getting to zion
The closest airport to Zion National Park is the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas which is approximately 167 miles away and approximately a 2 hour and 48 minute drive. Remember if you are driving from Las Vegas you are coming from a different time zone and will lose one hour heading toward Zion- make sure to plan ahead for that! The second major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport which is approximately 313 miles away and a 4 hour and 34 minute drive. Zion is located in the town of Springdale, Utah. Another close city that often serves as a springboard for Zion is St. George, Utah which is about 41 miles away or a 54 minute drive.
getting around zion
Zion has a shuttle system that runs mid March through December for all guests going down the Scenic Drive. Between January and February and the first ½ of March you are able to self drive and park down that area and parking is first come first serve. The Zion Twitter page does send alerts if the parking is full during this time and upon review was some days usually around after 10 AM.
During other times of year you must take the shuttle from the visitor center and it is advised to get there before 9 AM. If that is full there is a shuttle from Springdale to the visitor center and then from there you could take the shuttle up the Scenic Drive. There is paid parking in the town of Springdale or you can walk to bus station if staying in town.
To ride the shuttle you must purchase a ticket. Currently, you must buy this in advance at www.recreation.gov and face masks are mandatory. The first shuttle leaves at 6 AM but you must board during time indicated on your shuttle ticket. The last shuttle back leaves Temple of Sinawava at 8:15 PM however with limited seating plan on heading back earlier.
You can also drive your own vehicle to visit Kolob Canyon portion of the park. This section is much less visited but has some amazing vistas and trails very worth visiting. Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is approximately 40 miles from the Zion National Park Visitor Center which is about a 52 minute drive.
where to stay
Zion National Park is located near Springdale, Utah. There is a number of available accommodations in this town. It is a great idea to stay here especially if you wish to get up early to explore the park. You can also stay in St. George, Utah which is approximately 54 minute drive to Zion National Park.
If you wish to stay inside Zion National Park, you can stay at the Zion Lodge which is open year-round. There are special winter rates available!
For camping, Zion National Park has the South and Watchman Campgrounds which are open mid-March through late November and reservations are strongly recommended as these campgrounds are extremely popular. Lava Point Campground is about 1-hour drive to Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace. You can reserve by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov and make sure to do so in advance!
when to visit
In general, the best time to visit Zion National Park is in the fall. Both spring and fall had moderate weather; however, spring runoff can make canyon hiking difficult or impossible. Summer temperatures over 100 degrees are common making mid-day hiking challenging. Winter is the least crowded time to visit. The shuttle buses down Zion Canyon run from mid-March through December so if you would like the flexibility of driving your own vehicle you should visit January and February.
fees
Weekly passes are good for both Zion and Kolob Canyon for 7 consecutive days.
Private vehicle: $35/7 days
Motorcycle: $30/7 days
Person: $20/7 days (bicycle, hikers- without a vehicle)
Annual Pass: $80 interagency pass good for one year from month purchased- I highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year.
top things to do
Zion National Park is an outdoor paradise packed stunning views and incredible nature. No stop is complete without hitting up the Zion Canyon Visitor Center with informative park rangers who can let you know how to make the most of your visit. Zion is packed with numerous iconic hiking trails from wadding down the Virgin River via the Narrows to the harrowing steep drop-off hike of Angel’s Landing. The easiest and most photographed hike is the Canyon Overlook Trail. Other great hikes include Observation Point and the Watchman Trail. You can also explore the Emerald Pools.
If driving is your preferred way to see the park, you will not be disappointed. You can drive the Mount-Carmel Scenic Drive and/or take the Scenic Drive down the Canyon via the Shuttle. You can also drive your private vehicle in the Kolob Canyon Section of the Park.
Make sure to keep your eyes out for wildlife. You can see bighorn sheep, mule deer, California condor, Mexican spotted owl, or even a mountain lion.
Zion is a great park to see at night for its incredible starry night sky.
