Plan a Zion National Park trip with practical information on entrance fees, park hours, shuttle buses, Angels Landing permits, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, scenic drives, camping, wildlife, stargazing, accessibility and desert safety.
Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the American Southwest, protecting towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, high plateaus, forests and the Virgin River in southwestern Utah.
The heart of the park is Zion Canyon, where enormous red and cream-colored cliffs rise above the valley floor. Popular destinations include Angels Landing, The Narrows, Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, Observation Point and the Court of the Patriarchs.
Beyond Zion Canyon, the park includes the dramatic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the Checkerboard Mesa area and the separate Kolob Canyons district in the park's northwest section.
Zion is a hiking-focused destination, but visitors should not underestimate its desert environment. Summer temperatures can become very hot, flash floods can occur, steep trails have significant elevation gain and popular trailheads can become extremely crowded.
The most important planning details to know before you arrive.
The park's most famous canyon contains major trailheads, shuttle stops, towering cliffs and many of Zion's iconic hikes.
During shuttle season, private vehicles are restricted from Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and visitors use the free park shuttle.
Angels Landing, The Narrows, Observation Point and other trails range from moderate walks to highly strenuous adventures.
Massive Navajo Sandstone cliffs create some of the most dramatic canyon scenery in the Southwest.
Zion requires an entrance pass, but you do not need a reservation or timed-entry ticket simply to enter the park or ride the shuttle. Some hikes and wilderness activities have separate permit requirements.
| Pass / Entry Type | 2026 Information |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $35 |
| Motorcycle | $30 |
| Pedestrian / cyclist | $20 per person |
| Zion Annual Pass | $70 |
| America the Beautiful Annual Pass | $80 for U.S. citizens/residents |
| Non-U.S. resident fee | Additional $100 per person age 16+ |
| Entrance reservation | Not required |
| Shuttle reservation | Not required |
Fees and policies can change. The non-U.S.-resident fee and other 2026 requirements should be confirmed with the National Park Service before traveling.
Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Individual visitor centers, museums, shuttle services and other facilities have their own schedules.
Zion is much larger than the famous Zion Canyon. Understanding the park's different areas can help you build a better itinerary.
Best for: First-time visitors, major hikes and classic Zion scenery.
Best for: Scenic driving, photography and shorter hikes.
Best for: Quieter scenery, scenic drives and hiking.
Zion attractions range from enormous sandstone cliffs and famous hikes to scenic highways, river walks and viewpoints.
The central canyon is surrounded by towering sandstone walls and contains many of Zion's most popular trails.
Good for: First-time visitors and scenic hiking.
One of America's most famous hikes, featuring steep terrain, exposed sections and dramatic views over Zion Canyon.
Important: A permit is required for the Angels Landing portion.
A spectacular hike through the narrow canyon of the Virgin River, with hikers walking in or beside the river.
Important: Flash-flood risk and water conditions must be checked.
A scenic route following the Virgin River from the Temple of Sinawava toward the entrance to The Narrows.
Good for: Families, scenery and a less strenuous canyon experience.
A popular trail system near Zion Lodge leading to a series of pools, cliffs and seasonal waterfalls.
Good for: Moderate hiking and canyon scenery.
A relatively short east-side hike with an impressive overlook above Zion Canyon.
Good for: Sunrise, sunset and panoramic photography.
Three enormous sandstone peaks create one of Zion Canyon's most recognizable landscapes.
Good for: Photography and quick scenic stops.
A distinctive sandstone formation along the eastern approach to Zion Canyon with a striking crosshatched surface.
Good for: Scenic driving and geology.
A quieter section of Zion featuring red cliffs, scenic overlooks and trails through high-elevation terrain.
Good for: Scenic drives and escaping the busiest areas.
Zion hiking ranges from paved river walks to steep climbs and technical canyon routes. Weather, heat, elevation gain and exposure can dramatically affect difficulty.
