Check the park website for snow conditions and road closures in these areas prior to your visit. This takes away all the hassle of finding a parking space within the national park. Before you hit the town, youll detour to Snow Canyon State Park, a natural wonder that exists at the intersection of three different geologic zones the Mojave desert, Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. Your email will not be provided to third parties. 10. The scenic drive from Zion National Park to Mount Carmel passes through the long narrow Zion Mt Carmel Tunnel - as impressive today as in the 1920s. If you get to Zion and find that lines to board the shuttle are ridiculously long, there is still plenty to do in Zion without riding the shuttle. Mid to late-afternoon, hike a shorter, easier trail. Contents Route 9 Utah: Lenght, Toll Price and Other Travel Information Reasons to Drive Highway 9 Spring is a wonderful time to visit Zion. Located at Exit 40 off of I-15, 40 miles North of Zion Canyon and 17 miles South of Cedar City. What if you enjoy the scenery just as much as anyone else, but hiking isnt your thing? Springdale is known as a gateway to Zion National Park, so it's the obvious choice for many travelers visiting the area. Exploring The Zion Region Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park is the centerpiece for a 6-day red-rock vacation that includes a little bit of everything that makes the state such a marvel to experience. Visit the National Park Service website for updates. You are able to drive this road throughout the year, when not closed due to snow. As you explore St. George and Greater Zion seeking excellent food, coffee and drinks, youll want to add these top restaurants to your list. Our family has spent many hours hiking and driving through Zion National Park and it has quickly become one of our favorite National Parks. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 10 Great Hikes in Zion National Park: Which One Will Be Your Favorite? This will help you avoid the crowds on the trail, which is very important if you plan to hike the Zion Narrows. Driving through Zion is straightforward; nonetheless, there are a few things you should watch out for. A scenic drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel in Zion National Park. Its up to you! You won't miss out though, since the shuttle takes you along Zion Canyon Road passing through the canyons. Zion Pizza and Noodle Caf. For an overview about Utahs Mighty 5, read our Guide to Utahs Mighty 5. For more information about the best timesto visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Near the Nevada border, the Springdale entrance is just 160 miles from Las Vegas. Watch the sunset from Canyon Junction Bridge and have dinner in Springdale. At Canyon Junction, turn right onto Zion Canyon Road and follow the Virgin River north past Emerald Pools Trailhead, Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint, Angels Landing and the Temple of Sinawava. If you want to learn about the American Indians and the pioneers who lived on this land, then the Zion Human History Museum is worth a visit. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The West Rim Trail can be hiked as a long day hike or as a two-day backpacking trip. Zion is a magical place whether you see it by hiking, biking, airplane or car. Where to Stay Zion National Park Scenic Drive | Zion National Park Driving Tour It is one of the first stops on the Zion Shuttle. Erosion and other feats of nature have created the gorgeous scenery you will see on this drive. Flash floods can sneak up on unsuspecting hikers, Is Zion Too Crowded? This stage is nestled within a red rock canyon, offering concertgoers a once-in-a-lifetime open air show under the clear desert sky. If you plan to hike Angels Landing, you must have a permit. Whether youre bringing your own bike or renting from one of the local outfitters, there are trails suited for any experience level. We tried canyoneering for the first time and it was a blast. Whether youre flying into Salt Lake, Las Vegas, or nearby St. George, most visitors will enter the park through Springdale, a growing town thats equipped to offer plenty of creature comforts in this otherwise wild region. Extend Your Stay However, depending on the time of year you might have to let someone else take the wheel since private vehicles aren't allowed on the road during the summer. Zion National Park has a speed limit of 35 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted. In preparation for your trip to Utah, heres what you need to know about Utah's liquor laws, especially how and where to buy a drink in the city or in the rural parts of the state. Highway 9, the major road through Zion National Park For a fee, you can get offline access to their maps, so this is one of your best options. Traffic & Travel Tips - Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) WereInTheRockies 2023. Visit the National Park Service website for updates. Carmel Tunnel, the Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. Stop 1: Visitors Center When visiting any national park, my advice is to go to the visitors center first. If you are visiting other parts of the park other than Zion Scenic Drive, you can park along pullouts and parking lots available throughout the park. You can also take your bike with you on the shuttles, as long as you can lift it on and off the bicycle rack by yourself. By 8 am, the line can be very long to take the shuttle into the park. Bicycle year-round on both Zion Scenic Drive and the Parus trail. When Utahs dirt roads are calling you, its time to plan your van life road trip. 4. You'll need to reserve campgrounds, these can sell fast, so book as far in advance as possible. However November through March (most years), you are able to drive your personal vehicles up this road when the shuttles are not running. