Zion National Park

What to See at Zion National Park

Zion Canyon runs 15 miles long and reaches up to half a mile deep, cut by the Virgin River through the Navajo Sandstone. The canyon's signature character comes from the relationship between the vertical walls — which in places rise thousands of feet — and the river and vegetation on the canyon floor below. Beyond the main canyon, Zion contains distinctly different sections: the Kolob Terrace, a high plateau reached by Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin, sits roughly 3,000 feet above the canyon floor and offers hiking through pine forests and open meadows with completely different terrain and temperatures. The Kolob Canyons section, accessed from the northwest, features narrow finger canyons and the park's largest freestanding arch. Wildlife is present throughout the park; observe from a distance and do not approach animals.

Visitor Tips

• Summer heat in Zion Canyon can be severe, especially on exposed trails and in canyon bottoms where heat radiates off sandstone walls; mid-day conditions in June through August can become dangerous. An early morning start and a mid-day rest during summer are strongly recommended.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from July through September during monsoon season; canyon bottoms and any route that involves wading are vulnerable to flash flooding from storms that may be miles away and not visible from where you are standing.
• Cell service is limited or absent throughout much of the park — download offline maps, check trail conditions at the visitor center in person, and let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
• The Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons sections of the park offer a very different experience from the main canyon — less crowded and with different terrain — and are worth considering if the main canyon shuttle and trails are at capacity.

Planning Your Visit

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is served by the mandatory shuttle system during the operating season, typically March through November. Private vehicles are not permitted on the scenic drive during shuttle season; board at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to access the canyon's nine shuttle stops. The visitor center area has restrooms, exhibits, and ranger information. Two campgrounds in the park fill quickly during peak season and often require advance reservations. Springdale, immediately outside the south entrance, provides lodging, dining, and outfitter services. Cell service is limited throughout much of the park, including many trailhead and canyon bottom areas. Check nps.gov/zion for current shuttle schedules, campground availability, and any access updates before your visit.