Zion National Park

Click the above video poster image to view our Zion National Park video - it is one of Utah’s Big 5 national parks and it is a large park with the most visitors each year. Get the information that you need to plan your own journey, with a 3 day itinerary for visiting Zion National Park and the pro tips you need for a successful first-time visit to the park and things to do at Zion National Park. It's a beautiful park with lots to see and do next to the quaint town of Springdale. We were there in May and we think May is one of the best times to visit Utah.

• When was Zion National Park established? Congress established the area as a national park in 1919. A second Zion National Monument (now called the Kolob Canyons) was established by presidential proclamation in 1937. Congress added the Kolob Canyons to Zion National Park in 1956. The park currently encompasses 148,733 acres.
• What is the annual visitation to Zion National Park? Zion National Park draws over 5 million visitors annually due to its diverse topography, soaring sandstone cliffs, mystical slot canyons, cascading waterfalls, colorful hanging gardens, lonesome desert plateaus, and clear-flowing rivers.
• What is the size of Zion National Park? The park was enlarged in 1956, by the addition of adjacent land that had also been named Zion National Monument but is now called Kolob Canyons; the entire park now occupies 229 square miles (593 square km) or 146,597 acres.
• Zion’s elevation varies by 5,000 feet; Elevation ranges from 3,666 feet at Coalpits Wash to 8,726 feet at Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyon section of the park.
• Zion National Park’s geology features some of the tallest sandstone monoliths in the world.
• Zion National Park boasts canyons as deep as 500 feet and rock monoliths as tall as 450 feet.
• Checkerboard Mesa’s distinct crosshatch pattern is due to wind and weathering.
• The north face of the Great White Throne rim rises 2,350 feet from the Zion canyon floor.
• Angels Landing is one of the most daring hikes in the world.
• The Watchman trail is a climber’s paradise.
• Zion has one of the longest freestanding arches in the world; Spanning 287 feet, Kolob Arch is believed to be one of the longest arches in the world.

• What is the best place to stay? There are over 80 places to stay near Zion, so "best" is really up to the viewer. Here is a link to a Google Search Page for a list of places to stay near Zion National Park. Note that you can change the results list by changing the Google Search Options and Google will then display a new list.
• When is Zion National Park open? The park is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week all year round. When the Zion Canyon Shuttle System is operating, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle.
• Can I bring my dog to Zion National Park? The only sections of Zion National Park open to pets are the campgrounds and the Pa’rus Trail. Other than those areas, pets are not allowed.
• Do I need a permit for The Narrows? Most visitors to Zion only hike three miles up The Narrows from the bottom, accessing the water route from Riverside Walk and the Temple of Sinawava, which doesn’t require a permit. The top-down, 16+-mile top-down hike from Chamberlin’s Ranch does require a permit.
• Is there a shuttle service in the park? Yes. The shuttle buses are provided with Zion National Park entrance fees, uns from spring through fall.
• What is the Zion National Park Entrance Fee? It varies based upon your vehicle (car, motorcycle, snowmobile, etc), see the National Park Service Page for current cost info.
• How do I obtain a permit to hike Angel's Landing at Zion National Park? You need a permit to hike Angels Landing. These include but are not limited to: Hikers going to Scout Lookout do not need a permit. Visitors using the park shuttle do not need a permit or reservation. Visitors entering the park do not need a reservation, but do need to pay the park fee. You need to go to the Angel's Landing Permits & Hiking Page that the National Park Service has.
• Where can I get more info about Zion National Park? The National Park Service Page for Zion has a lot of good information, and we would suggest that you go there if you have more questions.
• Is parking difficult in Zion National Park? Yes, parking can be difficult in Zion National Park, especially during the peak season (spring through fall). The main Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle from March to November, so personal vehicles are not allowed during this time, which reduces parking congestion in the canyon itself. However, parking in Springdale (the town just outside the park) can fill up quickly, and the limited parking spaces at the park's visitor center often reach capacity early in the day. A simple solution to the parking issues is to leave your vehicle at your lodging and use the Springdale shuttle that connects the town’s parking lots to the park entrance.
• What are the Mount Carmel Tunnel Restrictions? There are restrictions & fees for over-sized vehicles. For all current information you should visit the National Park Service page
• Where can I obtain information about Zion National Park Trails? The National Park Service has a page that describes hikes & their ratings. For all current information you should visit the National Park Service page
• What are the top 10 Zion National Park Hiking Trails? The "All Trails Website" has maps & info. Here is their Zion Trails page
• Can I horseback ride in Zion National Park? Yes, if you want to see Zion Canyon from a different perspective, check it out from the back of a horse! Canyon Trail Rides, the park’s concessioner, offers 1-hour and 3-hour guided horse and mule rides along the Virgin River and Sandbench Trail. National Park Service page about horseback tours in Zion.
• Can I use my National Park Service Pass in Zion: Yes, you can use a park pass to enter Zion National Park. We have the Lifetime Senior Pass and used it to enter Zion. National Park Service page where passes, fees and other info are discussed. We have been using our Lifetime Senior Pass now for 15+ years and it has been a bargain. National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass information page.
• What are the Zion National Park Entrances?

