NP.GUIDE / FIELD GUIDE / FALL 2026
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Conditions change. Follow signs and ranger orders.
Zion is open. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open (no NPS closure listed Oct 19); oversize vehicles cannot drive between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. The Zion Canyon shuttle runs through Nov 28, so private vehicles cannot use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Watchman Trail is closed. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit open fires and charcoal (Lava Point Campground fire rings excepted). Flash floods can happen with little warning; stay out of slot canyons and the Narrows when rain threatens.
The free Zion Canyon shuttle runs through Nov 28 (also Dec 26–Jan 2). Fall hours: through Oct 24 first shuttle 7 am / last from Temple of Sinawava 7:15 pm; Oct 25–Nov 28 last out 6:15 pm. No ticket needed. Private vehicles cannot use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season.
Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect as of Oct 19, 2026 (NPS May 22 order, in effect "until rescinded by the Superintendent"; no rescission posted). Open fires and charcoal are prohibited; gas or liquid stoves OK. Exception: campers at Lava Point Campground may have fires in established fire rings.
NPS: "The Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs." No reopen date given.
NPS: Kolob Canyons Road is temporarily closed beyond South Fork Trailhead (snow, ice and rockfall) and will reopen when conditions allow. Taylor Creek Trail is temporarily closed due to flooding.
Do not enter the Virgin River during a flash flood warning. The Narrows closes when river flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second.
NPS: Vehicles that exceed length, width, height, or weight limits cannot travel between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. Limits (incl. mirrors and racks): 7'10" wide, 11'4" tall, 35'9" long (50' combined, trailer max 26'), 50,000 lbs. Measure before you go.
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)
Major places list all five services. Seasonal services may be closed.
Do this: Buy food, fuel, water, and supplies in Springdale before entering the canyon.
The town shuttle can connect lodging and businesses with the park entrance during shuttle season.
Do this: Use the restroom, fill water, and board the shuttle before walking into the canyon.
This is the main south entrance, shuttle hub, and best place to ask about current trail conditions.
Do this: Eat or refill here before continuing to the upper canyon. Carry water for every trail.
The lodge is shuttle stop 5. The road beyond is one-way in the canyon.
Do this: The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open as of Oct 12. If the canyon shuttle is running, leave your car at the visitor center.
This is where Zion Canyon Scenic Drive meets the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
Do this: The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open as of Oct 12. Carry food and water. Use Kanab for fuel and a full meal.
The east side has overlooks and trailheads but few services.
Summer estimates without long stops. Traffic, wildlife, weather, and road work can cause delays.
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 Visitor Center → 10 min → Canyon Junction → 35 min → East Entrance
Open as of Oct 12 (no NPS closure listed). Large vehicles have extra restrictions.
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 → 20 min → La Verkin → 45 min → Kolob Terrace Road
The road is narrow and seasonal. Check its status before leaving the highway.
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.
Zion is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. 7-day pass: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person. Zion annual pass: $70. America the Beautiful pass: $80 for US residents, $250 for non-US residents. Non-US residents 16+ also pay $100 per person unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. During shuttle season, private vehicles cannot use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
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.
Overnight wilderness trips and some technical routes require a permit. Check the current rules before leaving service.
Reserve a campground before entering the park when reservations are required. Do not sleep in a vehicle outside a campsite.
Distances are one way unless marked as a loop. Check trail closures.
All park guides · Planning pages · Park statistics · Closures and alerts
Nearby guides: Bryce Canyon · Grand Canyon