Zion Information Guide
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Hiking Guide
Shuttle
Stop
Hike
Location
Round Trip
Average Time
Elevation
Change
Description
EASY
1
Pa’rus Trail
Visitor Center to
Canyon Junction
2 hours
3.5 mi /
5.6 km
50 ft /
15 m
Paved trail follows the
Virgin River from the
Visitor Center to Canyon Junction.
6
The Grotto Trail
Zion Lodge
The Grotto
0.5 hour
1 mi /
1.6 km
35 ft /
11 m
This short trail parallels the roadway,
connecting the Zion Lodge to the Grotto.
It is located behind the shuttle stop.
5
Lower Emerald
Pool Trail
Zion Lodge
1 hour
1.2 mi /
1.9 km
69 ft /
21 m
Leads to the pools below Middle Emerald
Pools and the Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
9
Riverside Walk
Temple of Sinawava
1.5 hour
2.2 mi /
3.5 km
57 ft /
17 m
Paved trail follows the Virgin River
in a deep canyon. First 0.4 miles is
wheelchair accessible but may be sandy.
7
Weeping Rock Trail
Weeping Rock
0.5 hour
0.4 mi /
0.6 km
98 ft /
30 m
Short, but steep. Minor drop-offs. Paved
trail ends at a rock alcove with dripping
springs. Sections may be icy in winter.
MODERATE
East
Side
Canyon Overlook
East side of
Zion Tunnel
1 hour
1.0 mi /
1.6 km
163 ft /
50 m
Minor drop-offs and handrails. Ends at a
viewpoint into lower Zion Canyon. Parking
is limited.
1
Watchman Trail
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
2 hours
3.3 mi /
5.3 km
368 ft /
112 m
Minor drop-offs. Ends at viewpoint of the
Towers of the Virgin, lower Zion Canyon,
and Springdale.
5
Sand Bench Trail
Zion Lodge
4 hours
7.6 mi /
12.2 km
466 ft /
142 m
Hike atop a massive landslide under The
Sentinel. Minor drop-offs. Commercial
horse trail from March to October.
6
Kayenta Trail
The Grotto
1.5 hour
2 mi /
3.2 km
150 ft /
46 m
Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved
climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects
the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails.
5
Middle Emerald
Pool Trail
Zion Lodge
1.5 hour
2.2 mi /
3.5 km
150 ft/
45 m
An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge
that parallels the lower trail at a higher
elevation.
5
Upper Emerald
Pool Trail
Zion Lodge
1 hour
1 mi /
1.6 km
200 ft/
61 m
Minor drop-offs. A sandy and rocky trail
that climbs to the Upper Emerald Pool at
the base of a cliff. No swimming.
STRENUOUS
6
Scout Lookout
via West Rim Trail
The Grotto
3 hours
4.2 mi /
6.2 km
1000 ft/
305 m
Long drop-offs. Not for young
children or anyone afraid of heights.
Hikers need a permit to go to Angels
Landing. Use QR code on back to apply.
9
The Narrows
(via Riverside Walk)
Temple of Sinawava
Out and back hike.
Up to 8 hrs
9.4 mi /
15.1km
334 ft /
102 m
You are responsible for checking weather,
water levels, and flash flood potential
before attempting. This hike is in the river
and subject to dangerous flash floods.
KOLOB CANYONS HIKING TRAILS
Timber Creek
Overlook Trail
Kolob Canyons Road
0.5 hour
1 mi /
1.6 km
100 ft/
30 m
Follows a ridge to views of Timber
Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley
Mountains.
Taylor Creek Trail
Kolob Canyons Road
3.5 hours
5.0 mi /
8.0 km
450 ft/
137 m
Maximum 12 people per group. Follows
the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two
homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove.
Kolob Arch via La
Verkin Creek Trail
Lee Pass
8 hours
14 mi /
22.5 km
1037 ft/
316 m
Maximum 12 people per group. Follows
Timber and La Verkin Creek. A side trail
leads to Kolob Arch.
