegas, Nevada-168 miles, 2 hr 40 minutes
• Salt Lake City, Utah-316 miles, 4 hr 20 minutes

Getting Around Zion National Park 

Photo by Rachel Ennis, Zion Temple of Sinawava Shuttle Stop

Since 2000, Zion has implemented a mandatory shuttle service in an effort to ease park congestion.

Shuttle season in Zion is from February to November (and again at Christmas).

During shuttle season, personal vehicles are not permitted in Zion Canyon, so visitors must catch a shuttle. 

There are two shuttles in Zion,

• The Zion Canyon Shuttle and
• The Springdale Shuttle

Zion Canyon Shuttle

The Zion Canyon Shuttle is free and runs from 7 a.m. to early evening. The Zion Canyon Shuttle ferries visitors from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center all the way to the Temple of Sinawava—Zion Canyon’s final stop.

There are nine stops along this route altogether, and the shuttles run both ways. Shuttle stops occur at each stop every 10-15 minutes. You may get on and off at any point.

Check the Zion NPS website for the most up-to-date shuttle schedule.

Springdale Shuttle

The second shuttle is the Springdale shuttle. This shuttle provides access to and from parking sites in town.

There are nine stops located inside the town of Springdale, and one at Grand Canyon Village. From the village, it's a short, easy walk to the pedestrian entrance.

For visitors parking in the town of Springdale—a must unless you arrive early enough to snag limited free parking at the Human History Museum, Zion Visitor Center, or the Zion Nature Center—you’ll start here.

You’ll catch this shuttle to enter Zion before transferring to the Zion Canyon Shuttle.

There is no fee to use the Springdale shuttle. There is, however, a fee for parking in town. Depending on how close you are, this fee can be anywhere from 10 to 30 dollars a day, per vehicle.

Where to Stay In and Around Zion National Park

You know what they say, it's all about “location, location, location.” Well, surprise! It’s no different in Zion.

While there’s always some variability, generally, the closer you are to Zion Canyon, the more expensive the accommodations become.

These are some of the options you have for accommodations, from closest to furthest.

1. Stay Inside Zion Canyon

by Thaddeo from pixabay

For those who want to maximize their time inside the park and can book far in advance, the Zion National Park Lodge is for you.

Zion National Park Lodge is the only hotel inside the park, and is, understandably, quite popular.

For the busy season, these rooms may be booked out months prior, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Reservations are usually around 230 dollars a night, depending on the season, and can be made up to 13 months in advance.

2. Stay in Kolob Terrace

Though few, there are some accommodations in Kolob Terrace. Staying here will offer you a scenic retreat in the beauty of Zion without all of the hustle and bustle of Zion Canyon. 

There are two places available for visitors to stay:

• Lazalou Zion Retreat 
• Zions Tiny Oasis.

These luxurious tiny home rentals begin at about 400 dollars a night. 

If you are looking for something less extravagant, there are a few cabins for rent near Kolob Reservoir, located at the top of the mountain.

3. Stay in Springdale

by Leemus by Getty Images

Not all of us can book our vacations 13 months in advance, so for the rest of us, Springdale offers the closest last-minute accommodations near Zion Canyon.

And, no fear, there are plenty of selections to choose from.

Springdale is quite literally the gate to Zion, so for those prioritizing convenience, this is the place to look.

It's also a hub of restaurants, culture, and activities for those looking to have everything within walking distance. Hey, after all, you’ve driven enough!

For hotels, you’ll be looking at around 300 dollars a night. And for Airbnb's, their prices are usually similar, though they sometimes go as low as 200.

Just don’t forget all of the cleaning fees!

4. Stay in Virgin/Rockville

There are just a few hotel options in Virgin and Rockville, two tiny towns just 10-20 minutes outside of Zion Canyon.

The rates here are quite a bit cheaper, usually 50 to 100 dollars less than in Springdale.

If a twenty-minute drive is worth it to you, consider saving a few bucks by staying in Springdale or Rockville for anywhere from $150 to $250 a night.

Be aware, though, that when we say tiny town, we mean it!

There are only three restaurants in Virgin and none in Rockville, so if you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet stay, this is the place for you!

5. Stay in La Verkin/Hurricane

by Anita Sagastegui from Getty Images

La Verkin and Hurricane are located about 30 minutes away from Zion Canyon, but are by far the most economical choices.

