Ticket Information:

• Entrance Fee: $35 per car.
• Validity: The ticket is valid for 7 days.
• Recommendation: We highly recommend considering the National Park annual pass for extended visits and exploring other national parks.

Travel Season:

• Best Time to Visit: Zion National Park is a year-round destination, but the most popular season is from March to October when the weather is milder, and most trails are accessible.

Road Condition:

• To stay updated on the current road conditions, please refer to the official Zion National Park website.

Official Website:

• For the latest updates, maps, and detailed information, visit the official Zion National Park website.

Overview of Zion National Park:

• Zion National Park is renowned for its breathtaking hiking trails. It’s important to note that if you are not an avid hiker, this park may not be the ideal destination for you.

Hiking Trails Overview:

• Angel’s Landing: One of the most famous trails in the park is Angel’s Landing. Please be aware that this trail is extremely challenging and is rated as ‘hard’ on Alltrails. Only those with a high level of hiking experience and physical fitness should attempt this hike. The reward is a stunning panoramic view of the park from a unique vantage point.

The Narrows: Another popular hike is The Narrows, which takes you through a trail in the water. It’s also considered a ‘hard’ level trail and involves walking through the Virgin River in a slot canyon. Make sure to check the weather conditions and river flow levels before attempting this hike, and be prepared with appropriate gear, such as water shoes and a walking stick.

Map in Southern Utah

For more information on the Southern Utah and Arizona travel guide, check this post (haven’t post yet).

Transportation Inside the Park:

• From March through November, visitors are required to utilize the park’s shuttle bus system for entry.
• If you plan to visit Zion National Park between May and September, parking is available inside the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. To secure a parking spot, it’s advisable to arrive by 7 a.m (Trust me for this). Otherwise, finding parking may take more than half an hour.
• Alternatively, you have the option to park in Springdale and take the shuttle to the park. Please note that this option incurs a daily fee of $30.

Shuttle Schedule:

Please be mindful of the last shuttle departure time. You can access the shuttle bus timetable on their official website for up-to-date information.

1. The Narrows – Riverside Walk

The most famous water hike in Zion National Park

Stop: Temple Of Sinawava (Stop 9)

Estimated Duration: Plan for 4-8 hours

Route:

1. Start with a 1-mile land route – Riverside Walk.
2. Then, walk in the water, the endpoint being Big Spring.

It’s important to note that Big Spring is the designated stopping point – continuing further can be dangerous!

The Narrows offers a unique water hiking experience. Therefore, how far you go and how long you play depend on your stamina and interest.

Water Depth: Most areas have water depths ranging from ankle to knee-deep, with a few places going up to thigh or waist level (for individuals 5 feet tall or shorter, this may reach chest height). Water depth varies daily.

Water Temperature: It feels cool in the summer, but as long as you keep moving, it’s manageable. It may get cold when you stop for breaks.

Recommended Seasons: Late spring and summer are the best times as water levels are low, and the water temperature is higher.

Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★

AllTrails: 5 stars with 6290+ reviews

Official Website: Please check here

Safety:

• Suitable for children above 10 years old.
• Be cautious of twisting your ankles; appropriate shoes and a walking stick are crucial.
• There’s a risk of flash floods in the summer. Signs include cumulonimbus clouds/thunder/rivers becoming cloudy/floatable debris or tree branches in the river/increased current/rising water levels/changes in the sound of the river… If you notice these signs, seek higher ground immediately. Climbing just a meter higher can save your life, as the water level can recede within 24 hours.
• If you hike in the fall, prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to hypothermia. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering/fatigue/confusion. To prevent this, consume high-energy foods and avoid wearing pure cotton clothing (which doesn’t dry easily). If it happens, change the person into dry clothes, give them warm water (without alcohol), and take them to a sheltered, windless area. Severe hypothermia can be life-threatening.

Items to Bring: Snacks, water, a light jacket (even in summer).

Items to Rent: Shoes (barefoot/sandals are not suitable) + a walking stick (three-point support is most stable).

Rental Shop: ZION OUTFITTER

Location: Next to the Visitor Center, see the map here.

Operating Hours: Open year-round, 7/8 am – 7/9 pm (renting a day in advance is more convenient).

Shower Facilities: Shower facilities are available, coin-operated, $4 for 5 minutes, and there are also washing and drying machines for $6.5.

Website: Please check here

left: 32$ best for May to Sep

right: 49$ best for Sep to Dec

2. Angel’s Landing

Zion National Park’s most famous trail! However, it’s challenging and demands great physical fitness and courage. 

Stop: ❻ The Grotto

Estimated Duration: The round trip on the trail is 5 miles, plan for 5-6 hours.

Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★

AllTrails: 5 stars with 22065+ reviews

Equipment: Plenty of water, sunglasses/hat, hiking shoes (very important for grip), gloves. When there’s snow accumulation, you must have crampons

Note: If you want to climb the last, and most challenging, 0.5 miles (from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing), you must apply for permits in advance.

On the other hand, if you only hike up to Scout Lookout and return, you don’t need to apply for permits. Permits are obtained through a lottery system. Application website: Please check here.

The lottery includes Seasonal Lottery and Day-before Lottery:

• Seasonal Lottery has a higher chance of success but requires flexible travel dates. Please refer to the official website for details.
• Day-before Lottery is the most commonly used method. The lottery application period is from noon to 3 pm the day before your hike, with results announced at 4 pm. Each permit can cover up to 6 people, but each person must pay a $6/person lottery fee. If you win the lottery, there’s an additional $3/person processing fee. Make sure to print or download the lottery results to your phone, as they will be checked near Scout Lookout, and there’s no internet connectivity on-site.

Travel Insurance: Medical expenses can be exceptionally high. We recommend our partner USI travel insurance

Cliffs:

• There have been cases of fatal falls from cliffs. Loose sand or small stones on rocks can easily cause people to slip.
• If items fall into dangerous areas, it’s better to leave them there. There have been cases of fatalities due to attempting retrieval.

High Temperatures:

• The park is located in a desert area, so please bring an ample supply of water.
• Do not consume untreated water within the park (it may contain parasites).
• Heatstroke is common, with symptoms including dizziness, nausea, headaches, and loss of orientation. In such cases, move the affected person to a shady area for cooling (hydrate, elevate feet, and eat something; simply drinking water can dilute the salt in the blood). If the patient has not recovered after two hours, seek medical attention.

Hospitals and Clinics: In case of emergencies, please dial 911. Nearby medical facilities include:

• Zion Canyon Medical Clinic (Springdale)
• Hurricane Valley Clinic (Hurricane)

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