15
Exit
40
Lava
Point Rd
Hop Valley
Trailhead
Wildcat
Canyon
Trailhead
Lee Pass
Trailhead
West Rim Trailhead
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Kolob
Reservoir
Beatty
Spring
Sawmill
Springs
Spring
Lava
Point
Lava Point
Overlook
6.4 mi
0.3 mi
1.8 mi
6.5 mi
4.1 mi
4.8 mi
5.9 mi
0.1 mi
0.6 mi
0.8 mi
9
To Cedar City,
Cedar Breaks NM,
and Salt Lake City
To La Verkin,
Springdale and
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
2
0 1 3 Miles
0
1 2 3 Kilometers
North
Timber Creek
Overlook Trail
Trail mileage
Paved road
Hiking Trail
2.5 mi
Kolob Canyons
Visitor Center
Kolob Canyons
Located in the northwest corner of the
park off of Interstate 15 via exit 40, the
five-mile scenic drive climbs past the
spectacular canyons and red rocks of the
Kolob Canyons area and ends at the Kolob
Canyons Viewpoint.
Pets are prohibited on all trails. Group size
limit on wilderness trails is 12 people.
Zion Canyon Shuttle
SHUTTLE SCHEDULE
December 23
to
January 1
November 6
to
November 27
November 28
to
December 22
First bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Out of
service
Out of
service
Out of
service
Out of service
Out of service
Out of service
8:00 a.m.7:00 a.m.
Subject to change. Check
website for current hours
Last bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Last bus out of the canyon
from Temple of Sinawava
Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village
First bus from Majestic View Lodge
Last bus leaves Majestic View Lodge
3:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.
5:45 p.m.6:15 p.m.
8:00 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:15 p.m. 5:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
8:10 a.m.
8:00am to
7:00pm
Town of Springdale shuttle hours
SPRINGDALE
Parking throughout
the town of Springdale
Clinic
Lion Blvd.
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Canyon
Overlook
Trail
Riverside Walk
The Narrows
(Accessible with
assistance)
Pa’rus Trail
Gro
t
to Trail
Kayenta Trail
No swimming
West Rim Trail
West Rim Trail
Scout Lookout
This is where the
West Rim Trail splits
from the Angels
Landing Trail.
0.5 mi to Angels
Landing from this
point.
5990ft
(1765m)
Angels
Landing
Upper Emerald
Pools Trail
Middle Emerald
Pools Trail
No swimming
Lower Emerald
Pools Trail
No swimming
Weeping
Rock
9
South Entrance
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To Kolob Canyons,
St George, and Las Vegas
15
Zion-Mt.
Carmel Tunnel
Large Vehicle Escort Tunnel
times and size restrictions
on other side.
No bikes/pedestrians
allowed in the tunnel.
89
To:
Kanab
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
East Entrance
1
Zion Canyon
Village
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
4
Court of the
Patriarchs
6
The Grotto
9
Temple of
Sinawava
2
Museum
Down-canyon
shuttle ONLY
1
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
5
Zion Lodge
8
Big Bend
Down-canyon
shuttle ONLY
7
Weeping Rock
No private vehicles beyond the
gate when shuttles are in service
3
Canyon Junction
Down-canyon shuttle ONLY
Isaac Peak
6825ft (2081m)
Abraham Peak
6890ft (2101m)
Jacob Peak
6831ft (2083m)
South Campground
Watchman
Campground
Zion Canyon
Scenic Drive
For most of the year, the Zion
Canyon Scenic Drive is open to
shuttle buses ONLY.
Private vehicles are not
allowed on the Scenic Drive
beyond Canyon Junction when
shuttle buses are in service.
North
0
0
0.5 Mile
0.5 Kilometer
Zion Canyon shuttle
route
Park shuttle stop
Springdale shuttle
route
Tunnel
Hiking trail
Paved road open to
private vehicles
Shuttle Information
Other Visitor Information
Springdale shuttle
stop
Biking
Ranger station
Restrooms
Drinking water
Picnic area
Wheelchair-accessible
Campground
Amphitheater
Pets
Dining
Lodging
Hiking
1.7 Miles
2.7 km
0
3.2 Miles
5.1 km
4.3 Miles
6.9 km
4.9 Miles
7.9 km
6.6 Miles
10.6 km
7.7 Miles
12.4 km
0.2 Miles
0.3 km
0.4 Miles
0.8 km
0.8 Miles
1.29 km
1.0 Miles
1.6 km
1.4 Miles
2.25 km
1.8 Miles
2.9 km
2.3 Miles
3.7 km
2.8 Miles
4.5 km
Distance
From
Visitor
Center
Museum closed
Dec. 1 until spring
No shuttle before December 23.
