Winter 2025/2026

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 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. Nov 2 to Nov 30 Dec 1 to Dec 22 Dec 23 to Jan 3 Jan 4 to Spring 2026 First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center 7:00 a.m. No service 8:00 a.m. No service Last bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center 5:00 p.m. No service 4:30 p.m. No service Last bus out of the canyon from Temple of Sinawava 6:15 p.m. No service 5:45 p.m. No service 8:00 a.m. No service 8:00 a.m. No service Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village 6:00 p.m. No service 5:30 p.m. No service Subject to change. Check website for current hours Town of Springdale Shuttle First bus from Springdale Stop #9 MODERATE 1 Canyon Overlook East side of Zion Tunnel 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 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 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. n on KOLOB CANYONS HIKING TRAILS Zi 1 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 8 hours 14 mi / 22.5 km 1037 ft/ Camp Maximum 12 people per group. Trail C re ek follows Timber and La Verkin Creek. A 316 m To Cedar City, Cedar Breaks NM, and Salt Lake City 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 South Entrance Pedestrian and bike entrance here Kolob Arch 0.6 mi Lion Blvd. 0.8 mi 1.29 km Cr ee Cr eek 4 Watchman Campground rmel High w a y 2.3 mi 3.7 km 7 SPRINGDALE throughout P Parking the town of Springdale 8 ey il Tra 2.8 mi 4.5 km 6.5 mi Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel See other side for details No bikes/pedestrians allowed in the tunnel m a Zion Canyon Visitor Center 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 ll Va ki n La Ver nt Ca Paved road open to private vehicles Campground Tunnel Picnic area Hiking trail Wheelchair-accessible Hiking 0.3 mi Beatty Spring 1 5 1.0 mi 1.6 km 1.4 mi 2.25 km 1 3 Clinic 0.4 mi 0.8 km 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 Watch 2 0.2 mi 0.3 km re ek Cre e k To: Kanab Grand Canyon Bryce Canyon 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 n -Mou Pa’rus Trail Zion Canyon Village Creek 15 Down-canyon 2 shuttle ONLY Canyon Overlook Trail 89 Zio Museum Maximum 12 people per group. Follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. side trail leads to Kolob Arch. Taylor Creek Trailhead Taylor 2.7 km Down-canyon shuttle ONLY 3 il Hiking Kolob Arch viaTrail La Verkin Creek Trail 2.5 mi Trail mileage Lee Pass No private vehicles beyond the gate during shuttle bus season 1.7 mi Canyon Junction Tr a Paved road Follows a ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. East Entrance n 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) 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 Sand Be 9 5 No swimming STRENUOUS 6 6 Ka Upper Emerald Pools Trail No 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 Rim West East Side The Narrows Distance From Visitor Center Trail   Shuttle   Stop 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 Getting Around Contact Information Search @zionnps Wilderness Information (435) 772-0170 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. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE: CALL 911 Park emergencies: call 435-772-3322 (daylight hours) 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. shuttle buses 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. 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). 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. 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. • 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. Only service dogs are permitted on the shuttles. If you have accessibility needs, please speak to a ranger at the Visitor Center. PARKING Available on a first-comefirst served basis. CYCLING (E-BIKES STEEP CLIFFS RVs and other large vehicle AND BICYCLES) Falls from cliffs on trails may use the Oversize Vehicle Lot near Cycling is permitted on have resulted in death. Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Vehicles all public park roads Loose sand or pebbles on that fit through the tunnel without a and on the Pa’rus Trail. stone are very slippery. Be permit cannot use this lot. Cyclists must ride single file and careful of edges when using cameras or pull over to a complete stop to let binoculars. Never throw or roll rocks There is paid parking in Springdale. shuttle buses pass. Do not pass because there may be hikers below you. Stay on the trail and away from cliff edges. Observe posted warnings and please watch children. Large Vehicles Zion Tunnel 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. 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. If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately: • Deterioration in weather conditions. 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. LARGE VEHICLES Allowed on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway until June 7, 2026 • Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy. • Vehicles 11 ft 4 in (3.4m) and taller up to 13 ft 1 in (4m). • Vehicles 7 ft 10 in (2.4m) and wider - including mirrors, awnings, and jacks. Zion Human History Museum 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. 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 is not allowed in parking areas or pullouts. CAMPFIRES Campfires are only allowed in metal campground fire rings. Fires are never allowed in Wilderness. 11’4” 3.4 m 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Starting June 7, 2026, vehicle size restrictions will be enforced on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. Large vehicles will need to take an alternate route. One-way traffic control through the tunnel will no longer be available. 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 Pa’rus in pullouts. Rangers are not allowed to Trail give or arrange for transport through Other Trails the tunnel. Shuttle Route 7’10” 2.4 m 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. TUNNEL HOURS Oversize vehicle drivers 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. This includes: • Clouds or thunder. Permits & Reservations Remember to carry your permit and photo ID with you on your trip. Permits are non-transferable. 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. No r t h Social Media 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. Park Information (435) 772-3256 Road Zion Nature Center Ranger-led Programs on South Campground Amphitheater Pa’rus Trail South Campground CLOSED Watchman Trail No r t h Mailing Address Zion National Park 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767 Zion Canyon Visitor Center Pa’rus Trail Pedestrian Entrance Statewide fire updates at utahfireinfo.gov EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ 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 and bulletin boards for times and information about programs. Topics include geology, plants, animals, human history, and more. South Entrance Zion Human Sometimes, especially during the History Museum summer, campfires are not allowed due to risk of wildfire. Learn about Zion by participating in a free ranger-led program. Other Trails Shuttle Route 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. Road Zion Published 9/22/2025