Southern Utah
Discover the best dining, lodging, experiences, hiking trails, and transportation in and around Zion National Park.
Watchman Trail closed
The Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs.
Large vehicle restrictions on Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
Vehicles that exceed length, width, height, or weight limits cannot travel between Canyon Junction and the park's East Entrance. See the current limits on the page linked below.
Toxic cyanobacteria in rivers, streams, and pools
Do not submerge your head in or drink instream water in Zion National Park.
Everything you need for your perfect Zion trip, all in one place.
Real-time conditions at Zion National Park
A few things to sort out before you go — then browse every campground, RV park, and backcountry option we track.
Browse CampingPopular sites can book out months ahead, especially summer weekends.
Some campgrounds close or reduce services outside peak season.
Restrictions change with conditions — check current status before you go.
Not every site has potable water — some require you to bring your own.
The latest Zion travel guides and updates from our newsroom.
Late fall at Zion offers fewer crowds, colder mornings, and shuttle service through late November. Two days is the sweet spot: one substantial Saturday hike, then a quieter Sunday before heading.
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Zion in December has three separate access windows: private driving from late November through Christmas, a holiday shuttle from Boxing Day through early January, and private driving again.
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The free Springdale shuttle runs nine stops along Zion Park Boulevard every 10-15 minutes from March through November, linking hotels and restaurants directly to the park entrance.
Read Article →Handpicked favorites from around the Zion area.
A legendary summit climb with chains, steep drop-offs, and breathtaking 360-degree views
Otherworldly hoodoo landscapes, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails through Utah's most colorful canyon.
Premium RV resort with resort-style amenities and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere
A breathtaking river hike through towering slot canyon walls
Premium e-bike rentals for exploring scenic canyon roads and trails
Red rock playground with scenic trails, unique formations, and panoramic desert views
Tips and insights for making the most of your time in Zion.
Zion is spectacular year-round. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking. Summers are hot but perfect for canyoneering and river walks. Winter brings quieter trails and occasional dustings of snow on the canyon rims.
View forecast →Zion is located in southwestern Utah, about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas and 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City. The nearest gateway town is Springdale, right at the park's south entrance. Shuttle service runs within the park during peak season.
March through May and September through November are peak seasons with the best weather. Book lodging early for these months. If you want solitude, try January or February when the park sees fewer visitors and the red rocks contrast beautifully with snow.
Most-viewed Zion guides readers are exploring right now.
The canyon junction bridge zion is off-limits to hikers, but Pine Creek Bridge just downstream offers the same iconic Watchman view without the crowds.
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The Zion entrance fee is still $35 per vehicle, but new surcharges, permit costs, campground increases, gear rentals, parking, and other hidden expenses reshape the full 2026 cost picture.
Read Article →Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to personal vehicles from March through November. Two free shuttle systems, three Springdale parking zones, a $5 public bus from St. George, and e-bike access each solve the problem differently.
Read Article →Trending spots travelers are viewing most right now.
Towering red rock canyons, narrow slot passages, and legendary trails create Utah's most dramatic outdoor playground
Luxury glamping with glass-ceiling stargazer suites and telescopes for celestial views from your bed.
Unique treehouses, stargazer cabins, and glamping accommodations with mountain views and resort amenities
Full-day guided tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and southwestern landmarks with professional drivers and knowledgeable guides.
Your essential first stop for park information, shuttle access, and trail planning
Everything you need to know before you go
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds. Summer (June–August) is the busiest and hottest, with canyon temperatures often above 100°F — The Narrows becomes a popular way to cool off. Winter is quiet and scenic, with occasional snow on the rims and some trails requiring traction devices.
Two full days covers the highlights — Angels Landing or Observation Point, a Narrows hike, and the scenic drive. Three to four days lets you add Kolob Canyons, a canyoneering trip, or a slower pace through the shuttle stops.
$35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person for pedestrians and cyclists. A Zion Annual Pass runs $70, and the America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers entry to all federal recreation sites. Some parks now charge non-U.S. residents an additional per-person surcharge — check current NPS policy before your trip.
Angels Landing requires a permit through a Recreation.gov lottery (a seasonal advance lottery or a day-before lottery). The Narrows top-down route and canyoneering routes also require permits. The standard bottom-up Narrows hike and most other trails don't.
Yes, during the shuttle season (roughly spring through fall) private vehicles aren't allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive — you ride the free shuttle instead. When the shuttle isn't running in winter, you can drive the scenic road yourself.
Sturdy footwear with good grip for exposed slickrock, sun protection even in cooler months, and more water than you think you'll need — the desert climate dehydrates faster than expected. For Narrows hikes, water shoes or neoprene socks help on the slippery riverbed.
Zion Lodge is the only in-park lodging and books up months ahead, especially in peak season. Springdale, right outside the South Entrance, has the most hotels and is walkable to the park entrance. Staying farther out (Hurricane, St. George) means a longer drive but often better rates.
