How long is the drive through Zion National Park?

Highway 9 is a 14-mile stretch of road that goes through Zion National Park and connects the East side of the park to Zion Scenic Drive and Kolob Terrace Road. You are able to drive this route freely throughout the year. Many tourists drive this route every year to experience the marvel of the Mt.



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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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Travel time is about 1.5 hours.

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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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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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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. Note that your map app may call it a toll road because you are required to pay for admission to the park.

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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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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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Zion National Park has three entrances, the South Entrance, East Entrance, and Kolob Canyons Entrance. As far as which one is best, really depends on where you want to go in Zion, but by far the most popular entrance is the South Entrance.

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All parking lots in Zion Canyon are usually full by 9:00AM. Get an early start or plan on parking in the Town of Springdale and using the town shuttle to reach the park. If parking is full, do not wait for spots to open; park in Springdale and use the town shuttle to reach the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

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Shuttles take about 45 minutes to drive between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava. This means a round trip takes about an hour and a half.

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The Direct Route is safe - that said, you'll face sharp turns in the form of switchbacks. Switchbacks are roads with sharp ascents and descents cutting back one on another, so it's good to be prepared for this before you set off on your trip. If you're scared of heights, there's no need to be concerned.

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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.

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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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You don't need a SUV unless you are traveling with a lot of luggage or cargo. A sedan will be easier to maneuver and park.

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Zion Narrows has a number of waterfalls. The first you will reach, Mystery Falls, is accessible to almost everyone. Day hikers typically turn back once they reach this landmark. You can reach Mystery Falls less than a half mile from your starting spot at Temple of Sinawava.

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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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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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Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are approximately 80 miles apart and one can be reached from the other in under 2 hours by car, about 1 hour and 40 minutes without traffic. The fastest route between the two parks starts on Route 12, takes you south on Interstate 89 and then west on Route 9.

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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.

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Route 12 is one of the most scenic roads in Utah, and all of the US for that matter, so this is a drive to enjoy. I definitely recommend doing this hike during the day so you can soak up all of the views along the way.

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