St. George to Zion National Park
The crown jewel of Southern Utah and one of America's most visited national parks is just 45 minutes from St. George. Towering 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, world-famous hikes, and the emerald Virgin River make Zion an absolute must-visit.
I-15 North → UT-9 East
42 miles
Distance
45 min
Drive Time
east
Direction
Year-round
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Zion National Park
Route: I-15 North → UT-9 East
Head north on I-15 to exit 16 (Hurricane/Zion), take UT-9 East through Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin, and Rockville before arriving in Springdale at the park entrance. The drive through these small towns is scenic with red rock views the entire way.
About Zion National Park
Zion National Park is the number one reason millions of visitors come to Southern Utah, and St. George is the ideal base camp. At just 42 miles and 45 minutes away, you can wake up in St. George, be on a Zion trail by 8 AM, hike a world-class canyon, have lunch in Springdale, and be back home by afternoon. No other major city offers this kind of proximity to a top-five national park.
Zion's towering red and cream-colored sandstone cliffs rise up to 2,000 feet above the Virgin River, creating a dramatic canyon landscape that has attracted visitors since the 1860s. The park now receives over four million visitors annually, making it one of the top five most-visited national parks in America. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (shuttle-only March through November) follows the river between massive rock walls to trailheads, picnic areas, and the Temple of Sinawava.
The park offers experiences for every fitness level. Angels Landing is one of the most famous hikes in the world — a challenging 5.4-mile round trip with chain-assisted sections along a narrow ridge (permit required). The Narrows lets you wade through the Virgin River between 1,000-foot slot canyon walls. For easier options, the Riverside Walk, Pa'rus Trail, and Lower Emerald Pools trail provide stunning scenery on paved or well-maintained paths. The Canyon Overlook Trail near the east entrance offers expansive views for minimal effort.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Hurricane, UT — 20 miles / 20 min (multiple gas stations and restaurants)
- Springdale, UT — 40 miles / 40 min (limited gas, small town services)
- No gas inside Zion National Park
Weather & Climate
Zion Canyon has a semi-arid climate. Summer highs reach 95-105°F on the canyon floor but 80°F on higher trails. Winter is mild (40-60°F daytime) with occasional snow. Spring and fall are ideal at 60-80°F. Flash floods are a risk during monsoon season (July-September).
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
Spring (March-May) brings waterfalls, wildflowers, and moderate crowds. Fall (September-November) has perfect hiking weather and stunning canyon colors. Summer (June-August) is peak season with heavy crowds and heat but the best conditions for The Narrows. Winter offers solitude, occasional snow-dusted cliffs, and no shuttles needed (drive your own car in the canyon).
Things to Do in Zion National Park
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Zion National Park, Utah.
Iconic Hikes
Angels Landing
$6 permit feeAmerica's most iconic hike — a 5.4-mile round-trip trail with 1,488 feet of elevation gain ending on a narrow fin with sheer dropoffs and chain handrails. The views from the summit are life-changing.
Permits required since 2022 — apply at recreation.gov via lottery (seasonal and day-before draws)
The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
Free with park entry (gear rental $25-$50)Wade through the Virgin River between towering 1,000-foot slot canyon walls. The most popular configuration starts at the Temple of Sinawava and goes as far as you like. Water levels and temperature vary by season.
Rent canyoneering boots and a dry suit from Zion Outfitter or Zion Adventure Company in Springdale
Observation Point
FreeA strenuous 8-mile round-trip hike to the highest viewpoint in the main canyon at 6,521 feet. Looks down on Angels Landing from 2,000 feet above. Currently accessible via the East Mesa Trail from outside the park.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Free with park entryA short 1-mile round-trip trail near the east entrance tunnel. Climbs through a carved sandstone path to an expansive viewpoint over Pine Creek Canyon and the lower Zion Canyon. Perfect for families.
Parking at the trailhead is very limited — arrive before 9 AM
Emerald Pools
Free with park entryThree levels of pools and waterfalls accessible via connected trails. Lower Emerald Pool is paved and accessible (1.2 miles round trip). Upper pool is more strenuous but rewarding.
Pa'rus Trail
Free with park entryA flat, paved 3.5-mile trail along the Virgin River connecting the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. Wheelchair accessible, stroller-friendly, and bikes and dogs allowed — the only trail in Zion that permits both.
Springdale Dining & Shopping
Oscar's Cafe
$$Beloved breakfast and lunch spot in Springdale with massive portions and a great patio. The breakfast burritos and pancakes are legendary. Often has a wait on weekends.
Zion Brewery (Springdale)
$$Craft brewery and restaurant with outdoor seating and Zion Canyon views. Great post-hike spot for burgers, pizzas, and house-brewed beer.
Try the seasonal ales — they change frequently
King's Landing Bistro
$$$Upscale dining at the Driftwood Lodge with creative American cuisine. The patio overlooks Zion's towering cliffs. Perfect for a special dinner.
Cafe Soleil
$Coffee shop and casual eatery with excellent espresso, smoothies, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. Great grab-and-go stop before hitting the trails.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
$$Casual pub in the heart of Springdale with craft beers, pub fare, and TVs for sports. Relaxed atmosphere and dog-friendly patio.
Springdale Shops & Galleries
The main street of Springdale is lined with art galleries, outdoor gear shops, souvenir stores, and jewelry boutiques. Worthington Gallery and David J. West Gallery feature stunning Zion-inspired art.
Adventure Activities
Canyoneering
$150-$300 for guided tripsZion is the canyoneering capital of the world. Guided trips through slot canyons involve rappelling, swimming, and scrambling through narrow red rock canyons. Multiple guide companies in Springdale offer beginner to advanced trips.
