Zion Information Guide National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Hiking Guide

 Shuttle

 Stop

Hike

Location

Round Trip

Average Time

Elevation

Change

Description

EASY

1

Pa’rus Trail

Visitor Center 

Canyon Junction

2 hours

3.5 mi / 

5.6 km

50 ft / 

15 m

 Paved trail follows the Virgin River 

from the Visitor Center to Canyon 

Junction.

5

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. 

6

Lower Emerald 

Pool

The Grotto

(via Kayenta Trail)

1.5 hours

2 mi /

3.2 km

150 ft /

46 m

Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved descent 

which leads underneath the Middle 

Emerald Pools to the Lower Emerald Pool. 

No swimming.

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 

wheelchair accessible but may be sandy.

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. 

MODERATE

East 

Side

Canyon Overlook

East side of 

Zion Tunnel

1 hour

1.0 mi / 

1.6 km

163 ft / 

50 m

Minor drop-offs and handrails. Ends at a 

viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon. Parking 

is limited.

1

Watchman Trail

Zion Canyon

Visitor Center

2 hours

3.3 mi / 

5.3 km

368 ft / 

112 m

Minor drop-offs. Ends at viewpoint of the 

Towers of the Virgin, lower Zion Canyon, 

and Springdale. 

4

Sand Bench Trail

Court of the 

Patriarchs

3 hours

4 mi / 

6.4 km

466 ft / 

142 m

Hike atop a massive landslide under The 

Sentinel. Minor drop-offs. Commercial 

horse trail from March to October.

6

Kayenta Trail

The Grotto

1.5 hours

2 mi /

3.2 km

150 ft /

46 m

Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved 

climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects 

the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails.

6

Middle Emerald 

Pools

The Grotto

(via Kayenta Trail)

1.5 hours

2.2 mi /

3.5 km

150 ft / 

45 m

An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge 

that parallels the lower trail at a higher 

elevation. 

No swimming.

6 Upper Emerald 

Pool

The Grotto

(via Kayenta Trail)

2 hours

3 mi /

4.8 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.

STRENUOUS

6

Scout Lookout 

via West Rim Trail

The Grotto

3 hours

4.2 mi / 

6.2 km

1000 ft / 

305 m

Long drop-offs. Not for young 

children or anyone afraid of heights.

Hikers need a permit to go to Angels 

Landing. Use QR code on back to apply. 

9

The Narrows

(via Riverside Walk)

Temple of Sinawava

Out and back hike.

Up to 8 hrs

9.4 mi / 

15.1km 

334 ft / 

102 m

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. 

KOLOB CANYONS HIKING TRAILS

Timber Creek

Overlook Trail

Kolob Canyons Road

Follows a ridge to views of Timber 

Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley 

Mountains. 

Taylor Creek Trail

Kolob Canyons Road

Maximum 12 people per group. Follows 

the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two 

homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove.

Kolob Arch via La 

Verkin Creek Trail

Lee Pass

Maximum 12 people per group. Trail 

follows Timber and La Verkin Creek. A 

side trail leads to Kolob Arch.

0.5 hour

1 mi /

1.6 km

100 ft/ 

30 m

3.5 hours

5.0 mi /

8.0 km

450 ft/ 

137 m

8 hours

14 mi / 

22.5 km

1037 ft/ 

316 m

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 shuttles to pass. 

Exit

40

Lava

Point Rd

Lee Pass

Trailhead

Taylor Creek

Trailhead

West Rim Trailhead

La Verkin Creek Trail

Hop Valley Trail

T ylor Creek Trai

Kolob

Arch

La Verkin Creek

Timber Creek

Willis Creek

N rth Fo k

Fork

Taylor Creek

Camp

Creek

Middle Fork

Kolob

Reservoir

Beatty

Spring

Lava

Point Lava Point

6.4 mi

0.3 mi

1.8 mi

6.5 mi

0.1 mi

0.6 mi

To Cedar City,

Cedar Breaks NM,

and Salt Lake City

To La Verkin,

Springdale and

Zion Canyon

Visitor Center

Timber Creek 

Overlook Trail

Trail mileage

Paved road

Hiking Trail

2.5 mi

Kolob Canyons

Visitor Center

15

Kolob Canyons 

Located in the northwest 

corner of Zion near Interstate 

15 at exit 40, a scenic road 

climbs past spectacular red 

rocks and canyons. 

