Zion National Park in Utah, USA - map, photos and visitor information

Zion National Park lies in southwest Utah, with Zion Canyon beside Springdale. A visit can involve a paved riverside walk, a shuttle journey beneath canyon walls, or a demanding wilderness route. These options have different access rules and risks, so choose the activity before arranging the rest of your day.

Canyon views without one fixed itinerary

• Zion Canyon: the park shuttle links the visitor center with canyon stops and trailheads during its operating season.
• Riverside Walk: walk from the Temple of Sinawava toward the start of the Narrows without committing to a hike through the river.
• Pa'rus Trail: this paved route follows the Virgin River and is the park's only trail open to pets.
• Kolob Canyons: explore another district through a separate road approach rather than expecting the main canyon shuttle to take you there.

Prepare for shuttles, permits, and changing conditions

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Floods, river water, and exposed edges

Flash floods can occur in canyons and washes. Check the flood forecast and speak with a ranger before a river or slot-canyon trip. The Narrows involves uneven, slippery footing in flowing water; a dry forecast at the trailhead is not a safety guarantee.

Do not drink stream water or submerge your head in it because of cyanotoxin risk. Use potable water supplies. Carry enough water for your route, avoid exposed cliff edges, and supervise children closely.

Stay on routes and keep pets out of the river

Do not throw rocks from cliffs or approach wildlife. Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet and remove their waste. Pets cannot use the canyon shuttle or trails other than Pa'rus. Keep dogs out of river water.

Know which activity needs a permit

Ordinary park entry and shuttle rides do not require a reservation. Angels Landing requires a permit. Overnight wilderness trips and technical activities have separate requirements. A bottom-up Narrows day hike from Temple of Sinawava does not require a permit, but conditions can still close the route.

Campgrounds require reservations. Check the official permit categories before booking an activity; admission does not replace an activity permit.

Springdale, canyon transport, and highway limits

Use Springdale for the main Zion Canyon approach. Kolob Canyons lies in the park's northwest, while Kolob Terrace Road approaches from near Virgin. These are separate trips by road.

The shuttle timetable distinguishes the park line from the Springdale town line. Ordinary private vehicles cannot use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the shuttle season, including before the first bus and after the last bus, apart from specific authorized exceptions. Plan a return before the last bus.

Measure an RV or vehicle with attachments before using the eastern highway. Current size and weight limits apply between Canyon Junction and East Entrance, rather than only inside the tunnel. Vehicles above any limit need another route; check the large-vehicle restrictions before departure.

For both types, the limits are 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 m) wide, 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 m) high, and 50,000 pounds (22,680 kg). Measurements include mirrors and attachments. Exceeding any limit requires another route.

Reservoir parks on the southwestern approach

Quail Creek State Park and Sand Hollow State Park are options on the southwestern side of a Zion journey. They fit travel through the Hurricane area better than an itinerary based beyond Zion's East Entrance. Check the road route from your accommodation rather than measuring from the center of the national park.

Choose between a riverside walk and river hiking

Riverside Walk runs one mile from Temple of Sinawava to the start of the Narrows. Returning along the same route makes a two-mile outing. Continuing into the Narrows means entering the Virgin River, so it changes both the equipment and preparation you need.

Use Pa'rus for a paved riverside outing, or plan a separate visit to Kolob Canyons. Do not route a hike to Observation Point from the main canyon while that connection remains closed.

Developed services and route-specific access

Zion Canyon Visitor Center has reserved parking, accessible restrooms, and water fountains. Water is also available at developed locations such as campgrounds and Zion Lodge. At Temple of Sinawava, the park lists an accessible portable toilet while flush toilets are temporarily closed.

Watchman Campground is open year-round and requires reservations. Other campgrounds have their own seasons. Zion Lodge offers in-park lodging, with reduced services in winter.

Shuttle buses are accessible within equipment limits. The park describes Pa'rus and Riverside Walk as possible wheelchair routes with limitations; it does not classify its trails as legally ADA accessible. Review the facility and trail access details for your needs.

About Zion

From Mukuntuweap to Zion National Park

Southern Paiute relationships with this landscape predate federal designation. Mukuntuweap National Monument was established in 1909, and Zion became a national park in 1919. Kolob Canyons joined the park in 1956.

Birds and mammals in the canyon landscape

The park documents birds such as canyon wrens and condors, along with mammals ranging from chipmunks to cougars. A wildlife list describes habitat, not a promise of sightings. Observe quietly without feeding, touching, or approaching animals.

Contact Zion

Call 435-772-3256 for recorded park information. Official business mail: Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767-1099. For an emergency, call 911.