Spring 2026

Zion Information Guide Hiking Guide National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Zion Shuttle Elevation Description Change 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 motor vehicles to pass. 2 hours 3.5 mi / 5.6 km 50 ft / 15 m Paved multi-use trail follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. SHUTTLE SCHEDULE 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. Lower Emerald Pool Trail Zion Lodge 1 hour 1.2 mi / 1.9 km 150 ft / 46 m Minor drop-offs. Trail leads underneath the Middle Emerald Pools to the Lower Emerald Pool. Sections may be icy in winter. No swimming. Hike Round Trip Location Average Time 1 Pa’rus Trail Visitor Center Canyon Junction 5 5   Shuttle   Stop EASY 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. 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 generally flat but may be sandy. March 7 to May 16 May 17 to September 12 September 13 to October 24 First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center 7:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. Last bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Last bus out of the canyon from Temple of Sinawava 7:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m. First bus from Springdale Stop #9 8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Subject to change. Check website for current hours Town of Springdale Shuttle MODERATE 1 hour 1.0 mi / 1.6 km Watchman Trail Zion Canyon Visitor Center 2 hours 3.3 mi / 5.3 km 163 ft / 50 m Moderate drop-offs and handrails. Ends at a viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon. Parking is limited. 368 ft / 112 m Minor drop-offs. Ends at viewpoint of the Towers of the Virgin, lower Zion Canyon, and Springdale. Sand Bench Trail Court of the Patriarchs 3 hours 4 mi / 6.4 km 5 Middle Emerald Pools Trail Zion Lodge 1.5 hours 2.2 mi / 3.5 km 150 ft / 45 m Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge above Lower Emerald Pool. No swimming. 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. Kayenta Trail The Grotto 1.5 hours 2 mi / 3.2 km 150 ft / 46 m Hike atop a massive landslide under The Sentinel. Minor drop-offs. Commercial horse trail from March to October. 7.7 mi 12.4 km W es tR im Temple of Sinawava 9 Tr a il Big Bend Down-canyon 8 shuttle ONLY Scout Lookout This is where West Rim Trail splits from Angels Landing Trail. 0.5 mi to Angels Landing from this point. 6.6 mi 10.6 km Weeping Rock 5990ft (1765m) 7 Angels Landing Tra i nta ye Grotto Trail No swimming Zion Lodge Middle Emerald Pools Trail 4.3 mi 6.9 km Lower Emerald Pools Trail No swimming Jacob Peak 6831ft (2083m) River 3.2 mi 5.1 km 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. Out and back hike. Zi Taylor Creek Trail Kolob Canyons Road 3.5 hours 5.0 mi / 8.0 km 450 ft/ 137 m 8 hours 14 mi / 22.5 km 1037 Cft/amp Maximum 12 people per group. Trail C re ek follows Timber and La Verkin Creek. A 316 m side trail leads to Kolob Arch. 2.7 km Down-canyon 2 shuttle ONLY Taylor Creek Trailhead Taylor Creek Trai Exit 40 Midd le Kolob Canyons Visitor Center Fork Lee Pass Trailhead Fork Pets are prohibited on all trails. Group size limit on Wilderness trails is 12 people. Trai l Willis Kolob Arch 0.6 mi 0.2 mi 0.3 km South Entrance Pedestrian and bike entrance here Watch Cr ee Cr eek High w a y Lion Blvd. 4 5 1.0 mi 1.6 km a 2.3 mi 3.7 km SPRINGDALE throughout P Parking the town of Springdale 8 ey il Tra 2.8 mi 4.5 km 9 North 0 0.5 Kilometer 0 0.5 Mile Shuttle Information Canyon Line shuttle stop Zion Canyon shuttle route Springdale Line shuttle stop Springdale shuttle route Other Visitor Information 6 Kolob Reservoir 7 m Paved road open to private vehicles Campground Tunnel Picnic area Hiking trail Wheelchair-accessible Hiking 6.5 mi Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel Zion Canyon Visitor Center Watchman Campground ll Va ki n La Ver 1 3 0.8 mi 1.29 km 1.4 mi 2.25 km 1 2 Clinic 0.4 mi 0.8 km 0.3 mi Beatty Spring rmel See other side for details No bikes/pedestrians allowed in the tunnel South Campground 1.8 mi 2.9 km k e L a V r ki n C 1.8 mi 6.4 mi Ho p To La Verkin, Springdale and Zion Canyon Visitor Center Tim be r Timber Creek Overlook Trail nt Ca Nature Center re ek 15 Cre e k n -Mou Pa’rus Trail Zion Canyon Village To Cedar City, Cedar Breaks NM, and Salt Lake City To: Kanab Grand Canyon Bryce Canyon 89 Zio Museum 0 Located in the northwest corner of Zion near Interstate 15 at exit 40, a scenic road N rth climbs past spectacular red Fo k T yl o rocks and canyons. r C re ek Canyon Overlook Trail No private vehicles beyond the gate 1.7 mi Maximum 12 people per group. Follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. Down-canyon shuttle ONLY 3 Tr a Hiking Kolob Arch viaTrail La Verkin Creek Trail 2.5 mi Trail mileage Lee Pass Follows a ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. Canyon Junction il 100 ft/ 30 m East Entrance n 1 hour 1 mi / 1.6 km Paved road n on KOLOB CANYONS HIKING TRAILS Timber Creek Overlook Trail Kolob Canyons Road Court of the 4 Patriarchs Abraham Peak 6890ft (2101m) n yon S c e ni c rt h Dr Fork iv e Vir gin Up to 8 hrs 334 ft / 9.4 mi / 102 m 15.1km You need a permit to go to Angels Landing. Use QR code on back to apply. Isaac Peak 6825ft (2081m) No The Narrows (via Riverside Walk) Temple of Sinawava Long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone afraid of heights. 