  There are four entrances to Zion National Park;

  • The main entrance to Zion Canyon is through Springdale, Utah on Utah route 9. This is also known as the "western entrance".
  • The eastern entrance, on Utah route 9 (AKA Zion-Mt Carmel Road).
  • The Kolob Canyon entrance. Located on I-15, on the northwest side of the park.
  • The the Kolob Terrace Road entrance near Virgin, UT.

The most commonly used entrances for Zion are the west (via Springdale) entrance and the east entrance.

The west entrance is where the Zion Visitor Center is located and is also where the town of Springdale resides which is where many people stay when visiting the area.

The east entrance (route 9) is the best way to enter if you are traveling from the Bryce Canyon area. However, there is a tunnel that has size restrictions including no bikes or pedestrians and height and width restrictions.

WARNING: Any vehicle over 13ft, 1 inches or higher can not pass through the tunnel. We saw a family in a camper get turned away at the entrance due to the height restriction. It is a long way around to the south entrance and needless to say the family was not happy. refer to the National Park Services website for specific restrictions.

Zion has a large number of visitors each year and we found it to be the most crowded of the parks that we visited. To help with the crowds there are two free shuttle buses; One that runs through the town of Springdale and drops you at the park entrance and one that drives along the Zion Canyon Scenic drive and stops at various viewpoints and hiking trails along the drive.

The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stops on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttles leave every few minutes and go either north or south. You can exit the shuttle at any open stop.

Check the map to see what to expect in the park. You may get on and off at any open shuttle stop. Most visitors start shuttle trips at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, but if you are staying at the Zion Lodge, you can board the shuttle there. You cannot board a shuttle to go up canyon (north) at Canyon Junction.

  

The Image Map is the property of the National Park Service via their Website. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

During busy times you are required to use the shuttle for the scenic drive as no cars are allowed along the route. The visitor center parking lot fills up rather quickly In the morning and the lines for the shuttle bus get fairly long.

If you don’t get there early to get parking you can take the Springdale shuttle to the entrance. This bus is free and travels along route 9 through the town of Springdale. We found a convenient stop right outside of our hotel.

Check the National Park Service Page for current restrictions & prohibitions.

The top accommodations in Springdale offer a range of experiences, from luxury retreats to cozy lodges. Here are five highly-rated options:

1. Flanigan’s Inn: Known for its relaxing atmosphere and on-site amenities, Flanigan’s Inn includes spacious rooms and suites, a pool, a spa, and the well-regarded Spotted Dog restaurant.
2. Driftwood Lodge: Just two miles from Zion’s entrance, this hotel is set in a peaceful location with beautiful mountain views. It offers a seasonal pool, hot tub, and access to the Virgin River.
3. SpringHill Suites by Marriott: This mid-range hotel provides spacious rooms with stunning views, a pool, hot tub, and plenty of family-friendly amenities like a games area.
4. Holiday Inn Express Springdale: A top choice for families, this hotel offers rooms that can sleep up to six people, as well as a pool, hot tub, and daily complimentary breakfast​.
5. Cable Mountain Lodge: Located right next to Zion Canyon, this lodge provides quick access to the park and nearby restaurants. It features an outdoor pool, spa services, and spectacular views​.

