Zion National Park

🌊

Flash flood

Narrows risk

🚌

Shuttle only

Mar 7–Nov 28

🏕

3 areas

Campgrounds

💵

$35

7-day fee

1 live

River gauge

🌙

Excellent

Dark sky

🌊Flash Flood & Slot Canyon SafetyCheck forecast first▾

🌊 Zion's slot canyons — most notably The Narrows — are prone to sudden, life-threatening flash floods, even when it isn't raining where you're standing; storms miles upstream can send a wall of water through the canyon with little warning. Check the flood forecast at the visitor center before entering any narrow canyon, know your exits, and turn back immediately if water rises or turns muddy. NPS flash flood info ↗

🚌Park Entrance & Zion Canyon ShuttleOpen · $35▾

Main Access Open Year-Round

South Entrance, Springdale, UT (via SR-9)

Zion Canyon Visitor Center sits right at the South Entrance. The Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway and Kolob Canyons/Terrace Roads stay open to personal vehicles year-round.

💡 The Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel restricts oversized vehicles — RVs and buses over certain dimensions need a traffic-control escort ($15 fee, valid 2 days).

NPS directions ↗

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Shuttle Only, Mar 7 – Nov 28

Mandatory shuttle during peak season

Personal vehicles are banned from Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year — park at the Visitor Center or in Springdale and ride the free shuttle in. Outside shuttle season, you can drive the canyon yourself.

💡 No ticket or reservation needed to ride — just your park entrance fee. Shuttles run every 5–10 minutes at peak times.

Shuttle system info ↗

Angels Landing Permit Required

Lottery-based permit system

Hiking the chain section of Angels Landing requires a permit obtained through a seasonal lottery (plus a day-before lottery). No walk-up access — check current lottery dates before you plan around this hike.

💡 Even with a permit, the final approach is an exposed chain-assisted scramble — not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.

Angels Landing permit info ↗

Entry Fees · 7-Day Pass

Vehicle$35

Motorcycle$30

Per Person$20

Annual (Local)$70

America the Beautiful honored · Youth 15 & under free

🏕Campgrounds3 areas▾

Watchman Campground Reservable ▾

Sites176

SeasonYear-round

NotesUp to 6 months ahead on Recreation.gov

Book on Recreation.gov ↗

South Campground Reservable ▾

Sites124

SeasonMid-March – Oct 31

NotesUp to 14 days ahead on Recreation.gov

Book on Recreation.gov ↗

Lava Point Campground Reservable Only ▾

Sites6

Season~May – Sept, weather dependent

NotesRemote, 7,890 ft — no first-come-first-served sites

Book on Recreation.gov ↗

📍Landmarks & Trailheads5 stops▾

Zion Canyon3 stops▾

The NarrowsStrenuous · wade the Virgin River through the canyonFlood-dependent

Angels LandingVery strenuous · permit required, chain-assisted~5 mi RT

Emerald PoolsEasy-moderate · waterfalls and pools1.2–3 mi RT

Kolob & Backcountry2 stops▾

Kolob CanyonsScenic drive · separate entrance off I-15Year-round for cars

Kolob Arch TrailStrenuous · one of the world's longest freestanding arches~14 mi RT

River Conditions1 live gauge▾

North Fork Virgin River near Springdale

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🌙Stargazing & Night SkyExcellent▾

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Zion's canyon walls block some horizon views, but the high plateaus and Kolob Canyons area offer excellent dark-sky viewing away from canyon-floor light. Best on new-moon nights. Bring warm layers — desert nights cool quickly even after hot days. NPS night sky info ↗

🍽️Concession Information3 locations▾

🏪 Springdale, UT sits right at the South Entrance with restaurants, lodging, and outfitters — most visitor services beyond the lodge and camp store are just outside the gate rather than inside the park.

Zion Lodge3 locations▾

Red Rock GrillSit-down diningYear-round

Castle Dome CafeQuick serviceSeasonal

Gift ShopBooks · GiftsYear-round

NPS lodging & services info ↗

Park Contact Information

📞 Phone: (435) 772-3256 · Mailing Address: Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767 · Official NPS contact page ↗