Pets are prohibited on all trails. 

Group size limit on Wilderness 

trails is 12 people.

Zion Shuttle

SHUTTLE SCHEDULE May 19

to

September 15

March 3

to 

May 18

First bus into the canyon from 

the Zion Canyon Visitor Center 7:00 a.m. 6:00 a.m.

Subject to change. Check 

website for current hours

Last bus into the canyon from 

the Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Last bus out of the canyon 

from Temple of Sinawava

Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village 

First bus from Springdale Stop #9

5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

7:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m.

Town of Springdale Shuttle

SPRINGDALE Parking throughout

the town of Springdale

Lion Blvd.

Clinic

P

North Fork Virgin River Watchman Trail

Sand Bench Trail

Canyon 

Overlook 

Trail

Riverside Walk

The Narrows

Pa’rus Trail

Grotto Trail Kayenta Trail

No swimming

West Rim Trail

West Rim Trail

Scout Lookout

This is where the 

West Rim Trail splits 

from the Angels 

Landing Trail. 

0.5 mi to Angels 

Landing from this 

point.

Upper Emerald

Pools Trail

Middle Emerald

Pools Trail

No swimming

Lower Emerald

Pools Trail

No swimming

Weeping 

Rock

Nature 

Center

5990ft

(1765m)

Angels 

Landing

BRIDGE CLOSED

ACCESS EMERALD POOLS 

TRAILS FROM STOP 6

Closed

9

South Entrance

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

To Kolob Canyons,

St George, and Las Vegas

Zion-Mt. 

Carmel Tunnel

No bikes/pedestrians

allowed in the tunnel

89

To:

Kanab

Grand Canyon

Bryce Canyon

East Entrance

Large Vehicle Escort Tunnel 

times and size restrictions 

on other side 

15

1 Zion Canyon 

Village

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

4

Court of the

Patriarchs

8

Big Bend

Down-canyon 

shuttle ONLY

9

Temple of

Sinawava

2

Museum

Down-canyon 

shuttle ONLY

1

Zion Canyon

Visitor Center

5

Zion Lodge

No private vehicles 

beyond the gate 

during shuttle bus 

season

3

Canyon Junction

Down-canyon shuttle ONLY

6

The Grotto

Isaac Peak

6825ft (2081m)

Abraham Peak

6890ft (2101m)

Jacob Peak

6831ft (2083m)

South Campground

Watchman 

Campground

North

0

0 0.5 Mile

0.5 Kilometer

Zion Canyon 

shuttle route Canyon Line 

shuttle stop

Springdale 

shuttle route

Tunnel

Shuttle Information

Other Visitor Information

Springdale Line 

shuttle stop 

Hiking trail

Paved road open to

private vehicles

Biking 

Ranger station

Restrooms

Wheelchair-accessible

Amphitheater

Pets

Dining 

Lodging

Picnic area

Campground

Hiking 

Bike Repair Station

Drinking water

1.7 mi

2.7 km

0

3.2 mi

5.1 km

4.3 mi

6.9 km

4.9 mi

7.9 km

6.6 mi

10.6 km

7.7 mi

12.4 km

0.2 mi

0.3 km

0.4 mi

0.8 km

0.8 mi

1.29 km

1.0 mi

1.6 km

1.4 mi

2.25 km

1.8 mi

2.9 km

2.3 mi

3.7 km

2.8 mi

4.5 km

Distance 

From 

Visitor 

Center
PREVENT 

DEHYDRATION 

As you hike you lose water 

and salt through sweat. 

Carry and drink at least 

one gallon of water per person per day. 

You can get water in 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.

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. 

STEEP CLIFFS 

Falls from cliffs on trails have resulted in 

death. Loose sand or pebbles on stone 

are very slippery. Watch for edges all the 

time - especially when using cameras or 

binoculars. Never throw or roll rocks. 

There may be hikers below you. Stay 

on the trail and away from cliff edges. 

Observe posted warnings and keep 

children away from edges.

EXTREME HEAT 

Heat illness is the cause of 

many medical emergencies 

in Zion every summer. 

It happens when the 

body gets too warm. Dehydration can 

make heat illness worse. This leads 

to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and 

heat stroke. Symptoms include high 

body temperature (over 100F, 38C), 

red, flushed skin, lack of sweat or 

extreme sweating, stumbling and poor 

coordination, fatigue, weakness, and 

confusion or slurred speech. If you 

recognize any of these signs, stop hiking 

and immediately find shade, drink water, 

and get help.

