Zion

On This Route

Zion comes in April, between the Grand Canyon and Bryce. Spring is close to ideal for hiking: warm days, cool nights. There’s one catch. Snowmelt often runs the Virgin River too high and cold for The Narrows, which closes when the flow is high. Treat it as a bonus, not the plan.

Plan the Day

• Ride the shuttle into Zion Canyon. While the shuttle runs (usually March through November), private cars aren’t allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at any hour. No ticket or reservation is needed. Park in Springdale and walk in, or take the free Springdale shuttle.
• Morning: Emerald Pools or the Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava, at the end of the line.
• Afternoon: Drive the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway east through the tunnel to the slickrock country, where the Canyon Overlook Trail is a short, high-reward hike. Large RVs need a tunnel escort.
• Don’t miss the last shuttle out. If you do, it’s a 9-mile walk.

Permits for 2026

Angels Landing needs a permit. Apply on Recreation.gov. The spring lottery (hikes March 1–May 31) runs February 13–25. A day-before lottery is open every season: apply from 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mountain time the day before, and results come out at 4 p.m.

Zion is one of 11 parks with a $100 per-person surcharge for visitors who aren’t U.S. residents in 2026.

Where to Stay

Springdale sits at the park entrance. You can walk to the visitor center or ride the town shuttle, so you never fight for parking. It’s pricey. Hurricane and La Verkin, 20 to 30 minutes away, cost less.