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 due to dry conditions. Watch for rapid weather changes and flash flood risks during monsoon season.

[BUS] Zion Canyon shuttle

The free Zion Canyon shuttle runs during much of the year. No ticket or reservation is required. Check the schedule before entering the canyon.

[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

Every place lists all five services. Seasonal services may be closed.

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.

Kolob Canyons ↑

Do this: 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 ↑

Do this: 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.

Report park conditions

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.

Official fees and passes

Angels Landing

A permit is required for the chains section of Angels Landing. Apply through the seasonal lottery or a day-before lottery.

Official Angels Landing permits

Wilderness camping

Overnight wilderness trips and some technical routes require a permit. Check the current rules before leaving service.

Official wilderness permits

Campgrounds

Reserve a campground before entering the park when reservations are required. Do not sleep in a vehicle outside a campsite.

Official campground information

Short hikes

Distances are one way unless marked as a loop. Check trail closures.