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
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.
5
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.
6
Lower Emerald
Pool
The Grotto
(via Kayenta Trail)
1.5 hours
2 mi /
3.2 km
150 ft /
46 m
Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved descent
which leads underneath the Middle
Emerald Pools to the Lower Emerald Pool.
No swimming.
9
Riverside Walk
Temple of Sinawava
1.5 hours
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.
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 of 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.
4
Sand Bench Trail
Court of the
Patriarchs
3 hours
4 mi /
6.4 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 hours
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.
6
Middle Emerald
Pools
The Grotto
(via Kayenta Trail)
1.5 hours
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.
No swimming.
6
Upper Emerald
Pool
The Grotto
(via Kayenta Trail)
2 hours
3 mi /
4.8 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
Follows a ridge to views of Timber
Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley
Mountains.
Taylor Creek Trail
Kolob Canyons Road
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
Maximum 12 people per group. Trail
follows Timber and La Verkin Creek. A
side trail leads to Kolob Arch.
0.5 hour
1 mi /
1.6 km
100 ft/
30 m
3.5 hours
5.0 mi /
8.0 km
450 ft/
137 m
8 hours
14 mi /
22.5 km
1037 ft/
316 m
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 during the shuttle bus season.
Bicycles and E-bikes must pull over and stop to allow shuttles to pass.
Exit
40
Lava
Point Rd
Hop Valley
Trailhead
Wildcat
Canyon
Trailhead
Lee Pass
Trailhead
Taylor Creek
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
15
Located in the northwest
corner of Zion near Interstate
15 at exit 40, a scenic road
climbs past spectacular red
rocks and canyons.
Pets are prohibited on all trails.
Group size limit on Wilderness
trails is 12 people.
Zion Shuttle
SHUTTLE SCHEDULE
September 16
to
November 2
May 19
to
September 15
First bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
7:00 a.m.6:00 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 Springdale Stop #9
5:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
7:15 p.m.8:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m.8:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m.7:00 a.m.
Town of Springdale Shuttle
SPRINGDALE
Parking throughout
the town of Springdale
Lion Blvd.
Clinic
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Canyon
Overlook
Trail
Riverside Walk
The Narrows
Pa’rus Trail
Gro
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to Trai
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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.
Upper Emerald
Pools Trail
Middle Emerald
Pools Trail
No swimming
Lower Emerald
Pools Trail
No swimming
Weeping
Rock
Nature
Center
5990ft
(1765m)
Angels
Landing
BRIDGE CLOSED
ACCESS EMERALD POOLS
TRAILS FROM STOP 6
Closed
South Entrance
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To Kolob Canyons,
St George, and Las Vegas
Zion-Mt.
Carmel Tunnel
No bikes/pedestrians
allowed in the tunnel
89
To:
Kanab
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
East Entrance
Large Vehicle Escort Tunnel
times and size restrictions
on other side
15
9
1
Zion Canyon Village
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
4
Court of the
Patriarchs
8
Big Bend
Down-canyon
shuttle ONLY
9
Temple of
Sinawava
2
Museum
Down-canyon
shuttle ONLY
1
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
5
Zion Lodge
No private vehicles
beyond the gate
during shuttle bus
season
3
Canyon Junction
Down-canyon shuttle ONLY
6
The Grotto
Pedestrian and bike
entrance here
Isaac Peak
6825ft (2081m)
Abraham Peak
6890ft (2101m)
Jacob Peak
6831ft (2083m)
South
Campground
CLOSED
Watchman
Campground
North
0
0
0.5 Mile
0.5 Kilometer
Zion Canyon
shuttle route
Canyon Line
shuttle stop
Springdale
shuttle route
Tunnel
Shuttle Information
Other Visitor Information
Springdale Line
shuttle stop
Hiking trail
Paved road open to
private vehicles
Biking
Ranger station
Restrooms
Wheelchair-accessible
Amphitheater
Pets
Dining
Lodging
Picnic area
Campground
Hiking
Bike Repair Station
Drinking water
1.7 mi
2.7 km
0
3.2 mi
5.1 km
4.3 mi
6.9 km
4.9 mi
7.9 km
6.6 mi
10.6 km
7.7 mi
12.4 km
0.2 mi
0.3 km
0.4 mi
0.8 km
0.8 mi
1.29 km
1.0 mi
1.6 km
1.4 mi
2.25 km
1.8 mi
2.9 km
2.3 mi
3.7 km
2.8 mi
4.5 km
Distance
From
Visitor
Center
Contact Us
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_informatio[email protected]ov
Traffic and Parking Updates
1610 AM 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
@zionnps
24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE: CALL 911 Park emergencies: call 435-772-3322 (daylight hours)
Your Safety Is Your Responsibility
PREVENT
DEHYDRATION
As you hike you lose water
and salt through sweat.
