How to visit Zion National Park: 2024 ultimate guide

If you’re planning a trip to one of the most stunning national parks in the United States, this travel guide is right for you as it teaches how to visit Zion National Park. This travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Zion Canyon, from getting there and getting around to pricing. Let’s dive in!

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Getting There

Flying In: The closest major airports are in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah. From there, renting a car is your best option. Car rentals are widely available and the most convenient way to get to Zion.

Beware of Car Rental Scams: Some rental companies might try to convince you to upgrade to an SUV, claiming that the roads around Zion are unpaved or that you’ll need it for “flash floods.” This is a common scam. The roads are in excellent condition, and there’s no need for an SUV.

Driving Times: The drive from Las Vegas takes about 2.5 hours, while from Salt Lake City, it’s around 4.5 hours. Generally, road conditions are good, but be prepared for snow and possible road closures in winter.

Parking: Parking can be challenging, especially during peak seasons. The visitor center parking lots fill up quickly. Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to secure a spot. If parking is full inside Zion, you can park on the street in Springdale for a fee (prices vary based on proximity to the visitor center). Check the Springdale Town website for the latest rates. During our visit, we paid $20 to park in Springdale (day pass) and walked to the visitor center.

Entrance fee: The entrance fee to the park is 20$ for one person or $35 for 2+ people (as of May 2024), valid for seven days. Zion Park passes can only be purchased in person. Check the National Park Service website for the latest information.

America the Beautiful Pass: If you plan on visiting multiple national parks, consider getting the America the Beautiful Pass for $80, granting access to all national parks for a year.

Getting Around: The shuttle system

The number one question on how to visit Zion National Park is how to move around inside the park. Happily, Zion and Springdale offer a fantastic and free Shuttle system. If you choose, you can visit the park and stay in Springdale without having a car.

If you park in Springdale, you can hop on the free shuttle to get to the park’s visitor center. Once inside the park, the Zion Shuttle System operates from March to late November. This shuttle helps reduce traffic and protect the environment. It’s free and runs frequently, stopping at all major trailheads and viewpoints. You can hop on and off as much as you like, making it a convenient way to explore the park.

Click here to see the Zion Canyon Shuttle System Map, which covers both Springdale town and the inside of the park. This map also shows what shuttle stop you should get off to get to each attraction (hikes, walks, viewpoints, etc.)

Must-See Hikes

Zion is renowned for its breathtaking hikes. Here are a few that get the spotlight:

• Angels Landing: A challenging 5.4-mile round trip with steep drop-offs and chain-assisted sections. Not for the faint-hearted, but the views are incredible. If you want to go on this hike, you need to apply for a permit. More information on getting a permit is available here.
• The Narrows: Hike through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls. You can opt for a short walk or a strenuous 10-mile round trip.
• Emerald Pools: A moderate 3-mile hike with beautiful waterfalls and pools. This is the hike that we chose to do, a dedicated blog post on our experience is available here.
• Observation Point: An 8-mile round trip with panoramic views, often less crowded than Angels Landing.

Always check trail conditions before you go, as some may be closed due to weather or maintenance. The guidelines on how to visit Zion National Park trails change often due to weather conditions or maintenance, so make sure to check the trail conditions before you go. To know where each hike is located, Click here to see the Zion Canyon Shuttle System Map.

Family Friendliness

Zion is a fantastic destination for families. There are several easy hikes perfect for kids, such as the Riverside Walk and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The park offers Junior Ranger programs, which are both educational and fun for children. Plus, the shuttle system makes it easy to get around with little ones.

Amenities

Zion has you covered when it comes to amenities. There are bathrooms (in amazing condition!) at shuttle stops and major trailheads. Water refill stations are also available at shuttle stops, so bring your reusable water bottles. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Human History Museum provide great information, exhibits, and rangers who can answer your questions.

Ways to Explore

Beyond hiking, there are many ways to explore Zion:

• Biking: You can bike along the Pa’rus Trail, the only trail in the main canyon open to both hikers and bikers.
• Power Biking: For a more exhilarating experience, try power biking. You can rent a power bike in Springfield – just remember, bikes are not allowed on shuttle buses, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

We hope this Zion National Park travel guide helps you make the most of your visit to the canyon. Safe travels and enjoy your adventure in Zion! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel tips and guides. Follow us on Instagram (@lologoesround) for more travel inspiration and visit our blog for detailed itineraries. See you next time!