May close due to winter weather.
The Zion Canyon Medical Clinic is located in Springdale near the
south entrance to the park. For hours, please call 435-772-3226.
Additional medical clinics are located in Hurricane. The nearest
hospitals are in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab.
24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE: CALL 911
Park emergencies: call 435-772-3322 (daylight hours)
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, UT 84767
Wilderness Information
(435) 772-0170
Park Information
(435) 772-3256
Website
www.nps.gov/zion
E-mail
zion_park_inform[email protected]ov
Traffic and Parking Updates
www.twitter.com/zionnps
1610 A.M. Radio
Free WiFi is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Lodge. Do not
expect data or cell connection in most areas of Zion Canyon, on trails, or in Wilderness.
Social Media
Search @zionnps
Your Safety Is Your Responsibility
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia occurs
when the body is cooled
to dangerous levels. It
is responsible for the
greatest number of deaths among
people engaging in outdoor activities. It
is a hazard in narrow canyons because
immersion in water is the quickest way to
lose body heat. To prevent hypothermia,
avoid cotton clothing (it provides no
insulation when wet), and eat high
energy food before you are chilled.
The signs of hypothermia include
uncontrollable shivering, stumbling
and poor coordination, fatigue and
weakness, and confusion or slurred
speech. If you recognize any of these
signs, stop hiking and immediately
replace wet clothing with dry clothing.
Warm the victim with your own body
and a warm drink, and shelter the
individual from breezes. A pre-warmed
sleeping bag will also prevent additional
heat loss.
ELEVATION
Elevation in Zion ranges from 4,000-
8,000 feet (1,220 - 2,440 meters) above
sea level. If you live near sea level, take
it easy on your hike until you know how
the elevation is going to affect you.
SNOW & ICE
Nearly half of the annual precipitation
in Zion Canyon falls between the
months of December and March.
Roads are plowed, but trails may
be closed due to unsafe conditions.
Snow and ice accumulates on trails,
cliffs, and buildings, so be sure to pay
attention to your surroundings. Watch
for falling ice. Snow spikes winter gear
are recommended. Your safety is your
responsibility.
PREVENT DEHYDRATION
As you hike you lose water and salt
through sweating. Carry water, at least
one gallon per person per day. Water is
available in the park’s developed areas.
Do not drink untreated water from
springs. Your body needs a healthy level
of salt to function so eat a few salty
snacks, like a handful of salted peanuts,
when you drink water.
STEEP CLIFFS
Falls from cliffs on trails have resulted in
death. Loose sand or pebbles on stone
are very slippery. Be careful of edges
when using cameras or binoculars. Never
throw or roll rocks because there may be
hikers below you. Stay on the trail and
away from cliff edges. Observe posted
warnings and please watch children.
Flash Flood Danger
All narrow canyons are
potentially hazardous.
Flash floods, often caused
by storms miles away, are a
real danger and can be life-
threatening. You are taking a risk when
entering a narrow canyon. Your safety is
your responsibility. Watch for indications
of a possible flash flood. During a flash
flood, the water level rises very quickly.
A flash flood can rush down a canyon in
a wall of water over twelve feet high.
If you observe any of these signs, seek
higher ground immediately:
• Deterioration in weather conditions
• Clouds or thunder
• Sudden changes in water clarity from
clear to muddy
Permits & Reservations
CAMPING
You need a reservation to
camp in any of the park's
three campgrounds.
Watchman Campground
is open year round and can be
booked up to 6 months in advance.
South Campground and Lava Point
Campground are open seasonally and
can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance.
To make a reservation, visit
www.recreation.gov or call
877-444-6777. Camping is not allowed in
parking areas or pullouts in the park.
CAMPFIRES
Campfires are only allowed
in metal, campground
fire rings. Sometimes,
especially during the
summer, camp fires are not allowed.
For an up-to-date restrictions, visit
utahfireinfo.gov.
If conditions permit building a fire, clear
debris and only leave when it is out cold.
Fires are never allowed in Wilderness.
PERMITS
You need a permit for activities including
but not limited to: hikes to Angels
Landing, backpacking, canyoneering,
climbing, bivvy camping, and hiking
Wilderness routes.
