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From towering red rock cliffs and narrow slot canyons to riverside walks and unforgettable desert views, Zion National Park in southern Utah is one of the true highlights of the American Southwest.

We love this incredible national park and have visited it multiple times over the years, and we’ve put together this complete guide to visiting Zion National Park to help you plan your next trip. Read more below about how to make the most of your visit to Zion National Park!

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Guides to Visiting Zion National Park

Highlights of Visiting Zion National Park

The best way to explore Zion National Park is by using the park shuttle and exploring Zion Canyon on short hikes. Private vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon during most of the year, so the shuttle makes it easy to reach the park’s most popular trailheads and viewpoints.

Some of the best things to do in Zion National Park include:

• Ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle – hop on and off at scenic stops throughout the canyon
• Hike one of Zion’s famous trails – including Angels Landing (with a permit), The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and Observation Point
• Walk along the Virgin River – especially along the Riverside Walk leading into The Narrows
• Drive the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway – one of the most scenic drives in the park, with tunnels, switchbacks, and overlooks
• Explore the town of Springdale – right outside the park entrance, with great food, shops, and galleries
• Try canyoneering or guided adventures – for a more adventurous way to experience Zion’s slot canyons
• Watch the light change on the canyon walls at sunset – some of the best views are right from shuttle stops and short walks

Things to Know About Visiting Zion National Park

Best Time to Visit Zion National Park

The best time to visit Zion National Park is March through November. Late September and October are some of the best months when temperatures are more comfortable for hiking and the summer crowds are gone.

Spring is also a beautiful time to visit, with warmer days and snowmelt filling the Virgin River, but some trails, especially The Narrows may close temporarily if water levels are high. Summer is the busiest season and can be extremely hot, especially in Zion Canyon.

Winter in Zion can also be a quiet and beautiful time to visit. You’ll find fewer crowds and the possibility of snow, but some higher elevation areas and trails may be icy.

How to Get to Zion National Park

The best way to get to Zion National Park is by flying into a regional airport and renting a car for your visit. The closest airport is St. George Regional Airport, about 1 hour from the park. You can also fly into Las Vegas, which is about 2.5 hours away by car.

Many people visit Zion as part of a longer Southwest road trip, often combining it with Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, or other Utah national parks.

Here are some common driving times to Zion National Park:

• Las Vegas to Zion National Park: about 2.5 hours
• St. George to Zion National Park: about 1 hour
• Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park: about 1.5 hours

Need to Know About Zion

Zion National Park is split into several different areas, with Zion Canyon being the most visited and the most crowded part of the park.

During most of the year, private vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon, and visitors must use the Zion Canyon Shuttle to reach the main trailheads and viewpoints.

Zion can get very busy, especially in spring, summer, and fall. Angels Landing now requires a permit, which must be obtained through a lottery system on recreation.gov.

Some hikes, including The Narrows, are affected by weather and water levels, so it’s important to check current conditions before heading out.

Pets are only allowed on the Pa’rus Trail and must be kept on a leash. Dogs are not allowed on most other trails or in the backcountry.

How Much Time Do You Need in Zion National Park?

You could easily spend four to five days exploring Zion National Park, especially if you plan to hike several major trails and take your time in Zion Canyon.

To see the highlights and enjoy a few classic hikes, you’ll want at least two to three full days in the park. This gives you enough time to explore Zion Canyon, drive the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway, and experience some of Zion’s most iconic scenery without feeling rushed.

Lodging Near Zion National Park

If you’re camping, Zion has a few campgrounds inside the park. The best campground is South Campground because of its location in Zion Canyon. Reservations for South Campground can be made through recreation.gov. Watchman Campground is another excellent option, also centrally located and great for shuttle access to the main trailheads.

There are also many other campgrounds nearby in Springdale, Utah, just outside the park. These can be great alternatives if the in-park sites are full, and some even offer RV hookups and amenities like showers.

If camping isn’t your style, Springdale has plenty of hotels, inns, and lodges that are highly rated and very close to the park entrance. A few top picks include:

Whether you’re camping or staying in town, there are plenty of options to make your stay convenient and enjoyable while exploring Zion.

Looking for more information about planning a National Parks trip? See our National Park Planning Guide and see our guides to all the National Parks.