general information

General InformationThe park and its main roads are open all year. Scenic drives include a 13-mile round-trip through Zion Canyon from the southern entrance and a 22-mile round-trip from the eastern entrance to Zion Canyon. A paved road from SR 9 at Virgin joins an unpaved road leading north to Lava Point and Kolob Reservoir; the unpaved road is closed in winter. A 5-mile drive from the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center at I-15 exit 40 offers spectacular views. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive stretches from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava.

Note: Exercise caution along SR 9 to Bryce Canyon City. The road is not illuminated at night and has hairpin turns that are difficult to maneuver; there are no guardrails.

From early April through October Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by park shuttle bus. Parking at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center fills up quickly during peak summer months; free parking is available in Springdale, near the park's south entrance. A free shuttle service departing from several points in town provides transportation to and from the park daily 6 a.m.-9:15 p.m., in summer; 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., in spring; 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m., in early fall; 7-6:45, in late fall.

This shuttle drops passengers off just outside the park entrance; from this point visitors enter the park on foot and walk a short distance to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, where another shuttle to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive can be boarded. Shuttles run on a continuous loop, making stops at points of interest along the way; visitors can disembark and board another shuttle as many times as they wish. The park shuttle runs daily 7:10 a.m.-9:45 p.m., in summer, 8:10 a.m.-8:45 p.m., in spring; 8:10-7:45, in fall. Shuttles run between 7 and 30 minutes apart and are equipped with storage areas for bicycles. Pets are not permitted; a kennel service is available in Springdale.

Personal vehicles wider than 7 feet, 10 inches (including mirrors) and/or higher than 11 feet, 4 inches must be escorted through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which is on the park road between the east entrance and Zion Canyon. The fee for this service is $15, which includes two trips for the same vehicle within 7 days from the date of purchase. Escorts are stationed at tunnel entrances daily 8-8, early May-Labor Day; schedule varies rest of year. Phone ahead to check tunnel escort availability, or, upon arrival, confirm the hours at the main park entrance stations; phone (435) 772-3256.

Single vehicles more than 40 feet long or combined vehicles longer than 50 feet are prohibited. Vehicles exceeding 19 feet in length may not park in the Weeping Rock Parking Area or at the Temple of Sinawava.

About 65 miles of trails are open all year; some in the canyon may close due to the potential danger of ice falling from above. Permits are required for all backcountry camping and day trips going down the Narrows and its tributaries, the Subway and all canyons that require mechanical aid; a fee is charged for the permits. Phone (435) 772-0170 for backcountry information.

Park rangers give talks and lead guided walks from April through October (weather permitting). The Junior Ranger Program, an outdoor learning experience for ages 6 through 12, is held at the park nature center Memorial Day through Labor Day.

ADMISSIONADMISSION is $35 (per private vehicle); $30 (per person arriving by motorcycle); $20 (per person arriving by other means). These fees permit entrance to the park for 7 calendar days from the date of purchase. Note: Visitors who do not plan to take the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are still required to pay the $35 park entrance fee to use SR 9 between Springdale and the east Zion entrance station. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is within the park boundaries.

PETSPETS must be physically restrained at all times and are not permitted in public buildings, on trails or aboard shuttles.

ADDRESSADDRESS inquiries to the Superintendent, Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767-1099; phone (435) 772-3256.