Scan this QR code to learn about
permits. Use free WiFi at a visitor center
or Zion Lodge. You can only apply for
Angels Landing permits online, and
using this link takes you to a webpage
with more information.
Remember to carry your permit and
photo ID with you on your trip. Permits
are non-transferable.
Getting Around
To protect Zion landscapes, plants,
animals, and history, park only
in designated spaces. For your
safety, park rangers enforce laws
against alcohol and drug-related
driving offenses, including open
container violations. For Utah road
conditions, please call
866-511-8824.
DRIVING
Drivers, pedestrians,
bicyclists, and wildlife all
share park roads.
• 35 mph is the speed limit
unless otherwise posted.
• Wear a seat belt and
use a child safety seat if
appropriate.
• Turn off your vehicle if you
are stopped (do not idle).
• For most of the year, Zion
Canyon Scenic Drive is only
open to shuttle buses or
with a special permit. Your
park entrance pass is not a
permit.
PARKING
Park only in designated
spaces. If you visit when
drivers can directly access
Zion Canyon Scenic
Drive, be aware that the National Park
Service may close the road if there is no
parking available.
If you get to Zion early in the morning
or later in the afternoon, it can be easier
to find parking.
SPRINGDALE SHUTTLE
For part of the year, you
can ride a free shuttle in
the town of Springdale. If
it is running during your
visit, park at your hotel or an approved
parking area and ride to the park
entrance.
Visitors must comply with all rules
regarding riding the shuttles.
ZION CANYON SHUTTLE
During much of the year, the Zion
Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible
by shuttle bus. Check the shuttle
schedule on the front of this sheet to see
when the shuttle is running.
The buses have room for backpacks,
climbing gear, and bicycles. While in
Zion Canyon you may get on and off the
shuttle as often as you like. Only service
dogs are permitted on the shuttles. If
you have accessibility needs, please
speak to a ranger at the Visitor Center.
Visitors must comply with all rules
regarding riding the shuttles.
CYCLING (E-BIKES
AND BICYCLES)
Cycling is permitted on
all public park roads
and on the Pa’rus Trail.
Cyclists must ride single file and stop
to let shuttle buses pass. Do not pass a
moving shuttle bus. Each shuttle bus
has a rack for bicycles. All other park
trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mt.
Carmel Tunnel are closed to cycles.
Only class 1 pedal-assist E-bikes are
allowed and must follow all of the same
rules as bicycles.
Zion Tunnel: (Oversize Vehicles, RVs, Large Trailers)
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL
Oversize vehicle drivers pay $15 per
oversize vehicle (includes two tunnel
pass-throughs within 7 days). Rangers
will stop oncoming traffic so that you
may drive down the center of the road
in the tunnel.
• Vehicles 11 feet 4 inches (3.4m)
and taller up to 13 feet 1 inch
(4m).
• Vehicles 7 feet 10 inches (2.4m)
and wider - including mirrors,
awnings, and jacks.
TUNNEL HOURS
• November 6 through March 31:
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• April 1 through September 30:
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
PROHIBITED IN THE
TUNNEL
• Vehicles over 13 feet
1 inch (4m) tall
• Semi-trucks and commercial
vehicles (e.g. box trucks)
• Vehicles carrying hazardous
materials
• Bicyclists and pedestrians
• Bicyclists and pedestrians cannot
get a ride at the tunnel. Hitchhiking
is only permitted in pullouts.
Rangers are not allowed to give or
arrange for transport through the
tunnel.
The Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel connects Zion Canyon to the east side
of the park. It was built in the 1920s when large vehicles were less
common. Nearly all RVs, buses, trailers, fifth-wheels, dual-wheel
trucks, campers, and large boats require one-way traffic control.
11’4”
3.4 m
7’10”
2.4 m
Ranger-led Programs
Enhance your
understanding and
enjoyment of Zion by
participating in a free
ranger-led program.
Program schedules are based on ranger
availability. Free, advanced reservations
may be required and can be made at the
Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Check park visitor centers and bulletin
boards for times and information about
programs. Topics include geology,
plants, animals, human history, and
more.
Visitors ages 4 and older can earn a
badge by completing the Junior Ranger
book. The book is available for free at
visitor centers within the park.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
™
Published 11/18/2022
