Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park, is a stunning destination offering various activities, including hiking, backpacking, canyoneering, climbing, biking, and camping. The park attracts visitors year-round with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities.
Due to its immense popularity, the park’s 6-mile scenic drive is closed to private vehicles from April to October. Visitors must use the free Zion Canyon Shuttle System to access the scenic drive and trailheads during this period. Personal vehicles can travel through the park and reach the trailheads from November through March.
Zion National Park Visitor Information
Park Hours
Zion National Park is open year-round. The park has two visitor centers that are also open throughout the year. These centers offer maps, brochures, and books to enhance visitors’ experiences.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center: Located just inside the South Entrance near Springdale.
Zion Human History Museum: Offers exhibits on the park’s cultural history and is open year-round.
When to Visit Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers unique experiences year-round, and the best time to visit depends on your interests, availability, and expectations. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown to help you plan your trip:
Spring (March-May)
The days are warm and sunny, with temperatures rarely exceeding 90°F, but rain can occur unexpectedly. Temperatures can vary significantly between noon and midnight. March sees the wet weather peak, with snowmelt and high water levels lasting until May. Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. The best part of visiting Zion in the Spring is the Spring flowers blooming, and the trails are less crowded than in summer.
Summer (June – August)
The summer months can get very hot, with temperatures regularly surpassing 100°F. The monsoon season (July to September) brings thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain, increasing the risk of flash floods. Bring clothing for all weather conditions and frequently check weather reports. Long daylight hours provide ample time for hiking and exploring; the summer months are great for morning and evening or water-related hikes.
Fall (September – November)
The fall season is a great time to visit. The cooler temperatures and stunning foliage make fall my favorite time of year in the park. In addition, the monsoons taper off, making for more stable weather conditions, and the crowds die down compared to summer months.
Winter (December – February)
Winter in Zion is beautiful but can also be cold and often wet, with nights dipping below freezing. Snow accumulates in higher elevations but melts quickly on the valley floor. The roads are plowed, but some trails may be closed due to weather conditions. Prepare for cold, wet conditions, and avoid ice and snow on trails. The winter season has fewer crowds, serene landscapes, and the chance to see Zion dusted in snow.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Star Viewing
You can’t beat a sunrise, sunset, or night sky at Zion. For a memorable sunrise, hike the Canyon Overlook Trail after a pre-dawn drive to the Upper East Canyon, or head to the Towers of the Virgin behind the Zion Nature Center. Some of the best sunsets can be viewed from the bridge over the Virgin River near the Canyon Junction shuttle stop, the viewpoint at the end of Kolob Canyons Road, or the Kolob Canyon Terrace. To fully appreciate the night skies, I recommend the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint or the Pa’rus Trail.
Shuttle Operations in Zion National Park
When the Shuttle Is in Operation
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, starting north of Canyon Junction, is closed to private vehicles when park shuttles are operating. However, you can still drive a private vehicle on other park roads, including the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. During most years, shuttles run daily from March through November. The National Park Service posts updated schedule information on its website every season. If you prefer not to ride the shuttle, you can use a bicycle or visit during winter when the shuttle is not operating.
How to Use the Shuttle System
The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttles depart every few minutes and travel north or south. Passengers can exit the shuttle at any open stop. Most visitors start their shuttle trips at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, but you can board the shuttle there if you stay at the Zion Lodge. You cannot board a shuttle to travel up the canyon (north) at Canyon Junction. If you drive to Zion, remember that National Park Service parking lots often fill early. Paid parking is available in Springdale, where you can then ride the free Springdale Line shuttle into the park.
Hiking
Zion National Park is renowned for its iconic hiking trails, including Angels Landing, the Subway, the Narrows, Observation Point, and Emerald Pools. However, the park also features many beautiful, lesser-known trails worth exploring. To help you choose your adventure, I have categorized and described the trails below as easy, moderate, and difficult.
Easy Hiking Trails
The following trails are perfect for beginner hikers and families with young children. They offer beautiful scenery and a gentle hiking experience.
Archeology Trail
The Archaeology Trail is a brief 0.4-mile out-and-back hike that begins near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The trail takes you up a hill to an overlook, offering scenic views. At the hilltop, you’ll find an archaeological site featuring remnants of an ancient Puebloan shelter. This trail is easily accessible from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center stop.
