Everything You Need to Know: Zion National State Park FAQs

Zion National Park is renowned for its towering Navajo sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and panoramic views along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Signature sights include the emerald‑toned pools of Emerald Pools, the adrenaline‑pumping Angels Landing hike, and dramatic formations carved by the Virgin River.

The closest airport is St. George Regional Airport (SGU), about 57 miles southwest of the park. For wider flight selections, fly into Harry Reid International Airport – Las Vegas (LAS), 126 miles away. Both airports offer rental cars and commercial shuttle services to Springdale and Zion.

Download the Zion Canyon Map & Guide from the NPS website or pick it up at the visitor center. It details shuttle stops, trails, campgrounds, and viewpoints. Save an offline PDF—cell coverage is limited inside the canyon.

An official statewide map covering Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef is free on recreation.gov or the National Park Service site. Printed copies are available at any Utah park visitor center.

Summer: highs 100 °F + (38 °C), dry heat.
Spring/Fall: comfortable 60‑85 °F (15‑29 °C).
Winter: 20‑50 °F (‑6‑10 °C) with occasional snow.

Expect daytime highs near 60 °F (15 °C) and lows around 35 °F (2 °C). Storms are possible—pack layers and rain gear.

Yes. December offers thin crowds and photogenic snow‑capped cliffs. Some trails may be icy; traction devices and warm clothing are recommended.

Zion stays open all winter. The visitor center runs shorter hours, and certain roads can close after snow. Check current conditions before visiting.

Budget ($100–$150): Zion Park Motel, Bumbleberry Inn.
Mid‑range ($200–$300): Cable Mountain Lodge, Holiday Inn Express Springdale.
Luxury ($400+): Cliffrose Lodge, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

Campgrounds: Watchman (reservations), South (reserve early), Lava Point (first‑come, summer only).

Backcountry camping needs a wilderness permit via recreation.gov. Developed campgrounds require only the standard site reservation fee.

Bottom‑up day hikes from the Temple of Sinawava need no permit. Through‑hikes (top‑down) require a wilderness permit. Rent water shoes and a walking stick in Springdale, and watch flash‑flood warnings.

Currently, the Weeping Rock Trail is closed. Access Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail (moderate 6.5 mi round‑trip). Shuttle services from Springdale reach the trailhead.

The Subway is a tubular slot canyon accessed via the Left Fork of North Creek. Permits are allocated through a recreation.gov lottery 2‑3 months in advance. Technical canyoneering skills are required.

Springdale outfitters offer guided hikes, canyoneering, jeep and ATV rides, and photography workshops. Book at least a month out in peak season.

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center sits at the South Entrance near Springdale, providing maps, permits, exhibits, and ranger programs.

Two seasonal shuttles operate: the Zion Canyon Shuttle (in‑park) and the Springdale Shuttle (town to entrance), running March–late November.

See the official NPS gallery or Instagram hashtag #ZionNationalPark. Top photo spots: Angels Landing at sunrise, Canyon Overlook at sunset. Use a wide‑angle lens and ND filter for silky waterfall shots.

Carry 2 + liters of water, use sunscreen, avoid slot canyons in rain, stay on marked trails, and check daily alerts for flash‑flood risk.

Zion offers soaring sandstone walls and narrow canyons, whereas Bryce Canyon features whimsical hoodoo formations at higher elevations. Both are visually stunning and only 1.5 hours apart by car.