Zion is a canyon you experience from the bottom. The Virgin River has cut a deep, narrow gorge through Navajo sandstone, and the trails climb its walls or wade up the river itself. Two hikes made it famous — the chained ridge of Angels Landing and The Narrows, where the trail is the river — but even the easy walks feel monumental.
Best things to do in Zion
The Narrows
From the last shuttle stop, the Temple of Sinawava, a paved walk leads to the river; then you walk in it, between walls 1,000 feet high and sometimes only 20 feet apart. Go as far as you like — Wall Street, 2 to 3 hours in, is the classic turnaround.
Rent canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks and a walking stick in Springdale. Check the flash flood forecast at the visitor center; the route closes when the flow is high, often in spring snowmelt.
See tours and tickets partner linkAngels Landing
The final half mile follows a fin of rock with drops of 1,000 feet on both sides, with chains to hold. 5.4 miles return, 4 to 5 hours, about 1,500 feet of climbing. A permit is required for the chains, by lottery on recreation.gov.
No permit? Hike the same West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout: the switchbacks of Walter’s Wiggles and a view almost as good.
Zion–Mount Carmel Highway
The road east climbs switchbacks to a 1930 tunnel, then enters a landscape of slickrock and checkerboard domes. The short Canyon Overlook Trail, just past the tunnel, gives a top-down view of Zion Canyon.
4Emerald Pools & Riverside Walk
Easy hikes for the first afternoon: the Lower Emerald Pool trail passes under a dripping cliff, and the Pa’rus Trail follows the river from the visitor center — the only trail open to bikes and dogs.
5Kolob Canyons
A separate section, 45 minutes north, with a 5-mile scenic drive between red finger canyons and almost no crowds.
6The Watchman at sunset
From the Canyon Junction bridge, the Virgin River leads the eye to the Watchman peak glowing at sunset: the most photographed view in the park.
Zion entrance fees and reservations
Since 1 January 2026, foreign visitors pay a $100 surcharge here. Do the maths before you go.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $35 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $20 |
| Non-US residents aged 16+ | +$100 per person, on top of the entrance fee |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
- Angels Landing: a permit (seasonal and day-before lotteries on recreation.gov) is required for the chains section.
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: shuttle only for most of the year, free.
How the Zion shuttle works
For most of the year (roughly March to November, plus holidays), the 6-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars. The free park shuttle runs from the visitor center to nine stops, every few minutes in peak hours. Parking at the visitor center fills by 8 am; the Springdale shuttle, also free, picks up from town.
When to go
April–May and September–November are perfect: warm days, cool nights. Summer often passes 100°F (38°C) in the canyon, with monsoon thunderstorms and flash flood risk from July to September. Winter is quiet, mild in the valley, with occasional snow on the walls; The Narrows is cold but possible with a dry suit rental.
Where to stay in Zion
Springdale, at the south entrance, is a lovely small town with the shuttle at your door. Book early for spring and fall weekends.
Our 2 hotel picks in Zion
Photos, facilities and tips →
Boutique$$$$Zion Lodge
Inside Zion Canyon, on the Scenic Drive
The only hotel inside Zion National Park: lodge rooms, suites and 1920s cabins in the heart of Zion Canyon.
Mid-range$$$$Cable Mountain Lodge
Springdale, at Zion’s South Entrance
Suites and studios by the Virgin River, a short walk from Zion’s South Entrance and the shuttle.
Zion Lodge
$$$$Best for: staying inside the canyon
The only lodge inside the park, in the middle of the canyon: your room key lets you drive there even when the road is shuttle-only.
Hotels in Zion Lodge partner linkSpringdale
$$$$Best for: everyone
Hotels and lodges with red-cliff views, restaurants, outfitters and the free town shuttle.
Hotels in Springdale partner linkEast Zion & Mount Carmel
$$$$Best for: ranches and glamping
Quieter, with glamping and ranch resorts, between Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Hotels in East Zion & Mount Carmel partner linkHurricane & St. George
$$$$Best for: budget
Chain hotels 30 to 60 minutes away, much cheaper.
Hotels in Hurricane & St. George partner linkWeather in Zion by month
Best time to visit Zion, month by month →
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Zion: your questions
Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes, for the chains section beyond Scout Lookout. Permits are allocated by a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery on recreation.gov. You can hike to Scout Lookout without one.
Can you drive through Zion National Park?
You can drive the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway (Route 9) at any time. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, where the main trails are, is shuttle-only for most of the year.
When can you hike The Narrows?
Usually from late spring to fall, when the river is low and warm enough. It closes when the flow is too high or a flash flood is forecast. In winter it requires a dry suit.
How many days do you need in Zion?
Two days: one for The Narrows, one for Angels Landing or Scout Lookout and the Emerald Pools, with sunset at the Watchman.
How much is Zion’s entrance fee in 2026?
$35 per car for 7 days. Non-US residents 16 and over add $100 each unless they have an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.