Planning Your Visit To Zion National Park

Planning Your Visit To Zion National Park

SPRINGDALE, Utah – Zion National Park began shuttle service on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit to Zion National Park.

Zion Shuttle Schedule 

Zion shuttles started running again in the park and in the Town of Springdale on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

2023 shuttle schedule: 

This schedule is subject to change, and the park will post up-to-date information at go.nps.gov/ZionShuttle

Zion will share an update later this year about service between Christmas and the new year. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to personal vehicles while the park shuttle is operating. Plan for limited parking in Zion National Park. When parking inside Zion is full, the NPS may temporarily close parking lots and roads. You can park in Springdale and ride the free Springdale Line shuttle.

You do not need a permit, ticket, or reservation to enter the park or ride the park shuttle, but you do need to pay the park fee.

Camping 

Watchman Campground 

• Open year-round.
• Make reservations up to 6 months before your visit on recreation.gov.
• South Campground
• Closed.
• Zion will share more information about South Campground as we develop improvement plans.

Lava Point Campground 

• Closed until the snow melts. Anticipated in late-May 2023.
• Make reservations up to two weeks before your visit on recreation.gov.

Plan ahead and prepare

If you cannot park in Zion or if all of our campsites are full, research nearby communities and public lands to learn about other recreational activities and lodging.  Always recreate responsibly and respect private owners’ property and facilities.

Learn more and make reservations online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. We encourage you to plan ahead and make arrangements for where you will stay before you arrive at the park.

Visitor Center and Wilderness Permit Desk hours

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Information Desk — Open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day.

Wilderness Permit Desk 

Open from 8 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 4:30 PM every day.

Park Store – Managed by Zion Forever  

Open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day up to and including March 11.

Open from 8 AM to 7 PM every day starting on March 12.

Zion Human History Museum

Open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day starting on March 11.

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center

Information Desk  

Open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day.

Wilderness Permit Desk 

Open from 8 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 4:30 PM every day.

Need to know

No matter when you visit Zion, plan ahead by checking for updates at nps.gov/zion.

Whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared for crowds.

• Parking fills early year-round.
• Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.
• Stay on trails and avoid walking on the road.
• Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you are riding on the road, you must stop and place a foot on the ground to let buses pass you.
• The NPS may temporarily close roads if traffic is congested or there is nowhere for drivers to park.
• In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than on weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of the day.

Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and be sure to pack out all your trash.

www.nps.gov/zion

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.