Here are my top finds for Zion National Park:
🏨Lodging: Zion NP Lodge & Cabins (In the Park), Cable Mountain Lodge
📍Tours: Private Narrows Hike, Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Guided Hike
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Zion Shuttle: Your Complete Guide to Navigating Zion Canyon
The Zion Shuttle is the only way to get into the Zion Canyon and spend time exploring the heart of Zion National Park during certain times of the year. The shuttle runs daily but you will want to plan your trip to make the most of your time in this great park.
2026 Zion Shuttle Schedule & Operating Dates
Over six million people a year ride the Zion Shuttle buses! These propane-powered buses are the only way to get deep in the Zion Canyon and explore all of the top things to do in Zion National Park during the busy season!
The best part of using the shuttle is how easy they are to hop on and off. From early March through mid-November access into Zion Canyon is by shuttle bus only. Zion is becoming one of the most visited National Parks in the United States!
I would not be surprised if the shuttle system eventually becomes a year-round service.
Zion Shuttle Stop Guide
Things to Remember
- Do not wait until the last shuttle to leave Zion Canyon for the day. Busses do have a limited capacity and the shuttle may be full by the time it reaches your stop and you will be out of luck.
- No pets are allowed on the shuttle buses.
- Only water can be consumed while riding on a shuttle bus.
All 9 Zion Shuttle Stops: What to See & Trails to Access
Stop 1 - Zion Canyon Visitor Center
The Zion Shuttle starts at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. This is a great place to use the bathrooms, pick up current park brochures, and check for river levels if you plan to hike the Zion Narrows.
You can also fill your water bottle here. Be prepared for there to be a line at times to hop on a free shuttle bus. The buses run really frequently so the line is normally not to long.
Stop 2 - Zion Human History Museum
The Zion Human History Museum is filled with exhibits dedicated to telling the stories of human history in Zion Canyon.
There are restrooms, a bookstore, and a water bottle filling station.
You can enjoy views of the Tower of the Virgin and Bridge Mountain.
From the Zion Human History Museum Shuttle Bus Stop you can access the Pa-Rus Trail.
Stop 3 - Canyon Junction
The Canyon Junction Shuttle stop provides views of the Virgin River and Zion Canyon.
From this shuttle stop, you can access the Pa-Rus trail.
Stop 4 - Court of the Patriarchs
The Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop provides views of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Peaks, Mount Moroni, and The Sentinel.
There is a short but steep trail to a viewpoint.
Stop 5 - Zion Lodge
Zion Lodge is nestled in the heart of Zion Cabin. You can pick up lunch or a snack at the outdoor restaurant. This is a great place to stop for lunch and to relax.
From the Zion Lodge Shuttle Stop, you can access the Emerald Pools Trail, The Grotto Trail, and Sand Beach Trail.
Stop 6 - The Grotto
The Grotto has a shaded picnic area among cottonwood trees. There is also an easy to reach restroom and water filling station.
From the Grotto Shuttle Stop, you can access the Grotto Trail, Kayenta Trail, and West Rim Trail.
Stop 7 - Weeping Rock
Weeping Rock is a hanging garden created by dripping springs. There is a restroom, ranger programs, and great views of Angels Landing and the Big Bend.
From Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop you can access the Weeping Rock Trail. Typically you can access the East Rim Trail, Hidden Canyon Trail, and Observation Point Trail at this stop but these trails have a long term closure due to a large rock slide.
Stop 8 - Big Bend
The Big Bed offers epic views of the Virgin River with towering cliffs above it.
You can enjoy views of Angles Landing, the Virgin River, and the Great White Throne.
Stop 9 - Temple of Sinawava
The Temple of Sinawava is the gateway and shuttle stop for The Narrows.
You will find restrooms and a water bottle filling station.
From the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, you can access the Riverside Walk, Virgin River, and The Zion Narrows.
ADA Accessibility
All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.
The use of personal vehicles is restricted to those individuals requiring additional vehicle supported medical devices or when the shuttle bus cannot accommodate the individual due to weight or size restrictions.
A special permit for personal vehicle use can be obtained from the visitor center or museum information desks by providing documentation of the medical condition.
What to pack with you
You will want to be prepared to spend the day in the park! While you can go back to your car via the shuttle I am pretty sure you will not be excited to spend time going back for something.
- Water Bottle - There are water bottle filling stations at many of the shuttle stops.
- Snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Carry the ten essentials, including a Zion National Park Map
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Sun Protection like Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses
Free Springdale Shuttle: Park Without Hassle
You can take a free shuttle from Springdale to Zion National Park daily. This is a great option if you are staying in Springdale or can not find parking near the Zion Visitor Center.
There are easy to see shuttle bus stop signs in Springdale. When you park in Springdale make sure and check to see if you need to pay for day parking!!!
Best Zion National Park Tours & Adventures
Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Guided Hike (Small Group)
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (788+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 to 3 hours | 🏜️🥾 Check Rates and Availability
One of the most popular and best-reviewed slot canyon experiences in the greater Zion area, this small-group guided hike with Coral Cliffs Tours takes groups of 10 or fewer into the stunning Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon near Kanab, Utah. Guides consistentaly earn extraordinary reviews across hundreds of trips for their geological knowledge, photography tips, and ability to make every guest feel at ease on the deep-sand Jeep ride in. The 8 AM tour is particularly popular for getting the canyon entirely to yourselves and catching the best morning light for photos. A genuinely easy hike on relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for families with young children and guests of all fitness levels. Bottled water is provided. Recommended by 99% of travelers.
East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (1,152+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🚙🏜️ Check Rates and Availability
A Badge of Excellence holder booked multiple times daily, this crowd-free slot canyon adventure from East Zion Adventures takes small groups of just 5 guests into Crimson Canyon via a custom off-road UTV, accessing a private area that most Zion visitors never know exists. Once at the canyon mouth, the hike begins through towering sandstone walls that stretch over 100 feet high with a gap of just 6 to 10 feet between them. Your guide assists you over boulder sections reaching 8 to 10 feet, pointing out ancient Native American writings along the route and explaining the geological forces that carved the canyon over millions of years. Reviewers consistently describe it as one of the most jaw-dropping and underrated experiences in all of southern Utah.
Zion National Park Angels Landing Guided Hike with Permit
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (30+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: Half day | 🥾⛰️ Check Rates and Availability
Angels Landing is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in all of America, and since 2022 it requires a permit that is notoriously difficult to secure. This guided experience with Land Beyond Zion handles the permit for you, eliminating the stress and uncertainty of the lottery system entirely. Guides Camila and June earn outstanding reviews for their knowledge of hand and foot placements on the iconic chain sections, their ability to keep guests calm on the exposure-heavy final push to the summit, and the incredible views they help visitors soak in at the top. A genuine bucket-list hike with a guide who makes it accessible and safe. Free cancellation included. Highly recommended for solo travelers and first-timers tackling the chains for the first time.
Make sure to click here for additional tours in Zion National Park.
Lodging Options inside Zion National Park
⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - Zion Lodge & Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The only lodging inside Zion National Park, nestled among towering cottonwoods at the heart of Zion Canyon with Angels Landing, the Emerald Pools, and the Narrows all just steps from your door!
Choose from hotel-style rooms, cozy Western cabins with gas log fireplaces and private porches, or spacious suites with wet bars and sitting rooms, all featuring private balconies with jaw-dropping canyon wall views. The Red Rock Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with spectacular canyon views, and the on-site cafe is perfect for a pre-hike coffee and pastry. Free WiFi, free parking, gift shop, 24-hour front desk, and the Zion shuttle stops right at the lodge entrance so you can skip the crowds and hit the trails early. Open year-round, book up to 13 months in advance!
Make sure you read my full review on the Zion Lodge and Zion Cabins!
Lodging in Springdale, Just out of the park's Entrance
National Park Lodges often sell out months in advance but there are several lodging options near Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.
⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Desert Pearl Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A family-owned award-winning boutique inn right on the banks of the Virgin River, with every single room featuring a private balcony or terrace overlooking the river and Zion's soaring red rock cliffs!
The 73 spacious rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchenettes, premium pillowtop beds, and sofa beds for families, all crafted from reclaimed Douglas fir and native stone. After the hike soak away sore muscles in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub beside a soothing rock waterfall, then grab an e-bike and explore Springdale. The Zion shuttle stops right at the front entrance. Free WiFi, free parking, full-service spa, laundry, and concierge. Pet friendly and open year-round!
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - Cable Mountain Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Zion's highest-rated independent lodge, perched steps from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center with direct canyon views from the lobby and a seasonal heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the red rock cliffs!
Studios and suites feature satellite TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, rainfall showerheads, and deep-soaking bathtubs, with full kitchen suites available for extended stays and families. Amenities include a full-service spa, yoga classes, bike rentals, an area shuttle, convenience store, gift shop, BBQ area, business center, EV charging, free WiFi, and free parking. Open year-round!
Click here or on the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Zion National Park
Zion National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Zion National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $20.00 Per Snowmobile (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$70.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$80.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$190.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Park Alerts
- The Hidden Canyon Trail and Observation Point Trail have a long term closure due to a large rockfall.
- The Watchman Trail is currently closed pending repairs with no offical reopening date announced.
- Everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs a permit. Learn why/how to get a permit here.
- Toxic Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in the Virgin River and the streams of Zion National Park. Do not submerge your head in or filter drinking water from still or moving water. (Read more here)
Additional Zion National Park Information
- Zion National Park - Complete guide to planning your trip to Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Camping - Learn more about each of the campgrounds in the park and what to expect.
- Hiking the Narrows Guide - What you need to know to plan a trip hiking the Narrows in Zion.
- Zion Hiking Guide - Check out the top hiking trails you do not want to miss! From easy walks to full adventures of hiking Angels Landing.
- Zion Lodge - Find out what it is like to stay in the Zion Lodge
- Zion Cabins - Check out what it is like to stay in the gorgeous Zion National Park Cabins.
- National Parks near Las Vegas - If you flew into Vegas you don't want to miss some of these other great parks including Bryce Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon.
Check out all of the Utah National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Wyoming, National Parks in New Mexico, National Parks in Nevada, Idaho National Parks, Colorado National Parks, and Arizona National Parks.
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