As of 10/24/2024 Google says there are over 95 accommodations in Springdale, UT. If you would prefer to do your own research here is a link to a Google Search Results list of "accommodations in Springdale, UT".

Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park

We selected a Hilton property because of it's proximity to the Park Visitor's Center and additionally because there was bus service between the hotel and the park. The Springdale Shuttle Bus stop was several blocks from the hotel.

OK we are enthusiasts of the Hilton Hotel chain, but this is a nice property and with restaurants just across the street and bus service to the park, this was a good place to be. With limited parking available in the park, there was no reason for us to hassle over parking when the bus service was right outside our hotel.

Springdale, Utah, offers a surprising variety of dining options for its size, especially given its proximity to Zion National Park. The town has 30+ restaurants, ranging from casual cafés to upscale dining​. If you would prefer to do your own research, here is a Google Search Results list of "restaurants in Springdale, UT" - sorted by the "most highly rated by guests".

Here are the top 5 restaurants in Springdale, UT;

1. Oscar's Cafe A vibrant spot offering Tex-Mex dishes such as burritos, tacos, and burgers. It’s known for its outdoor patio with stunning views of Zion.
2. King's Landing Bistro A fine dining experience offering creative dishes made with local ingredients, perfect for a special night out.
3. Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon Popular cantina for contemporary Mexican & Southwestern fare plus a robust selection of craft beers.
4. The Park House Known for delicious breakfast options like eggs benedict, and light lunch fare.
5. The Spotted Dog Light-filled space for seasonal American meats, salads & pasta dishes along with a wine cellar.

We had dinner across the street from our hotel at the Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon and we enjoyed quite a bit. It is a popular cantina for contemporary Mexican & Southwestern fare plus a robust selection of craft beers. Here is a link to their menus page.

The Emerald Pools Trailhead is across the river from the Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5). From the shuttle stop, you will follow the sidewalk across the Lodge Lawn to the crosswalk. Cross the Zion Canyon Road and continue across the bridge. Follow the trail on the right to begin hiking Lower Emerald Pool Trail. This is not a difficult trail at all, and the shade is frequent - the payoff is the falls that are to be found at the end of the trail.

As you can see on the map image, there are three trails associated with the Emerald Pools (after you cross the bridge):

• Lower Emerald Pools - less than ½ mile from the river, an easy family stroll.
• Middle Emerald Pools - if you continue on beyond the alcove you will climb some steps to bring you on top of the cliff that you walk under in the lower pools trail.
• Upper Emerald Pools - The final stretch is a hot and sandy quarter mile, but it is well worth the effort to get to the final pool at the base of the 300-foot cliffs above.

By now, you have no doubt noticed that there are no pictures or narrative on this page about the famous Angel's Landing hike. That is because we did not go there - for several reasons. First reason is that starting April 1, 2022 a hiking permit is now required by the National Park Service (NPS). These permits are available only via an online lottery. And we did not acquire the permits.

The second reason is that the Angel's Landing trail is a 4.3-mile out-and-back strenous trail that is slippery & dangerous when wet. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,827 feet and is considered a highly challenging route. With me requiring a cane to walk, we just did not think that I would able to manage such a hike. I'd love to come back here someday and do this trail, but I have to get my hip issues corrected before that could take place.

If you would like to learn more about the Angel's Landing Trail, take a look at the "All Trails Website" article about it. There you will find maps and other information pertinent to hiking that trail.

• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Zion National Park Website
• Zion article on the 'Visit Utah' Website
• Zion National Park Service page.
• Bit & Spur Restaurant in Springdale, Utah (we recommend this restaurant!)
• Google Search Results list for "restaurants in Springdale, Utah"
• Hiking in Zion National Park on the "Zion National Park" site
• The 5 Best Hikes in Zion on the "Visit Utah" site
• Hiking Angel's Landing on the "Visit Utah" site
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Springdale, Utah"
• Amazon Search Results list for "Zion National Park"
• Youtube Search Results list for "Zion National Park"
• Zion National Park Small group activities on the "Get Your Guide" site

As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!

Click any link below to go directly to that page;