It is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Las Vegas and a two-hour-drive from Bryce Canyon N.P. and roughly the same from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon N.P. and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Those visiting from Salt Lake City will find it to be around a five-hour-drive from Utah’s state capitol.

Most visitors and many of the park’s fabled attractions are found in Zion Canyon. This area, at the park’s south entrance, sits adjacent to the tourist town of Springdale, Utah. This area is the central hub for visiting Zion and a wide collection of services can be found here.

There are numerous attractions in the nearby area and most visitors will combine a trip to Bryce with a visit to Zion and the Grand Canyon. Time is the primary limiting factor concerning what sights you’ll want to included on your trip through this incredible area.

Many visitors choose to travel in a large loop while driving through southern Utah and northern Arizona. It is relatively easy to include Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon into a package trip.  The parks in this region compliment one another perfectly and the geologic relationship in the Grand Staircase makes such a journey practically a required field trip for anyone interested in the science of geology.

You may also access the park with a Military Pass (free) Annual 4th Grade Pass, a Senior Pass, an Access Pass or a Volunteer Pass.

These passes can be purchased at the gate to most national park units and can also be ordered online.

Online National Park Passes

If this idea doesn’t turn you on, prepare to spend $35 to enter the park. It should be stated, that park junkie writes fortune cookies, and he predicts this fee will certainly increase, much like postal rates and taxes…

NPS – Zion – Entrance Fee

Spring (March & April)

Springtime brings the traditional beginning of another season for those who return to the park after winter’s hibernation. Days begin to warm as plants and trees slowly emerge from their winter shells. Daytime temps are generally hospitable, but nighttime can still be downright chilly as temperatures can vary by more than 30˚F.

Snow levels from the previous winter dictate the amount of upcountry terrain that can be accessed by those adventuring into the backcountry. Snow melt during the springtime can result in substantial increase in the amount of water flowing in the Virgin River. Often, this will raise the level to a flow of more than 150 cfs (cubic feet per second) and the park service will close the Narrows to foot travel. Many visit Zion hoping to hike into the Narrows, so this oversight can be the source of a major bummer…

Summer (May-Sept)

Believe it or not, the raging triple digit temperatures of summer in the desert southwest do little to ward off throngs of tourists bent on checking the box on Zion. Simply put, this place is an overcrowded oven during these months and frequent trips to the river to cool off are mandatory. More than 500,000 people per month visit Zion during the summer months, so expect lines, full accommodations and standing-room-only shuttles in the park. Enjoy…

Summer is a great time for canyoneering in the park, as the cool, dark, and often wet canyons provide an instant cooling effect for those who enter. The only risk is the seasonal summer Monsoons which often begin in July and cease in September. These wondering storms produce massive cloud-bursts that, although short lived, produce violent flash floods that present extreme danger for those unfortunate enough to be in their path. Check at the visitor center upon your arrival to asses the flash flood risk for the areas you wish to visit while in the park.

Fall (Oct & Nov)

This is a favorite time for Park Junkie in Zion. Crowds begin to subside and the bright green leaves of the Canyon’s Cottonwood trees begin to glow golden against red cliffs. Temperatures fall and return to the variety of springtime. Long hikes require layers and nighttime temperatures often dip below freezing.

The season’s end in Zion brings quiet reflection among the falling leaves while sitting on the banks of the Virgin River.

Winter (Dec – Feb)

This is a spectacular time in Zion, for those who don’t mind roughing it a bit. Many services close and those who remain open operate on reduced hours with a skeleton staff. Shuttle service to Zion Canyon operates on holidays only, opening the canyon drive to private automobile travel.

Winters here are often cold and nearly half of the park’s annual precipitation will accrue during these months. Nighttime temps are regularly below freezing and some trails may be closed due to the hazard of falling ice.

Winter snows melt quickly in the canyon but often accumulate at higher elevations, which can give the red cliffs a white blanket during certain times. It can be a spectacular time to visit the park, but it will likely be cold and wet.

NPS – Zion – Operating Hours & Seasons

Utah Hwy 9 leads through the park from the Springdale entrance toward the Mount Carmel Tunnel and toward the East Gate of the park. The Canyon Drive is the section of roadway that leads from the bridge over the Virgin River upriver to the Temple of Sinawava. This area holds the park’s most coveted scenery.

