Zion National Park Entry Fees, Passes & Parking Costs (2026)
Everything you need to know about Zion entrance fees, annual passes, parking, and the free shuttle system. Updated for 2026.
Quick Answer
Is Zion National Park free? No — Zion charges $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days), $20 per person for walk-ins/cyclists, or $30 per motorcycle. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entry to all national parks for a year. The Zion shuttle is free with park entry.
2026 Entry Fees & Passes
Private Vehicle
Valid for 7 days, covers all passengers in the vehicle
Walk-In / Bicycle
Valid for 7 days, ages 16+, under 15 free
Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days, single driver and passenger
America the Beautiful Annual
Covers all NPS sites for 1 year from purchase
Free Entrance Days 2026
Zion National Park offers free entrance on six designated fee-free days each year. These days celebrate America's public lands and provide opportunities for everyone to experience national park wonders. However, arrive early as these days are extremely busy.
Parking & Transportation
Zion Canyon
Private vehicles are restricted March–November. Free shuttle buses run continuously from the Visitor Center up the canyon. Parking is available at the Visitor Center (included with park entry). The shuttle is the only way to access popular trailheads during peak season.
Springdale (Town Parking)
A free town shuttle connects hotels and businesses in Springdale to the park entrance. Paid parking lots in town range from $20–$30/day. This is a good alternative during peak season when park parking fills up quickly.
East Side (Canyon Overlook)
Canyon Overlook trailhead parking is free but extremely limited (only 10–15 spaces). Arrive before 8 AM to secure a spot. If full, alternative parking is 2–3 miles away on UT-9.
Kolob Canyons
Free parking at the visitor center and all trailheads. No shuttle system needed in this less-crowded section of the park. This is an excellent alternative to the main canyon during peak season.
Special Passes & Discounts
Senior Annual Pass
Ages 62+ • Covers all national parks and federal recreation lands
Military Pass
Free annual pass for active duty and dependents
Access Pass
Free lifetime pass for permanent disabilities
Volunteer Pass
Free pass after 250 hours of volunteer service
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zion National Park free to enter?▼
No, Zion National Park charges entry fees for most visitors. Vehicle entry is $35 (valid 7 days), walk-ins and cyclists pay $20, and motorcycles cost $30. However, Zion offers free entrance days several times per year, and an America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entry to all national parks for a year.
How much does parking cost at Zion?▼
Parking at Zion varies by location. Inside Zion Canyon (March-November), only shuttle vehicles are allowed and parking is at the Visitor Center (included with park entry). Springdale town offers paid parking ($20-$30/day). East Side trailheads have free but extremely limited parking. Kolob Canyons areas have free parking at visitor centers and trailheads.
Is the Zion shuttle free?▼
Yes, the Zion Canyon shuttle is completely free with your park entry fee. The shuttle runs from March through November and prevents traffic congestion in the canyon. A free town shuttle also connects Springdale hotels to the park entrance.
Do I need to pay if I'm just driving through?▼
Yes, you must pay the entry fee to access Zion National Park, even if you're just passing through. The fee covers a 7-day pass for the entire park. However, if you're only viewing scenic overlooks on the East Side, that area is free and separate from the main park fee.
Can I use my America the Beautiful pass at Zion?▼
Yes, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to Zion and all other U.S. national parks for 12 months from the purchase date. It's an excellent value for those planning multiple national park visits and covers up to 4 adults in a single vehicle.
Are there free days to visit Zion?▼
Yes, Zion National Park is free on six designated fee-free entrance days in 2026: January 20 (MLK Jr. Day), April 19 (NPS Anniversary), June 19 (Juneteenth), August 4 (Great American Outdoors Act), September 27 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). Arrive early as these days are extremely busy.