Zion National Park
Red Cliffs, Slot Canyons, and the Virgin River
Featured Experiences
Zion’s beauty can feel overwhelming at first sight. Guided tours make it more approachable, connecting you with insider knowledge and helping you explore safely. Whether it’s hiking The Narrows with expert gear, photographing sunrise at Canyon Overlook, or joining a jeep adventure into backcountry mesas, guided experiences reveal more of Zion.
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Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Small Group Tour from Las Vegas
See Zion & Bryce Canyon in one full-day guided tour from Las... More
- 14 Hours • From Las Vegas NV
- Two National Parks In One
- Hotel Pickup Included
- Bottled Water Provided
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Zion or Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
Choose between Zion or Bryce Canyon for a full-day guided... More
- 14+ Hours • From Las Vegas NV
- Zion or Bryce Option
- Morning Snack & Water
- Park Entry Included
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Bryce Canyon and Zion Park Tour with Lunch
Small-group Bryce & Zion tour from Las Vegas with lunch... More
- 15 Hours • From Las Vegas NV
- Two Parks in One Day
- Picnic Lunch Included
- Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
Suggested Itineraries
Zion can be as quick as a one-day stop or as immersive as a full week. These itineraries help you plan around hikes, scenic drives, and seasonal conditions.
1 Day Itinerary
Morning: Take the shuttle to Big Bend and walk Riverside Walk to the mouth of The Narrows.
Afternoon: Explore Emerald Pools Trail or the Grotto. Picnic by the Virgin River.
Evening: Watch sunset from Canyon Junction Bridge, with The Watchman glowing in golden light.
👉 Best for first-time visitors wanting the essentials.
3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Hike The Narrows with rented gear or a guide.
Day 2: Tackle Angels Landing (permit required) or join a guided jeep tour to East Zion’s mesas.
Day 3: Photograph sunrise at Canyon Overlook, then spend the afternoon exploring Kolob Canyons.
👉 Balanced mix of iconic hikes and hidden gems.
Weeklong Adventure
Day 1–2: Explore Zion Canyon’s highlights — The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Big Bend.
Day 3: Hike Angels Landing with a guide; relax in Springdale afterward.
Day 4: Drive Kolob Canyons Road; hike Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
Day 5: Join a jeep or canyoneering tour in East Zion for a change of scenery.
Day 6: Explore quieter trails like Observation Point or Hidden Canyon.
Day 7: Spend your final morning on the Pa’rus Trail before departure.
👉 Best for travelers who want to truly live inside Zion’s landscapes.
Zion offers a lifetime of adventures, but permits, shuttles, and logistics can be tricky. Let us simplify it. Tell us your travel dates and favorite activities, and we’ll build your ideal Zion itinerary — from day hikes to multi-day guided experiences.
What to Expect Each Season
Zion’s Seasons, Each With Its Own Character
Zion transforms with the seasons. Spring brings waterfalls and wildflowers, summer’s heat makes early mornings the best time to hike, fall glows golden along the Virgin River, and winter hushes the canyons in quiet beauty. Knowing what to expect helps you choose the right trails, pack wisely, and enjoy Zion at its best.
Spring (March–May)
Snowmelt feeds waterfalls, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are mild. Some trails may be wet or muddy.
Best for: Wildflower hikes and The Narrows in lower water flow.
Summer (June–August)
Hot days bring crowds to the main canyon, but longer daylight hours give time for early hikes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Best for: Sunrise hikes, canyoneering, and shuttle-access sightseeing.
Fall (September–November)
Cooler air and brilliant foliage make this a favorite season. Fewer crowds, golden cottonwoods along the Virgin River, and perfect hiking conditions.
Best for: Scenic photography, long hikes, and cultural events in Springdale.
Winter (December–February)
Quiet trails, cool temperatures, and snow-dusted cliffs create a peaceful atmosphere. The shuttle system pauses, so you can drive your own car into the canyon.
Best for: Solitude, photography, and self-paced scenic drives.
