Entrance Fee
$35.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 8:00AM - 7:00PM
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About the Park
Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of years. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.
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What to See & Do
La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch
The La Verkin Creek Trail to the Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin Creek. After seven miles a spur trail leads hikers to a viewpoint where they can see the Kolob Arch.
Upper Emerald Pools Trail
Upper Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate, 1 mile (1.6 km) trail that can be accessed via the Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, or Middle Emerald Pools Trail. Climb up stone steps to a sandy path that leads through pinyon-juniper woodlands to the base of towering canyon walls which boast majestic, seasonal waterfalls. The trail ends at the sandy shore of Upper Emerald Pool. No swimming.
Sand Bench
The Sand Bench Trail travels atop the remains of an ancient rockfall. This trail leads hikers along the Virgin River and then ascends a landslide that dammed the Virgin River 8,000 years ago and created a lake that extended to Angels Landing. This trail is a commercial horse trail from March to October, and it receives little shade in the hot, summer sun. Winter travel is possible, but watch for patches of ice.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
Lower Emerald Pool trail is a rough, paved trail that leads through pinyon-juniper woodland to the Lower Emerald Pool and ephemeral waterfalls.The pools are fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail. Avoid cliff edges. Swimming is not permitted. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail
Middle Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The initial ascent is quite steep, bringing you to expansive views of main Zion Canyon below. Further along the trail, tucked into the red sandstone of the mountain, enjoy the shade and flora of pinyon-juniper woodlands. The trail then descends to emerald-colored pools of water above the small ephemeral waterfalls of Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
Angels Landing
On and after April 1, 2022 hikers continuing to Angels Landing from Scout Lookout are required to have a permit, obtained on recreation.gov.
Self-Guided Tours
Pa'rus Self-Guided Walk
Follow the path of the Virgin River to learn about how its waters have shaped Zion Canyon. This paved trail travels 1.25 mi (2 km) along the Virgin River from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. Restrooms and water are available at the Visitor Center and Museum.
Visitor Centers
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Located near the South Entrance of the park, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is an excellent place to begin your exploration of Zion Canyon. Park rangers and outdoor exhibits will help you plan your visit and make the most of your time. Inquire at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk about permits for backpacking, canyoneering, and other trips into the wilderness. Visit the bookstore for maps, books, and gifts.
Zion Nature Center
During the summer, come visit the Zion Nature Center! This is a perfect place to learn about geology, animals, and the history of Zion. Take a break from the sun to explore different habitats, enjoy bird songs, listen to canyon tree frog calls, and participate in Junior Ranger programs. The inside of the Nature Center has a variety of interactive exhibits, animal models, changing activities, and crafts. Park rangers host educational programs throughout the day.
Human History Museum
Immerse yourself in the human history of Zion National Park! Rangers staff an information desk during operating hours. Indoor exhibits explore the people, places, and stories of Zion. Rotating exhibits feature regional artists, local discoveries, and more. A 22-minute orientation film examines the history of the canyon and highlights the dramatic landscapes of the park. Visit the bookstore for books, gifts, and souvenirs. There are also dramatic views of the Towers of the Virgin and Bridge Mountain outside.
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
Closed daily from 12pm-1pm This is the entry point to the Kolob Canyons area of the park. It is located 45 miles north of Springdale and 17 miles south of Cedar City at Exit 40 on Interstate 15. Park rangers are available to answer questions. Exhibits explore the geology, vegetation, and wildlife of this unique landscape.
Where to Stay
Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ¼ mile away from the South Entrance in Springdale, Utah. Tent, RV, and group campsites are typically available year-round. All sites include a parking space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and space for a tent or RV/camper. All campsites in Watchman Campground require reservations. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites or 12 months for group sites. First-come, first-served sites are not available.
South Campground
South Campground is located between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Zion Nature Center, ½ mile from the South Entrance in Springdale, Utah. Campsites are typically available from mid-March through October 31. All sites include a parking space, a picnic table, a fire ring, a food storage box, and space for a tent or RV/camper. All campsites in South Campground require reservations. Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. First-come, first-served sites are not available.
Lava Point Campground
Lava Point Campground is open as weather allows, typically from May through September. Situated at 7890 feet above sea level, the campground can be reached via the Kolob Terrace Road, 25 miles (45 minutes) north of the Virgin. It takes approximately 80 minutes to drive to the campground from the South Entrance of Zion Canyon. Six (6) primitive campsites are available for reservation. The campground has pit toilets and trash cans, but no running water. Vehicles longer than 19 feet are not permitted.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
Zion National Park's South Entrance and administrative offices are located near Springdale, Utah. This area, called Zion Canyon, is where most campsites and popular hikes are located. Zion Canyon can also be accessed through the park's East Entrance, which is west of Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah. Once inside the park, Zion Canyon can be explored via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. For most of the year, the scenic drive is only open to shuttle busses. Board shuttles at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Parking
There are about 300 parking spaces in Zion Canyon. When parking is full, the National Park Service actively manages access to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive until spaces are available.
Open in MapsZion Canyon Visitor Center Main Parking Lot
This parking lot is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center near Zion's South Entrance, Watchman Campground, and South Campground. Especially from spring to late-fall when park shuttles are running, this lot often fills early in the day. If this lot is full, you can park in Springdale and ride a free shuttle to the park entrance. After you get to the entrance, you can board the Zion Canyon Shuttle to access Zion Canyon. Overnight parking is only allowed at designated campsites.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Zion National Park's South Entrance and administrative offices are located near Springdale, Utah. This area, called Zion Canyon, is where most campsites and popular hikes are located. Zion Canyon can also be accessed through the park's East Entrance, which is west of Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah. Once inside the park, Zion Canyon can be explored via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. For most of the year, the scenic drive is only open to shuttle busses. Board shuttles at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Zion National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$35.00Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$30.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Snowmobile
$20.00Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
Entrance - Per Person
$20.00Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$20.00$20 per person. Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$70.00A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$80.00A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$190.00A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$20.00A commercial tour is defined as one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Vehicles with commercial tours of 1-6 people (not including guide) pay $35 per vehicle + $20 per person with a total fee not to exceed $70. Passengers can use valid weekly, annual, lifetime, or appreciation passes.
Nonresident
$100.00Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Zion National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$70.00The Zion Annual Pass is valid only at Zion and may be purchased in person. This pass is valid for 12 months from purchase month. This pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. You can buy this entrance pass at all entrance stations.
Operating Hours
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is open every day of the year.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
Photos
The sun sets behind large red and white towers of sandstone.
A sandstone and glass building surrounded by tall trees with a mountain behind it.
Tall, red, sandstone walls enclose a narrow river.
A winding road runs through a forest as distant red sandstone cliffs glow in the evening sun.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Zion
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