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National Parks are special places that are set aside by the American people to conserve and experience their heritage. The resources on this page will help you learn how to properly enjoy and protect Zion.
Once you're ready, Zion offers many unique experiences. You can follow the paths where dinosaurs, indigenous peoples, and pioneers walked. You can gaze up at cream, pink, and red sandstone cliffs that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Or, you can explore the Wilderness through broad plateaus and narrow slot canyons. The park's unique landscapes, plants, animals, and history will enchant you as you encounter their rich past while enjoying the excitement of present day adventures.
Your safety is your responsibility. Use this information to help inform a happy, healthy visit to Zion National Park.
The Zion Canyon and Springdale Shuttle System serves millions of visitors each year.
NPS Photo / Abi Farish
Basic Information & Maps
Parking & Transportation
No matter the time of year, parking spaces fill quickly. Be sure to arrive early for the best chances of finding a spot. Check out our Traffic & Travel Tips page for an overview of parking options. Always park legally and responsibly in Zion and nearby communities. Parking outside of designated spots harms plants, animals, and history.
If Zion Canyon parking lots are full, you can instead park in Springdale and ride the free shuttle or walk to our pedestrian entrance. The pedestrian entrance is located near Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop #1 - this shuttle travels to popular trailheads in the canyon.
When the Zion Canyon Shuttle System is operating, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle. If you want to use a personal vehicle on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, check the Zion Canyon Shuttle Schedule to see what times of year the shuttle is not running.
Weather & Closures
Conditions can change quickly. Check the forecast before you enter the park, dress in layers, and bring plenty of water no matter what season you visit. Flash floods are always possible, so it is essential to know what to expect before entering canyons. Trails and roads roads are sometimes closed due to rockfall, flooding, or snowfall. Check current conditions before you get to the park.
Everyone who visits Zion needs to have a park pass. If you already have an annual or lifetime pass, simply bring your pass and ID to the park entrance. If you need a pass, you can purchase as pass online or at the park entrance. If fee stations are not open when you enter the park, please purchase a pass online or pay when you leave.
Large Vehicles
Starting on June 7, 2026, large vehicles will not be allowed to drive on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the park's east entrance. For more information on upcoming size restrictions, visit our Large Vehicles page.
Until June 6, 2026, large vehicles can drive on the highway, given they are not too large to fit through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Vehicles wider than 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 m) and/or taller than 11 feet 4 inches (3.4 m) are required to have a tunnel permit. Tunnel permits can be purchased at a park entrance. Most cars or SUVs can drive through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel at any time, but some pick-up trucks are too large to fit through the tunnel without traffic control.
The tunnel is open to large vehicles from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm every day. If you require an escort, please plan to arrive to a vehicle entrance no later than 4:15 pm. You cannot drive a large vehicle or trailer through the tunnel (i.e. drive across Zion) unless rangers stop traffic for you. It is unlawful for large vehicles to traverse the tunnel without traffic control.
An interactive map is available below. To take a closer look at the park, use your mouse or fingers to move around and zoom in on specific locations. The area highlighted in green is Zion National Park's boundaries. Zion Canyon is found near the south, while Kolob Canyons is found to the northwest.
Learn about the landscapes, plants, animals, and history that define Zion.
Need to Know
Your safety is your responsibility. Be prepared for your day ahead, and whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared for crowds.
Parking fills early year-round.
Park only in designated parking areas. Illegally parked vehicles can harm park plants and animals and may be ticketed or towed.
In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and watch for signs of heat stress.
Stay on trails and avoid walking in the road.
Go Before You Go. Use restrooms at trailheads and shuttle stops before venturing out on trails.
B.A.R.K. in the park. Pets are only allowed in campgrounds, on paved surfaces, and the Pa’rus Trail. Plan ahead if you will visit with a pet.
Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’Rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let buses pass you.
Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and be sure to pack out all your trash.
Every hiker needs a permit to visit the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway).
Calendar of Events
Park rangers share their knowledge through free, interactive programs. Check our calendar to see when and where you can participate in programs during your visit.
Some programs require advance registration at a visitor center ahead of time, so be sure to read the details of each event before you attend.
Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale,
UT
84767
Phone:
435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov.
Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day.
Rangers answer phone calls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.
