Headed to Zion National Park? Here’s what you should know before you go

File photo of visitors awaiting to board the Zion Canyon Shuttle in Zion National Park, Utah. June 3, 2021 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — In preparation for the oncoming summer, Zion National Park increased shuttle service on Sunday and released additional information about its 2022 season.

Every year, the National Park Service adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons. According to a press release issued by the park service, here is what you need to know to plan your visit this summer.

Shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale

Now until Sept. 18, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System schedule will be:

Zion Canyon Line (for visitors inside Zion National Park): 

  • First bus into the canyon from Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 6 a.m.
  • Last bus into canyon from Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 6 p.m.
  • Last bus out of canyon from the Temple of Sinawava: 8:15 p.m.

Springdale Line (for visitors who park or stay in Springdale):

  • First bus to Zion Canyon Village from Majestic View Lodge: 7 a.m.
  • Last bus to Majestic View Lodge from Zion Canyon Village: 9 p.m.
File photo of vehicles at Zion National Park’s South Entrance, Utah | Photo courtesy National Park Service, St. George News

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to recreational drivers while the park shuttle is operating. Before getting to the shuttle, plan for limited parking. When parking inside the park is full, the park service may temporarily close parking lots and roads.

Camping

Watchman Campground

  • Open year-round.
  • Make reservations up to 6 months before your visit online.

South Campground

  • Open until October 2022.
  • Make reservations up to two weeks before your visit online.

Lava Point Campground

  • Closed until late May. 
  • Make reservations up to two weeks before your visit online.

Learn more and make reservations online or by calling l-877-444-6777. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and make arrangements for where they will stay before they arrive at the park.

Visitor center, Wilderness Permit Desk and Park Store hours

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

  • Outside Information Desk: Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
  • Wilderness Permit Desk: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
  • Park Store – managed by Zion Forever: Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center

  • Outside information desk: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

Plan ahead and prepare

No matter when you visit Zion National Park, plan ahead by checking for updates at this link.

  • Parking lots fill up early year-round.
  • Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.
  • Dress in layers because weather can change quickly and your safety is your responsibility.
  • Stay on trails and avoid walking in the road.
  • Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let buses pass you.
  • Know where your pet can go. Pets are not allowed on park shuttles or any park trail except the Pa’rus Trail. Read about how to B.A.R.K. in the park.
  • The park service may temporarily close entrance stations and roads if traffic is congested or there is nowhere for drivers to park.
  • In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day.

Need to know

Learn about Zion National Park trails by using the park service app, visiting the park website and speaking to a ranger at a visitor center. For your visit to Zion, remember:

  • You need to apply for a permit to hike to Angels Landing.
  • The Narrows sometimes close due to rain or storm events and consequent high water. Check current conditions to see if this route is open.
  • You do not need a permit, ticket, or reservation to enter the park or ride the park shuttle, but you do need to pay the park fee.

If you cannot find parking in Zion or if all of our campsites are full, consider learning more about nearby communities and public lands to find other recreational activities and lodging in the area.  Always recreate responsibly and respect private owners’ property and facilities.

Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and pack out all of your trash.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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