Day Trip: Zion National Park
- Location
- Springdale, Utah (South Entrance); Kolob Canyons at I-15 Exit 40
- From Las Vegas
- Harry Reid International Airport is 170 miles away (NPS)
- Entrance fee
- $35 private vehicle, $30 motorcycle, $20 per person; valid 7 days
- Nonresident fee
- $100 per non-US resident aged 16+, unless holding an annual or ATB pass
- Hours
- Park open 24 hours a day, year-round
- Visitor center
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center information desk, 8 am-5 pm
- Shuttle
- Free; 7 am-6 pm last departure to Oct 24, 7 am-5 pm Oct 25-Nov 28
- Closures
- Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy closed Canyon Junction to East Entrance (Sept 2026)
About
Zion National Park sits in southwest Utah. Its main area, Zion Canyon, is entered through the South Entrance next to the town of Springdale. The park also has an East Entrance on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and a separate Kolob Canyons section in the northwest corner, reached from Interstate 15 at Exit 40 near Cedar City.
The park service describes cream, pink and red sandstone cliffs above the Virgin River. At The Narrows, the canyon walls rise about 1,000 feet and the river is sometimes only 20 to 30 feet wide.
The park is open around the clock all year. For most of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is served by a free shuttle, and private cars are not allowed on it while the shuttle season runs. Lots inside the park often fill early, so the park points visitors to paid parking in Springdale and the free town shuttle.
What to expect
Most visits start at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. From there the Zion Canyon Line shuttle runs up the scenic drive to stops including Zion Lodge, the Grotto and the Temple of Sinawava. The ride to the last stop takes about 45 minutes each way. The shuttle is free and needs no ticket. Pets are not allowed on it.
From the Temple of Sinawava, the paved Riverside Walk runs 1 mile to the start of The Narrows. Going farther means wading upstream in the river. No permit is needed to go as far as Big Spring, a 10-mile round trip. Angels Landing needs a permit past Scout Lookout. The Pa'rus Trail, which starts at the visitor center, is the only trail open to leashed pets.
Plan the trip
Good to know
- As of late September 2026, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is closed to through traffic between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance until further notice. Check the park's alerts before planning a Zion-to-Bryce drive through the East Entrance.
- The Narrows closes to all travel when the Virgin River runs above 150 cubic feet per second, and whenever a flash flood warning is issued. It stays closed for at least two hours after a warning is lifted.
- Angels Landing permits come from a seasonal lottery or a day-before lottery. Each application costs $6 and covers up to six people, plus $3 per person if you win a permit.
- The park warns of toxic cyanobacteria in its rivers. Do not drink stream water or put your head under it, and keep dogs out of the water.
- The Watchman Trail is closed for repairs. Part of the East Rim Trail is also closed after a rockfall, which cuts off Hidden Canyon and the usual route to Observation Point.
- Summer highs often top 100°F. In winter, temperatures usually run between 30°F and 60°F.
Questions about Zion National Park
How far is Zion National Park from Las Vegas?
The park service lists Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas as 170 miles from Zion. Its directions page does not give a driving time from Las Vegas. Most Las Vegas visitors arrive at the South Entrance in Springdale. The Kolob Canyons section is a separate entrance at Interstate 15 Exit 40, near Cedar City, and is not connected to Zion Canyon by road inside the park.
How much does it cost to enter Zion?
A standard pass costs $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person on foot or bicycle, and it is valid for seven days. Children under 16 on foot or bicycle enter free. A Zion annual pass is $70. Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 each unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Can I drive my own car through Zion Canyon?
Not while the shuttle runs. During shuttle season, private vehicles cannot use the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, even before the first or after the last shuttle. In 2026 the shuttle runs through November 28, then again from December 26 to January 2. Other roads, including Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, stay open to cars, though part of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is currently closed.
Do I need a permit to hike Angels Landing?
Yes. Everyone who goes past Scout Lookout onto the chain section of Angels Landing needs a permit. You do not need one to hike the West Rim Trail as far as Scout Lookout. Permits come from a seasonal lottery or a day-before lottery, with a $6 application fee and a $3 per-person fee for winners. Rangers may check permits anywhere on the trail.
Can I hike The Narrows without a permit?
Yes. A permit is not needed to wade upstream from the Temple of Sinawava as far as Big Spring. Some visitors go in for an hour; going all the way to Big Spring is a strenuous 10-mile round trip. The 16-mile top-down hike from Chamberlain's Ranch needs a wilderness permit. The Narrows closes above 150 cubic feet per second of river flow or during flash flood warnings.