by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Zion Maps and GuidesSpring 2024 |
Spring 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.
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
wheelchair accessible but may be sandy.
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.
6
6
Kayenta Trail
The Grotto
1.5 hours
2 mi /
3.2 km
466 ft /
142 m
Hike atop a massive landslide under The
Sentinel. Minor drop-offs. Commercial
horse trail from March to October.
150 ft /
46 m
Last bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Last bus out of the canyon
from Temple of Sinawava
7:15 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
First bus from Springdale Stop #9
8:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village
7:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
Town of Springdale Shuttle
The Narrows
Distance
From
Visitor
Center
Riverside Walk
7.7 mi
12.4 km
W
es
Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved
climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects
the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails.
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.
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.
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.
tR
im
il
Big Bend
Down-canyon
8 shuttle ONLY
Scout Lookout
6.6 mi
10.6 km
Weeping
Rock
Closed
4.9 mi
7.9 km
Upper Emerald
Pools Trail
Angels
Landing
The Grotto
6
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
ACCESS EMERALD POOLS
TRAILS FROM STOP 6
Jacob Peak
6831ft (2083m)
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.
n
on
KOLOB CANYONS HIKING TRAILS
Zi
Timber Creek
Overlook Trail
Kolob Canyons Road
0.5 hour
1 mi /
1.6 km
100 ft/
30 m
Taylor Creek Trail
Kolob Canyons Road
3.5 hours
5.0 mi /
8.0 km
450 ft/
137 m
Follows a ridge to views of Timber
Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley
Mountains.
No private vehicles
beyond the gate
during shuttle bus
season
1.7 mi
2.7 km
Down-canyon
2 shuttle ONLY
side trail leads to Kolob Arch.
Camp
C re
Taylor
Creek
T yl o
N rth
Located in the northwest
corner of Zion near Interstate
15 at exit 40, a scenic road
climbs past spectacular red
rocks and canyons.
r C re
ek T
rai
Midd
le F
ork
Exit
40
Kolob Canyons
Visitor Center
Fo k
Pets are prohibited on all trails.
Group size limit on Wilderness
trails is 12 people.
Willis
Cre k
Fork
Lee Pass
Trailhead
Trai l
Kolob
Arch
0.6 mi
5
1.0 mi
1.6 km
0.3 mi
Kolob
Reservoir
Cr
ee
C
ey
ki n
Beatty
Spring
ll
Va
La Ver
k
ree
il
Tra
2.8 mi
4.5 km
6.5 mi
nt Ca
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
7
SPRINGDALE
throughout
P Parking
the town of Springdale
8
9
m
a
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
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
1.4 mi
2.25 km
2.3 mi
3.7 km
4
Watchman
Campground
k
e
L a V r ki n C
0.8 mi
1.29 km
Ho p
To La Verkin,
Springdale and
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
Lion Blvd.
1.8 mi
6.4 mi
1
3
Clinic
1.8 mi
2.9 km
Tim
be
r
Timber Creek
Overlook Trail
1
2
0.4 mi
0.8 km
e
re ek
15
Watch
Zion Canyon
Village
ek
Taylor Creek
Trailhead
n -Mou
Nature
Center
South Entrance
0.2 mi
0.3 km
To Cedar City,
Cedar Breaks NM,
and Salt Lake City
To:
Kanab
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
il
0
Trail mileage
Kolob Canyons
Canyon
Overlook
Trail
Tr
a
1037 ft/ Maximum 12 people per group. Trail
follows Timber and La Verkin Creek. A
316 m
Down-canyon shuttle ONLY
3
n
8 hours
14 mi /
22.5 km
Canyon Junction
Pa’rus Trail
South Campground
Kolob Arch
via
La
Paved
road
Verkin Creek Trail
Lee Pass Hiking Trail
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
Up to 8 hrs 334 ft /
9.4 mi /
102 m
15.1km
Hikers need a permit to go to Angels
Landing. Use QR code on back to apply.
Isaac Peak
6825ft (2081m)
Tra
il
The Narrows
(via Riverside Walk)
Temple of Sinawava
Long drop-offs. Not for young
children or anyone afraid of heights.
1000 ft /
305 m
Ca
3 hours
4.2 mi /
6.2 km
ch
Scout Lookout
via West Rim Trail
The Grotto
2.5 mi
5990ft
(1765m)
Grotto Trail
Sand
Be
9
Tr
a
This is where the
West Rim Trail splits
from the Angels
Landing Trail.
0.5 mi to Angels
Landing from this
point.
STRENUOUS
6
Temple of
Sinawava
9
Rim
West
6
3 hours
4 mi /
6.4 km
6:00 a.m.
n yon
S c e ni c
rt h
Dr
Fork
iv
e
Vir
gin
6
Sand Bench Trail
Court of the
Patriarchs
7:00 a.m.
No
4
First bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Subject to change. Check
website for current hours
Trail
MODERATE
May 19
to
September 15
l
5
March 3
to
May 18
Tra
i
1
Pa’rus Trail
Visitor Center
Canyon Junction
EASY
nta
Average Time
ye
Round Trip
Location
Ka
Hike
Shuttle
Stop
To 15 Kolob Canyons,
St George, and Las Vegas
9
La
Po va
in
tR
West Rim Trailhead
d
Lava
0.1 mi
Point
Paved road open to
private vehicles
Campground
Tunnel
Picnic area
Hiking trail
Wheelchair-accessible
Hiking
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
PUBLIC HEALTH
The National Park Service encourages
you to follow public health guidance to
reduce the spread of COVID-19. Isolate
if you feel sick, wash your hands often,
and avoid touching your face.
• 35 mph is the speed limit
unless otherwise posted.
• 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.
To make a reservation, visit
www.recreation.gov or call
877-444-6777.
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.
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
Statewide fire updates at utahfireinfo.gov
TUNNEL HOURS
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.
• 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
• Until Oct. 1, 2024:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MT)
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.
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.
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.
PARKING
Available on a first-comefirst served basis.
Camping is not allowed in parking areas
or pullouts.
Sometimes, especially during the
summer, campfires are not allowed due
to the risk of wildfire.
Visitors must comply with all rules
regarding riding the shuttles.
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.
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.
• Wear a seat belt and
use a child safety seat if
appropriate.
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.
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.
DRIVING
Drivers, pedestrians,
bicyclists, and wildlife all
share park roads.
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.
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.
To protect Zion landscapes,
plants, animals, and history, park
only in designated spaces. For
your safety, park rangers enforce
laws against alcohol and drugrelated driving offenses, including
open container violations.
For Utah road conditions, please
call 866-511-8824.
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, 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 2/14/2024