Article Summary: Zion National Park Shuttle, Parking at Zion National Park, Zion Shuttle
Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US. Unfortunately, this leads to large crowds during the busy summer months.
To avoid headaches, the park created the Zion Shuttle in 2000, which now serves more than 6 million visitors per year. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to ride the Zion Shuttle, including what to bring, schedules, routes, and more.
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Table of Contents
Zion National Park Overview
Location: Utah
Gateway Town: Springdale
Best Airport: The closest major airport is Las Vegas. We always find the best flights on Expedia.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
How to Get Around: Parking is limited, so it’s recommended to take the Zion Shuttle. If you’re planning to drive through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, make sure you review the restrictions.
Pets: Pets are only allowed on the Pa’rus Trail. Owners should note that there are cyanobacteria present in park rivers, which is unsafe for animals. Pets are not allowed in park waters.
Fee: 7-day passes are available for vehicles for $35, motorcycles for $30, or pedestrians for $20. We highly recommend purchasing an annual pass for $80, which grants you access to every national park in the country. Learn more about national park entry fees.
Reservations: You don’t need reservations to enter the park or take the shuttle. Reservations are required for a permit to hike Angels Landing. Zion camping reservations are recommended.
Where to Stay: In Springdale, I’ve personally stayed in the La Quinta and the Zion Canyon Lodge. I recommend both very highly. If you’d like to stay within the park boundaries, check out the Zion Lodge. For more options, browse Expedia.
Zion Shuttle: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Zion have a shuttle system?
In many of the most popular national parks, crowds are becoming out of control. Parks like Denali, Yosemite, Sequoia, Pinnacles, Bryce Canyon, Muir Woods, and others have responded by instituting shuttle systems. This helps alleviate crowds and eliminate frustration in crowded parking areas.
The Zion Shuttle was created in 2000 after crowding became an issue on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Park staff began planning for a shuttle system in 1997 when visitation was around 2.4 million. In 2020, visitation was 3.5 million despite the pandemic (and 4.5 million in 2019 before the pandemic hit).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Reservations and tickets are not required for riding the Zion Shuttle.
While it may feel frustrating to have to ride the shuttle rather than drive your own vehicle, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive simply cannot fit millions of vehicles in its limited parking areas. Riding the shuttle limits congestion, benefits the environment, and helps you see the best of Zion without having to worry about parking at Zion National Park.
Where does the Zion National Park Shuttle go?
There are two routes on the Zion shuttle system. One operates inside the park with the other operating between the park and the gateway town of Springdale, Utah.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Route
Inside the park, the shuttle takes visitors on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Some of the best hikes in Zion begin along this road, including the famous Angels Landing hike.
To download a copy of the Zion Shuttle map, click here.
Here is a list of stops and what you can access from each one:
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center: Visitor Center, water refill station, bathrooms, Watchman Campground, Watchman Trail, South Campground, shuttle to Springdale, Pa’rus Trail, Archaeology Trail
- Human History Museum: Closed; provided access to Museum and scenic viewpoints
- Canyon Junction: Closed; provided access to the Pa’rus Trail and the Virgin River
- Court of the Patriarchs: Viewpoint (Court of the Patriarchs), Sand Bench Trail
- Zion Lodge: Zion Lodge, Lower Emerald Pool, Sand Bench Trail, Middle Emerald Pool, Upper Emerald Pool, grill, cafe, bathrooms, water refill station, horse stables
- The Grotto: The Grotto Trail, Kayenta Trail, West Rim Trail, Angels Landing, bathrooms, water refill station
- Weeping Rock: Closed (due to rockfall); provided access to Weeping Rock, Observation Point, East Rim, Hidden Canyon, Cable Mountain, and Deertrap Mountain trails
- Big Bend: Viewpoint (Great White Throne, Angels Landing), Virgin River Trail
- Temple of Sinawava: Riverside Walk, The Narrows, Temple of Sinawava, bathrooms, water refill station
PARKS EXPERT TIP: There are two types of Zion Shuttles on the Canyon route: Visitor Center shuttles and Circulator shuttles. The Visitor Center shuttle visits each of the stops above. The Circulator shuttle will only visit stops 4-9, and will not pick up additional passengers at Temple of Sinawava. Check the lines to make sure you’re in the right place.
