driving through zion national park
Tips for Prepared Travelers Follow this Guide To Driving Through and Around Zion National Park, and experience the park in a convenient and comfortable way. Current Conditions - Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Most of the drive is on the big I-15 interstate. Take the I-15 north from Las Vegas into Utah until exit 95, where you get onto UT-20 eastbound. These canyons on the Utah-Arizona border range in difficulty from leisurely strolls to technical multi-day expeditions. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. During peak season and holiday weekends, plan to get in line 30 minutes before the first shuttle. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. We went to Zion last year and back to go back. There are other hiking trails that start outside of the park, or near the boundary of the park, and end along the Scenic Drive. Theres plenty to do out on the water, and the gorgeous setting is sure to impress. Springdale is located just outside the Zion National Park South Entrance and has a shuttle system that will take you to the Zion National Park visitors center. There's free parking at the hotel, and the on-site Cordwood Restaurant serves organic cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Driving Through Zion National Park Taking a personal vehicle through the open areas of Zion National Park is a great way to see the scenery and get to trails and scenic viewpoints that are outside of the Main Canyon. Caf Soleil. Toggle Main Menu . Drive carefully, watch for wildlife and use pullouts to view the sheep. 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. Next Group. Red Canyon Tunnel on Highway 12, one of the most iconic sights on the route between Zion and Bryce. Stops and things to do on Page to Zion National Park drive - Wanderlog Carmel Tunnel, the Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. We recommend travelling in January if you're hoping for a quiet visit. Road Trip Itinerary: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park There are two ways to hike to Observation Point. With one day in Zion National Park, getting an early start is critical for the best experience. Angels Landing Trail | Zion National Park Itinerary. Camping under the crystal clear Milky Way in Cedar Breaks National Monument. We tried canyoneering for the first time and it was a blast. The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This stage is nestled within a red rock canyon, offering concertgoers a once-in-a-lifetime open air show under the clear desert sky. Important Note: Numerous trails are closed in Zion National Park. You essentially hike from one side of Zion to the other. Or sit down to a steak dinner at Red Rock Grill, open year-round, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From the west, you access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or Byway at the intersection of Highway 9 and I-15, about nine miles east of St. George, Utah. Contents Route 9 Utah: Lenght, Toll Price and Other Travel Information Reasons to Drive Highway 9 September and October are the best months to visit Zion, in my opinion. Do this when planning your Zion National Park itinerary and just before your visit. During Peak season be prepared to arrive early or late to get parking spots. The shuttle is reliable, and frequent, and allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery, so it's a great way to explore Zion National Park. Although there are no trails from this stop, the main attraction is a chance to gaze at the Virgin River as it sharply turns through the canyon. Tips for Prepared Travelers -Hiking Southern Utah with Younger Children: Tips for Family-Friendly Adventure. It's a great choice if you're visiting in winter, since you can enjoy the scenic drive towards Zion Canyon then continue all the way along Zion Canyon in your own vehicle. Should you miss a bus, fear not as they run every 5 to 10 minutes. This hike is 1.5 to 3 miles, depending on how far you hike and where you start. Where to Stay Kolob Terrace Road features some amazing trails and stops: Kolob Canyons is an incredibly beautiful part of Zion National Park and features many trailheads and incredible red rock views along the 5-mile scenic drive. Here are 10 family-friendly hikes, two per national park, you cannot miss. For the full list, read our Best Hikes in Zion guide. Note: This Zion National Park itinerary post contains affiliate links. Drivin' My RV Through Zion National Park: A Beginner's Guide Visiting Zion National Park in Winter: Everything You Need to Know The shuttle operates 7 days a week beginning mid-March. 