Where To Park Your Car For The Zion Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Zion National Park has limited space. Please

park only in designated stalls

. Vehicles parked outside of designated stalls are subject to citation and may be towed. Once all designated parking stalls in Zion are full, visitors should park in the town of Springdale and ride the town shuttle to access the Park.

Can you drive your car into Zion National Park?

While

you can only drive through Zion Canyon in your own car a few months out of the year

, you can always drive the Mount Carmel Highway. This 12-mile highway connects the south and east entrances of Zion National Park, and driving it is an experience in itself.

Where do you park to hike Zion National Park?

Park at

the Visitor Center

or take the Springdale Shuttle to the main entrance. You can hop on the shuttle at the Visitor Center and ride the various shuttle stops along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If you are heading into the park to go hiking, make sure you know the correct shuttle stop for your hike.

Can I drive my car to Zion Lodge?

Zion National Park Lodge

guests with overnight stays are allowed to drive to the Lodge using the red permit mailed to them

. This permit will need to be validated by the front desk, and displayed while the vehicle is parked.

Is there free parking at Zion National Park?

If you are visiting Zion for the day, you can park in one of Springdale's various parking lots or roadside parking spots, but

you must now pay for parking in town and you will get ticketed if you park in prohibited areas

(like side streets with “no public parking” signs).

How much is parking at Zion National Park?

Zion Parking Lots & Zion Parking Fees

A

$15 fee per vehicle

in addition to the entrance fee is required in this case. Youth under 15 are free. Zion parking lots do exist inside Zion National Park but have very limited spaces and are not available from March to November.

Can you see Bryce canyon by car?


Some of the majestic scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park can be seen by auto touring

, no hiking needed. You can enjoy all of the park's major overlooks if you get out of your car and take leisurely strolls out to the edge of the pavement.

What is the best month to visit Zion National Park?

The best time to visit Zion National Park is between the months of

April and November

when the park's free shuttles are running and the weather is comfortable.

Do you have to ride the shuttle in Zion?


You don't need to ride the shuttle to make the most out of your trip to Zion National Park

. Even without the shuttle, you can still get to those Zion must-see spots (like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools) by biking the Scenic Drive into Zion Canyon.

What is the easiest hike in Zion National Park?

  • Water Canyon | 2 Miles Round-trip | Moderate | 0.75 – 1.25 Hours.
  • Lower Emerald Pool | 1.2 Miles Round-trip | Easy | 0.5 Hours. …
  • West Bank of the Virgin River | 2.6 Miles One Way | Easy | 1 – 1.5 Hours. …
  • The Watchman | 2 Miles Round-trip | Easy | 1 Hour. The Watchman | Zion National Park. …

How do I get to Zion without hiking?

Zion is a simple park to visit because you have to

take a shuttle to get into the main area of the park

. It can definitely be enjoyed without hiking. It's about 1 1/2 hours round trip to ride the shuttle through the canyon. There are about 9 stops – you can get off on as many or as few as you like.

What do I need to hike Zion National Park?

  1. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, applied prior to your arrival)
  2. Drinking-Water (1.5 liters/person/4 hours – minimum)
  3. Food – Half-Day – trail mix, food bars, jerky, etc. …
  4. Food – Full-Day – Cold-cut wraps or sandwiches, trail mix, food bars, jerky, etc. …
  5. Camera / Smart Phone for pictures.

How long does it take to drive around Zion National Park?

This scenic byway runs for 54 miles. Travel time is about

1.5 hours

. From the west, you get on the byway at the intersection of Hwy 9 and Interstate 15, about 9 miles east of St. George.

Do I need reservations to enter Zion National Park?


You do not need a permit or reservation to enter the park

. You do need to pay the park fee.

How much does it cost to hike to Zion National Park?


Per Person: $20

. Valid for 7 days. Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park, including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians.

What time does Zion parking lot fill up?

All parking lots in Zion Canyon are usually full by

9:00AM

. Get an early start or plan on parking in the Town of Springdale and using the town shuttle to reach the park. If parking is full, do not wait for spots to open; park in Springdale and use the town shuttle to reach the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

How do you get to Zion without paying?

  1. Access Pass. …
  2. Free Shuttle. …
  3. Pack in food. …
  4. Leave fido at home. …
  5. Senior Pass. …
  6. Free Annual Pass for U.S. Military. …
  7. Volunteer Pass. …
  8. FREE State Park Pass Information from your Library.

Is Bryce or Zion better?

Both of these Parks offer great outdoor activities for all ages.

For canyoneering and rappelling, Zion beats Bryce

. You'll find world-class hiking in either Park, but in Zion you can find yourself hiking through streams or on sandstone ledges, like Angels Landing – one of the scariest hikes in the world!

Is the drive to Bryce Canyon scary?

Re: Avoiding “scary” driving on trip to Zion, Bryce, and GC?

Don't fear the driving

. As noted, the Zion switchbacks are the only place that even begins to qualify on your fear chart and you really needn't fear it. The detour to Bryce will waste hours of your time.

How many days should I spend in Zion?

Ideally, you need at least

two to three days

to visit Zion National Park. This gives you enough time to hike the longer, more popular trails, such as Angels Landing and the Narrows, and you can also add in a few of the shorter, easier trails, such as the Riverside Walk and Canyon Overlook.

When should you not go to Zion National Park?

The Worst Time to Visit Zion National Park

If you want to avoid the crowds, skip a trip in

June or July

, which both see over 500,000 monthly visitors. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll find solitude during the winter months, but might also experience below-freezing nights, snow, and limited park access.

Can you drive through Zion National Park at night?

Zion is open 24/7, though car traffic may be limited at different times of the day or year as mentioned above.

You can drive into certain parts of the park at any point during the night for stargazing

.

How do I prepare for Zion National Park?


DO wear hiking boots, shorts, and bring layers

. While Zion's temperatures climb into the 100s during summer, majority of the hike is shaded, so a light jacket helps for those starting in the morning. Be sure to pack plenty of water, lunch, and sunscreen, as well. DO bring a hiking stick or, ideally, a pair of poles.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.