The shuttle system operates on two separate loops, the town loop, and the park loop. The town shuttle services the hotels and restaurants of Springdale, providing transportation from the south end of town to the park gate. At the park entrance, riders disembark and pass through a walk-in station where fees are collected.

Upon entrance to the park, visitors can access the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, or board an up-canyon shuttle which takes riders to the end of Zion Canyon, at the Temple of Sinawava. There are 9 stops that serve various hotels and restaurants along the town route, and 9 stops along the canyon route, which provide access to all of the popular trails and vistas in Zion Canyon.

Visitors should be aware, that as of 2022, up-canyon shuttle service is not available from shuttle stop 3. The Zion Canyon Shuttle System claims that this is for “safety reasons”. This means that parking at Canyon Junction and boarding an up-canyon shuttle is no longer possible.

Shuttle Map

NPS – Zion – Shuttle Info

All vehicles 11’4” tall or taller, or 7’10” wide or wider, including all mirrors and attachments, require a permit and an opposing traffic pause to pass through the tunnel. Speak with rangers at entrance stations to arrange this.  Large vehicles may only travel through the tunnel daily from:

• March 5 to March 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• March 12 to April 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• April 30 to September 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• September 3 to September 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• September 28 to November 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Winter hours of operations for the tunnel are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After hours passage through this tunnel is strictly prohibited by such vehicles.

NPS – Zion – Tunnel

While this may or may not seem reasonable to visitors, there is little that can be done to negate this fee. The easy way to avoid this pesky fee is to leave your car at the hotel or campsite. 

Another option is to drive into the park is search of free parking, as the park does not charge for parking. In order to do this, an early arrival is essential, as nearly all parking spots at the visitor center and museum will be full by 8am during summers. Roadside parking near the bridge at the turn off to Zion Canyon is a great option, but the 20 or so parking spots here fill quickly as well. Again, an early arrival will aid in your mission to park here and catch the shuttle at the conveniently located Canyon Junction Shuttle Stop. Good luck…

The only other plausible course to park without charge is to park south of the town of Springdale, and walk or ride your bike into town. Nearly all businesses in this small town charge for parking. Again, good luck…

NPS – Zion – Traffic

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is located just inside the Springdale entrance to the park. It is open year-round at 8am and closes at 7pm during summer, at 6pm during spring and fall and at 5pm during the short days of winter. It is closed Christmas Day. This is home to the backcountry desk, where you will pick up backcountry permits and ask questions regarding weather and flash flooding danger, as well as other questions of interest. There is a bookstore and gift shop located here.

The Kolob Canyon Visitor Center is located at the entrance to the Kolob Canyon section of the park, just off of exit 40 on Interstate 15. Here guests can obtain answers to common questions and backcountry permits. A small bookstore is located in the visitor center as well.

Don’t forget the Zion Human History Museum while in Zion Canyon! It is located less than a mile north of the Springdale entrance and is the first stop past the visitor center on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Exhibits showcase Zion’s history and the theater shows the park movie here. You won’t want to miss the movie.

Park junkies never skip the park movie… These are often classics with great info that can add color to your visit…

NPS – Zion – Visitor Centers

Watchman Campground

Located 1/4 mile from South Entrance of park. Close to services and town. Open year round for tent and RV sites with electric. No full hook ups. Dump station available. No generators. Located near Visitor Center and Virgin River, with cottonwood trees to provide shade. Restrooms available, picnic tables, fire grates. Potable water available.

176 sites in 6, A-F loops (2 wheelchair accessible). 69 tent only sites, 18 tent only walk-ins. 6 Group sites.

Campsites are available by reservation from March – October. May be reserved 6 months prior to arrival date. Reservations strongly recommended. Campground often full.

Rec.Gov – Zion – Watchman Campground Reservations

NPS – Zion – Watchman Campground

NPS – Zion – Watchman Campground Map

South Campground

Located 1/2 mile from South Entrance of park. Close to services and town. Campground is relatively primitive. Potable water is available. Located near the Virgin River, with cottonwood trees to provide shade.

