Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

The Basics

While Zion National Park spans 229-square-miles (590-square-kilometers), all of the main attractions—such as Angel's Landing, The Narrows, and Zion Lodge—are located along the 6.3-mile (10-kilometer) Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. When the shuttle is running, no personal cars are allowed on the scenic drive, so you can park at the visitor center or in the town of Springdale and catch the shuttle. From the shuttle, enjoy the views and hop off at any of the nine stops along the way. On-board narration offers details about the passing sites. If visiting in the winter, you can drive the route yourself.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The trails along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are the park’s most popular and tend to be very crowded.
• Shuttles are typically crowded during the high season and parking can be hard to find, so be prepared to wait in line.
• You can stop in to enjoy a meal at the Zion Lodge but if you want to stay the night you must book in advance.
• The shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate bikes and folding strollers.

How to Get There

The most common way to travel the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is on the free shuttle bus, but you can also make the trip on your bicycle or by car (if visiting in the off-season). Transportation is usually included on guided tours from nearby cities such as Las Vegas. The start of the scenic drive is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) east of Springdale on Highway 9.

When to Get There

To take advantage of the park shuttle, visit March–November. If you would rather take your own car into the park, plan a winter trip. Either way, arrive early in the morning to minimize the crowds and maximize your time in the park.

Biking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

If you are visiting during the busy season and want to avoid waiting in line for shuttles, try cycling the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Set off early in the morning before the shuttle buses start for the day. That way, you don’t have to worry about sharing the road with buses and can get into the park before the crowds.

Ways to explore

While Zion National Park spans hundreds of miles, all of the main attractions—like Angel's Landing, the Narrows, and Zion Lodge—are located along the roughly 7-mile (11-kilometer) Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. When the shuttle is running, no personal cars are allowed on the scenic drive; park at the visitor center (or in the town of Springdale) and catch a ride. Along the way, take in the views and hop off at any of the shuttle’s nine stops. On-board narration offers details about the passing sites. If you’re visiting in the winter, you can drive the route yourself.

Accessibility

The Zion Canyon Shuttle is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen, camera, snacks, park map

What to wear

Weather-appropriate layers, sturdy hiking shoes, sunglasses, hat

Not allowed

During shuttle season (March–November and around the holidays), private vehicles are not allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Amenities

Lodging, visitor center, restrooms, hiking trails

Address 

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive stretches across the heart of the park, providing access to some of Zion's most popular spots, including the visitor center and history museum. It’s impossible to miss.

Driving

You can only drive your own vehicle down Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from mid-November to March (not including the holidays). Even in the off-season, parking spots inside Zion are limited and never guaranteed. Arrive early for the best chance of finding a spot.

Public transportation

The Zion Canyon Shuttle System is free to ride with no reservation or ticket required, and runs about every 10 minutes. In addition to park stops, there are nine stops in Springdale, including at various hotels, making getting to the park a cinch.

Best times to visit

Visit early in the morning before the shuttle gets busy, or stay until sunset to beat the crowds and (when applicable) summer heat.

Best days to visit

Visiting midweek and outside of holiday weekends can offer a bit more solitude.

Best months to visit

Fall (September–mid-November) is one of the best times to visit Zion, with cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower water levels—and shuttles still running.

Special events

The park runs many fun events, including daily ranger programming and night sky events in the main season. The town of Springdale also has plenty of festivals, like the Zion Canyon Music Festival in September.