The Grotto Trail
The Grotto trail is a one-mile out-and-back trail with river views and red cliffs. It is easily accessible from the Zion Lodge stop and leads to the Grotto, a beautiful area perfect for a picnic! The trail can connect with the Lower Emerald Pool and Kayenta Trails to create a fun, easy 2.5-mile loop.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
The Lower Emerald Pools trail is an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leading to water that beautifully rolls off a cliff. This trail is easily accessible from the Zion Lodge stop. For such a short hike, this is one of the most rewarding. The views along the way are amazing. Once you reach Lower Emerald Pools, you can turn around or continue to Middle Emerald Pools (2 miles out and back) or Upper Emerald Pools (3 miles out and back).
Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is 3.5 miles from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. This trail is easily accessible from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center stop. The trail is great for families with wheelchairs and strollers because it is paved and flat. The trail takes you across several bridges with beautiful views across the Virgin River.
Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that traverses beautiful terrain. This paved and partially shaded path closely follows the Virgin River, making for a scenic and serene hike. Formerly known as the “Gateway to the Narrows,” this trail leads to the starting point of the famous Narrows Trail. It’s a family favorite due to its wheelchair and stroller-friendly design, and it provides easy access to the river where kids can play. The trail is easily accessible from the Temple of Sinawava stop.
Weeping Rock Trail
The Weeping Rock Trail is probably the shortest official trail in the park. It is 0.5 miles out and back and takes up to a neat alcove. This trail is easily accessible from the Weeping Rock stop. I like this short hike because there is relief from the sun at the top of the trail, and you can occasionally feel a light mist. If you visit on a rainy day, a waterfall usually flows. There are also steps down to the river at the trail’s starting point, so you can easily access the river and play in the water. This area is a local favorite.
Moderate Hiking Trails
These trails offer more challenge and suit hikers looking for a moderately strenuous adventure. They provide stunning views and a satisfying hiking experience for those ready to take on a bit more elevation and distance.
Canyon Overlook Trail
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a 1-mile out-and-back hike located in the upper East Canyon. This trail is special because there aren’t many official trails in this area. Although short, it offers a good workout and rewards hikers with stunning views of the main canyon and Pine Creek Slot Canyon. Along the way is an alcove where you can rest and escape the heat. This trail is easily accessible from the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway rather than the shuttle, making it a unique and convenient option for visitors exploring the East Canyon area.
Kayenta Trail
The Kayenta Trail is a 2-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the middle section of the Emerald Pools Trail. Once you reach the middle section of Emerald Pools you can turn around and go back to where you started from or continue on to Upper Emerald Pools. This trail is easily accessible from the Grotto.
Sand Bench Trail
Sand Bench Trail is a 7.6-mile out-and-back trail. This trail is a great option to avoid crowds and see great views. The trail gets its name from the large sand portions you must hike across. Even though the terrain is a bit rough, the views and solitude are worth it. You get great views of the Sentinel, among other unique canyon shots. This trail is easily accessible from Zion Lodge.
Taylor Creek Trail/ Middle Fork of Taylor Creek
The Taylor Creek Trail is one of the few official trails in the Kolob Section of the park. The trail takes you 5 miles out and through the Kolob finger canyons and magical pink and orange sandstone to a double arch alcove. The trail is located outside the park’s main entrance along Kolob Canyons Road. There is an obvious parking area and access to the trailhead about two miles up the Kolob Canyons Road.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is an easy 1-mile out-and-back trail found in the park’s Kolob Section. The trailhead is located at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint. The trail takes you to a beautiful ridgeline with gorgeous Pine Valley Mountains, Kolob Terrace, and Timber Creek views.
Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail is a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail that provides an excellent view of Watchman Peak and Lower Zion Canyon. This trail is easily accessible from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat because there is not a lot of shade.
Upper Emerald Pool Trail
The Upper Emerald Pool Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike that offers access to the lower and middle sections of the Emerald Pools. However, the most majestic views are at the top. The trail is rated moderate due to its rocky terrain and an elevation gain of approximately 400 feet, but it is well-maintained and manageable for most hikers. This trail is easily accessible from Zion Lodge, making it a convenient option for those staying or stopping there.
Angels Landing
Angels Landing is a 5.4-mile round trip hike to one of the most iconic landmarks in the southwest. The hike is both challenging and highly sought after. Therefore, you need a permit to go to the top. The views from Angels Landing are breathtaking; you feel like you’re on top of the world, and you can see for miles. This trail is easily accessible from the Grotto.
Hidden Canyon Trail
Hidden Canyon Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with many cool sights. The hike itself is fun; it leads you past the Great White Throne, up the mouth of a narrow canyon, and across switchbacks with guiding chains. When you reach the mouth of Hidden Canyon, the trail ends. From this point, you can turn around and return the way you came, or you can continue scrambling up the canyon until you decide to turn around. This trail is easily accessible from Weeping Rock.