No hook-ups. No restrooms. Restrooms can be accessed via 0.3 mile walk south in the Watchman Campground. Campground is closed winter (Nov-Feb).

117 sites (3 wheelchair accessible).

Campsites are available by reservation 14 days prior to arrival. Reservations strongly recommended. Campground often full during summer.

Rec.Gov – Zion Camping Reservations

NPS – Zion – South Campground

NPS – Zion – South Campground Map

Lava Point

Campground is located at 7,890 feet above sea level and is accessed via the Kolob Terrace Road, about 25 miles north of the town of Virgin. Plan to drive about one hour and 20 minutes one-way from the South Entrance of Zion to this campground.

Campground open May – Sept, depending on weather.

Primitive campground with 6 sites. No reservations, first-come-first served. Pit toilets and trash provided. No water. Free, remote camping!

NPS – Zion – Lava Point Campground

The Zion Lodge is open year round. Today there are 76 standard rooms in the Zion Lodge, along with 6 suites. In addition to the rooms, 40 cabins are available as well. Twenty-eight of these cabins offer two double beds, while twelve offer 1 queen size bed.

The lodge has a restaurant and a cafe, in addition to a gift shop. There is an internet kiosk in the lobby and the front desk is attended 24 hours.

Reservations are recommended.

Zion Lodge – 888-297-2757

If you’re hungry and in Zion Canyon, The Red Rock Grill at the Zion Lodge will be on your list of sights for the day. This place serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, year round. The dining room has space for 155 inside and up to 50 can be seated on the outdoor terrace, which has one of the best views of any national park dining arrangement.

The only other option is the Castle Dome Cafe, located to the north of the lodge lobby. This outdoor patio cafe offers snack bar items and burgers. It is closed in winter.

If these don’t suffice, head down canyon into the town of Springdale, where you’ll find an adequate number of choices. Favorites here include the Spotted Dog Cafe, and the Bit n Spur. For breakfast and lunch, try the Park House Cafe.

Smithsonian Butte Area

Dispersed camping is found along the Smithsonian Butte Scenic Backcountry Byway, which runs between the small towns of Rockville and Apple Valley, Utah. This often-rugged dirt/cinder road is located off of Bridge Road, in Rockville, or about a mile east of Little Creek Station in Apple Valley.

Look for the signs that indicate entrance in to the BLM land. This road soon climbs a steep, usually rugged section of road and levels out at the top to give way to a smoother gravel road that leads south toward Hwy 59 and Gooseberry Mesa, a popular mountain biking destination.

Campers are required to locate camps at least 1/2 mile from the roadway. Most campers ignore this requirement, but that is the rule, so there ya go.

Campendium – Smithsonian Butte

Hurricane Cliffs

Free camping is also available along in Hurricane Cliffs Dispersed sites, just west of the town of Virgin, Utah.

Sheeps Bridge Road

This cinder road runs between Hwy 9 and Hwy 59 just to the south of Virgin, Utah. There are a number of free campsites in this area, and if you move more than 1/2 mile from the main road, you should be fine as well.

For more info on free camping, check out this site:

Campendium – Zion

If you’re looking for a quiet sanctuary and a clean and cozy place to lay your head in this desert oasis, look no further than Flanigan’s Inn, located near the entrance to Zion. This charming little inn offers a perfect getaway for those vacationing in southern Utah and the property is decorated with a vibrant collection of green trees and desert plants that create an atmosphere from which you may not want to depart. But you should, Zion is just up the street…

Amenities here include a full service day-spa and salon, and the Spotted Dog Café is open for breakfast and dinner.

Flanigans Inn

If park junkie is going out for one meal in this town, it will be to dine at the Spotted Dog Café. Their bistro-style American menu offers a medium-priced selection with flavors that will appeal to the most discerning diners. The full service bar is on point with a proper Manhattan and an alluring list of fine cocktails. With more than 400 bottles on their Wine Spectator acclaimed wine list, the Spotted Dog’s cellar will satisfy oenophiles with widest selection in southern Utah.

Breakfast and dinner are served. The restaurant is closed from December 1 to March 1, although it is also open the week of Christmas to New Year.

Flaningans Inn – Spotted Dog Cafe