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. On this epic road trip, you get to visit six national parks (including Zion) as well as Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and several great state parks in Utah. Top 5 Drives To Do In Zion National Park If you dont mind cold temperatures, winter is a very nice time to visit Zion. However, once you're inside the national park you won't have to pay to park or to take the shuttle through Zion Canyon Road, *Prices calculated at the time of writing for a one-week pass. Crowds are thinning, the weather is spectacular, and in October you can see the fall colors. You can either combine Zion with one or more of the other parks in Utah (Utahs Mighty 5) or do a loop from Las Vegas where you add on the Grand Canyon. The Red Rock Grill is also just a short walk if you need a bite to eat. Kolob Terrace Road is a primitive area and has no services. Once youve reemerged into the desert sun, you can return to St. George for your flight home, or call in sick for a few more days and extend your vacation nearby atLake Powell. Located in Ancestor Square in the heart of St. George, Utah, the Painted Pony, affectionately known as The Pony, gets rave reviews by all, as evidenced by its 4.5-star Trip Advisor rating. Check the last departure times - if the last shuttle is full then you'll have to hike back to the South Entrance from the Temple of Sinawava. Walters Wiggles (on the hike to Angels Landing). 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. The coldest month is December, and even then you can expect an average temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit so a visit to the park is manageable if you pack a few warm layers. Las Vegas To Zion: 7 Amazing Stops Along Interstate 15 This section of the park can close due to snow and ice, but through most of the year this road is open and you can freely drive it. -Things to know about Off-Road Vehicle Use. The shuttle will be in operation between 21st May and 26th November, however if Zion National Park gets busy the shuttle will start to operate on weekends as early as February. No update has been given as to when it may reopen. Zion National Park is a major tourist destination in Utah, and for good reason. Another beautiful drive through Zion National Park is located 40 miles north of the main canyon, in the Kolob Canyons section of the park. Visitors flock to Utah's Zion National Park to hike through slot canyons, ride the rapids on the Virgin River and enjoy canyon-top views. This will help you avoid the crowds on the trail, which is very important if you plan to hike the Zion Narrows. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are on the trail, make sure to pack out ALL your garbage and bathroom waste. Ideally, you need at least two to three days to visit Zion National Park. Can you drive through Zion National Park? This long-distance trail starts near Kolob Canyons and ends near Angels Landing. I would like to know what is the best app in your opinion to guide us through all hikes and avoid getting lost. Because of this regions close proximity to I-15, youre never too far away from a city or town full of knowledgeable locals happy to help you get the most out of your vacation. 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. This is our favorite restaurant in Springdale. There are two other entrances to Zion National Park, at Kolob Canyons and on Kolob Terrace Road. This road offers incredible views with fewer crowds. The Weeping Rock Trail is currently closed due to a massive rock fall in 2019. This 12-mile highway connects the south and east entrances of Zion National Park, and driving it is absolutely stunning at any time of year. Highway 9 through Zion National Park Utah, the best scenic - YouTube Before Canyon Junction, expect hair-raising hairpin turns after passing through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. The trip to Zion from Vegas is a fairly easy drive of about 2.5 hours, if you drive straight through. They happen quite often in this ever-changing park. 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. Groups are limited to 6 people per group and must ride on the right side of the road in a single file line. During this time rams can be seen battling each other by clashing their horns together. The Grotto is also the official start to Angels Landing, and other notable hikes, so it could be crowded. Zion Narrows | Zion National Park Itinerary. 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. Canyon Overlook, Emerald Pools, and the Riverside walk all fall into this category. For many people, the main reason to plan a trip to Zion is to hike Angels Landing and/or the Narrows. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main road that runs through Zion National Park. Access famous trails such as Angels Landing, Emerald Pools and The Grotto trails. When the shuttles are NOT running and you are able to drive Zion Scenic Drive, be aware that the speed limit is posted at 35 mph. 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. Ive also used Komoot but I like AllTrails better. Tips for Prepared Travelers Q. We are talking an hour wait or longer. If you have time for a few quick walks, head to Balanced Rock, The Windows pop around the back of the . However November through March (most years), you are able to drive your personal vehicles up this road when the shuttles are not running. This is also the point where you can begin the Sand Bench Loop Trail, which is a 3.5 mile trail that takes you to some good canyon views below. Frequently Asked Questions about Zion Canyon - Zion National Park (U.S Highway 9 is a 14-mile stretch of road that goes through Zion National Park and connects the East side of the park to Zion Scenic Drive and Kolob Terrace Road. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. Due to the confluence of forces shaping this land, youll marvel at the diverse landscape before you. However, if you're planning on some serious backcountry hiking, this is a great place to start. . We want to help you have a great vacation on your next trip to the Rockies. Can You See Zion National Park By Car? - Van Life Wanderer You won't miss out though, since the shuttle takes you along Zion Canyon Road passing through the canyons. Located at stop 5 on the Zion Scenic Drive is the Zion Lodge. This very highly rated property has a wide range of room types. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel It is one of the first stops on the Zion Shuttle. Hike Angels Landing in the morning, take a break and recharge midday, and hike the Narrows from the bottom-up in the late afternoon. The shuttle is included with your entrance fee into the park. Its hot in Zion National park in summer. When the shuttle is not in operation (December, January, and February) you are permitted drive along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. These are long days with lots of back-to-back hikes. 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). Here you will see a Visitors Center and entrance to Kolob Canyons. It is only 1-mile round trip and starts near the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel. Construction causes road closures in Zion National Park on occasion. This is another budget friendly place that serves pizza, pastas, and salads. Regardless of your direction of the 'parks' route, you seem to have the same amount of time for Zion set out. Some vehicles are allowed on the Zion Scenic Drive even during the busy season: See below for more about the Zion Lodge & the horseback rides. 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. This takes away all the hassle of finding a parking space within the national park. Starting at Zion Canyon Visitor Center, the shuttle then stops at Zion Human History Museum, Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock and Big Bend before finishing up at the Temple of Sinawava. If you're following the Winter Route, keep in mind that this route is longer as you'll have to get to the East Entrance of Zion National Park first. Dashboard scenes can be just as fun and rewarding and you can get a taste of the park while you are comfortable within your 72 degree rolling chamber. It's also close to the South Entrance and has flush toilets, drinking water and picnic tables. Bicycle year-round on both Zion Scenic Drive and the Parus trail. The Zion National Park-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway cuts through the mountains along Route 9 between the towns of Mount Carmel and Springdale. Stay in a one or two-bedroom cottage. The map below shows where the shuttle stops in Springdale, and you can park and get on at any of these Springdale locations. Previous Group Keep your eye out for Bighorn Sheep. Watch the Sunset from the Canyon Junction Bridge, Putting This All Together: Sample Itineraries. What Every Traveler Needs to Know. Midday, have a picnic lunch in the park or grab a bite to eat at the Zion Lodge or at the Visitor Center. It starts at the Visitor Center and ends at the Temple of Sinawava. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Visit the National Park Service website for updates. Springdale is known as a gateway to Zion National Park, so it's the obvious choice for many travelers visiting the area. Get off at the Temple of Sinawava and walk the Riverside Walk to the Virgin River. That makes it a perfect place to explore for anyone who loves actually getting away during a vacation. Let's answer these questions, focusing on the things to see on the Zion-Mt. For amazingly scenic views and a chance for a picnic on a nice day, this stop is also a great photo opportunity. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-groundedlifetravel_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'groundedlifetravel_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_17',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-groundedlifetravel_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');After visiting both of these stops, you will arrive at the entrance to Zion National Park. Flash floods can sneak up on unsuspecting hikers, Is Zion Too Crowded? Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. 2. Its worth the early start! Canyon Overlook Trail: For one of the best views in Zion, put this short, fun trail on your list. It winds past the park's visitor center and museum and past many famous Zion landmarks. Scenic Drive in Zion is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Zion National Park. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Located at Exit 40 off of I-15, 40 miles North of Zion Canyon and 17 miles South of Cedar City. Free breakfast is offered daily. This works out at around a 50-minute drive if you self-drive. PRO TRAVEL TIP: I recommend checking the Zion National Park website for updates on trail closures to avoid any surprises. Most visitors head to the South Entrance in Springdale, which is seen by many as the main gateway to Zion National Park and is easily accessed from I-15 and UT-9. What can you expect? Stop 1: Visitors Center When visiting any national park, my advice is to go to the visitors center first. There are some pit toilets located along this road, however. Along the road, you'll also find access to the section's trails. Operating Hours and Seasons The Narrows: Zion National Park Private Guided Hike (From C$487.30) Zion National Park Small Group Tour with 6 Hours Explore Time (From C$172.70) Zion National Park: Private Guided Hike & Picnic (From C$400.28) Full-Day Private Tour & Hike in Zion National Park; See all Zion Canyon Scenic Drive experiences on Tripadvisor Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah,Zion National Parkis 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. With high crowd levels, trail closures, and high levels of cyanobacteria in the Virgin River, Zion can be a challenging park to visit right now. Due to its popularity and multiple hiking trails, this part of the park is mostly accessed through a shuttle system. Carmel Tunnel . You can learn so much about the park by perusing museums, gathering maps and talking to a ranger. Consider adding an extra day for a little relaxation, to recharge your legs. Between the tunnel and the east entrance the landscape is beautiful, with striated sandstone rocks, like those of Checkerboard Mesa. This is where the Zion Scenic Drive really starts. Zion is a magical place whether you see it by hiking, biking, airplane or car. Some rooms can accommodate up to six people and you also have the option to stay in your own private house. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Scenic Drives in Zion National Park THE 5 BEST Zion National Park Scenic Drives Scenic Drives in Zion National Park Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Sights & Landmarks Scenic Drives Cheers, Julie, Awesome itinerary! 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. Rock climbers of all skill levels have learned to call these canyons home, with bolted routes scattered about, and cyclists that prefer tarmac to singletrack will find plenty to enjoy on the parks scenic drive. The Zion Narrows and the West Rim Trail are several examples. While Zion National Park is open year-round, it can experience road closures for various reasons. 9. Zion National Park Self Driving Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. This is what we do and it works great because we avoid the hot temperatures and high crowd levels midday. Overview The park established a seasonal shuttle system to reduce traffic and parking problems. This drive is 8 miles long one way and will take you about thirty minutes to drive without stopping. Stop here and learn more about why and what has drawn people of all walks of life to this area and how they have effected and changed this part of the world. When shuttles are running they take guests from the Zion Visitors Center up Zion Scenic Drive and make stops at the 9 shuttle stops along Zion Scenic Drive. For ideas on how to plan a one to two week road trip through Utah, where you visit Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Parks, take a look at our post The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary. Now for something completely unexpected: a lush, green high alpine forest in the middle of red rock country. BRYCE CANYON: Take a look at our Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide for important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. The exception to this would be the primitive trail in the Devils Garden in Archesthis is not well signed and many people lose their way (we did our first time on this trail), but that is part of the fun of this hike. Can I bicycle into Zion Canyon? As an app, we mainly use AllTrails. Check out Checkerboard Mesa, which features a unique mound of rock where the erosion has left a checkerboard pattern over time. Hike Angels Landing in the morning. Read our article11 Things to Do in Zion if You Dont Want to Ride the Shuttlefor more information. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit. 5. Zion National Park is Open Publications & Park Map Planning a trip to Zion National Park can be as challenging as exploring the park itself. Tips for Prepared Travelers Just be aware that parking is limited so it still helps to get an early start. The website allows you to book 6 months ahead. Great scenery and several crossings over the river will be a great way to stretch your legs while you are on your sight seeing journey. But it is a point-to-point hike, so you will need to arrange a shuttle service in advance.