Observation Point
Observation Point is a popular trail leading to spectacular canyon views–many say Zion has the best views. The hike is 8 miles roundtrip. It takes you across switchbacks, Echo Canyon, and a sandy plateau to the main viewing area. The viewing area provides fantastic views of the park including views of Angels Landing below you. This trail is easily accessible from Weeping Rock.
The Narrows (Bottom Up)
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most beloved hikes, featuring a 9.4-mile round trip through breathtaking landscapes. The highlight of this trail is the journey through the Virgin River as it winds through a stunning slot canyon. If 9.4 miles seems too long, you can turn around at any point, but the views improve the further upstream you go. No permit is required for the “bottom-up” route, but hiking the Narrows from the top down requires a permit and specialized gear. This trail is easily accessible from the Temple of Sinawava. Please note that the Narrows is closed during the spring when melting snow raises water levels.
Checkerboard Mesa
The trail to Checkerboard Mesa is an 8 8-mile round trip, taking you to some awesome rock formations. This trail is accessible from the eastern entrance of the park.
Biking In Zion
Permitted Areas: Biking is allowed on all park roads, including the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Pa’rus Trail, a 1.75-mile paved path along the Virgin River from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. Biking is not allowed through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Backpacking Zion
Backpacking Permits
Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips within Zion National Park. You can pick up permits at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center the day before or the day of your trip.
Kolob Arch
Hiking to Kolob Arch via the La Verkin Creek Trail is 14 miles roundtrip. The trail is long but beautiful and peaceful. The trail covers everything from the desert to mountain terrain and brings you to Kolob Arch, one of the world’s largest freestanding arches! This trail is popular for experienced day hikers, backpackers, and overnight campers. There are campsites sling the way; some are first-come, first-served, while others can be reserved ahead of time. This trail is accessible from Kolob Canyons Road.
The West Rim Trail
The West Rim Trail is a 16.2-mile point-to-point trail, perfect for a one-night backpacking trip. Begin your hike at Lava Point, where you can enjoy a sense of seclusion atop a plateau with significantly cooler temperatures than the canyons below. You’ll gradually descend from Lava Point through subalpine forests into painted desert canyons.
For the best experience, plan your hike in late spring or early fall to avoid extreme weather conditions. The most popular way to tackle the West Rim Trail is as a one-way, top-down hike starting at Lava Point, the highest point in Zion, and ending at The Grotto in Zion’s main canyon. This route offers diverse landscapes and stunning views, making it an ideal overnight adventure.
Camping in Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers a variety of camping options for visitors, ranging from established campgrounds to more adventurous backcountry sites. Here’s a guide to help you plan your camping experience in Zion:
Established Campgrounds
- South Campground
- Location: Near the South Entrance of the park.
- Facilities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits.
- Reservations: Required; can be made up to two weeks in advance.
- Watchman Campground
- Location: Also near the South Entrance.
- Facilities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits, and electrical hookups.
- Reservations: Required; can be made up to six months in advance.
- Lava Point Campground
- Location: About an hour’s drive from Zion Canyon, accessible via Kolob Terrace Road.
- Facilities: Primitive, with only six campsites, pit toilets, and no water.
- Reservations: First-come, first-served; typically open May through September.
Backcountry Camping
Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips and can be obtained at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Advanced Permits are available for certain campsites and can be reserved two months in advance. Walk-up permits are available one day before your trip for designated sites. Arrive early at the Visitor Center for the best chance of securing a permit.
Advanced Permits
Advanced permits for campsites #2, #4, #6, and #8 become available at 10 AM Mountain Time on the 5th of each month, two months before your start date. For instance, if you plan backpacking in Zion National Park in September, you should reserve your permit on July 5th.
Available dates will appear in green when booking a campsite, while already reserved dates will appear in red. The number in the bottom left corner indicates the group size limit for that site. Permits during peak season weekends typically sell out quickly, but advanced permits can be secured until 5 PM Mountain Time, the day before your trip.
All Wilderness permits must be obtained at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk on or the day before your start date. The reservation holder must be present to obtain the permit.
Walk-Up Permits
Walk-up permits for campsites #1, #3, #5, #7, and #9 become available one day before your trip. To increase your chances of securing your desired permit and campsite, arrive at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk as soon as it opens the day before your trip. Depending on the season, you might still be able to obtain a permit on the day of your trip if any remain available.
Help Keep Zion Beautiful
Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!