Hotels around this area can cost anywhere from 100 to 200 dollars on average.

Additionally, for those who choose to stay in this area, there are several restaurants and convenience stores located nearby.

For many, this will be the best of both worlds, offering affordable prices and a convenient location.

Escape to Zion White Bison Resort—where luxury meets nature; book your stay today! 

6. Camping in Zion National Park

Looking to make a genuine connection with nature while visiting Zion? Because the area around Zion remains relatively warm well into November, camping can be surprisingly pleasant for the majority of the year.

SOUTH CAMPGROUND

So where should you pitch your tent in Zion? South Campground is probably the best place to camp in Zion, for both convenience and comfort.

The campground is spacious and shady and is located just past Springdale by the South Gate entrance.

The biggest bonus to staying here? No line-up for the gate checks in the morning!

Reservations for South Campground are strongly recommended. Book reservations up to two weeks in advance here. 

 WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND

If South Campground is full, consider staying at Watchman Campground, just a few minutes from South Campground.

Reservations for Watchman open six months in advance, so if waiting until two weeks before your trip seems to cut it a little too close for comfort, this is a great option. 

Both South Campground and Watchman Campground will run you about 20 dollars a night for tents only, and 30 dollars for electricity hookups ( available at Watchman only).

Other camping options include Zion Canyon Campground, Zion River Resort, Hi-Road Campground, Lava Point Campground, and Kolob Reservoir.

7. Glamping in Zion

But what if camping seems a little too, erm, rustic for your taste? Then how about glamping? It’s just like camping...but, ya' know... glamorous!

For those unfamiliar, glamping tents may feature beautiful furnishings, stoves, ACs, patios, private bathrooms—even housekeeping!

The prices and amenities included vary wildly in Zion, and there are many different glamping options scattered throughout the area.

They can be a little harder to find, but trust us—there’s no shortage of choices!

For those looking for a glamping experience with fewer frills, consider the following:

• Zion Glamping Adventures
• Zion Wildflower Resort
• Zion Backcountry
• Whispering Pines
• Gooseberry Mesa Yurts
• Zion Weeping Buffalo
• Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

For those who are looking for an unforgettable luxurious experience, Open Sky Zion and Undercanvas Zion offer lavish glamping accommodations.

When to Visit Zion National Park

Zion National Park is open every day of the year, including holidays. However, certain park services may be unavailable during holidays.

Generally speaking, facilities, e.g., the visitor center, are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During holidays and in the wintertime, these hours may be reduced.

Zion’s shuttle hours vary from month to month. Aside from the last week of December, the first shuttle leaves the visitor center at 7 a.m., and the last shuttle leaves the Temple of Sinawava at 7:15 p.m.

During late summer, the last shuttle departs one hour earlier, at 6:15 p.m.

It’s very important to check the daily shuttle schedule while in Zion to confirm, as the schedule may change at any time.

RELATED: When's the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park?

Weather in Zion National Park by Season

Shutterstock Image

After planning a trip to Zion, bad weather can still disrupt plans.

Zion rarely gets rained out, but flood watches or warnings can occur and make canyons and riverside hikes unsafe.

Snowfall may also close parts of Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons. Have backup plans and respect weather warnings—no hike is worth risking your safety.

Zion’s temperatures vary widely. Expect triple-digit heat in summer and snow in winter.

Bring plenty of water and wear temperature-appropriate clothing. Zion’s arid climate causes dehydration quickly, so come prepared.

Holidays

This may go without saying, but consider saving that extra Labor Day vacation day.

Holidays in Zion get crowded and expensive. Many travelers plan the same trip, and long weekends swell an already busy park. On the Fourth of July weekend in 2019, Zion saw 94,000 visitors.

If you’re patient, a holiday visit can still work, but expect long shuttle lines and fully booked permitted hikes like  Angel’s Landing.

Spring

by CarlosChavezPhotography by Getty Images

As winter snow melts, Zion National Park sees warm days, cool nights, and renewed life in the canyon.

Daytime temps rise from the low 60s in early spring to the high 80s by May, while nights drop into the 40s and 50s. It’s often too cold for The Narrows, but spring is ideal for longer trails and backpacking.

Late winter and early spring bring the most precipitation, which can close areas due to snowmelt and high water.

That moisture also fuels waterfalls and wildflowers, with desert marigold, slickrock paintbrush, and claret cup cactus in bloom.

Crowds stay lighter in March and April, then build in May as peak season begins.

Summer

by Victor Lee from Getty Images

Temperatures hit triple digits, and peak-season crowds flood the park, especially in June and July.

Families pack popular short trails, making hikes like Emerald Pools slow and crowded. Late August brings slightly cooler temps and fewer visitors.

If crowds and high prices aren’t your thing, summer may disappoint. Still, the season shines for shaded slot canyons, rafting the Virgin River, and high-elevation areas. Top summer hike? The Narrows.

For cooler temps and fewer people, head to Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace, where temperatures can run up to ten degrees cooler and crowds stay thin.

Fall

by Tigerone from Getty Images

Fall in Zion National Park is one of the best times to visit. As temperatures cool and crowds thin, Zion becomes easier to explore.

September still reaches the 90s, but cooler evenings arrive, and crowds fade by month’s end.

Fall colors appear at higher elevations in mid-September and spread to lower areas by mid-October.

By November, visitation drops to about half of summer levels. Days stay mild in the mid-60s, while nights dip below 40.

With pleasant weather, reasonable prices, and full park services through November, fall offers the best balance—minus the crowds.

Winter

by MichaelJust from Getty Images

Winter is the least popular season at Zion National Park, with January and February drawing about 3% of annual visitors each.

For solitude, winter delivers. Snow-dusted canyons and frosted evergreens transform the park, but cold sets in by mid-December.

Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s and nights around 30 or colder. Pack snow boots and a heavy jacket.

Some closures come with winter. Zion Canyon stays open, but Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons may close after snowfall. Icy conditions can also make hikes like Angel’s Landing unsafe.

Winter brings the most precipitation, so prepare for snow and rain.

The perks? Winter is the only season you can drive your own car through Zion Canyon—no shuttles, except during Christmas week.

It’s also the cheapest time to visit, making winter a quiet, budget-friendly escape.

Things to Do in Zion National Park

1. Driving Tours: Shaka Guide's Zion National Park Tour

While Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to personal cars during the busy season (i.e.spring through fall), winter visitors are free to drive themselves through the canyon. 

Outside Zion Canyon, drivers can enjoy scenic views year-round. Three standout routes offer great vistas without the crowds.

First, Kolob Terrace delivers one of the park’s most scenic drives. This 40-minute route climbs 5,000 feet, shifting from desert plants to mountain forests. At 8,000 feet, views open to lava fields, cinder cones, and hoodoos.

Next, Kolob Canyons provides scenic pullouts and fewer crowds. Though short, it features some of Zion’s most striking rock formations and works well if you approach from the west.

Finally, East Zion offers dramatic viewpoints via winding roads, the historic Mt. Carmel Tunnel, and expansive slickrock. This drive showcases a side of Zion you won’t see anywhere else.

Check out our Zion National Park Tour to visit ALL three of these regions and Zion Canyon. 

2. Hike

by KellyVanDellen 

For those looking to get in some good steps, Zion is certainly the place to be. In fact, Zion is home to so many fantastic hikes that you’ll be hard-pressed to find ones you don’t want to do.

We’ve curated a list of what we think are the best hikes that Zion has to offer: 

• Angel’s Landing-Zion Canyon (advance reservations required)
• Emerald Pools Trail-Zion Canyon
• The Narrows-Zion Canyon
• Canyon Overlook Trail-East Zion
• Timber Creek Trail-Kolob Canyons
• Cave Valley Trail-Kolob Terrace
• Northgate Peaks Trail-Kolob Terrace

Feeling excited for what’s to come? Feel free to salivate over your amazing Shaka Guide Itinerary.

For a complete list of available hikes, check out the highlights in the tour app, and for more thorough trail descriptions, take a look at our hiking guide.

3. Backpack

Zion is a backpacker’s paradise. With dozens of backpacking sites and multiple camping areas, there are plenty of options for those travelers looking to form a deeper connection with Zion’s wilderness.

But before you start packing your camping gear, there are a few things to note.

First, all backpackers must have a valid wilderness permit and must stay overnight in their designated wilderness backpacking area.

Secondly, reservations for backpacking sites can be made either online or in person on a first-come, first-served basis.

Half of the sites will be made available for online booking, while the other half will be available for in-person inquiries only.

If you want to make a reservation for one of these sites online, sites for the month open for reservations on the fifth of the month prior.

It is not uncommon for these sites to fill up within minutes of opening. Online reservations can be made at the Zion Wilderness Reservation site.

Permit prices are as follows:

• $15.00 for 1 to 2 people
• $20.00 for 3 to 7 people
• $25.00 for 8 to 12 people

But with a wealth of trails to choose from, where should you go? Well, you're spoilt for choice in this park. Here are some to check out below:

• Wildcat Canyon and Connector Trails-Zion Canyon
• Virgin River Narrows-Zion Canyon
• La Verkin Creek Trail- Kolob Canyons
• West Rim Trail-Kolob Terrace
• Hop Valley Trail-Kolob Terrace
• Southwest Desert Trails-Anasazi Way
• East Rim Trails-East Zion 

For further details on these wilderness hikes, check out our hiking guide.

4. Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Gagliardi Photography

When you arrive at Zion Canyon Visitor Center, take a chance to read the information plaques, talk to the rangers, and grab a map before you hit the trails.

While at the center, visitors should also review the schedule for ranger-led activities.

These activities—including ranger walks—allow visitors to learn from the experts while hiking some of Zion’s most popular trails.

At the end of the day, when you’re heading back out, don’t forget to grab some souvenirs to take home with you from the gift shop!

5. Zion Human History Museum/Ranger Tours

Visitors to the Zion Human History Museum can escape the weather ("warm today, isn't it?") and browse through over 300,000 permanent exhibits on the human and geologic history of Zion.

The museum also shows a free 22-minute film on Zion National Park’s history, played every half hour. 

But what’s the number one activity at the Human History Museum? Definitely, the ranger talks.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a ranger-led discussion held on the back patio of the museum. These informative talks are free, with no reservation required.

Take the opportunity to learn about Zion’s history, geology, and biology from the park’s foremost experts! 

6. Swim

by GuiMesquita from Getty Images

Thanks to the Virgin River, visitors to Zion can enjoy some swimming even in the desert. But don’t pull out that swimsuit just yet!

There are some important water safety facts that all swimmers and visitors should know.

Since the summer of 2020, Zion’s Virgin River and its tributaries have been experiencing toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

Side effects of exposure in humans are usually mild and may include skin irritation or gastrointestinal distress.

Exposure to these cyanobacteria in dogs, however, has a high degree of fatality.

Keep all pets away from the water, and, in the case of exposure, rinse the animal’s fur and skin immediately.

If swimming, humans must not drink or submerge their heads underwater, as doing so can potentially cause kidney or liver damage.

Visitors can check the current safety warnings at the Zion NPS website. 

Where to Swim in Zion National Park

Well, now that the scary part is out of the way, where do people who want to swim go in Zion? Well, they're not super well-known, but there are a couple of places to take a dip in the park.

You can find them listed below. For more information on the Pine Creek Trail, be sure to check out our hiking guide.

• Kolob Reservoir-Kolob Terrace
• Pine Creek Trail- East Zion
• Virgin River Swimming Hole-Canyon Junction Shuttle Stop

7. Rafting/Kayaking

Looking for some real excitement? How about catching an adrenaline rush by rafting down the white rapids of the Virgin River?

If you’re an experienced rafter, you can pick up your wilderness permit from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and go it alone.

For those who prefer a guided tour, usually, the tour guide will take care of your wilderness permit for you.

8. Canyoneering

For those who long for a sense of adventure and exploration, Zion is a canyoneering paradise. Swim, scramble, crawl, and climb your way to new and exciting sights and heights.

Many of Zion’s canyoneering routes are beginner-friendly, but for those who would love an expert’s advice, Zion has no shortage of guides willing to take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Just don’t forget your wilderness permit!

Consider some of these popular locations in Zion for your canyoneering adventure.

• The Subway-Kolob Terrace
• Orderville Canyon-Zion Canyon
• Mystery Canyon-Zion Canyon
• Pine Creek-East Zion

9. Rock Climbing

by DarrenMower from Getty Images

Zion National Park is renowned for its soaring sandstone cliffs, sometimes rising as high as 2,000 feet.

Needless to say, Zion abounds with excellent climbs, both overnight and single day.