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. If you dont have the gear, you can just watch, which is just as fun and a whole lot safer. Visit the other side of the park along the Kolob Canyons Road or head into St. George for a beautiful tour Snow Canyon State Park. We love the American West and the national parks. Want to bike Zion Scenic Drive instead of riding the shuttle or driving? Carmel Junction and U.S. Route 89. If you stay a night or two at Zion National Park you'll be able to really immerse yourself in this stunning landscape, as well as having the chance to relax in a pool with a view at the end of the day. Plan to spend a few hours on this excursion while you enjoy the . There are two other entrances to Zion National Park, at Kolob Canyons and on Kolob Terrace Road. These oversized vehicles need to pay a $15 tunnel permit in advance and show the permit to the ranger stationed at the tunnel. The entrance fee is $35 and is valid for 7 days. NATIONAL PARKS BY SEASON:Zion National Park appears in our Best US National Parks in January,Best US National Parks in October, Best US National Parks in November, and Best US National Parks in December articles. Grab a coffee & cinnamon bun or hot dog & fries at Castle Dome Cafe, which is open seasonally at Zion Lodge. The Zion- Mt. You essentially hike from one side of Zion to the other. After this last stop, you can turn around and go back to Springdale and see a completely different view than what you saw coming into the park. When oversized vehicles such as large RVs or trucks drive through the tunnel, only one lane of traffic is allowed because the RVs have to drive in the middle of the road to fit through the tunnel. Use the restroom and fill your water bottles at the visitors center. The America the Beautiful pass covers entry to all national parks for a year and also works to get you through the ranger booths. Because the route passes through Zion National Park, you'll need to pay the $30 park entrance fee, but it's worth every penny. There are two sections to Zion National Park: the main section of the park, which is located along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and Kolob Canyons. But before you set off to drive through Zion National Park there are a few things to keep in mind, so carry on reading to get started with planning your trip. Red Canyon Tunnel on Highway 12, one of the most iconic sights on the route between Zion and Bryce. Taking the shuttle is great in summer when crowds can be heavy. There are around 90,000 visitors to Zion National Park, compared to half a million in July, and the Zion Canyon Road will be open for you to drive along. Pit toilets can be found at Taylor Creek Trailhead, South Fork Parking Lot, and Kolob Canyons Viewpoint. This highway boasts incredible views of Zion National Park and features six switchbacks as you travel from the East side of the park to where Zion scenic drive and the visitors center is located. You can visit Zion National Park via UT-9 all year round but as we've already mentioned, Zion Canyon Scenic Road is only self-drive for part of the year. Where to Stay Access famous trails such as Angels Landing, Emerald Pools and The Grotto trails. Kolob Canyons is a 5-mile section of beautiful Zion wilderness. Frequently Asked Questions about Zion Canyon - Zion National Park (U.S If you have any questions about planning your Zion National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. The trip to Zion from Vegas is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. Walters Wiggles (on the hike to Angels Landing). When taking the scenic drive, make sure you stop at these points on your tour to get the most of your day of sightseeing. ZION NATIONAL PARK:Check out our Zion National Park Travel Guidefor important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. The Zion Information Guide contains a wealth of information to help you plan your visit. Crowds are thinning, the weather is spectacular, and in October you can see the fall colors. The final climb involves scaling a narrow ridge high above the valley floor. Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its time to hit the road to nearby St. George, a city experiencing remarkable growth. This area has a few hiking trails and its own visitor center. Zion National Park has an outstanding FREE shuttle service that runs from the town of Springdale all the way through the park, giving you amazing views and stopping at nine scenic points and trailheads. Red Rock Inn Cottages. Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble. Take a midday break. I imagine that, if you're driving on a summer weekend, you'll encounter quite a bit more . Groups are limited to 6 people per group and must ride on the right side of the road in a single file line. Just be aware that parking is limited so it still helps to get an early start. You can hike a short trail, explore Springdale, or visit the Kolob Canyon section of Zion. It was first established as a National Park back in 1919, so it's impressive enough that even people 100 years ago knew it should be protected for future generations. Sometimes you just want to get in the car and DRIVE!! For amazingly scenic views and a chance for a picnic on a nice day, this stop is also a great photo opportunity. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. But you'll miss out on the chance to really soak in the views and follow a hiking trail or two if you're in too much of a hurry. Because this area doesnt fit with the classic national park vacation many visitors have in mind, it doesnt get the attention it deserves. Due to the confluence of forces shaping this land, youll marvel at the diverse landscape before you. You are able to drive this route freely throughout the year. With one day in Zion National Park, getting an early start is critical for the best experience. You will enter the mysterious Zion-Mt. Since this is a self-guided driving tour through Zion National Park, you would have to follow Zion's rules about pets. This is a region that rewards taking the path less traveled, sure to leave you feeling like that one overlook was made just for you. Some cottages have a seating area and kitchen. For the full schedule and hours of operation, visit the NPS website. There are only three campgrounds in Zion National Park so it's best to plan in advance if you're intending to sleep under canvas in the national park. Can I bicycle into Zion Canyon? Just past the temple, you can pick up the Riverside Walk Trailhead towards the Narrows. As you've already discovered, in summer, you'll have to leave your car at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Main Parking Lot and jump on the shuttle which will take you along Zion Canyon Scenic Road. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. If your vehicle is taller than 13 feet 1 inch you cannot pass through the tunnel. Along the road, you'll also find access to the section's trails. I recommend getting in line at least 15 minutes before the first shuttle of the day if you plan to hike Angels Landing or the Narrows. The Temple Sinawava is one of the most coveted hiking journeys in Zion, if not the United States. When deciding how much time you should spend in Zion, pick out the hikes you want to do. You can learn so much about the park by perusing museums, gathering maps and talking to a ranger. Planning Your Zion National Park Itinerary. Should you miss a bus, fear not as they run every 5 to 10 minutes. That makes it a perfect place to explore for anyone who loves actually getting away during a vacation. This trail will be closed mostly in winter due to the fact that hanging ice can fall and is very dangerous. You can snowmobile on a section of Kolob Terra Road, which begins in Virgin, Utah. Its worth the early start! Average temperatures range from 50 degrees in March to 60 degrees in April, and with vibrant greenery and wildflowers blooming, it's a beautiful time of year in Zion National Park. The shuttle route takes around 45 minutes to travel from the South Entrance Visitor Center up to the Temple of Sinawava. Heres what you need to know to travel safely, protect Utahs rural communities, and help preserve sensitive desert landscapes. Regardless of your direction of the 'parks' route, you seem to have the same amount of time for Zion set out. In 2021, Zion recorded more than 5 million visits. Soil Sleuth: Protecting Utah's Living Landscapes, Hiking Southern Utah with Younger Children: Tips for Family-Friendly Adventure, Things to know about Off-Road Vehicle Use, Expert Tips for Your Next Canyoneering Adventure, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Here, you can pay a $30 entry fee per car or if you have you National Park Pass, which is $80 per year, you can show this and enter. After a day spent ripping around Sand Hollow State Park, reserve a room in Cedar City for some well-deserved pampering (Read: 24 Hours in Cedar City). For most of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles and the Zion Shuttle carries visitors up and down this road. If you arrive late and the queues are long, park at Springdale and get on the shuttle from there. They can only drive through the tunnel during hours when rangers are present. The opportunity to catch a fantastic photo is yours for the taking. You are permitted to drive from the Visitor Center to the east entrance all year. Whether you're flying into Salt Lake, Las Vegas, or nearby St. George, most visitors will enter the park through Springdale, a growing town that's equipped to offer .
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