Can you drive through Zion National Park in October?

Can I drive my private vehicle into Zion Canyon? A. From March through late November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation.



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Visiting Zion National Park in October can give you the best of everything the park has to offer. With the temperatures cooler and the crowds starting to wane, Zion can be more beautiful and more enjoyable than in other time of the year. Springdale is one place in particular that shines in October.

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This road is open year-round, but most of the year is only accessible through shuttles. However November through March (most years), you are able to drive your personal vehicles up this road when the shuttles are not running. Find out When Can You Enter Zion National Park?

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Zion National Park is open all year, but buildings open and close at different times during the year. The National Park Service provides free shuttles in the town of Springdale and Zion Canyon. From early-spring until late-fall, riding a shuttle bus is the only way to visit Zion Canyon.

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As I mentioned above, you can take you own car on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the winter months (usually end of December through mid-February, with the exception of holiday weekends).

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From March through late November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation.

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The park is 24 hours a day 7 days a week year round. When the Zion Canyon Shuttle System is operating, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle. If you want to use a personal vehicle on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at a time of year when the shuttle is not running, check the Zion Canyon Shuttle Schedule.

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And from March to November, Zion's Scenic Drive is only accessible via shuttle. If you visit the park during off season, when the shuttle isn't running, you may enter in your private vehicle. Biking Zion's Scenic Drive is always allowed.

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How long does it take to drive through Zion National Park? It's a 17-and-a-half-mile round trip to follow Zion Canyon Road from the South Entrance to its northern end at the Temple of Sinawava. This works out at around a 50-minute drive if you self-drive.

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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!

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The biggest benefit of visiting Zion in October is that the summer crowds begin to disappear and there is a lot more breathing room in the park.

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The biggest advantage of an October visit to Bryce Canyon is that the visitor numbers drop after September. The popular Rim Trail that travels around the canyon rim is packed with people in the summer. Hike this trail in October to marvel at the famous hoodoos, fins, and slot canyons — without the crowds.

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While Spring and Summer provide good hiking conditions, Fall is by far the best time of year for hiking in Zion National Park. The park shuttle is still running, but less frequently, so start your day early to hit the best trails in Zion! Don't miss these awesome hikes in the Fall when crowds are fewer: The Narrows.

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Bug Spray and Sunscreen One of the most important things that you can pack for your stay at Zion Wildflower Resort is bug spray and sunscreen. The park gets very hot, but it can also be humid with lots of bugs that can bite you all over.

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To avoid the crowds make sure to get out first thing in the morning. Never, never, never try to get on the shuttles anytime after 8:00 am if you want to avoid crowds and lines to get on the shuttles. The early start time is so worth it you guys!

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The important thing to know is that you can't drive private vehicles into Zion National Park during “shuttle season” which is March 11 through November 26 (in 2023). On these dates, you must ride the free Zion Canyon Line Shuttle from the Visitor Center.

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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.

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