Many of the climbs inside the park are higher-difficulty, so be sure to check the recommended skill level before you head out.

For those who are a little wary about breaking into rock climbing, consider rappelling instead. It’s all the fun of the descent—without the long climb! 

Looking to simplify the experience? Grab a guide to take care of all the prep work, research, and gear rental. Then, all you have to do is sign and climb! 

10. Biking

There is only one trail available for biking inside Zion National Park, and that’s the Pa’rus Trail.

This is a paved riverside trail located just past the visitor center and is just shy of 2 miles each way.

Additionally, avid cyclists can enjoy biking Zion’s many scenic drives, including the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive inside the main canyon.

Outside of the park, there are several thrilling areas for mountain biking, including the recommended Gooseberry Mesa Slickrock Trails.

It’s considered one of the best technical mountain biking trails in the United States.

11. Horseback Riding

From March to October, visitors have the option to explore Zion in much the same way that the pioneers did—on horseback.

The horseback trails in and around Zion are slow-paced and beginner-friendly. If you're hoping to hit that duty trail, there are several companies and ranchers around Zion offering guided horseback rides.

12. ATV

While there is no ATV riding inside Zion National Park, there are several areas nearby for those looking to crank up the throttle.

Sand Hollow and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Parks are excellent options for those looking to tear up some sand. Some tours even offer sandboarding or sand-sledding add-ons!

13. Visit a Ghost Town

The abandoned 19th-century ghost town of Grafton is famous as the perfect setting for old Western films and excellent selfies.

For all you movie buffs, Grafton served as a filming location for such great classics as In Old Arizona and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Beyond inspiring filmmakers, it is also thought to be the most photographed ghost town in the West! 

Where to Eat in Zion

Feeling famished after a day full of hiking? There are plenty of places around Zion to sit down for a delicious meal.

Springdale, right outside of Zion’s south gate, has no shortage of places to eat.

If you’re feeling ravenous and want a diverse menu, hit up Oscar’s Cafe. ...We can pretty much guarantee you won’t leave hungry (wow, the portions!).

Another Springdale favorite is Thai Sappa, featuring a menu filled with fresh, balanced Thai flavors.

If you’re staying in La Verkin, be sure to check out Stage Coach Grille, which features fresh, locally sourced beef.

And if you’re heading through Hurricane on your way to or from the airport, you have to swing by Cross Country Diner. Trust us, you will not be disappointed. Or, at least, I wasn't.

Peckish in the park? There's only one spot to eat in the park, and that’s Zion Lodge’s Red Rock Grille in the Zion Canyon region of the park. It's simple stuff, but it'll make do if you need a bite to fuel up between trails.

Budgeting

So, how much will it cost you to enjoy some of those thrilling guided adventure tours?

While they vary from company to company, we can provide you with some estimates of what to expect.

ATV Rental

• $300-600 per vehicle, all-day, unguided (prices vary depending on vehicle type)
• $150-200 pp, 2-hour guided tour

Horseback Riding

• $100 pp, 3-hour guided tour
• $50 pp, 1-hour guided tour

Mountain Biking

• $75 per full-suspension bike, all-day, unguided
• $250 pp, all day, guided tour

Rock Climbing

• $40-60 per day, gear only, unguided
• $200-300 all day, guided tour

Canyoneering

• $40-60 per day, gear only, unguided
• $200-300 pp, all day, guided tour

Kayaking/Rafting

• 60 per kayak all day, unguided
• 30-100 pp all day, guided tour

Shaka Guide Driving Tour 

• $14.99 for the Zion National Park Tour (gosh golly, what a bargain!)
• $29.99 for the ZBC Bundle (oh my word, what a steal!)
• $38.99 for the Utah & Mighty 5 Collection  (well butter my biscuits—that’s a whole state of savings!)

Transportation Cost

Most visitors choose to drive themselves through Zion. For those who need to rent a vehicle, car rentals from St.George airport can get quite expensive.

For a budget car, expect anywhere from 70-100 dollars a day after taxes and fees.

The price of rentals from Las Vegas is generally about the same (to slightly more expensive), anywhere from 80 to 110 dollars a day.

Gas tends to be slightly above the national average near Zion. If driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, expect anywhere from 30 to 50 dollars round-trip in gas alone.

