Zion National Park

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Utah’s First National Park - Zion National Park

It’s no wonder Zion is one of the most visited national parks year after year. It’s a true geographic phenomenon. 

The iconic Zion National Park stands proudly at the intersection of three major ecosystems—the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin.  From the top of Angels Landing to the bottom of The Narrows, this desert oasis is filled with opportunity. Here, you can awaken your adventurous spirit, satisfy your craving for exploration, and converge with something bigger than yourself among Zion’s reverent cliff faces. 

Find recreation ranging from leisurely hiking to intense rock climbing and canyoneering. 

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences happen just outside of the park, too. The gateway town of Springdale and other Greater Zion cities offer Zion National Park travelers luxurious hotels, quaint campgrounds, or a mix of both when you’re ready to kick up your feet.

The park spans over 229 square miles and offers more than 35 hiking trails, towering cliffs, and diverse plant species.

From Kolob Canyons to the main canyon, Zion provides countless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

For a deeper dive into Zion, explore the park's interactive map and plan your visit, whether it's hiking, camping, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Remember, planning ahead and recreating responsibly is key to preserving this magnificent park.


Zion Canyon Shuttle System

No ticket, permit, or reservation needed to ride the park shuttle or enter Zion National Park.

You do not need a permit or reservation to visit most areas in Zion Canyon.

  • You do not need a permit or reservation to ride a park shuttle.

  • You do not need a permit or reservation to enter the park.

  • You do not need a permit to hike the Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava going upstream in the Virgin River.

Everyone who hikes from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Learn more about the Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program.

 

Shuttle Schedule

Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) makes seasonal adjustments to its shuttle schedules. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit:

  • You do not need a ticket or reservation to ride the park shuttle or enter the park.

  • During the shuttle season visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This includes before shuttles start for the day and after they stop running.

  • Shuttles arrive about every 10-15 minutes on the Springdale Line (outside the park) and about every 5-10 minutes on the Zion Canyon Line (inside the park).



Zion Canyon Line Shuttle Schedule

March 2 to November 1 (Times fluctuate depending upon the month)

First shuttle leaves the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Stop 1): Between 6am - 7am
Last shuttle leaves the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9): between 5pm and 7pm
Last shuttle out of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9): Between 7:15pm - 8:15pm

This schedule is subject to change and are dependent upon the month. Fall-winter 2025 hours will be posted later this year.

 

Shuttles take about 45 minutes to drive between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava. This means a round trip takes about an hour and a half.

Be mindful of the time you board the shuttle back to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at the end of the day. You should not wait for the last shuttle of the day. If the last shuttle is full, or if you miss the last shuttle, you may have to walk nine miles back to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.


Springdale Line Shuttle Schedule

March 2 to May 17 - November 1 :
Typically leaves the Hotel De Novo (Stop 9) at 8am.
Last shuttle leaves Zion Canyon Village (Stop 1) between 7pm-8pm.

This schedule is subject to change.

 

Zion Canyon Shuttle

When they run, both shuttles are free to ride. The Zion Canyon Line, or park shuttle, runs from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to destinations including the Zion Lodge and trailheads for hikes to Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, West Rim Trail, and the Narrows. Download our Information Guide or scroll lower on this page to see a map of the park shuttle route.

The Springdale Line, or town shuttle, provides service in the Town of Springdale. It stops at 9 locations in town and picks up and drops off visitors at the park's pedestrian/bike entrance at Zion Canyon Village.

When The Shuttle Is In Operation

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the road that starts north of Canyon Junction) is closed to private vehicles when park shuttles are operating. However, the park is a large place, and even when shuttles are running, you can drive a private vehicle on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (which connects State Route 9 through the park), the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive.

During most years, shuttles run:

  • Daily from March through November.

  • For the holiday season near the end of December.

The National Park Service posts updated schedule information on its webpage every season. It also updates the shuttle schedule and a map of other roads in its park information guide. If you would like to visit the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive without riding a shuttle, you can use a bicycle or visit during the winter.

 

How to use the shuttle system

The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stops on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttles leave every few minutes and go either north or south. You can exit the shuttle at any open stop.

Check the map to see what to expect in the park. You may get on and off at any open shuttle stop. Most visitors start shuttle trips at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, but if you are staying at the Zion Lodge, you can board the shuttle there. You cannot board a shuttle to go up canyon (north) at Canyon Junction.

Read the Park Information Guide to see updated information about the stops that are open or closed now.

If you drive to Zion, remember that National Park Service parking lots often fill early in the day. Paid Parking is available in the town of Springdale. If you leave your car in Springdale, you can ride the free Springdale Line shuttle to enter the park.

Learn more Traffic and Travel Tips before you arrive and tune your radio to 1610 AM for more information.

Rules of the road

Do your part to keep Zion National Park's shuttles clean. Remember:

  • No eating or smoking on the bus

  • Only capped bottles of water are allowed.

  • Pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses.

Shuttle Narration

Listening to the Zion Canyon Shuttle Narration is a great way to learn about Zion Canyon Scenic Drive if you visit when shuttles are not running or if you want to learn more when you are not in the park.