Zion National Park

Zion National Park is Utah's most-visited national park — over 4.5 million visitors per year — and one of the most dramatic landscapes in the American West. Towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River cutting through it all. The park sits 45 minutes northeast of St. George, making the Greater Zion area (Washington County) the most popular base for visitors. Whether you're hiking Angels Landing, wading through The Narrows, or driving the scenic canyon road in winter, Zion rewards every type of traveler.

Getting Oriented

Zion has three distinct sections, but most visitors spend their time in one:

Zion Canyon (Main Canyon) — the iconic section with the towering red walls, accessed via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from the south entrance near Springdale. This is where Angels Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and the Riverside Walk are. During shuttle season (March–November), private vehicles aren't allowed on the Scenic Drive — you ride the free shuttle instead.

Kolob Canyons — a separate, less-visited section accessed from I-15 at Exit 40, about 30 minutes from St. George. A 10-mile scenic drive leads to dramatic finger canyons and panoramic viewpoints. No shuttle required, no crowds. Many locals consider this the best-kept secret in the park.

Kolob Terrace — accessed via Kolob Terrace Road near the town of Virgin. Home to The Subway, one of the park's most famous backcountry hikes. Best suited for experienced hikers with permits.

Best Hikes

Angels Landing — Zion's most iconic hike. A 5.4-mile round trip with 1,488 feet of elevation gain, culminating in a narrow ridge with chain handholds and 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides. The final half-mile to the summit requires a permit in 2026 (lottery system — $6 application fee plus $3 per person). Hiking to Scout Lookout, just below the chains section, does not require a permit and still offers stunning canyon views. Budget 3–5 hours.

The Narrows — a river hike through a slot canyon where the walls rise over 1,000 feet on either side. You walk in the Virgin River itself — water levels range from ankle to waist-deep depending on season and flow. The bottom-up day hike from the Temple of Sinawava is 9.4 miles round trip. No permit required for the day hike. Sturdy water shoes and a walking stick (rentable in Springdale) are essential. Best from June through September when water levels are lower.

Emerald Pools — a family-friendly set of three connected trails leading to waterfalls and pools at the base of red cliffs. The Lower Emerald Pool trail is 1.2 miles round trip, flat, and paved — one of the best hikes in the park for young kids. The Upper Pool adds another mile with more elevation. Budget 1–3 hours depending on which pools you visit.

Observation Point — a less-crowded alternative to Angels Landing with arguably better views. 8 miles round trip, 2,148 feet of elevation gain. The summit looks directly down on Angels Landing from above. Currently accessible via the East Mesa Trail (outside the park boundary) rather than the original Weeping Rock trailhead. No permit required.

Riverside Walk — the easiest trail in the park and the gateway to The Narrows. A 2.2-mile round trip paved path along the Virgin River from the Temple of Sinawava. Wheelchair accessible for the first mile. This is where most Narrows hikers start.

The Shuttle System (2026)

Private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season. Here's how it works:

• Shuttle season 2026: March 7–November 28, plus December 26–January 2.

• The shuttle is free. No tickets, no reservations, no permits needed to ride.

• Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes in Zion Canyon, every 10–15 minutes in Springdale.

• Route: 9 stops from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava (7.7 miles, about 45 minutes one way).

• Pro tip: Arrive before 8 AM or board at Stop 2 (Human History Museum) instead of the Visitor Center — the line is dramatically shorter.

During the off-season (roughly December through early March, excluding holidays), you can drive the Scenic Drive in your own vehicle.

When to Visit

Peak season (March–May, September–November): The best hiking weather — daytime highs in the 60s–80s°F. Also the busiest. The shuttle line at the Visitor Center can exceed an hour on spring weekends. Go on weekdays if you can.

Summer (June–August): Hot — highs in the upper 90s to 100s°F in the canyon. But this is prime Narrows season (low water levels) and evenings are pleasant. Start hikes at first shuttle (7 AM) and be done by noon.

Winter (December–February): Zion in winter is spectacular — snow dusting the red canyon rims, thin crowds, and no shuttle (drive yourself). Daytime highs in the 50s°F. Some trails may be icy. Angels Landing chain section can be dangerous when frozen.

Where to Stay

Most visitors stay in either Springdale (the small town at Zion's south entrance, walking distance to the park) or St. George (45 minutes southwest, a full-service city with far more vacation rental options and lower prices).

Springdale puts you closer to the park but limits your options — it's a tiny town with high prices and limited inventory. St. George gives you a real city with resort-style vacation rentals, restaurants, golf courses, and easy access to Snow Canyon and Sand Hollow in addition to Zion.

Verity Rentals manages a luxury 6-bedroom townhome in Coral Canyon, 45 minutes from Zion's main entrance — a private pool, hot tub, rooftop deck with mountain views, and room for up to 20 guests. It's designed as a base camp for families and groups doing Zion plus Snow Canyon, the golf courses, and the rest of what St. George offers. Read our full St. George neighborhood guide for a breakdown of areas by trip type.

Practical Tips

Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. America the Beautiful pass ($80/year, all national parks) accepted. Pedestrian/cyclist entry is $20 per person.

Angels Landing permit: Required for the chain section. Apply via recreation.gov — seasonal lottery opens months in advance, day-before lottery results at 4 PM daily. $6 application fee plus $3 per person. You do not need a permit to hike to Scout Lookout.

Water: Bring at least 1 liter per person per hour of hiking. Refill stations at the Visitor Center and Zion Lodge (Stop 5).

Cell service: Unreliable inside the canyon. Download maps and trail info before entering the park.

Gas: Fill up in Hurricane (cheapest) or St. George on the way. Springdale has one gas station at premium prices. There are no gas stations inside the park.

Parking: The Visitor Center lot fills by 7–9 AM during peak season. If full, park in Springdale (paid zones, $15–25/day) and ride the free town shuttle to the pedestrian entrance.

Pets: Not allowed on any trails or the shuttle. Service animals only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Zion from St. George? 45 minutes from downtown St. George to the main (south) entrance via UT-9. The Kolob Canyons section is only 30 minutes from St. George via I-15 Exit 40.

Do I need a reservation for Zion in 2026? No general entry reservation is needed. The shuttle is free and first-come-first-served. Angels Landing is the only hike that requires a permit (lottery system through recreation.gov).

Can I visit Zion and Arches on the same trip? Yes, but they're 4.5 hours apart — you'll need separate bases. Stay in St. George for Zion, then drive to Moab for Arches. Read our St. George vs. Moab comparison for itinerary help.

Is Springdale or St. George better as a base? Springdale is closer (walking distance to the park entrance) but expensive, small, and limited. St. George is 45 minutes away but offers far more vacation rental inventory, lower prices, restaurants, golf, and additional parks (Snow Canyon, Sand Hollow). For families and groups, St. George is usually the better choice.

Explore our full St. George area guide, browse vacation rentals near national parks, or check out all our neighborhood guides.