Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Red sandstone cathedrals, a river you walk through, and canyon walls that glow at sunset.

Arrival airport
SGU
Airport drive
1 h 11 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–4 days
Reservation demand
High · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Standard cars are suitable for paved roads, but RVs face strict size restrictions and escort fees at the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Check rental agreements for off-pavement restrictions.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Zion National Park

Know before you go

Shuttle Requirements

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is primarily accessed via shuttle for much of the year. Check the official seasonal schedule as private vehicle access is prohibited during operation hours.

Springdale Staging

Parking at the Visitor Center often fills early in the morning. Utilize the Springdale town shuttle to reach the pedestrian entrance if park lots are at capacity.

Gateway Supplies

Refuel in Springdale or La Verkin before entering the park's interior. No fuel is available within the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or on the East side toward Mount Carmel.

Connectivity Limits

Cellular service is unreliable within the deep canyons and near the tunnel. Download official maps and permit confirmations for offline use before leaving Springdale.

Midday Heat

Exposed trails like the Watchman can reach high temperatures by noon. Plan strenuous uphill segments for early morning and use the shuttle for shaded sightseeing later.

Check current conditions:Zion National Park Official Site

2RVs, campervans & cars near SGU

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
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Flights to SGU

Check on Aviasales
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  • ✓ Compare suppliers at SGU
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at SGU

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

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  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at SGU

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at SGU
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Zion National Park

  1. 01

    Canyon Floor and River Corridors

    Suggested: 8 AM from Springdale

    • Riverside Walk

      Follow this paved path to the Temple of Sinawava to see the canyon walls narrow toward the Virgin River.

    • Court of the Patriarchs

      A brief walk leads to a viewpoint for the three towering sandstone peaks.

    Allow 30-60 minutes for shuttle transfers; conditions vary.

    During shuttle season, private vehicles are restricted in the main canyon; use the Springdale and Park shuttle systems.

    Pick up your vehicle at SGU →
  2. 02

    High Desert Elevations

    Suggested: 7:30 AM from Zion Canyon Visitor Center

    • Angels Landing

      If you hold a required permit, ascend this strenuous ridge for panoramic views of the canyon floor.

    • Scout Lookout

      A turnaround point for those without permits, offering a steep climb and broad vistas.

    Allow 45 minutes for shuttle and staging; conditions vary.

    Check the official flash flood potential rating daily, as rain upstream impacts canyon safety.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    East Side and Slickrock Views

    Suggested: 9 AM from Springdale

    • Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

      Drive this historic engineering feat to access the park's eastern high country.

    • Canyon Overlook Trail

      A moderate walk providing an expansive view of the Pine Creek Canyon and the lower switchbacks.

    Allow 1-2 hours for mountain road transit and tunnel queuing; conditions vary.

    Parking near the tunnel is extremely limited; have an alternative plan if spots are full.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · High demand

Advance Permit Planning for Angels Landing and Canyon Access

Entry requires a standard park pass, but specific high-demand activities require separate seasonal lotteries. The Angels Landing hike requires a permit for the chained section, and wilderness permits are necessary for overnight stays or top-down Narrows trips. Systems change frequently; verify current lottery windows and shuttle requirements on the official NPS website before travel.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

SGUZion National Park

St. George Regional Airport · 1 h 11 min drive

Find flights to SGU

Plan your road trip

From St. George Regional Airport

1 h 11 min

about 47 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Zion National Park

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RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Zion National Park on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

RV parks near Zion National Park on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Zion National Park

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Zion National Park

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Zion National Park

Explore guided activities around Zion National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Zion National Park

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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