by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Zion Maps and GuidesFall/Winter 2024 |
Fall/Winter Information Sheet for Zion National Park (NP) in Utah. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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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 shuttles to pass.
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.
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.
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.
Hike
Round Trip
Location
Average Time
1
Pa’rus Trail
Visitor Center
Canyon Junction
5
9
EASY
September 16
to
November 2
November 3
to
December 1
December 21
to
December 30
First bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
7:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Last bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
5:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Last bus out of the canyon
from Temple of Sinawava
7:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
Subject to change. Check
website for current hours
MODERATE
No shuttle service December 2–20
Canyon Overlook
East side of
Zion Tunnel
1 hour
1.0 mi /
1.6 km
163 ft /
50 m
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.
Kayenta Trail
The Grotto
1.5 hours
2 mi /
3.2 km
150 ft /
46 m
Lower Emerald
Pool
The Grotto
(via Kayenta Trail)
1.5 hours
2 mi /
3.2 km
150 ft /
46 m
Middle Emerald
Pools
The Grotto
(via Kayenta Trail)
1.5 hours
2.2 mi /
3.5 km
2 hours
3 mi /
4.8 km
8:00 a.m.
Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village
7:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
The Narrows
Distance
From
Visitor
Center
Riverside Walk
7.7 mi
12.4 km
W
es
Tr
a
il
Big Bend
Down-canyon
8 shuttle ONLY
This is where the
West Rim Trail splits
from the Angels
Landing Trail.
0.5 mi to Angels
Landing from this
point.
6.6 mi
10.6 km
Weeping
Rock
Closed
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.
5990ft
(1765m)
Angels
Landing
The Grotto
Tra
i
l
Rim
West
An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge
that parallels the lower trail at a higher
elevation.
No swimming.
4.9 mi
7.9 km
Upper Emerald
Pools Trail
6
Grotto Trail
No swimming
Zion Lodge
Middle Emerald
Pools Trail
4.3 mi
6.9 km
5
No swimming
Lower Emerald
Pools Trail
BRIDGE CLOSED
No swimming
3 hours
4.2 mi /
6.2 km
The Narrows
(via Riverside Walk)
Temple of Sinawava
Long drop-offs. Not for young
children or anyone afraid of heights.
1000 ft /
305 m
Isaac Peak
6825ft (2081m)
Hikers need a permit to go to Angels
Landing. Use QR code on back to apply.
Up to 8 hrs 334 ft /
9.4 mi /
102 m
15.1km
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.
Sand
Be
ch
Out and back hike.
3.2 mi
5.1 km
1 hour
1 mi /
1.6 km
Taylor Creek Trail
Kolob Canyons Road
n
on
KOLOB CANYONS HIKING TRAILS
Timber Creek
Overlook Trail
Kolob Canyons Road
100 ft/
30 m
Follows a ridge to views of Timber
Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley
Mountains.
3.5 hours
5.0 mi /
8.0 km
450 ft/
137 m
8 hours
14 mi /
22.5 km
1037 ft/ Maximum 12 people per group. Trail
amp
Timber and La Verkin Creek. A
316 mC follows
C re
ek
Zi
No private vehicles
beyond the gate
during shuttle bus
season
1.7 mi
2.7 km
Down-canyon
2 shuttle ONLY
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
Watch
Kolob
Arch
0.6 mi
Lion Blvd.
0.8 mi
1.29 km
0.3 mi
1.0 mi
1.6 km
Cr
ee
Cr
eek
7
il
Tra
6.5 mi
rmel
High w a y
Zion-Mt.
Carmel Tunnel
Large Vehicle Escort Tunnel
times and size restrictions
on other side
No bikes/pedestrians
allowed in the tunnel
m
a
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
9
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
throughout
P Parking
the town of Springdale
Paved road open to
private vehicles
Campground
Tunnel
Picnic area
Hiking trail
Wheelchair-accessible
Hiking
ey
2.8 mi
4.5 km
SPRINGDALE
8
ll
Va
ki n
La Ver
Beatty
Spring
nt Ca
Other Visitor Information
6
Kolob
Reservoir
1.4 mi
2.25 km
2.3 mi
3.7 km
4
Watchman
Campground
5
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
1
3
Clinic
0.4 mi
0.8 km
1
2
0.2 mi
0.3 km
re ek
15
Cre e k
n -Mou
il
Pedestrian and bike
entrance here
Taylor Creek
Trailhead
To:
Kanab
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
Tr
a
South Entrance
Zion Canyon Village
To Cedar City,
Cedar Breaks NM,
and Salt Lake City
Canyon
Overlook
Trail
Nature
Center
South
Campground
CLOSED
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
Down-canyon shuttle ONLY
3
n
side trail leads to Kolob Arch.
