What months can you drive through Zion National Park?

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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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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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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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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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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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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The Worst Times to Visit Zion National Park Some might like the solitude and isolated feel of the park during the quietest months, but traveling to Zion in the winter can be a challenge. Think temperatures below freezing at night, roads occasionally covered in snow, and limited park access.

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Best Time to Go to Zion National Park to Avoid Crowds The least crowded months in Zion are December to February when the weather is cold. If you're looking for warmer weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting from March to April or October to November instead.

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Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: The National Park Service works hard to keep this road open year-round. Sometimes closed due to snow, ice, rockfall, or traffic congestion. Check top of this page for closure alerts. Kolob Terrace Road: From fall to spring, this road usually closes for several months due to snow.

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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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To clarify, the tunnel is open to motor traffic 24/7, other than if you are an oversize vehicle (specific dimensions), and required to have a permit/escort, which mandates only specific travel times, correct? Yes. Here's specific information about the tunnel from the park website.

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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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Is a four-wheel drive vehicle advisable during March in the Zion area? You won't need it, all the major roads are paved. If it snows, it does not stick around too long on the valley floor. Only if you intend to drive off road to some obscure trailheads.

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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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Ideally, you need two to three days to really explore Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to hike one of the longer trails such as Angels Landing or the Narrows and enjoy all the major viewpoints.

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Seeing an American Black Bear in Zion National Park is rare but not unheard of. Since bear sightings are so rare each one, even a possible siting, should be reported to park officials. It is important to know the procedure for bear encounters on the off chance that you may see one.

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We think 2 days in Zion National Park is a perfect baseline. With 2 days, you'll be able to plan a Zion National Park itinerary that fits in one of the longer hikes in Zion (like Angels Landing), the scenic drive between the East Entrance and Zion – Mt. Carmel tunnel, and some of the shorter hikes in the canyon.

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It hasn't yet become winter in Zion in November, and cool fall temperatures with brisk mornings and cold nights are still the norm. The average temperature for Zion Canyon in November is a high of 63 and a low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (17/3 degrees Celsius).

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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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