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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However, if it is your first visit to Zion National Park, we would suggest visiting from the southern entrance. This will give you direct access to the main visitor's center, shuttles, and Zion Canyon which features Zion's most popular hikes, such as Angel's Landing and the Narrows.
Zion National Park is open all year. All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass upon entering Zion National Park. Find out what there is to do in Zion, from hiking to horseback riding. The Map and Guide and other park brochures are available to view or download.
Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel HighwayThis winding scenic drive connects the Visitor Center to the east entrance of the park. Along the switchbacks between Canyon Junction and the tunnel you have great views of Zion National Park.
Zion National Park is OpenThe 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.
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.
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!
Starting mid-morning, lines to board the Zion Shuttle can be very long. We are talking an hour wait or longer. To have the best experience, plan on being on one of the first two shuttles of the day. During peak season and holiday weekends, plan to get in line at least 30 minutes before the first shuttle.
A Utah roadtrip routeIf 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.
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.
Trams depart from the bus stop in front of Zion Lodge and travel north to the Temple of Sinawava with a scheduled stop at the Great White Throne. These 60-75 minute rides offer local knowledge, incredible open-air visibility and personal headsets.
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.
George Shuttle provides transportation from Las Vegas to St George, and from St George to Zion. So if you don't rent a car, you'll need to take a shuttle to St George and stay there. Then you'll need to take the shuttle to the park each day. The first shuttle leaves at 6:30 am and arrives at the park at 7:30 am.
If you can't do Angels Landing, is Zion still worth it? 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.
Zion Hikes From the Visitor CenterWhile the Watchman Trail has you winding through the canyons to the final panoramic viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon and the town of Springdale. Since these trails are not along the Scenic Drive, you don't need to take the Zion shuttle to hike the Pa'rus Trail or Watchman Trail.