Canyon Junction
Pa’rus Trail
Paved road
Kolob Arch via La
Hiking Trail
Verkin Creek Trail
2.5 mi Trail mileage
Lee Pass
East Entrance
89
Zio
Museum
Maximum 12 people per group. Follows
the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two
homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove.
Court of the
4 Patriarchs
Abraham Peak
6890ft (2101m)
River
Scout Lookout
via West Rim Trail
The Grotto
ACCESS EMERALD POOLS
TRAILS FROM STOP 6
Jacob Peak
6831ft (2083m)
Tra
il
9
im
9
Scout Lookout
STRENUOUS
6
tR
Temple of
Sinawava
nta
Upper Emerald
Pool
The Grotto
(via Kayenta Trail)
8:00 a.m.
ye
6
150 ft /
45 m
8:00 a.m.
Ka
6
Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved descent
which leads underneath the Middle
Emerald Pools to the Lower Emerald Pool.
No swimming.
First bus from Springdale Stop #9
n yon
S c e ni c
rt h
Dr
Fork
iv
e
Vir
gin
6
Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved
climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects
the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails.
Town of Springdale Shuttle
No
6
Minor drop-offs and handrails. Ends at a
viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon. Parking
is limited.
Trail
East
Side
Ca
Shuttle
Stop
To 15 Kolob Canyons,
St George, and Las Vegas
La
Po va
in
tR
West Rim Trailhead
d
Amphitheater
Biking
Pets
Ranger station
Dining
Drinking water
Lodging
Restrooms
Bike Repair Station
24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE: CALL 911
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, UT 84767
Social Media
Search @zionnps
Wilderness Information
(435) 772-0170
Park emergencies: call 435-772-3322 (daylight hours)
Emergency care, medical clinics, and pharmacies are located in
the City of Hurricane about 30 minutes from Zion. The nearest
hospitals are in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab.
Park Information
(435) 772-3256
Website
www.nps.gov/zion
E-mail
zion_park_information@nps.gov
Traffic and Parking Updates
www.twitter.com/zionnps
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.
Getting Around
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 4,0008,000 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.
To make a reservation, visit
www.recreation.gov or call
877-444-6777.
• Wear a seat belt and
use a child safety seat if
appropriate.
• Turn off your vehicle if you
are stopped (do not idle).
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
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.
Statewide fire updates at utahfireinfo.gov
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.
PARKING
Available on a first-comefirst served basis.
If you are driving an RV or
other large vehicle, use the
Oversize 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.
Zion Tunnel: (Oversize Vehicles, RVs, Large Trailers)
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL
Oversize vehicle drivers pay $15 per
vehicle (includes two tunnel passthroughs within 7 days). Rangers will
stop oncoming traffic so that you may
drive down the center of the road in
the tunnel.
TUNNEL HOURS
• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Starting in mid-2026, oversize
vehicles will be rerouted off the
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
• 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.
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
11’4”
3.4 m
7’10”
2.4 m
CAMPFIRES
Campfires are only allowed
in metal campground fire
rings.
If conditions permit building a fire,
clear debris and only leave when the fire
is out cold. Fires are never allowed in
Wilderness.
Visitors must comply with all rules
regarding riding the shuttles.
• 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.
Camping is not allowed in parking areas
or pullouts.
Sometimes, especially during the
summer, campfires are not allowed due
to the risk of wildfire.
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.
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.
Permits & Reservations
CAMPING
You need a reservation to
camp in any of the park's
campgrounds.
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.
• 35 mph is the speed limit
unless otherwise posted.
Flash Flood Danger
All narrow canyons are
potentially hazardous.
Flash floods, often caused
by storms miles away, are a
real danger and can be lifethreatening. 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.
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.
DRIVING
Drivers, pedestrians,
bicyclists, and wildlife all
share park roads.
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.
SPRINGDALE SHUTTLE
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 866-5118824.
• 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.
Ranger-led Programs
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.
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.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™
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 Zion Junior
Ranger book. The book is available for
free at park visitor centers.
Published 8/26/2024