ELEVATION 

Zion is 4,000- 8,000 feet (1,220 - 2,440 

meters) above sea level. If you live 

somewhere closer to sea level, take it easy 

on your hike until you know how the 

elevation is going to affect you.

PUBLIC HEALTH

The National Park Service encourages 

you to follow public health guidance to 

reduce the spread of COVID-19. Isolate 

if you feel sick, wash your hands often, 

and avoid touching your face.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Zion National Park

1 Zion Park Blvd. 

Springdale, UT 84767

Wilderness Information

(435) 772-0170

Park Information

(435) 772-3256

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.

Social Media

Search @zionnps

Medical clinics and pharmacies are located in the City of Hurricane 

about 30 minutes from Zion. The nearest hospitals are in St. George, 

Cedar City, and Kanab.

24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE: CALL 911

Park emergencies: call 435-772-3322 (daylight hours)

Your Safety Is Your Responsibility

Flash Flood Danger

All narrow canyons are 

potentially hazardous. 

Flash floods, often caused 

by storms miles away, are a 

real danger and can be lifethreatening. You are taking a risk when 

entering a narrow canyon. Your safety is 

your responsibility. 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.

• Clouds or thunder.

• Sudden changes in water clarity from 

clear to muddy.

Permits & Reservations

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. 

Camping is not allowed in parking areas 

or pullouts.

CAMPFIRES

Campfires are only allowed 

in metal campground fire 

rings. 

Sometimes, especially during the 

summer, campfires are not allowed due 

to the risk of wildfire. 

If conditions permit building a fire, 

clear debris and only leave when the fire 

is out cold. Fires are never allowed in 

Wilderness.

Statewide fire updates at utahfireinfo.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.

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, and 

using this link takes you to a webpage 

with more information.

Remember to carry your permit and 

photo ID with you on your trip. Permits 

are non-transferable.

Getting Around

To protect Zion landscapes, 

plants, animals, and history, park 

only in designated spaces. For 

your safety, park rangers enforce 

laws against alcohol and drugrelated driving offenses, including 

open container violations. 

For Utah road conditions, please 

call 866-511-8824. 

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 a child safety seat if 

appropriate.

• 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.

PARKING

Available on a first-comefirst served basis. 

If you are driving an RV or 

other large vehicle, use the 

Oversize Vehicle Lot near Zion Canyon 

Visitor Center. If your vehicle will fit 

through our tunnel without a permit 

(see below) you cannot use this lot.

There is paid parking in Springdale.

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.

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. 

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. Only service 

dogs are permitted on the shuttles. If 

you have accessibility needs, please 

speak to a ranger at the Visitor Center.

Visitors must comply with all rules 

regarding riding the shuttles. 

CYCLING (E-BIKES 

AND BICYCLES)

Cycling is permitted on 

all public park roads 

and on the Pa’rus Trail. 

Cyclists must ride single file and stop 

to let shuttle buses pass. Do not pass 

shuttle buses in the driving lane. Each 

shuttle bus has a rack for 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 Tunnel: (Oversize Vehicles, RVs, Large Trailers)

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL

Oversize vehicle drivers pay $15 per 

vehicle (includes two tunnel passthroughs within 7 days). Rangers will 

stop oncoming traffic so that you may 

drive down the center of the road in 

the tunnel. 

• Vehicles 11 feet 4 inches (3.4m) 

and taller up to 13 feet 1 inch 

(4m).

• Vehicles 7 feet 10 inches (2.4m) 

and wider - including mirrors, 

awnings, and jacks.

TUNNEL HOURS 

• Until Oct. 1, 2024: 

 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MT)

PROHIBITED IN THE 

TUNNEL

• No vehicles over 13 feet 

 1 inch (4m) tall

• No semi-trucks and commercial 

vehicles (e.g. box trucks)

• No vehicles carrying hazardous 

materials

• No bicyclists or pedestrians

• Bicyclists and pedestrians cannot 

get a ride at the tunnel. Hitchhiking 

is only permitted in pullouts. 

Rangers are not allowed to give or 

arrange for transport through the 

tunnel.

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.

11’4”

3.4 m

7’10”

2.4 m

Ranger-led Programs

Learn about Zion by 

participating in a free 

ranger-led program. 

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.

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.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM Published 2/14/2024