From November until early spring, Zion Canyon is usually open to vehicles. ALL OTHER sections of the park, including Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace Road, and Highway 9 are open to vehicles year-round.
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The summer months in Zion tend to be the busiest and hottest months of the year. In the summer, May through September, temps can reach up to 110 degrees in the heat of the day.
Is a four-wheel drive vehicle advisable during March in the Zion area? You won't need it, all the major roads are paved. If it snows, it does not stick around too long on the valley floor. Only if you intend to drive off road to some obscure trailheads.
Two Zion activities that we'll include as honorable mentions are the Kolob Canyons scenic drive which is about 40 miles north of the main canyon as well as Zion National Park helicopter tours. Both Zion activities are amazing and don't require any hiking at all!
How long is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive? Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is approximately 7 miles long. The up-canyon shuttle routes takes about 45 minutes to reach the last stop, Temple of Sinawava. The entire round-trip ride takes about an hour and a half.
Ideally, you need two to three days to really explore Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to hike one of the longer trails such as Angels Landing or the Narrows and enjoy all the major viewpoints.
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.
Zion is also very hot in August, frequently reaching into the high 90s or triple digits during the day. This forces guests to plan an itinerary to ensure enough water for the day.
You do not need a permit or reservation to visit most areas in Zion Canyon. You do not need a permit or reservation to ride a park shuttle. You do not need a permit or reservation to enter the park. You do need to pay the park fee.
When shuttles are not available, visitors can drive to the various trailheads on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Please be advised we expect the shuttle to fill daily when they operate, limiting access. Visit the Zion NPS website for more details.
Even without the shuttle, you can still get to those Zion must-see spots (like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools) by biking the Scenic Drive into Zion Canyon. Don't want to bike into Zion Canyon? Hire a private shuttle. There are also a handful of Zion hikes that do not require the shuttle to get to.
Top ways to experience Zion Shuttle and nearby attractions. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 98% of travelers recommend this experience.
Both parks are incredibly popular destinations with unique features that draw in visitors from all over. While Zion tends to be busier due to its proximity to Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon offers incredible views of its iconic red-rock hoodoos and stunning natural landscapes.
For the average national park explorer, late spring or early fall is the best time to visit Zion. From April to May and September to October, the weather is good, crowds are fewer, and hiking conditions are optimal.
As with most national parks, Zion's busiest season is when the kids are off school and most people take their vacations. That means weekends much of the year and the most crowded time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Despite the hot temperatures — and 100-degree days are common — summer draws the biggest crowds.
Since the two parks are only an hour and a half apart from one another it's completely possible to explore both parks in one day. You can become a driving warrior, hit lots of high spot lookouts and drive the scenic Zion Canyon Road.
Yes, you can drive into Bryce Canyon. Most people enter the park in their vehicles. But the parking spots can fill up around the amphitheater, so you may need to use the shuttle to access that section of the park.