Zion National Park

While the Grand Canyon may be the most famous natural wonder of the American Southwest, Zion Canyon is a gem all on its own. Opt to see the highlights on a guided Zion National Park tour from Las Vegas or on a multi-canyon getaway that combines a trip to Zion with visits to Bryce Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, and/or the Grand Canyon. Independent travelers can also join limited free programs offered by National Park Service rangers.

• There are restaurants, a lodge, and campgrounds inside the park. Additional food and lodging options are available in nearby towns.

• Many park facilities are wheelchair accessible, including two trails and certain campsites.

• Internet access is available in the Zion Lodge lobby and at various places in the town of Springdale, including the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

• If you have a larger RV, you may need to obtain a permit to drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

• You can buy Zion National Park tickets at one of the park's three entrances. Admission is free if you have an interagency annual pass (such as the America the Beautiful Pass).

The park is located on Route 9 in Springdale, Utah. By car, Zion is 1 hour from St. George, Utah; 2 hours from Page, Arizona; and 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles in the summer, but a free and convenient shuttle system connects Springdale and various points throughout the park.

Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. However, certain areas close or have reduced hours based on the season or weather conditions. If you're looking to avoid the heat and crowds, visit in late spring or fall. Regardless of the season, expect huge shifts in temperature within the same day, depending on elevation and time.

While there are over a dozen major hiking trails in the park, a few stand out. The Zion Narrows Gorge allows hikers to walk through the Virgin River between two towering rock walls. Many hikers start at the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk and then hike upstream before doubling back. 

Another favorite is Angels Landing, an intense 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail that rewards brave hikers with sweeping views of Zion. Emerald Pools Trail serves as a great place to hike alongside multiple waterfalls and glistening pools.

Ideally, visitors should set aside three days to explore Zion National Park. This is ample time to hike, tour on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and try horseback riding, biking, or canyoneering. In addition to the main section of the park, visitors can also explore the separate Kolob Canyons.

There are options available for tours inside Zion National Park and just outside its boundaries. Both private and group tours are offered for a range of activities, including biking, hiking, canyoneering, off-road adventures, helicopter rides, and horseback riding. The park also offers ranger-led tours and programs through its visitor centers.

Start at the visitor center to orient yourself and take the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Take some hikes to see various points of interest up close. From late spring to fall, the park runs a shuttle system, making horseback riding or bicycling a great way to beat the lines.

No. Reservations are not required to enter Zion National Park, but visitors must pay the National Park fee or have a pass to enter. While the park is open to explore, permits may be needed for overnight backpacking, hiking Angels Landing, and for some technical activities, such as canyoneering.

To avoid crowds, skip Zion in June and July, when the park hosts more than 500,000 visitors monthly. The winter months of December–February see fewer than 150,000 monthly visitors, but there's the possibility of snow, cold nights, and limited access. Spring and fall, however, are good bets.

Zion National Park remains one of America's most beloved wilderness areas thanks to its unique geology, red rock scenery, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. This includes well-known hikes, such as the Narrows River and Angels Landing (reservation required), as well as biking, canyoneering, rock climbing, and horseback riding.