Zion has limited parking space. Park only in designated stalls. Vehicles parked outside of designated stalls are subject to citation and may be towed. Once all designated parking stalls in Zion are full, visitors should park in Springdale.
Full details →+4 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
Zion National Park is all about towering red sandstone cliffs and deep, narrow canyons. Unlike parks where you stand at the rim and look down, at Zion, you stand on the canyon floor and look straight up. Famous for extreme hikes like Angels Landing and the Narrows, Zion is a thrilling adventure. Because the canyon is narrow, the park uses a mandatory shuttle bus system for most of the year.
About Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a national park located in Utah. Zion is known for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and day/night temperatures may differ by over 30°F. In summer, temperatures in Zion National Park often exceed 100°F/38°C. Zion experiences monsoons from mid-July into September that result in an increased risk of flash floods. Always be aware of the threat of storms and lightning and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Winters are generally mild.
Zion National Park's main, south entrance and administrative offices are located near Springdale, Utah You may drive yourself on all open park roads except the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. During most of the year, the Scenic Drive is accessed by shuttle bus only. Shuttles are free to ride. Board one in Springdale or at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Zion starts at $20 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($35), Entrance - Motorcycle ($30), Entrance - Snowmobile ($20), Entrance - Per Person ($20), Entrance - Non-commercial Groups ($20), Commercial Entrance - Van ($70), Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus ($80), Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach ($190), Commercial Entrance - Per Person ($20), Nonresident ($100). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
🥾 Things to Do
Zion National Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, and 18 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Zion
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Zion
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Zion before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 5 active alerts for Zion. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Zion get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Altitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of years. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Zion
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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