Carry and drink at least
one gallon of water per person per day.
You can get water in 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.
HARMFUL ALGAE MAY BE PRESENT
Do not drink from the Virgin River. The
park is conducting regular water quality
monitoring and will issue new health
advisories as needed. Check park visitor
centers and the park website for current
conditions and advisories.
EXTREME HEAT
Heat illness is the cause of
many medical emergencies
in Zion every summer. It
happens when the body
gets too warm. Dehydration can make
heat illness worse. This leads to heat
cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat
stroke.
Symptoms include high body
temperature (over 100F, 38C), red,
flushed skin, lack of sweat or extreme
sweating, stumbling and poor
coordination, fatigue, weakness, and
confusion or slurred speech. If you
recognize any of these signs, stop hiking
and immediately find shade, drink water,
and get help.
FLASH FLOODS
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. 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.
STEEP CLIFFS
Falls from cliffs on trails
have resulted in death.
Loose sand or pebbles on
stone are very slippery.
Watch for edges all the time - especially
when using cameras or binoculars.
Never throw or roll rocks. There may be
hikers below you. Stay on the trail and
away from cliff edges. Observe posted
warnings and keep children away from
edges.
ELEVATION
Zion is 4,000- 8,000 feet (1,220 - 2,440
meters) above sea level. If you live
somewhere closer to sea level, take it easy
on your hike until you know how the
elevation is going to affect you.
PERMITS
You need a permit for activities including
but not limited to: hiking to Angels
Landing, backpacking, canyoneering,
climbing bivy camping, and hiking some
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 by 3pm, 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.
CAMPING
You need a reservation to
camp in any of the park's
campgrounds. To make
a reservation, visit www.
recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Camping is not allowed in parking areas
or pullouts.
CAMPFIRES
Campfires are only allowed
in metal campground
fire rings. Fires are never
allowed in Wilderness.
Sometimes, especially during the
summer, campfires are not allowed due
to risk of wildfire.
Statewide fire updates at utahfireinfo.gov
Permits &
Reservations
recreation.gov
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
Available on a first-come-
first served basis.
If you are driving an RV
or other large vehicle, use
the Large Vehicle Lot near Zion Canyon
Visitor Center. If your vehicle will fit
through our tunnel without a permit (see
below) you cannot use this lot.
There is paid parking in Springdale.
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 shuttle
buses in the driving lane. 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.
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.
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 normal bicycles
(E-Bikes do not fit). 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.
TUNNEL HOURS
Until Oct. 1, 2024: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PROHIBITED IN THE TUNNEL
• No vehicles over 13 feet
1 inch (4m) tall
• No semi-trucks and commercial
vehicles (e.g. box trucks)
• No vehicles carrying hazardous
materials
• No bicyclists or 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.
Zion Tunnel
Oversized Vehicles, RVs,
Large Trailers
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.
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL
Oversized vehicle drivers pay $15 per
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.
11’4”
3.4 m
7’10”
2.4 m
Ranger-led Programs
Learn about 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,
bulletin boards, online 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 Zion
Junior Ranger book. The book
is available for free at park visitor
centers and the Zion Nature
Center. The Nature Center is next
to the South Campground off of
the Pa'rus Trail. The shuttle does
not stop here. Limited parking is
available.
N
o
r
t
h
South
Entrance
South
Campground
Amphitheater
South
Campground
Zion Human
History Museum
Pa’rus
Trail
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
Pedestrian
Entrance
Watchman
Trail
Zion
Nature
Center
CLOSED
Pa’rus
Trail
Other
Trails
Shuttle
Route
Road
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
™
Published 5/19/2024
