by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Zion Maps and GuidesSummer 2024 |
Summer 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
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.
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.
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
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.
6
Last bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
7:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
Last bus out of the canyon
from Temple of Sinawava
8:15 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
First bus from Springdale Stop #9
7:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village
8:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Town of Springdale Shuttle
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
Scout Lookout
6.6 mi
10.6 km
Weeping
Rock
Closed
4.9 mi
7.9 km
Upper Emerald
Pools Trail
5990ft
(1765m)
Angels
Landing
The Grotto
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
0.5 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
Midd
le F
ork
Exit
40
Kolob Canyons
Visitor Center
Fork
Lee Pass
Trailhead
Pets are prohibited on all trails.
Group size limit on Wilderness
trails is 12 people.
Trai l
Willis
Watch
Lion Blvd.
0.8 mi
1.29 km
0.3 mi
e
L a V r ki n C
Cr
ee
Cr
eek
il
Tra
2.8 mi
4.5 km
6.5 mi
SPRINGDALE
throughout
P Parking
the town of Springdale
8
ey
ki n
7
ll
Va
La Ver
Beatty
Spring
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
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
Kolob
Reservoir
1.4 mi
2.25 km
2.3 mi
3.7 km
4
Watchman
Campground
5
1.0 mi
1.6 km
1.8 mi
2.9 km
k
Kolob
Arch
0.6 mi
Ho p
To La Verkin,
Springdale and
Zion Canyon
Visitor Center
1.8 mi
6.4 mi
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
South Entrance
Pedestrian and bike
entrance here
Taylor Creek
Trailhead
To:
Kanab
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
Tr
a
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
Nature
Center
South
Campground
CLOSED
Zion Canyon Village
To Cedar City,
Cedar Breaks NM,
and Salt Lake City
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)
ch
Out and back hike.
3.2 mi
5.1 km
River
Scout Lookout
via West Rim Trail
The Grotto
ACCESS EMERALD POOLS
TRAILS FROM STOP 6
Jacob Peak
6831ft (2083m)
Tra
il
9
im
This is where the
West Rim Trail splits
from the Angels
Landing Trail.
0.5 mi to Angels
Landing from this
point.
STRENUOUS
6
tR
Temple of
Sinawava
9
Ca
n yon
S c e ni c
rt h
Dr
Fork
iv
e
Vir
gin
6
Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved descent
which leads underneath the Middle
Emerald Pools to the Lower Emerald Pool.
No swimming.
7:00 a.m.
No
6
Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved
climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects
the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails.
6:00 a.m.
Trail
MODERATE
First bus into the canyon from
the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Subject to change. Check
website for current hours
Rim
West
9
September 16
to
November 2
l
5
May 19
to
September 15
Tra
i
1
Pa’rus Trail
Visitor Center
Canyon Junction
EASY
nta
Average Time
ye
Round Trip
Location
Ka
Hike
Shuttle
Stop
6
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
To 15 Kolob Canyons,
St George, and Las Vegas
9
La
Po va
in
tR
West Rim Trailhead
d
Lava
0.1 mi
Point
H
Lava Point
Overlook
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
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.
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.
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.
If you observe any of these signs, seek
higher ground immediately:
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.
• Deterioration in weather conditions.
• 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.
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 a child
safety seat if appropriate.
• 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.
Permits &
Reservations
Zion Tunnel
PARKING
Available on a first-comefirst served basis.
If you are driving an RV
or other large vehicle, use
the Large 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.
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.
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.
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.
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL
Oversized 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.
No r t h
Pa’rus
Trail
Other
Trails
Shuttle
Route
Road
Zion
Nature
Center
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.
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.
Oversized Vehicles, RVs,
Large Trailers
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 Canyon
Visitor Center
South
Entrance
Pedestrian
Entrance
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, 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. 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 HOURS
Until Oct. 1, 2024: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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.
Camping is not allowed in parking areas
or pullouts.
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
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 5/19/2024