Zion National Park Tours
View All Zion Tours & Activities
From hiking icons to hidden canyons, Zion is best explored with a mix of self-guided trails and expert-led adventures.
Sightseeing Tours
See Zion Canyon’s highlights without the stress of shuttles and parking. Scenic drives, jeep tours, and easy walks connect you with the park’s most famous views.
-
Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Small Group Tour from Las Vegas
See Zion & Bryce Canyon in one full-day guided tour from Las... More
- 14 Hours • From Las Vegas NV
- Two National Parks In One
- Hotel Pickup Included
- Bottled Water Provided
-
Zion or Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
Choose between Zion or Bryce Canyon for a full-day guided... More
- 14+ Hours • From Las Vegas NV
- Zion or Bryce Option
- Morning Snack & Water
- Park Entry Included
-
Bryce Canyon and Zion Park Tour with Lunch
Small-group Bryce & Zion tour from Las Vegas with lunch... More
- 15 Hours • From Las Vegas NV
- Two Parks in One Day
- Picnic Lunch Included
- Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
Hiking & Photography Tours
From The Narrows to Angels Landing, guided hikes ensure safety and permits while enriching your journey with stories of geology and ecology.
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Hiking: The Zion Narrows
Private guided hike through Zion’s Narrows with included gear.... More
- 7–9 Hours • Zion National Park, UT
- Perfect for adventurous hikers
- Hike through water & canyons
- Includes expert guide & gear
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Hiking: Zion National Park
Private guided hiking tour through Zion’s most iconic trails.... More
- Full Day • Zion National Park, UT
- Perfect for families & explorers
- Customizable private hiking routes
- Expert guides & year-round access
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Zion Full Day Small Group Tour & Hike (with Narrows)
Full-day guided hike through Zion’s most scenic trails.... More
- 8 Hours • Zion National Park, UT
- Ideal for adventurous travelers
- Hike The Narrows & Emerald Pools
- Includes guide, transport & permits
Have A Better National Park Experience
Tips For Visiting The Park
Visitor Centers At The Park
Think of Zion’s visitor centers as the park’s front doors. Rangers here translate weather, water levels, and trail conditions into a smart daily plan, help with permits, and steer you to the right shuttle stops. A quick stop can save you an hour—and sometimes your whole day—especially when flash-flood forecasts or trail closures change the game.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Located at the park’s main entrance in Springdale. Exhibits explain geology, plants, and wildlife. Rangers provide shuttle info, backcountry permits, and trail updates.
Tip: Stop here first — shuttles into the canyon depart from right outside.
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
Found at the northwestern entrance off I-15. Smaller but quieter, with maps and advice for Kolob Canyons hikes and scenic drives.
Tip: A great stop for travelers coming from Las Vegas or Cedar City.
Visiting On Your Own
Zion’s most famous hikes often require permits, and during peak season (spring through late fall), the Scenic Drive into the main canyon is accessible only by shuttle bus. Day-use permits for Angels Landing are required year-round, and conditions in The Narrows depend on river flow levels.
Driving your own car is possible in winter, and parking is available in Springdale with shuttle connections to the park. If you plan to camp or stay in park lodges, book months in advance.
Tip: Plan early mornings for Angels Landing and The Narrows — the light is magical, and crowds are thinner.
Park Information & Details
Food & Drink
Inside the park, Zion Lodge offers a café and a seasonal restaurant. Outside, Springdale’s dining scene is surprisingly diverse — from casual burger joints to farm-to-table bistros.
Tip: Grab takeout in Springdale for a picnic along the Virgin River.
What to Bring
Light layers, sturdy hiking shoes, refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and trekking poles for The Narrows. Canyoneering tours supply gear, but bring quick-dry clothing.
Tip: Always carry more water than you think you’ll need — Zion’s heat is deceptive.
Safety Tips
Summer flash floods are a real hazard, especially in slot canyons. Always check forecasts, obey closures, and don’t underestimate steep hikes like Angels Landing.
Tip: Respect your limits — rescues are common for those who push too far in the heat.
Shuttle / Transport Info
From spring to late fall, the free shuttle system is the only way to access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttles run every few minutes from the Visitor Center through key trailheads. In winter, private cars are allowed.
Tip: Stay in Springdale for the easiest access — shuttles run right from town into the park.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Everyone Can Explore This Beautiful Area
Accessibility For All
Zion works hard to welcome visitors of all abilities, and some of its best views are on paved paths or gentle grades.
- Pa’rus Trail (fully paved): A scenic, mostly level route along the Virgin River with views of The Watchman. Great for wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers.
- Riverside Walk (mostly paved): A beautiful approach to The Narrows with towering walls and river overlooks. Some sections have mild grades; surfaces can be wet—use care.
- Zion Human History Museum: Accessible exhibits and a spectacular patio viewpoint toward the Towers of the Virgin.
- Shuttle System: Buses are wheelchair accessible with priority seating and space for mobility devices.
- Parking & Facilities: Accessible parking and restrooms at the Visitor Center, Zion Lodge, and major stops; ADA sites available at Watchman Campground (reserve early).
- Tours: Many guided sightseeing and photo tours can accommodate mobility needs—let operators know in advance.
- Tips: Plan around cooler morning hours; summer heat builds quickly in the canyon. Group nearby accessible highlights (e.g., Visitor Center ➝ Pa’rus ➝ Museum), and bring a light sun-shade or umbrella—shade is limited.
Hiking In The Narrows
Tips For Safely Enjoying This Unique Hike
Canyoneering Permits
Learn How To Get Access
Booking Your Hike To Angels Landing
Using Recreation.gov To Enter The Lottery
Volunteer At Zion
Dedicated Help At The Park
Cleaning & Repairing Damage
Graffiti In The Park
What You Need To Know About Bacteria
There is bacteria in the waters of the park
Cyanobacteria Explained
Scientist In the Park Series
Scientists At Work In The Park
Learn More About Bacteria In The Water
Maps Of The Park & Region
Zion may be compact compared to Yellowstone, but maps are essential for planning around shuttle routes, trailheads, and regional connections to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
Getting To The Park From Springdale
In The Park Biking Map
Map To The Nature Center
Park Gateway Towns
Zion’s gateway towns shape the feel of your trip. Stay in Springdale to roll out of bed and into the shuttle, in Hurricane or St. George for more space and dining variety, or in Kanab or Cedar City if you’re pairing Zion with Bryce Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, or the Kolob Canyons. Wherever you land, evenings bring pink cliffs, patio dinners, and star-filled skies.
How to choose your base:
If you want car-free convenience and lots of cafés, pick Springdale. For value stays and easy highway access, go Hurricane. For resort comforts, spas, and golf, choose St. George. Planning a multi-park loop? Kanab and Cedar City make great hubs for day trips across the plateau.
Springdale, UT
Right outside the park gates, Springdale is the main base for visitors. Boutique hotels, art galleries, gear shops, and farm-to-table dining make it lively but convenient.
Hurricane, UT
Just 30 minutes away, Hurricane is more affordable and laid-back, with easy access to both Zion and Sand Hollow State Park.
St. George, UT
A larger city about an hour away. Known for golf courses, spas, and a growing arts scene, it’s perfect for travelers who want comfort and amenities alongside their park visit.
Kanab, UT
A classic southwestern town that makes a good base for exploring Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Staircase. Its small-town charm includes classic diners and movie history.
Cedar City, UT
Gateway to the Kolob Canyons section of the park. A college town with theaters and festivals, offering a cultural contrast to the wilderness.
Las Vegas, NV
The entertainment capital of the world doubles as a major launch point for Zion. Many day and overnight tours depart directly from The Strip, making it easy to add a national park to your Vegas getaway. Expect longer drives, but the contrast between neon lights and red cliffs is unforgettable.
MT Carmel Junction
A small crossroads community near Zion’s East Entrance. Known for its inns, a historic golf course, and its peaceful atmosphere, it’s a quieter base for travelers who want to stay close to Zion but avoid the bustle of Springdale.
What Visitors Say About The Park
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