A paved trail following the Virgin River from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center toward Canyon Junction.
Good for: Families, bicycles, sunset and accessible exploration.
A scenic path from the Temple of Sinawava toward The Narrows, following the Virgin River through the canyon.
Difficulty: Easier than most major Zion canyon hikes.
A popular trail system climbing through the canyon landscape to lower, middle and upper pools.
Difficulty: Moderate, with changing conditions and elevation.
A short but exposed east-side hike ending at a spectacular overlook above Zion Canyon.
Good for: Visitors seeking a major viewpoint without a long hike.
A climb from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center area toward views over Springdale, the Watchman and the lower canyon.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
A high viewpoint offering expansive views down Zion Canyon. Access routes and conditions can vary.
Tip: Check current trail access before planning the hike.
Angels Landing is one of Zion's most famous hikes and one of its most demanding. Everyone hiking the Angels Landing portion must have a permit.
Zion uses a permit system for Angels Landing, including advance seasonal lotteries and a day-before lottery.
Rangers may ask to see the permit along the route, so download or print the confirmation before starting.
You do not need an Angels Landing permit to hike to Scout Lookout.
The Narrows is one of Zion's signature experiences, taking hikers into the narrowest section of Zion Canyon along the Virgin River.
The popular day-hiking route begins at the Temple of Sinawava and follows the Virgin River upstream. A permit is generally not required for this popular bottom-up route.
Water depth, current, temperature and weather can change. Proper footwear, clothing and equipment are important.
Flash flooding is one of the most serious hazards in narrow canyons. Never enter The Narrows when flood conditions are possible.
Zion combines a highly pedestrian-friendly canyon shuttle system with scenic roads that can be explored by private vehicle.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway includes a historic tunnel with vehicle restrictions. Oversized vehicles may require special arrangements and a tunnel escort.
Tip: Check current vehicle-size requirements before driving an RV, trailer or oversized vehicle through the park.
The free Zion Canyon Shuttle is one of the most important parts of planning a Zion visit. When the shuttle system is operating, private vehicles generally cannot drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Visitors do not need a reservation or ticket to ride the Zion Canyon shuttle.
Shuttle stops provide access to major destinations including Zion Lodge, The Grotto and Temple of Sinawava.
Popular periods can produce long queues. Early starts are particularly useful for major hikes.
Zion has developed campgrounds near the South Entrance and at higher elevations, plus wilderness camping for visitors with appropriate permits.
Located near the South Entrance and Zion Canyon Visitor Center. It operates year-round and accepts reservations.
Located near the South Entrance and within walking distance of the visitor center and shuttle system. Reservations are required.
A small primitive campground located at higher elevation along Kolob Terrace Road and subject to seasonal conditions.
Overnight backpacking and wilderness camping require permits and careful preparation.
The town of Springdale sits immediately outside Zion's South Entrance and provides hotels, restaurants and other visitor services.
Zion Lodge is located inside Zion Canyon and provides lodging, dining and a convenient base for exploring the central canyon.
Zion's combination of desert, river, woodland and high-elevation habitats supports a diverse range of wildlife.
Desert bighorn sheep are adapted to Zion's steep sandstone cliffs and rugged terrain.
Mule deer can sometimes be seen around vegetation, roads and developed areas.
These endangered birds have been reintroduced to the region and may occasionally be seen soaring above canyon country.
Ravens, hawks and other birds are commonly associated with Zion's cliffs, forests and open landscapes.
Zion's remote canyon environments and darker areas away from developed lighting provide excellent opportunities for viewing stars and the Milky Way.
Move away from unnecessary artificial lighting while staying in a safe and legal location.
Less moonlight generally provides better conditions for viewing faint stars and the Milky Way.
Desert temperatures can drop after sunset, especially during spring, fall and winter.
Many developed areas of Zion provide accessibility features, particularly around visitor facilities and the shuttle system. Natural terrain makes accessibility more challenging on many trails.
