When Does the Zion Shuttle Stop? Quick Answer
The Zion Canyon shuttle runs on a shorter fall schedule from October 25 through November 28, 2026: the first bus leaves the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 7 a.m., the last bus up-canyon leaves at 5 p.m., and the last bus out of the canyon leaves the Temple of Sinawava at 6:15 p.m. Then the shuttle stops from November 29 through December 25. It comes back for the holidays, December 26 through January 2, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last bus out at 5:45 p.m.
What that means for you: when the shuttle isn't running, you can drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in your own car. During shuttle season, including the holiday week, private cars aren't allowed on the Scenic Drive at any hour.
| Dates | Zion Canyon Line | Springdale Line | Scenic Drive by car? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25–Nov 28 | 7 a.m. first bus; 5 p.m. last up-canyon; 6:15 p.m. last out | 8 a.m.–6 p.m. | No |
| Nov 29–Dec 25 | No service | No service | Yes |
| Dec 26–Jan 2 | 8 a.m. first bus; 4:30 p.m. last up-canyon; 5:45 p.m. last out | 8 a.m.–6 p.m. | No |
| After Jan 2 | 2027 schedule not yet posted | Not yet posted | Yes, until shuttles resume |
Source: Zion National Park shuttle page (updated October 4, 2026) and February 6, 2026 shuttle schedule release. Springdale Line times are the first bus from Stop 9 (Hotel De Novo) and the last bus from Stop 1 (Zion Canyon Village). The park says schedules are subject to change.
How Does the Shuttle Work This Fall?
The Zion Canyon Line runs from the visitor center (Stop 1) to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9) at the end of the road. If you're planning a winter hike in the Narrows, check our guide and the park's conditions first. The park says buses come every 5 to 10 minutes, the ride up takes about 45 minutes and a round trip is about 1.5 hours. The Springdale Line loops through town every 10 to 15 minutes and drops riders at the park's pedestrian entrance.
The shuttle is free. You don't need a ticket or reservation, but you do have to pay the park entrance fee. Two more dates matter here: October 27 and November 11 are fee-free days for U.S. citizens and residents. See our Zion fee-free days guide.
Don't wait for the last bus. The park warns that if the last shuttle is full or you miss it, you may have to walk about nine miles back to the visitor center.
Can You Drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive When the Shuttle Isn't Running?
Yes. The park's shuttle page says private vehicles are generally allowed on the Scenic Drive during the non-shuttle season, usually December through February. This year that window opens November 29 and runs through December 25, then reopens after the holiday shuttle ends on January 2.
- The road can close when parking fills. The park's current conditions page says it may temporarily close the Scenic Drive to cars if parking fills while the road is open to drivers.
- During shuttle season, no exceptions without a permit. Private vehicles aren't allowed before the first bus or after the last one. Zion Lodge guests and Canyon Trail Rides customers with reservations can drive to designated parking, and visitors with certain medical needs can get a permit at the visitor center information desk.
- Other roads stay open to cars year-round, conditions permitting. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (State Route 9), Kolob Terrace Road and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive are open to private vehicles during shuttle season. The park notes that Kolob Terrace Road usually closes for several months from fall to spring because of snow, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway sometimes closes for snow, ice or rockfall.
- Parking fills early. The park says parking inside Zion fills early year-round. When it's full, the park suggests parking in Springdale and riding the Springdale Line to the pedestrian entrance.
Heading up SR-9? UDOT fiber work and tunnel-area paving have caused delays through Springdale this fall; see our Zion fiber project update and SR-9 rockfall update.
What Is Zion Like in Winter?
The park's seasons page says winter highs run from 50 to 60°F with nighttime lows "well below freezing." After storms, snow usually disappears within hours at lower elevations but builds up higher. The park also warns that icy conditions may exist on trails, "especially anywhere that stays in the shade," and recommends traction devices for your boots. Watchman Campground is open year-round; South Campground closes for the winter. The park itself is open 24 hours a day, every day. For more ideas, see our Southern Utah winter visitor guide.
What to Pack for a Winter Day in Zion
The park says trails can stay icy wherever they're shaded, and December days are short. Two items help with both: traction for slick trails and a light for the walk back if a hike runs late.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction
Kahtoola says its MICROspikes put twelve 0.41-inch stainless steel spikes under each foot, and the elastomer harness stays stretchy down to -22°F. They pull on over hiking boots when a shaded trail turns icy. Check Kahtoola’s size chart for your shoe size.
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Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Black Diamond rates the Spot 400 at up to 400 lumens on three AAA batteries, with red night vision, a lock mode so it doesn’t switch on in your pack, and an IPX8 waterproof rating. Keep one in your daypack for a hike that runs past sunset.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Zion shuttle stop running in 2026?
The Zion Canyon shuttle's last day of fall service is November 28, 2026. There is no shuttle service November 29 through December 25. Holiday service runs December 26 through January 2.
Can I drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in my own car?
Only when the shuttle isn't running. In 2026 that means November 29 through December 25, and after the holiday service ends on January 2. Private vehicles are not allowed on the Scenic Drive during shuttle season, including before the first bus and after the last bus of the day. The park may close the road temporarily if parking fills.
What time is the last shuttle out of Zion Canyon in November?
From October 25 through November 28, the last shuttle leaves the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9) at 6:15 p.m. The last bus up-canyon leaves the visitor center at 5 p.m.
Is the Zion shuttle free?
Yes. No ticket or reservation is needed to ride, but you must pay the park entrance fee.
When does the Zion shuttle start again in 2027?
The Park Service hasn't posted 2027 dates beyond January 2. In 2026, regular shuttle service started March 7.
Sources: Zion National Park: Zion Canyon Shuttle System (updated October 4, 2026); Zion National Park news release, February 6, 2026: shuttle service resumes March 7; Zion National Park: Current Conditions; Zion National Park: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; product details from Kahtoola and Black Diamond.
Last updated October 12, 2026. The park says shuttle schedules are subject to change; check go.nps.gov/ZionShuttle before you go.
