Zion National Park Guide from St. George

Iconic Hikes

Angels Landing ranks among America's most famous hikes with chains on a narrow ridge. The Narrows offers a unique bottom-up slot canyon experience. Emerald Pools and Canyon Overlook provide stunning views with moderate effort.

Dramatic Geology

Towering cream and red-colored sandstone cliffs define Zion's landscape. The Virgin River carved Zion Canyon over millennia, creating 1,000-foot-high walls. Each layer of rock tells a geological story spanning hundreds of millions of years.

Accessible Beauty

The scenic drive and Pa'rus Trail offer incredible views for all fitness levels. Shuttle system provides easy access without driving. Springdale gateway town provides restaurants, gear rentals, and lodging right outside the park.

Biodiversity

Zion protects diverse ecosystems from desert scrub to subalpine forest. Visitors spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagles, and California condors. The park's elevation range creates multiple habitat zones in a compact area.

Vehicle pass: $35 (7 days). Person on foot/bike: $20. America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (all national parks 1 year). Senior Annual Pass: $20. Free entry for children under 16, military, federal pass holders.

46 miles northeast of St. George, 45 minutes via UT-9. Springdale is the main gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and gear shops. Drive up the scenic Zion Canyon Drive inside the park (11 miles, 15 stops). Park entrance is open year-round, 24 hours daily.

Spring (Mar–May): 60–75°F, wildflowers, moderate crowds. Fall (Sep–Nov): 65–85°F, fewer crowds, stunning light. Summer: 95–110°F, open shuttle, long daylight. Winter: mild, solitude, occasional snow at high elevations.

Limited parking, fills by 9 AM peak season. Mandatory shuttle system Mar–Nov (free with entry fee). Springdale town shuttle available. Arrive early or use shuttle from St. George tour companies. Pa'rus Trail is best for non-drivers.

America's most famous hike with chains on a narrow ridge. Iconic switchbacks and 1,488 ft elevation gain. Requires permit. Sunrise views are spectacular.

Hike up a slot canyon in the Virgin River. Neoprene boots and gear required. Water is cold year-round. Flash flood risk during storms.

Three interconnected pools with stunning views. Family-friendly lower and middle pools. Upper pool viewpoint more strenuous.

Short hike with incredible valley views. Perfect sunrise/sunset hike. Less crowded than major trails. Great for photography.

Paved, wheelchair and bike accessible. Runs along Virgin River. Perfect for families and all fitness levels. Open year-round.

Zion Canyon scenic drive with 11 stops. Mandatory shuttle Mar–Nov. Big Bend, The Watchman, Temple of Sinawava are highlights.

Panoramic views of entire Zion Canyon. Technical switchbacks carved into cliff. Best for experienced hikers.

Less crowded northern section, 45 min from main canyon. Taylor Creek Trail, scenic drive, fewer people but equally stunning.

Snow Canyon State Park

Red & white sand, slot canyons, camping, rock climbing

Sand Hollow State Park

Reservoir, water sports, RV park, scenic off-road trails

Quail Creek State Park

Fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, scenic views

Gunlock State Park

Reservoir camping, scenic drives, petroglyphs, wildlife

What is Zion National Park known for?

Zion National Park is famous for its towering red and cream-colored sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and narrow slot canyons. The park is best known for iconic hikes like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools. Zion Valley offers spectacular scenic drives, and visitors come for world-class hiking, photography, and natural beauty. The park showcases some of the most dramatic geology in the American Southwest.

Is Zion National Park free to enter?

No, Zion National Park requires an entrance fee. A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35, while individual person passes are $20. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers all national parks for $80 and is valid for one year. Senior passes (age 62+) cost $20 annually. Children under 16 and certain federal pass holders may enter free.

How far is Zion National Park from St. George, Utah?

Zion National Park is approximately 46 miles northeast of St. George, Utah. The drive takes about 45 minutes to one hour via UT-9 (Zion Park Boulevard), depending on traffic and starting point. Springdale, the main gateway town to Zion, is just outside the park entrance and is about 50 miles from downtown St. George.

Does Zion National Park charge a parking fee?

There is no separate parking fee at Zion, but you must pay the park entrance fee to enter ($35 for a 7-day vehicle pass). Parking in Zion Valley is limited and often full during peak season. The park operates a mandatory shuttle system from March through November. Some pullouts and scenic areas have limited free parking, while the main Visitor Center parking area charges the park entrance fee.

What is the best time to visit Zion National Park?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best conditions with mild temperatures between 60-75°F and fewer crowds than summer. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat exceeding 100°F but longer daylight and open facilities. Winter (December-February) is cool and quiet with occasional snow at higher elevations. The Narrows is best in spring and summer with appropriate water levels for hiking.

What do I need to bring to hike at Zion National Park?

Bring at least 3 liters of water per person, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking boots, and layers for temperature changes. For The Narrows hike, you need neoprene boots, canyoneering gear, and water sandals. Angels Landing requires permits obtained through a lottery. Always bring a map, snacks, first aid supplies, and start hikes early. Check weather for flash flood warnings, especially during monsoon season (July-September).

Do I need a permit to hike Angels Landing at Zion?

Yes, Angels Landing requires a permit starting in 2023. The National Park Service conducts a lottery system for daily permits. Permits are limited to 75 people per day for day-use and can be reserved in advance through recreation.gov. The hike is 5.4 miles roundtrip with 1,488 feet of elevation gain and includes chains on the final ridge. Permits fill quickly during peak season.

Can you do The Narrows hike in Zion without special gear?

No, you cannot safely hike The Narrows without water gear. You must have neoprene boots or canyoneering shoes, and canyoneering equipment for the slot canyon sections. Many visitors rent gear locally in Springdale or take guided tours that include equipment. The water is cold year-round, and flash flood danger is serious during monsoon season. Never enter the canyon without proper preparation and weather awareness.