Zion guides

Planning guides for a DIY visit

Original notes for Zion National Park. We are an affiliate planner, not a tour operator and not the National Park Service. Permits, shuttle dates, and closures change. Each guide links the official page.

A paved path through desert shrubs with sandstone cliffs beyond it, on the Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park.
Pa’rus Trail, Zion National Park. Photo by Vulturesong, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Not a paid stock photo.
Visitors lining up to board the park shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava stop in Zion National Park.
Shuttle stop at the Temple of Sinawava. Photo: NPS / Jonathan Shafer, public domain (U.S. National Park Service work), via Wikimedia Commons.
Stars of the constellation Orion in a dark sky above a faintly lit cliff line in Zion National Park.
Orion over Zion, an International Dark Sky Park. Photo: NPS Photo / Jonathan Fortner, public domain (U.S. National Park Service work), via Wikimedia Commons.

New planning guides

The Watchman lit orange at sunset above a curving road and green trees, Zion National Park.

Maps

Official park maps, an area overview, and a 3D terrain view.

Read: maps
A close view of the full moon rising, photographed in Zion National Park.

Stargazing

Dark-sky timing, official viewing spots, and overnight rules.

Read: stargazing

More guides

Angels Landing rising from the floor of Zion Canyon, seen from the Deertrap Mountain trail.

Angels Landing permit

The lottery in plain language, and the hike you can do without winning it.

Read the permit guide
View down into Zion Canyon from the trail to Observation Point, with the river and road far below.

Water for a day hike

The park’s one-gallon floor, fill spots, and why the river is not a bottle.

Read the water guide
A truck stuck in mud in a parking lot broken up by flash-flood water near the South Entrance of Zion National Park.

What not to do in The Narrows

Closures, turnaround points, footwear, and flash floods.

Read the Narrows guide
A spring dusting of snow on the peaks above Zion Canyon under white clouds.

Spring versus summer

Snowmelt, heat, storms, and which season matches the hike you want.

Read the seasons guide
Day-hike essentials laid out on red ground: hat, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, phone, map, and first-aid kit.

Day-pack loadout

The canyon packing list. Product links go to the retailer.

Open the loadout
Golden cottonwoods on the floor of Zion Canyon in autumn, below red cliffs.

Who it’s for

Families through seniors, each pointed at a real trail.

See audiences
Thin waterfalls pouring over a streaked red cliff into green trees at the Emerald Pools, Zion National Park.

Activities

Hiking, bikes, horses, and why ATVs are not a Zion activity.

See activities
The Zion Canyon road beside the Pa'rus Trail with green trees and red cliffs under a blue sky.

Dogs

Roads, campgrounds, the lodge grounds, and Pa’rus only. Not the other trails, and not the river.

Read the dog page
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive winding along the canyon floor below tall sandstone walls.

E-bikes

Class 1 pedal-assist only, on Pa’rus and park roads. Not on the shuttle rack.

Read the e-bike page
Sunset glow on the Watchman peak above the road into Watchman Campground, Zion National Park.

By time on the ground

A morning, one to three hours, and a sunset walk NPS actually names.

Plan by time
The Watchman lit orange at sunset above a curving road and green trees, Zion National Park.

Avoid crowds

Season, hour, and holiday weekends, using the park’s own descriptions.

Read crowd notes
Ponderosa pines above cracked slickrock in the higher wilderness of Zion's east side.

Reservations and permits

Campgrounds, backpacking, canyoneering, and overnight climbing.

Read reservations
The Watchman lit orange at sunset above a curving road and green trees, Zion National Park.

One-day and two-day plan

DIY days that leave room for the shuttle. The short morning stays on the time page.

Read the itinerary
The main street of Springdale, Utah, with red cliffs of Zion National Park behind the town.

Parking

Visitor center, Springdale, and when the scenic drive is bus-only. The long essay stays on shuttle or car.

Read parking
Snow on cottonwoods and red cliffs along the Virgin River in winter, Zion National Park.

What to wear

Season clothing for dry main-canyon hikes. Not the river kit.

Read clothing
A shady sandy path beside the Virgin River with cottonwoods and red cliffs, Zion National Park.

Easier access

Stroller, shuttle, Riverside Walk, and a slower pace. Official claims only.

Read accessibility
The Virgin River flowing between towering orange sandstone walls in The Narrows, Zion National Park.

Narrows kit

Shoes that can get wet, a stick, and a dry bag. Separate from the dry-trail day pack.

Read the river kit
Sandstone ledges in the foreground and the canyon below from Canyon Overlook, Zion National Park.

Snow Canyon or Zion

When the closer state park is the better day, and when Zion is worth the shuttle and the permits.

Compare the two