Can you get around Zion without shuttle?

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.



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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 way to get around Zion National Park is on the park's free shuttle during the nine months of the year that it runs. Between December and February, your only option is a car since the shuttle pauses service during the winter months.

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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.

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Things to Do in Zion if You Don't Want to Ride the Shuttle
  • Hire a Private Shuttle. ...
  • Bike into Zion Canyon. ...
  • Hike to Canyon Overlook. ...
  • Hike the Watchman Trail. ...
  • Hike the Pa'rus Trail. ...
  • Watch the Sunset from Canyon Junction Bridge. ...
  • Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. ...
  • Hike to Observation Point.


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You don't need to ride the shuttle to make the most out of your trip to Zion National Park. 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.

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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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Paying for a Park Pass If you enter Zion, even if it is to pass through the park, you will need to buy a recreational use pass (park pass).

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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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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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With only One Day in Zion, Make Sure to Book Your Accommodation Early so You can Stay Close to the Park. If you'll be spending 1 day in Zion, it is important to stay as close to the park as possible, so that you minimize your travel time, and can spend most of the day enjoying everything there is to see in Zion.

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Absolutely! While Angels Landing is a popular and iconic hike at Zion National Park, there are still plenty of other amazing sights to see in the park. We rarely hike Angels Landing when we visit, and yet we visit every year.

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With about 230 square miles to explore, driving is the best way to experience a Zion National Park tour. However, like any national park, you'll have to buy an entrance pass to get in. At Zion, the fee for a single vehicle is $35.

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In general, most adults with a moderate fitness level will be fine and enjoy this activity. So if you're a beginner wanting to do the Zion Narrows day hike, don't worry! It can seem intimidating, but so long as you don't have difficulties getting around on a typical hike, you will be fine.

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Depending on where and when you board one of Zion's free shuttle buses you may have to wait 30 minutes or more for an available spot. Shuttles run every few minutes but they fill to standing room only for most of the day. Expect a wait at the Visitor Center in the morning with peak wait times from 8:00AM to noon.

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Zion National Park is Open 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.

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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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Time needed to explore There are a lot of hikes in Zion National Park, and even though most are not long, I still recommend allocating at least 2 days to see it all and take in the full beauty of Zion. If you plan on doing a few of the longer hikes, you may want to allocate an extra day.

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A Utah roadtrip route If you're only doing these two parks then it doesn't matter which you do first. If you're going over to the other Utah national parks (on the east side of the state), then it makes sense to do Zion first, then Bryce and head on east.

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There may be a wait at park entrance stations, and parking often fills by early- or mid-morning. You can avoid delays if you park in Springdale and ride the free shuttle to the park. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is also very busy with lines that regularly stretch to the visitor center doors.

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The best place to stay when visiting Zion is in the town of Springdale. This is primarily because of its great location. Springdale is located directly outside the entrance to Zion National Park, so it's the most convenient area to stay during a trip to the park.

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