Photo: NPS Photo / Shane Carte
Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of years.
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Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon.
Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is partially closed. There will be no through traffic until further notice. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive remains open to shuttles and lodge guests.
The Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs.
Vehicles that exceed length, width, height, or weight limits cannot travel between Canyon Junction and the park's East Entrance. See the current limits on the page linked below.
Do not submerge your head in or drink instream water in Zion National Park.
All hikers need a permit to hike Angels Landing. Learn why you need a permit and how to get one using the link below.
Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings at Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground. Smoking near vegetation is not allowed. Fireworks are never allowed within the park.
Zion has limited parking. Once parking spaces in Zion are full, visitors should park in Springdale. Please park only in designated spaces. Vehicles parked outside of designated spaces are subject to citation and towing.
20 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Reservation required Fee applies
On and after April 1, 2022 hikers continuing to Angels Landing from Scout Lookout are required to have a permit, obtained on recreation.gov.
Learn more about Angels Landing on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Long drop-offs, mostly fenced. Rocky and uneven trail ends at a viewpoint for Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. To enter or exit the parking area just east of the tunnel, you must turn right…
Learn more about Canyon Overlook on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Zion National Park's 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs are world renowned for their big wall climbs and adventurous nature. Most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers due to…
Learn more about Climbing in Zion on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The trail connects the Zion Lodge to the Grotto and is near the road most of the way. This trail is a great place to view wildlife. Restrooms are available at both the Lodge and the Grotto. When the…
Learn more about Grotto Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The moderate, 2.0 mi (3.2 km) Kayenta Trail follows the Virgin River before ascending to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool Trails. Provides panoramic views of Zion Canyon along the way. Long drop-offs…
Learn more about Kayenta Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The La Verkin Creek Trail to the Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob…
Learn more about La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Lower Emerald Pool trail is a rough, paved trail that leads through pinyon-juniper woodland to the Lower Emerald Pool and ephemeral waterfalls.The pools are fragile and an essential water source for…
Learn more about Lower Emerald Pool Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Middle Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The initial ascent is quite steep, bringing you to expansive views of main Zion…
Learn more about Middle Emerald Pools Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 8 of 20
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3 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Reservable Campground
Lava Point is a primitive campground, typically open May through September, as weather allows. Situated at 7890 feet (2405 m) above sea level, it is off the Kolob…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: Reservations must be made in advance through Recreation.gov or their reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. Cell coverage is limited and there will be no opportunity to secure a reservation or make payment on site. Each site is $25 per night.
Overview
Lava Point is a primitive campground, typically open May through September, as weather allows. Situated at 7890 feet (2405 m) above sea level, it is off the Kolob Terrace Road, 25 miles (40 km) or 45 minutes north of the town of Virgin. It takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to drive to the campground from the South Entrance of Zion Canyon.
Recreation
Barney's Trail leaves from the campground and provides access to Lava Point Overlook and the West Rim Trail. The campground is also excellent for wildlife watching and stargazing.
Facilities
Lava Point is a primitive and dry campground. There is no potable water on site so campers must bring their own. There are no electrical hookups or outlets on site. Each campsite has a trash receptacle, picnic table, and fire ring. Restroom facilities consist of pit toilets.
Natural Features
Lava Point Campground is situated at 7,890 ft. (2405 m) above sea level providing cooler temperatures for campers during southern Utah's hot summers. Pine and Aspen trees create shade and protect campsites from wind on gustier days. A short distance from the campground entrance is Lava Point Overlook where campers can take in breathtaking panoramic views to the South towards Zion Canyon.
Nearby Attractions
Lava Point Campground is approximately a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from the South Entrance of Zion National Park in Springdale, UT. In between the campground and the South Entrance there are several trailheads providing access to Zion Wilderness. Lava Point Campground is also just a few miles South of Kolob Reservoir which provides fishing and water recreation opportunities.
Charges & Cancellations
Due to the remote nature of the campground reservation modifications are the responsibility of the camper. Please manage your reservation by logging into your Recreation.gov account or calling the Recreation.gov reservation line at 1-877-444-6777.
Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies will apply.
Reservable Campground
Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window. For visitors to Zion…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window.
For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately the end of February until the end of November each year.
Season Dates: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your arrival. For example, if you want to make a reservation for March 14 to 16, you may book this reservation beginning on March 1. Reservations that extend beyond the 14 day booking window cannot be altered.
For reservations more than 14 days ahead of arrival, please check Watchman Campground which offers reservations six months in advance of arrival.
Recreation
Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. For more information, visit the park's Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions page.
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Canyon Shuttle System are a short walk from the campground. Many popular rock climbing routes are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon.
Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.
Facilities
Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, firepits and a dump station are provided at this facility. Four group sites are available that can accommodate RVs and tents. There are no hook-ups in this campground. Generators can be used during specific hours.Natural Features
Zion is known for its dynamic geologic history. The South Campground and Amphitheater were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930s. The project was completed and opened to the public in the spring of 1935. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
Notice: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. August and September bring yellowjackets. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, shower facilities, restaurants. equipment rental businesses, gas stations, markets, bike rentals, library and health clinic.Charges & Cancellations
Reservable Campground
For visitors to Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the…
Reserve on Recreation.govFees: Zion Group Site fees are $50, $90 or $130 per night based on the campsite capacity. Check the minimum and maximum capacity for each group site. Each group sites minimum required occupants vary.
Overview
For visitors to Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately March through November each year.
Season Dates: Watchman Campground is open year-round. Reservations are available 6 months in advance.
Recreation
Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site nearby; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. Although there are no rock climbing routes in the campground, many popular climbs are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.Facilities
Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. Tent-only (F-Loop), non-electric sites (C & D Loop) do not permit vehicles 19 feet and over or in combined length. Group sites (E-Loop) are also tent-only and can accommodate between seven and 40 people. Standard electric sites in A & B loops may be used for either tent or RV camping. There are no full-hookup campsites. Electric sites are all 30 amp, with only a handful of sites that supply 50 amp; a dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground.
Natural Features
Zion is known for it's dynamic geologic history and Watchman Campground is no exception. Named for the rocky peak that rises above it, the campground is surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs that glow red and orange during sunrise and sunset.
The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the campground. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Most of the campsites are in partial to full sun, however in the Group sites (E-Loop) and the Walk-To sites (F-Loop) visitors may receive some shade under pergulas that are constructed over the picnic tables. Visitors can also cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
Notice: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and a public library. Throughout the year, concerts, festivals, and parades are held in the town.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (435) 772-7622.Charges & Cancellations
Find permits, passes, tours, tickets, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Ticket Facility
Starting June 26, 2020, Zion National Park will implement a temporary timed ticket system for the park shuttle in order to provide predictable access to the Zion Canyon…
Starting June 26, 2020, Zion National Park will implement a temporary timed ticket system for the park shuttle in order to provide predictable access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, meet the CDC, state and local guidance related to COVID-19, and reduce shuttle wait times.
All passengers including children age three and older will require a ticket to board the shuttle. Children age two and under do not need a ticket, but must be held on an adult’s lap. You may reserve up to 8 tickets per day.
The shuttle is the way to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, including the trailheads for the Narrows and Angels Landing. Private vehicles may not drive up the scenic drive when the shuttle is operational. All other areas of the park including the east side of the park, the mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, Kolob Terrace, the Watchman and Pa Rus trails will not require a shuttle ticket.
In addition to the shuttle reservation, you must pay the park entrance fee. After adding your shuttle tickets to the shopping cart, you may also add a Zion National Park digital pass to pay in advance for your park entrance fee. The park will honor annual and lifetime passes for entry including: Zion Park Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Interagency Volunteer Pass, Interagency Military Pass, Interagency 4th Grade Pass. If you have one of these passes, you will not need to purchase a Zion National Park digital pass for entry, but you will need to have your pass available at the entrance station for verification. All pass holders will need to reserve shuttle tickets if you plan to ride the shuttle.
Visitor Center
Immerse yourself in the human history of Zion National Park! Rangers staff an information desk during operating hours. Indoor exhibits explore the people, places, and…
1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT (435) 772-3256 Directions
Visitor Center
Closed daily from 12pm-1pm This is the entry point to the Kolob Canyons area of the park. It is located 45 miles north of Springdale and 17 miles south of Cedar City at…
Activity Pass
The $5 fee allows for a single use of the water fill and sanitary dump station at Watchman Campground. The "Dump Station Fee for Non-campers" recovers utilities and…
The $5 fee allows for a single use of the water fill and sanitary dump station at Watchman Campground. The "Dump Station Fee for Non-campers" recovers utilities and equipment servicing costs for fresh water and sanitary dump stations in Zion National Park. Visitors also have the option to pay the fee directly to campground staff when they are present at the Watchman Campground kiosk.
Campers already holding a camping reservation do not need to pay a separate fee since access to this amenity is included in the reservation fee.