Springdale Route
Riding the shuttle in from Springdale has a big benefit: you’ll save money on the park entrance fee. When you get off the shuttle near the entrance (Stop 1, Zion Canyon Village), use the pedestrian entrance in order to pay your entrance fee. Here’s a map to help you find it.
However, the catch is you may have to pay for parking in Springdale. Most public parking lots in town require a fee. You can save money by staying at one of the hotels along the route, which may have free parking for guests. The shuttle itself is free.
Alternatively, arrive in Zion early (before 7 a.m.) to secure a parking spot and utilize the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
When does the Zion Shuttle run?
Shuttles in Zion National Park generally run from mid-March to mid-November. The exact start/end dates will change every year.
You may be asking what happens from November to March. The answer: you can drive your private vehicle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in the off-season. Arrive early! Parking at Zion National Park is a challenge year-round. You should be prepared for crowds and full parking lots. Furthermore, expect winter weather and prepare for dangerous road conditions at any time.
During the shuttle season, shuttles begin/end at the following times (subject to change):
Zion Canyon Shuttle: Shuttles depart the Visitor Center from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The last shuttle leaves the Temple of Sinawava at 8:15 p.m.
Springdale Shuttle: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last shuttle leaves the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 8 p.m.
Between these times, the shuttles run at 6-10 minute intervals.
How much does the shuttle cost?
Both the Zion Canyon Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle are free.
Do I need to ride the shuttle if I’m staying at Zion Lodge?
Nope! If you are staying at Zion Lodge, riding the Zion Shuttle is not required between Canyon Junction and the Zion Lodge. However, you cannot drive beyond the Zion Lodge. If you’d like to visit attractions at sites 6-9, you’ll need to ride the Zion Shuttle.
What should I bring to ride the Zion Shuttle? What is not allowed?
There are only two things you cannot bring on any Zion Shuttle: pets and beverages (other than water). Service animals are permitted. This does not include emotional support animals. You are also not allowed to eat or smoke while riding the shuttle.
What you should bring: everything you need for a day in the park!
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water and refillable water bottle
- Snacks
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Hiking boots/shoes
- Map
- Your interagency pass or entrance fee receipt (if you are re-entering the park)
Zion National Park Phone Case
Utah National Parks Map Pack: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Zion
Zion National Park Pennant
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Zion & Bryce Canyon Hiking Guidebook
Zion National Park Puffy Blanket
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Zion National Park Sticker
Zion National Park Pin
Zion National Park Patch
Zion National Park Earrings
Utah National Parks Earrings
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Guide to Hiking in Zion and Bryce Canyon
California National Parks Face Mask
National Park Face Mask
National Park Face Mask
National Park Patches Face Mask
Zion National Park Candle
Zion Scrapbooking Kit
Zion National Park Cross Stitch Kit
Zion National Park Map
Are Zion’s shuttles accessible?
Yes! If you or someone in your group is in a wheelchair or has another mobile disability, Zion’s shuttles are accessible.
What if I don’t want to ride the shuttle? Where can I go?
Route 9 runs through Zion National Park and does not require a shuttle. However, parking will still be limited. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is along this route; if driving a large vehicle, check the size limitations to be sure it is permitted.
You can also head to the less popular district of Zion, Kolob Canyons. This area showcases plenty of beauty while simultaneously offering a respite from crowds. There are plenty of hiking trails in Kolob Canyons.
Lastly, if you do not plan to use the Zion Shuttle, I recommend arriving before 7 a.m. to secure your parking spot in other locations in the park. Expect crowds!
Pin the Expert Guide to the Zion Shuttle System
