Can you drive your car to Zion Visitor Center?

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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One question that comes up often is, “Can you drive in Zion National Park?” With some exceptions, vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon during the busy season – you must use the shuttle, ride a bike, or walk.

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Can you drive to Zion Observation Point? Observation Point can only be reached on foot. The two main trails to Observation Point are from the Weeping Rock Trailhead and the East Mesa Trailhead.

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BY CAR: From the Springdale & Zion Canyon Visitor Center, continue 1.4 miles on SR-9 to the south entrance of Zion National Park. Once inside the park, continue on SR-9 for another 5.9 miles. You will drive up a group of switchbacks on the mountain and eventually go through a tunnel.

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Observation Point offers marquee views of Zion Canyon, similar to what you might see from the rim of the Grand Canyon. And most people find this hike from the East Mesa Trail relatively easy and doable. The hike is in the east section of the park, away from the crowds.

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While I've done a couple longer hikes, I've also enjoyed all these non-hiking things, too!
  1. Go for a short walk. ...
  2. Rent a bike and ride Zion Canyon. ...
  3. Drive the Mount Carmel Highway. ...
  4. Drive the scenic drive at Kolob Canyons. ...
  5. See Zion from a helicopter.


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If you enter Zion, even if it is to pass through the park, you will need to buy a recreational use pass (park pass). Passes are non-transferable. Zion only sells park passes in person, and you can get a pass at any entrance station. Payment using a credit or debit card is preferred.

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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.

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Getting to the Park More precisely, there are two shuttle systems in operation — one to get visitors to the park and a second to move people around the park. Parking is available in the park, but it's limited and lots usually fill up by between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. After that, cars are prohibited.

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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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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.

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Top ways to experience Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and nearby attractions. 90% 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. 100% of travelers recommend this experience.

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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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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.

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That depends on the type of experience you are looking for. If you're interested in exploring the unique hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is the better option, as it offers a variety of trails and viewpoints. On the other hand, Zion National Park has more adventurous hikes and back-country opportunities.

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These free entry days are scattered throughout the year, coinciding with some national holidays and other significant commemoration days. In 2023 there will be five fee-free days. The first of these free entrance days to Zion National Park is right around the corner, in January.

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Top ways to experience Zion Shuttle and nearby attractions. 100% of travelers recommend this experience.

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The best easy hikes in Zion are the Canyon Overlook Trail, the Riverside Walk, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.

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Route 9 is a beautiful scenic byway. It is a great alternative to taking the highway (rt 15) and takes you through Mt Zion Park.

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