Visitor Center
Located near the South Entrance of the park, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center is an excellent place to begin your exploration of Zion Canyon. Park rangers and outdoor…
1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT (435) 772-3256 Directions
Visitor Center
During the summer, come visit the Zion Nature Center! This is a perfect place to learn about geology, animals, and the history of Zion. Take a break from the sun to…
1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT (435) 772-3256 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Zion National Park
Zion National Park is open every day of the year.
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
$20 per person. Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
A commercial tour is defined as one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Vehicles with commercial tours of 1-6 people (not including guide) pay $35 per vehicle + $20 per person with a total fee not to exceed $70. Passengers can use valid weekly, annual, lifetime, or appreciation passes.
Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Zion National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
The Zion Annual Pass is valid only at Zion and may be purchased in person. This pass is valid for 12 months from purchase month. This pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. You can buy this entrance pass at all entrance stations.
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Zion is known for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and day/night temperatures may differ by over 30°F (16°C). In summer, temperatures in Zion National Park often exceed 100°F (38°C). Zion experiences monsoons from mid-July into September that result in an increased risk of flash floods. Always be aware of the threat of storms and lightning and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Winters are generally mild.
Sit back and relax while enjoying a short ranger talk on the shaded back patio of the Zion Human History Museum! In these programs, you will explore the resources that make Zion special. Topics may include geology, wildlife, plants, human history, and so much more. No two programs are quite the same!
Accessibility information: This program takes place outdoors on a shaded patio. Wooden benches are available for seating, as well as space for mobility devices. Rangers at the visitor center are available for any questions. You can also visit our Accessibility page for more information.
Wind down your day with us as the sun sets and stars rise over Zion Canyon! Join us at the outdoor Watchman Campground Amphitheater for a 45-minute ranger talk. During this program, you will explore the fascinating and unique stories that make Zion special. Topics vary from evening to evening - stop by a visitor center to learn about the planned program.
Accessibility information: This program takes place outdoors in a historic amphitheater. Metal benches are available for seating, as well as space for mobility devices. Some paving is uneven. Rangers at the visitor center are available for any questions. You can also visit our Accessibility page for more information.
Embark on a journey through the wonders of Zion Canyon! Hike alongside a ranger on the moderate Watchman Trail and immerse yourself in the beautiful resources Zion has to offer. Along the way you may explore topics of geology, wildlife, plants, human history, and so much more.
This program requires free, advance, in-person-only registration at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center information desk. Make sure to reserve your spot up to 3 days in advance. Sign-ups are limited to 6 people per individual group. You may not reserve more than 6 spots per group per day.
You’ll ascend an elevation change of 368 ft (112 m) on a rocky, uneven trail with moderate drop-offs along the way. The overlook at the end offers expansive views of lower Zion Canyon with high drop-offs and no guard rails. For accessibility information, visit our Trail Access Information page.
Swing by the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Plaza for a short ranger talk to enrich your park experience! Talks take place next to the shuttle stop, making it easy to attend before or after riding the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Topics may include geology, wildlife, plants, human history, and so much more. No two programs are the same!
Accessibility information: This program takes place outdoors on a partially-shaded patio. Stone benches are available for seating, as well as space for mobility devices. Rangers at the visitor center are available for any additional questions. You can also visit our Accessibility page for more information.
Tour the constellations and explore the night sky through this laser-guided stargazing talk at the South Campground Amphitheater!
Plan accordingly to be out after dark. Bring your own red light source. White Lights are not allowed. Be sure to dress for cooler nighttime temperatures as well. Talk to a ranger at the visitor center or visit our website to learn how to prepare for stargazing.
This program takes place outdoors on a paved surface. Seating is provided. You may use a blanket or cushion for extra padding, but please do not set up personal chairs.
Parking is limited, and the program is full when parking at the Nature Center is full. If it is cloudy, the program will start and end as planned. If it is raining, or if thunder is heard within 30 minutes of the program start time, the program will be canceled.
Accessible parking and toilets are available at the program location. For more information about program accessibility, talk to a ranger at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Zion National Park's South Entrance and administrative offices are located near Springdale, Utah. This area, called Zion Canyon, is where most campsites and popular hikes are located.
Zion Canyon can also be accessed through the park's East Entrance, which is west of Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah. Once inside the park, Zion Canyon can be explored via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. For most of the year, the scenic drive is only open to shuttle busses. Board shuttles at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Mailing address: Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
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