1000 ft / 305 m Tra il 3 hours 4.2 mi / 6.2 km ch Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail The Grotto Sand Be 9 5 No swimming STRENUOUS 6 6 Ka Upper Emerald Pools Trail Ca 6 Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails. 4.9 mi 7.9 km Weeping Rock The Grotto l 4 466 ft / 142 m Riverside Walk Trail 1 Canyon Overlook East side of Zion Tunnel Rim West East Side The Narrows Distance From Visitor Center To 15 Kolob Canyons, St George, and Las Vegas La 9 Po va in tR West Rim Trailhead d Amphitheater Biking Pets Ranger station Dining Drinking water Lodging Restrooms Bike Repair Station 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 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, which can be fatal. 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. 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 and drop-offs. If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately: • Deterioration in weather conditions. 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. • Clouds or thunder. • Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE: CALL 911 Park emergencies: call 435-772-3322 (daylight hours) 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 or download the UDOT Traffic app. 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 pull over to a complete stop to let shuttle buses pass. Do not pass shuttle busses in traffic lane. Each shuttle bus has a rack for regulartire 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. Permits & Reservations 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 child safety seats. • 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-comefirst served basis. RVs and other large vehicle may use the Oversize Vehicle Lot near Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Vehicles that fit through the tunnel without a permit cannot use this lot. There is paid parking in Springdale. No r t h Pa’rus Trail Other Trails Shuttle Route Road Zion Nature Center 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 South Campground Amphitheater Pa’rus Trail South Campground CLOSED Watchman Trail Remember to carry your permit and photo ID with you on your trip. Permits are non-transferable. Camping is not allowed in parking areas or pullouts. The buses have room for backpacks, climbing gear, and normal bicycles (E-Bikes do not fit). 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. LARGE VEHICLES Your vehicle is considered "large" if it exceeds any of these limits: • Length: 35 ft 9 in (10.9 m). Combined vehicles cannot exceed 50 ft (15.24 m) • Width: 7 ft 10 in (2.4 m), including mirrors, awnings, and jacks. • Height: 11 ft 4 in (3.45 m) • Weight: 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) 11’4” 3.4 m Learn about Zion by participating in a free ranger-led program. Zion Human History Museum 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. 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. 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. Some shuttles only travel down-canyon (towards the Visitor Center). The Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel connect Zion Canyon to the east side of the park. Starting on June 7, 2026, vehicle size restrictions will be enforced on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Large vehicles will need to take an alternate route. One-way traffic control through the tunnel will no longer be available. Ranger-led Programs recreation.gov 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. 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-Mt. Carmel Highway & Tunnel Zion Canyon Visitor Center South Entrance Pedestrian Entrance Shuttles from the Museum only travel downcanyon towards the Visitor Center. 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, and 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 through the summer. NATURE CENTER Open daily 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. from May 22 to September 7. 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. 7’10” 2.4 m TUNNEL TRAFFIC CONTROL Available until June 6, 2026 from 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. Large vehicles pay $15 per vehicle for one-way traffic control (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. PROHIBITED ON THE HIGHWAY • No vehicles over 13 ft 1 in (4m) tall • No semi-trucks and commercial vehicles (e.g. box trucks) • No vehicles over 50,000lbs • No bicyclists or pedestrians. Cyclists 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. Contact Us 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. Mailing Address Zion National Park 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767 Website www.nps.gov/zion E-mail zion_park_information@nps.gov Social Media @zionnps Traffic and Parking Updates 1610 AM Radio Park Information (435) 772-3256 Wilderness Information (435) 772-0170 EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ Published 3/4/2026