[BUS] Zion Canyon shuttle
The free Zion Canyon shuttle runs from March 7 to November 28. It also runs from December 26 to January 2. No ticket or reservation is required. Check the schedule before entering the canyon.
FIELD GUIDE / SUMMER 2026
Zion National Park
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Conditions change. Follow signs and ranger orders.
Current conditions
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect starting May 22, 2026, due to high fire danger. Afternoon thunderstorms from July through September can cause sudden flash floods, and the Narrows closes if the Virgin River flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second.
[FIRE] Stage 2 fire restrictions
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect starting May 22, 2026. Fire danger is high due to dry conditions.
[WEATHER] Monsoon season danger
From July through September, afternoon thunderstorms can build quickly. These storms can cause flash floods and serious hazards. Stay informed and prepare for sudden weather changes.
[WATER] Narrows river danger
Do not enter the Virgin River during a flash flood warning. The Narrows closes when river flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second.
[ROAD] Large vehicles need a plan
Large vehicles may need an escort through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and may be restricted on the highway. Check vehicle limits before driving east.
[$] Parking fills
Zion Canyon parking can fill early. If the lot fills when private vehicles are allowed, the park may close the road temporarily.
NPS conditions (large page)
Services by place
Major places list all five services. Seasonal services may be closed.
- Springdale / South Entrance
Food: Yes Water: Yes Toilets: Yes Fuel: Yes Signal: Strong - Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Food: Nearby Water: Yes Toilets: Yes Fuel: No Signal: Limited - Zion Lodge
Food: Seasonal Water: Yes Toilets: Yes Fuel: No Signal: Weak - Canyon Junction
Food: Nearby Water: No Toilets: Limited Fuel: No Signal: Limited - East Entrance / Mount Carmel
Food: No Water: Limited Toilets: Yes Fuel: No Signal: Limited
Springdale / South Entrance ↑
Do this: Buy food, fuel, water, and supplies in Springdale before entering the canyon.
- Food: Yes in Springdale.
- Water: Yes in town and at the visitor center.
- Fuel: Yes in Springdale; no in Zion Canyon.
- Signal: Usually good in town; weak in the canyon.
The town shuttle can connect lodging and businesses with the park entrance during shuttle season.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center ↑
Do this: Use the restroom, fill water, and board the shuttle before walking into the canyon.
- Food: Nearby in Springdale; limited snacks at park stores.
- Fuel: No. Use Springdale.
- Signal: Limited. Public Wi-Fi may be available at the visitor center.
This is the main south entrance, shuttle hub, and best place to ask about current trail conditions.
Zion Lodge ↑
Do this: Eat or refill here before continuing to the upper canyon. Carry water for every trail.
- Food: Seasonal restaurant, cafe, and store.
- Water: Yes at developed facilities.
- Signal: Weak or unavailable.
The lodge is shuttle stop 5. The road beyond is one-way in the canyon.
Canyon Junction ↑
Do this: If the canyon shuttle is running, leave your car at the visitor center. For eastbound travel, check tunnel limits first.
- Food: Nearby in Springdale; no dependable food here.
- Water: No dependable drinking water.
- Signal: Limited or unreliable.
This is where Zion Canyon Scenic Drive meets the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
East Entrance / Mount Carmel ↑
Do this: Carry food and water. Use Springdale or Kanab for fuel and a full meal.
- Food: No dependable food inside the park.
- Water: Limited. Carry water.
- Toilets: Yes at the entrance area.
- Fuel: No. Use Springdale or Kanab.
- Signal: Limited; it may improve near the highway.
The east side has overlooks and trailheads but few services.
Other places
- Kolob Canyons — Fill the tank and bring food and water before leaving I-15. Water: Yes at the visitor center when open. · Toilets: Yes at the visitor center. · Signal: Weak or unreliable. The five-mile scenic road climbs to overlooks. Winter snow can close the road.
- Watchman Campground — Bring food and confirm your campsite before entering the park. Food: Nearby in Springdale. · Water: Yes at campground facilities. · Signal: Limited or unreliable. Camping is near the visitor center, but a campsite is not a substitute for a parking plan.
- Kolob Terrace / Lava Point — Fill water before the drive, check seasonal road access, and do not depend on trailhead services. Food: No. Buy food in Springdale, Virgin, or Cedar City. · Water: No filling stations at trailheads. Bring all water. · Toilets: Limited pit toilets at selected trailheads and Lava Point Campground. · Fuel: No. Fill up before Kolob Terrace Road. · Signal: Weak or unavailable. This high-elevation road and trail area is separate from Zion Canyon and may be inaccessible in winter.
Drive times
Summer estimates without long stops. Traffic, wildlife, weather, and road work can cause delays.
Springdale to Zion Canyon
Springdale → 5 min → Zion Canyon Visitor Center → free shuttle → Zion Lodge → Temple of Sinawava
In shuttle season, private vehicles cannot drive beyond Canyon Junction. Park once and use the shuttle.
Zion Canyon to East Entrance
Zion Canyon Visitor Center → 10 min → Canyon Junction → 35 min → East Entrance
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway includes a tunnel and steep switchbacks. Large vehicles have extra restrictions.
Springdale to Kolob Canyons
Springdale → 35 min → I-15 north → 10 min → Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
Kolob Canyons is a separate district. There is no direct road from Zion Canyon.
Springdale to Kolob Terrace
Springdale → 20 min → La Verkin → 45 min → Kolob Terrace Road
The road is narrow and seasonal. Check its status before leaving the highway.
Help
Emergency: call 911. Tell the dispatcher your location, direction of travel, vehicle, and problem.
Park information: 435-772-3256
This independent guide is not the National Park Service and is not an emergency service.
Permits
Entrance pass
Every visitor needs an entrance pass. The pass does not reserve a shuttle seat or a parking space.
Angels Landing
A permit is required for the chains section of Angels Landing. Apply through the seasonal lottery or a day-before lottery. The spring seasonal lottery opens February 13, 2026 on Recreation.gov.
Wilderness camping
Overnight wilderness trips and some technical routes require a permit. Check the current rules before leaving service.
Campgrounds
Reserve a campground before entering the park when reservations are required. Do not sleep in a vehicle outside a campsite.
Short hikes
Distances are one way unless marked as a loop. Check trail closures.
- Zion Canyon / Pa'rus Trail: 3.5 mi round trip. An easy paved trail from the visitor center.
- Zion Canyon / Riverside Walk: 2.2 mi round trip. The trail ends where the Narrows begins. Water and flash floods can make the route unsafe.
- East Entrance / Canyon Overlook: 1 mi round trip. Parking is limited. The trail has drop-offs and no guardrail in places.
- Zion Canyon / Watchman Trail: 3.3 mi round trip. A hot, exposed climb near the visitor center. Carry water.
- Zion Canyon / Lower Emerald Pools: 1.2 mi round trip. Rockfall, heat, and slippery surfaces are possible. Check closures.