Visitor centers, restrooms, picnic areas and Zion Lodge include accessible features.
Zion shuttle buses provide wheelchair lifts and are accessible to visitors with mobility devices within applicable limits.
The paved Pa'rus Trail provides one of Zion's more accessible hiking opportunities.
Riverside Walk offers another relatively accessible canyon experience, although assistance may be necessary.
Service animals have different access rights from ordinary pets and may accompany visitors in areas where visitors are allowed.
Zion provides an adventure wheelchair for eligible visitors through the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, subject to availability and requirements.
Zion can be sampled in one day, but two or more days provide a much better opportunity to experience its major trails and scenic areas.
Focus on the Zion Canyon shuttle, Riverside Walk, one major viewpoint and a shorter hike such as Emerald Pools or Watchman.
Add The Narrows or Angels Landing, depending on conditions and permits, plus the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
Explore the main canyon at a slower pace and add Kolob Canyons, additional hikes, scenic drives and stargazing.
Zion can be visited year-round, but hiking conditions vary significantly by season. Spring can bring higher river flows and changing weather, summer can be extremely hot, fall often provides pleasant hiking conditions and winter can bring snow and ice to higher elevations.
Popular trails are busiest during spring, summer and fall. Arriving early, visiting on weekdays and planning around shuttle demand can make a major difference.
Pleasant temperatures can make spring excellent for hiking, although snowmelt can affect river conditions and The Narrows.
Long days are useful for sightseeing, but heat, crowds and thunderstorms require careful planning.
Fall can offer excellent hiking conditions and autumn color. Winter brings fewer visitors but can create snow and ice.
Parking and shuttle queues can become busy early, especially during peak seasons.
Know the current shuttle schedule and final return times before starting a long hike.
Carry sufficient drinking water, particularly during warm weather and strenuous hikes.
Thunderstorms and flash floods can create dangerous conditions in narrow canyons.
Angels Landing requires a permit. Wilderness activities may require additional permits.
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and suitable clothing, especially on exposed trails.
Sandstone trails can be steep and slippery. The Narrows requires footwear appropriate for walking in water.
Kolob Canyons and the east side of the park provide beautiful scenery away from the busiest canyon corridor.
Zion's combination of desert heat, steep cliffs, narrow canyons, river crossings and sudden storms creates several serious hazards.
Flash floods can occur even when rain is not falling where you are. Avoid narrow canyons when flood risk exists.
Zion Canyon can become extremely hot. Start early, carry water and recognize signs of heat illness.
Trails such as Angels Landing contain exposed sections and steep drop-offs. Know your limits.
The Narrows can involve strong currents, cold water, slippery rocks and changing river levels.
Pets are restricted throughout much of Zion National Park. Properly restrained pets are allowed on public roads, parking areas, developed campgrounds, picnic areas and the grounds of Zion Lodge.
The Pa'rus Trail is the only Zion trail where ordinary pets are allowed. Pets must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed on park shuttle buses.
Service animals have different access rights and are permitted where visitors are allowed, subject to applicable rules.
Zion offers much more than the most famous hikes. Visitors can explore scenic roads, photograph sandstone cliffs, attend ranger programs, watch wildlife, camp, stargaze, ride bicycles and explore the Virgin River corridor.
Choose from accessible river walks, moderate canyon trails, strenuous climbs and wilderness routes.
Explore the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Checkerboard Mesa and Kolob Canyons.
Bicycles are permitted on roads and the Pa'rus Trail, with special rules applying when shuttle buses are operating.
Clear nights and areas away from artificial lighting can provide excellent views of the night sky.
A Zion map is important because the park's major visitor areas are separated by winding roads, canyon terrain and significant distances.
Check current conditions, entrance fees, weather, shuttle schedules, trail conditions, Angels Landing permits, campground availability and road restrictions before leaving. Carry enough water, monitor flash-flood risk and plan your hikes conservatively.