Lodging Cost

The price of your accommodations will vary based on proximity to Zion Canyon, season, and amenities.

For primitive camping, prices start at about 20 dollars per night. Not a bad deal for a room with a view.

For luxury glamping, however, the prices can soar to over 600 dollars a night.

If you’re traveling in spring through fall, expect anywhere from 150 to 300 dollars a night for a 2-3 star hotel, depending on how close you are to the south gate of Zion.

Meal Costs

Anticipate anywhere from 10-20 dollars per person for lunch, and 15-25 dollars per person for dinner.

Or, ya' know...bring your own. Picnic lunches are an excellent way to save some money, enjoy more park time, and can lower your price to about 5 dollars per person.

Here are some picnic areas to check out:

1. Zion Canyon Visitor Center Picnic Area

Located just 0.3 miles from the South Entrance by the Visitor Center parking lot. Offers gravel-surfaced tables and accessible restrooms nearby. 

2. Grotto Picnic Area

Shuttle stop #6 on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible by shuttle from early March to mid-November).Set beneath large cottonwoods with tables, shade, flush toilets, water bottle fillers, bike racks, and trash service. Popular launch point for The Grotto Trail and Emerald Pools hikes. Perfect for a family BBQ. 

3. Kolob Canyons Picnic Area

Located about 2 miles up Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive near the Kolob Visitor Center. Gravel tables and restroom facilities with stunning canyon views.

Miscellaneous Expenses

• Narrows Gear Rental Package- $30 pp per day
• Bivy Permit-$15 (for all overnight climbs)
• Springdale Parking-$20 per vehicle per day
• Wilderness Permit- $15, up to two people

Additional Parks (Near Zion)  Entrances

• Sand Hollow State Park,-1 non-residential vehicle, single day -$20
• Coral Pink Sand dunes Sate Park-1 vehicle, single day-$10
• Snow Canyon State Park-1 vehicle, single day-$10

Zion National Park FAQs

What’s the elevation of Zion National Park?

Zion National Park’s elevation ranges from about 3,500 feet at the canyon floor to over 8,000 feet in the high plateaus, offering a wide range of landscapes and climates.

How far is Zion National Park from Bryce Canyon National Park?

Zion is about 86 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, with an average drive time of roughly 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Are there other state parks near Zion National Park?

Yes, three state parks are located near Zion: Coral Pink Sand Dunes (45 miles east), Sand Hollow (39 miles southeast), and Snow Canyon (55 miles west). Each offers unique landscapes and outdoor activities within a short drive.

Are pets allowed on any trails in Zion National Park?

Pets are only allowed on the Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park. All other trails, wilderness areas, and shuttle buses prohibit pets for safety and preservation reasons.

Will I have a cell phone signal in Zion National Park?

Cell service in Zion is limited and becomes increasingly unreliable as you go deeper into the canyon. Expect weak or no signal on most trails and in remote areas of the park.

Where can I get Wi-Fi in Zion National Park

Free public Wi-Fi is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Human History Museum. These are the best spots in the park to connect online before heading into areas with limited service.

Where is the closest gas station to Zion National Park?

The closest gas stations are in Springdale, just one mile from Zion’s South Gate entrance. Two stations are available for fuel, snacks, and basic supplies before entering the park.

Is there a way to refill my water bottles in Zion National Park?

Yes, Zion has water refill stations in Zion Canyon and one in Kolob Canyons. There are no refill stations at Kolob Terrace or East Zion, so fill up before heading to those areas.

Is there any free parking in Zion National Park?

Yes, free parking is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. However, spots fill up quickly—arrive before 8 a.m. to secure a space. After that, the lot is usually full, especially during peak season.

Conclusion

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to have a great time at Zion National Park.

For the best experience possible, be sure you’re coming prepared with plenty of water and the right gear, and try to avoid peak times, such as holiday weekends.

If the crowds get overwhelming or the weather doesn’t quite cooperate, try to stay flexible. Zion is bigger than you might think, with plenty of hidden corners to explore. Rain or shine, no matter your travel style, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered.

About the Writer: Rachel Ennis

Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. Zion was her first love—the very first tour she wrote for Shaka Guide—and the moment she saw those towering red walls, something clicked.

That spark of awe has followed her to every park since. Now, she’s on a mission to share the stories that live in the land and the spaces that make us feel small in the best way.

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