Utah's most-visited national park, famous for its 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs rising above the Virgin River in Zion Canyon. World-class hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows draw millions of visitors each year. A free shuttle system serves Zion Canyon most of the year, as private vehicles are restricted on the canyon scenic drive during shuttle season.
| Category | National Park |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Springdale |
| Top activities | Hiking, Canyoneering, Scenic shuttle rides, Rock climbing, River wading in The Narrows |
| Best time to visit | April-May and September-October for mild temperatures and full shuttle service; winter is quiet and mild at canyon elevations. |
| Entrance fee | $35 per vehicle (7 days); $30 motorcycle; $20 per person. Non-U.S. residents 16+ pay an additional $100/person surcharge as of 2026. |
| Permits | Angels Landing requires a permit via seasonal or day-before lottery ($6 application + $3/person). Top-down Narrows hikes, Subway, and other wilderness routes require permits. No reservation needed for general park entry. |
Visitor tip: Park in Springdale and ride the free town shuttle to the pedestrian entrance - the visitor center lot typically fills before 9 a.m. in peak season.
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