Rock Climbing
$200+ for guided climbsZion's massive sandstone walls offer world-class climbing routes. Moonlight Buttress, Touchstone Wall, and Spaceshot are legendary. Guided climbing available for beginners.
Horseback Riding
$50-$90Canyon Trail Rides offers guided horseback tours along the Virgin River and into the Sand Bench area. Available March through October, no experience necessary.
Zion Mountain Biking
Bike rental $40-$60/dayWhile bikes are not allowed on most park trails, the Pa'rus Trail and Zion Canyon Road (before shuttle season) are bikeable. Outside the park, Gooseberry Mesa offers world-class mountain biking.
Family-Friendly Activities
Junior Ranger Program
FreeFree booklets at the visitor center with activities for kids ages 6-12. Complete the activities, show a ranger, and earn a Zion Junior Ranger badge.
Riverside Walk
Free with park entryThe easiest trail in Zion — a flat, paved 2.2-mile round-trip trail at the end of the canyon. Follows the Virgin River with hanging gardens and canyon views. Stroller-friendly.
Zion Nature Center
FreeSeasonal nature center near South Campground with interactive exhibits, activities, and ranger programs designed for children and families.
Grafton Ghost Town
FreeA well-preserved ghost town just south of the park along the Virgin River. Free to explore, with photogenic historic buildings against a backdrop of Zion's cliffs. Featured in the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Zion National Park Drive
Park in Springdale and take the free town shuttle to the park entrance — parking inside fills by 8 AM in peak season
Angels Landing requires a permit since 2022 — apply via lottery at recreation.gov (seasonal and day-before draws)
The Narrows requires water shoes and a walking stick — rent gear from outfitters in Springdale ($25-$50)
Visit in shoulder season (March-April, October-November) for dramatically fewer crowds
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel has size restrictions for large vehicles — oversized vehicles pay a $15 escort fee
Pack lunch and snacks — food options inside the park are very limited (Castle Dome Cafe at the lodge)
Download the NPS Zion app before your visit for trail maps, shuttle schedules, and current conditions
For Narrows hiking, check the Virgin River flow rate at the visitor center — flash flood risk is real and dangerous
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Zion National Park
How far is St. George from Zion National Park?
Zion National Park (Springdale entrance) is just 42 miles (45 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North and UT-9 East. This makes St. George the ideal base camp for visiting Zion.
Do I need a reservation to visit Zion?
No reservation is needed to enter Zion National Park itself. However, Angels Landing requires a hiking permit ($6) obtained through a lottery at recreation.gov. Parking fills early — arrive before 8 AM or park in Springdale and take the shuttle.
When do the Zion shuttles run?
The Zion Canyon shuttle typically runs from early March through late November. During shuttle season, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. In winter, you can drive your own car into the canyon.
What is the best easy hike in Zion?
The Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile round trip) offers the best views for the least effort. The Riverside Walk (2.2 miles, flat and paved) and Pa'rus Trail (3.5 miles, flat and paved) are also excellent easy options.
Can I do Zion as a day trip from St. George?
Absolutely — this is the most popular day trip from St. George. At only 45 minutes away, you can enjoy a full day of hiking and sightseeing and easily return to St. George for dinner. Many locals visit Zion multiple times per month.
Where should I eat near Zion?
Springdale (just outside the park entrance) has excellent restaurants including Oscar's Cafe for breakfast, Zion Brewery for craft beer and burgers, King's Landing for upscale dining, and Cafe Soleil for coffee. Inside the park, the Red Rock Grill at Zion Lodge is the only sit-down restaurant.
Nearby Destinations from Zion National Park
Snow Canyon State Park
St. George's backyard national park-quality gem. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Snow Canyon features dramatic red and white sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, slot canyons, sand dunes, and world-class hiking — rivaling Zion without the crowds.
Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Stunning coral-pink sand dunes created from eroding Navajo sandstone. Perfect for ATV riding, sandboarding, photography, stargazing, and family camping in one of Southern Utah's most unique landscapes.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Zion National Park
St. George to Zion National Park — 42 miles, 45 min Drive
Zion National Park is the number one reason millions of visitors come to Southern Utah, and St. George is the ideal base camp. At just 42 miles and 45 minutes away, you can wake up in St. George, be on a Zion trail by 8 AM, hike a world-class canyon, have lunch in Springdale, and be back home by afternoon. No other major city offers this kind of proximity to a top-five national park.
The route from St. George, Utah to Zion National Park, Utah covers 42 miles and takes approximately 45 min via I-15 North → UT-9 East. Head north on I-15 to exit 16 (Hurricane/Zion), take UT-9 East through Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin, and Rockville before arriving in Springdale at the park entrance. The drive through these small towns is scenic with red rock views the entire way.
Things to Do in Zion National Park
Iconic Hikes: Angels Landing, The Narrows (Bottom-Up), Observation Point. Springdale Dining & Shopping: Oscar's Cafe, Zion Brewery (Springdale), King's Landing Bistro. Adventure Activities: Canyoneering, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding. Family-Friendly Activities: Junior Ranger Program, Riverside Walk, Zion Nature Center.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
Spring (March-May) brings waterfalls, wildflowers, and moderate crowds. Fall (September-November) has perfect hiking weather and stunning canyon colors. Summer (June-August) is peak season with heavy crowds and heat but the best conditions for The Narrows. Winter offers solitude, occasional snow-dusted cliffs, and no shuttles needed (drive your own car in the canyon).
Travel Tips
Park in Springdale and take the free town shuttle to the park entrance — parking inside fills by 8 AM in peak season. Angels Landing requires a permit since 2022 — apply via lottery at recreation.gov (seasonal and day-before draws). The Narrows requires water shoes and a walking stick — rent gear from outfitters in Springdale ($25-$50). Visit in shoulder season (March-April, October-November) for dramatically fewer crowds.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Snow Canyon State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes.