A beginner’s guide to exploring Zion National Park

Majestic Zion National Park is the crown jewel of Utah’s 'Mighty 5' and ranks among the most popular national parks in the nation.

The striking red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon rise dramatically above the Virgin River, echoing the park’s original name, Mukuntuweap, a Native Paiute term meaning 'straight canyon.' In the 19th century, Mormon settlers renamed it Zion, which translates from ancient Hebrew to 'sanctuary.'

The grandeur of Zion is truly breathtaking, with its notable landmarks and rock formations reflecting an early Anglo perception of the area as a place of elevation: Angels Landing, Court of the Patriarchs, Cathedral Mountain, and the Temple of Sinawava, named after the Paiute coyote spirit.

While trekking through the Virgin River in the Narrows or gazing down from Angels Landing after a steep 1500-foot climb is awe-inspiring, Zion National Park also treasures smaller, delicate wonders: sandstone formations 'weeping' with water, tiny grottos, lush hanging gardens, and vibrant wildflower meadows atop the mesas.

Zion's allure is undeniable. With nearly five million visitors each year, it ranks as the third most-visited national park in the United States. While summers can feel crowded and new permit requirements have been implemented to manage the influx, serene spots can still be discovered, and a significant portion of Zion's 232 square miles remains less frequented in the backcountry.

If you're planning your first trip to Zion National Park, here’s what you should know before you embark.

When is the best time to visit Zion National Park?

Zion ranks among the most-visited national parks in the United States, with around half a million visitors passing through its gates each month from April to October. The ideal times to visit are spring and autumn, offering pleasant temperatures and respite from the heat of summer and the chill of winter, although these seasons also draw crowds eager to experience the park at its finest.

However, if you're determined to hike the Narrows, spring and summer can present challenges. The melting snow in spring can raise the Virgin River’s water levels significantly, and if the flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second, the National Park Service will close the hike. The river's flow rate during spring can be unpredictable, with closures possibly occurring as early as March and lasting until late June in some years. The National Park Service provides updates on closures and historical data on its website.

In summer, there is a real risk of flash flooding in the Narrows and other Utah slot canyons, leading to potential dangers for hikers. Rainfall doesn’t need to occur directly in the park; a surge of stormwater can sweep through the river even under clear skies. Always heed the warnings issued by the National Park Service before embarking on a hike.

Many of Zion’s most popular hikes and activities, such as Angels Landing, the Subway, and the top-down Narrows route, require permits obtained through a lottery system, meaning your visit may depend on when you secure a permit. Fewer people tend to apply for winter permits, but those hikes, especially in water, necessitate additional precautions and gear.

How long should I plan to stay at Zion National Park?

Though you can quickly traverse Zion Canyon in a day, you'll miss the essence of this stunning national park. If you're pressed for time, catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Visitor Center and embark on shorter hikes that showcase Zion’s unique scenery. Ride the shuttle to the final stop, Temple of Sinawava, and enjoy the 2-mile round-trip Riverside Walk, a smooth, paved trail along the Virgin River. This path concludes where the Narrows begin, but if you’re short on time, avoid the river and explore Zion’s other aquatic wonders: the delicate hanging gardens at Weeping Rock and the three Emerald Pools, where tiny, fragile plants thrive on steep rock walls, nourished by water seeping from the sandstone.

If you have more time, consider tackling the longer and more demanding hikes in Zion Canyon, such as Angels Landing (permit needed) and the Narrows (often requiring extra gear), and also explore East Zion and Kolob Canyons.

Is accessing and navigating Zion National Park easy?

Yes, it’s quite easy to reach Zion National Park depending on where you're coming from, even without a car. The nearest major airport is located in Las Vegas, and shuttle bus services can transport you to the gateway town of Springdale in about three hours. Alternatively, St. George, a closer town in Utah, has a small airport with limited direct flights.

Navigating Zion Canyon without a vehicle is also straightforward—and often necessary for much of the year. From March through November, the National Park Service operates the free Zion Canyon Shuttle, which travels between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava, where the Riverside Walk and Narrows trails begin. Private cars are prohibited on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive while the shuttle service is in operation.

If you're staying in Springdale, there's a separate free shuttle that stops along the town’s main street, close to most hotels. The Springdale Line Shuttle ends within a short walk of the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Limited free parking is available inside the park, so it's best to arrive early. Otherwise, parking in Springdale costs $20.

Zion National Park can be accessed from two main entrances: the south entrance near Springdale and the east entrance a short drive from Hwy 89. Near the east entrance is the historic 1.1-mile Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel, which was once the longest tunnel in the U.S. Completed in 1930, it was designed for cars of that era and measures only 22 feet wide, making it a tight fit for today’s RVs and larger vehicles. If your vehicle exceeds 7 feet 10 inches in width or 11 feet 4 inches in height, you'll need to pay $15 for a tunnel permit and drive through during designated hours when rangers are present to manage one-way traffic.

To explore the less-visited parts of Zion National Park, such as Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Rd, having a car is essential. These areas are not accessible via regular shuttle services or public transportation.

Must-see activities at Zion National Park

With a staggering elevation change of 5,000 feet from the floor of Zion Canyon to the park's tallest peak, visitors can experience an incredible variety of environments. The park’s two main hikes—the Narrows and Angels Landing—offer contrasting adventures: one involves wading through river waters in a slot canyon, while the other features a chain-assisted ascent to a narrow plateau, so lofty that a minister in the early 1900s remarked that 'only angels could land there.'

To hike the final segment of Angels Landing—the famous section where hikers use chains to ascend to the overlook with sheer drops and panoramic views—you'll need a permit. However, you can reach Scout Lookout without one. Given the effort required to conquer Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks, it’s worth getting the Angels Landing permit to fully enjoy your rewarding journey.

The three Emerald Pools (Lower, Middle, and Upper) along with Weeping Rock feature gentler trails that lead to oasis-like hanging gardens, where plants thrive on the dripping seeps of canyon walls. Please note: as of this writing, Weeping Rock is closed due to rockfall. Check online for the latest updates before your visit.

While Zion Canyon grabs most of the attention, it isn’t the only area in the national park. In East Zion, Observation Point rises 700 feet above Angels Landing, but taking the flat woodland path to the viewpoint feels like an easy way out, bypassing the strenuous ascent of Walter’s Wiggles. Observation Point was once reachable from Zion Canyon via the East Rim Trail, but this route has been closed since 2019 due to a landslide and remains inaccessible.

The region surrounding Zion’s east entrance features several trailheads, with Cable Mountain being another fantastic hiking option. At the hike's end, you’ll find the remnants of the historic Cable Mountain Draw Works, showcasing the ingenuity of those who lived here. This mechanism once transported lumber 2,000 feet down from the East Rim mesa to the canyon floor, cutting transport time from a weeklong wagon trip to just two minutes. It delivered hundreds of thousands of board feet, including the timber used for the original Zion Lodge.

You can also escape the crowds of Zion Canyon by exploring the trailheads along Kolob Terrace Rd and in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. Although these areas aren’t connected to Zion Canyon by road, they offer overnight backpacking trails. Kolob Canyons, located just off Interstate 15, attracts far fewer visitors than Zion Canyon.

Looking for more inspiration? Here are the top hiking trails in Zion National Park

My top activity at Zion National Park

My hiking boots and I have formed a strong bond over countless adventures. We've explored many places worldwide, but I can confidently say that wading through the Narrows at Zion National Park is among my favorite hikes ever. The Narrows embodies the essence of Zion, and this exhilarating 'trail' is essentially the Virgin River itself. There’s something childlike about splashing in the water, and the sense of wonder grows with each bend of the river as you trek through the flowing current.

While many hikers flock to the Narrows, few venture beyond a mile or two. However, the further you explore, the more peaceful sections you’ll find. The beauty of hiking the Narrows is that you can choose to walk for just a short distance or delve deeper and still enjoy a fantastic experience either way.

Being predominantly a water-based hike, the Narrows isn’t your typical stroll in the park. Outfitters in Springdale offer rentals for canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, wooden walking sticks, and dry suits or bibs. While gear isn’t mandatory, what you wear will significantly affect your enjoyment of the hike. The Narrows tends to be cooler than other areas of Zion due to the towering canyon walls, and there's a risk of hypothermia during the colder months. A walking stick can aid in navigating the swift currents over slippery rocks, and it's advisable to store your phone, camera, and any other items you wish to keep dry in a dry bag.

What is the cost to visit Zion National Park?

The standard entrance fee for Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person for those entering on foot, valid for seven days. If you're planning to explore additional national parks during a road trip through Utah and beyond, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful pass for $80. This pass is valid for a full year at all national parks and federal recreational lands across the country, covering entry for one vehicle or up to four people—making it one of the best travel bargains around.

Staying in and around Zion National Park can be quite costly. Zion Lodge ranges from $200 to $350 per night, depending on the season and room type, and reservations often fill up months in advance. Tent-only sites at Watchman Campground are priced at $35 per night, while sites with electrical hookups go for $45 per night.

For a more budget-friendly option, tent-only campsites at Lava Point Campground off Kolob Terrace Rd are available for $25 a night, but these sites are seasonal (typically open from May to September). They are basic, featuring pit toilets and no running water. Additionally, you can camp for free on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah, though these areas lack facilities.

Which city is nearest to Zion National Park?

The town of Springdale is located right at the south entrance of Zion National Park, allowing you to enjoy a post-hike beer at Zion Canyon Brew Pub just after leaving the park. Though small, Springdale offers a range of excellent (if somewhat pricey) accommodation options, along with numerous restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. For more affordable lodging, consider the nearby towns of Virgin, La Verkin, and Hurricane (pronounced 'hur-uh-kin') located west of Zion along Hwy 9.

What’s the best accommodation option near Zion National Park?

Zion is one of Utah's two national parks offering non-camping accommodations within its boundaries, notably at the historic Zion Lodge, which opened in 1924 and was rebuilt after a significant fire in 1966. (Bryce Canyon National Park also features a lodge.) You can make reservations here and at the two campgrounds in Zion Canyon (Watchman Campground and the currently closed South Campground) up to six months in advance.

Springdale boasts a variety of lodging options, though its closeness to the south entrance often results in higher prices. Close to the east entrance, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is an excellent choice for families, offering numerous on-site activities like a climbing wall, swimming pool, mini golf, and paintball. Unique accommodations include the option to glamp in a Conestoga wagon.

Zion Ponderosa also serves as a fantastic base camp for those planning to hike in East Zion. Its sister company, East Zion Adventures, provides shuttle services to the trailheads for Observation Point and Cable Mountain, which is highly recommended due to the extremely rutted roads and limited parking options.