Zion National Park

Shuttle Bus and Logistics Attractions / Activities Adventurous Activities Activity Schedule and Map Food Final Comments

Zion National Park is both a work of art and a work in progress. Located in southwestern Utah, it is a land of contrasting geology, constant change, natural wonder, inexplicable beauty, and abundant life.

Above all else, Zion’s majestic sandstone cliffs and trails are a challenge for the body while its serene scenery is a sanctuary for the spirit.

I revisited during the 100th year anniversary, and I will continue to return for many years to come. Zion has some of the best hiking trails in the country and one of my favorite views in the entire world. Follow this guide to maximize your time in Zion as you explore nature on its own terms.

Recommended Duration of Visit

3 days (ideal), 2 days (doable), 1 day (difficult)^[1]

[1] Hiking to Angel’s Landing will take up most of the day and leave you quite exhausted. Unless you are extremely athletic, it is not possible to explore much of Zion and hike Angel’s Landing in just one day.

Recommendations: Before Arriving

Download an offline map of the entire Zion National Park region, check the weather, prepare all your gear, and finalize nearby lodging.

Recommendations: Adventure Gear

Sun protection, sunglasses, hats, closed-toe shoes (preferably with ankle support), walking sticks, waterproof bags/equipment, shorts, and general swim attire is recommended (if you are planning to visit The Narrows). A first aid kit, headlamp, and map are recommended if you plan to adventure in the wilderness.

Click for some interesting facts about Zion National Park

Zion National Park is part of the celebrated “Grand Circle” of national parks.
The Grand Circle is a beautiful and vast region located in southwestern United States. Encompassing portions of five states—Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada—the Grand Circle contains America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments (Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon, among others).
Native Americans first inhabited the Zion region over 8000 years ago.
Zion’s geology represents over 150 million years of history.
Zion has biblical roots because Utah is a Mormon state.
Zion’s color comes from minerals. The most notable is iron, responsible for the red color.
Zion is home to over 1000 known species of plants, 78 species of mammals, 291 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, and 8 species of fish.
The Paiute Native American name for Zion is Mukuntuweap.

PEAK SEASONS

Summer and Fall are the peak seasons. From mid May to late November, shuttle buses are fully operational due to increased tourism activity.

During the peak seasons, shuttle bus usage is mandatory. Refer to the Shuttle Bus Logistics section below for further relevant information.

ZION’S STORY

Considered to be “the temple of god,” Zion is a biblical reference to a place of quiet sanctuary.

ATTRACTIONS

Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, and Angel’s Landing, among others.

Zion National Park Sign, Utah, United States

LANDSCAPE

229 miles² (593 kilometers²) of canyons, sandstone cliffs, desert plateaus, trees, rivers, and hanging gardens.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Ranger Walks and Shuttle Tours are held throughout the Summer.

PLANNING

Springdale is the closest town for lodging (I stayed at the Majestic View Lodge). If you do not have one, purchase the annual pass (you can get this at any national park entrance) that will grant access to any national park.

Make sure to check the Zion website to determine whether or not certain hiking trails are closed.

ZION’S STORY

Considered as “the temples of god,” Zion is a biblical reference to a place of quiet sanctuary.

PEAK SEASONS

Summer and Fall are the peak seasons. From mid May to late November, shuttle buses are fully operational due to increased tourism activity.

During the peak seasons, shuttle bus usage is mandatory. Refer to the Shuttle Bus Logistics section below for further relevant information.

LANDSCAPE

229 miles² (593 kilometers²) of canyons, sandstone cliffs, desert plateaus, trees, rivers, and hanging gardens.

ATTRACTIONS

Court of the Patriarchs, Emerald Pools, and Angel’s Landing, among others.

PLANNING

Springdale is the closest town for lodging (I stayed at the Majestic View Lodge). If you do not have one, purchase the annual pass (you can get this at any national park entrance).

Make sure to check the Zion website to determine whether or not certain hiking trails are closed.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Ranger Walks and Shuttle Tours are held throughout the Summer.

Shuttle Bus and Logistics

Shuttle Bus Schedule
Dates	Buses operate from 5/12 to 12/1. Dates may vary slightly from year to year.
Arrival Times	The first bus arrives at 6 am (5/12 to 9/29) or 7 am (9/30 to 12/1). The last bus arrives at 8:30 pm (5/12 to 9/29) or 6:30 pm (9/30 to 12/1). Make sure to pick up a shuttle schedule at the entrance or Visitor Center. Shuttles arrive every 15 minutes. Times may vary slightly from year to year.
Round Trip	Round trip (from stop #1 to stop #9 then back to stop #1) is approximately 90 minutes.
Parking Lot	Parking lots are usually full from 10 am to 3 pm, especially during the summer.

First and foremost, all shuttles are free.
Shuttles are the best way to get around Zion.
There is a Springdale shuttle as well. Consider parking near Springdale’s Visitor Center and ride the town’s shuttle to Zion National Park’s Visitor Center (if you can’t find parking here).
When shuttles are running, they are MANDATORY. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (stop #3 and above) is CLOSED to private vehicles. If shuttle buses are not running, then you can drive your private vehicle.
Stop #3 (Canyon Junction) is where you can decide to head right to the tunnel or left to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Again, you can only go to stops #3 and upwards on shuttle buses if the shuttle buses are running.
Shuttles will start from the visitor center and make many stops all the way to the end, then they will head back towards the Visitor Center, again making many stops.

Shuttles usually arrive in pairs. The signs will indicate the direction a certain shuttle is going. If the sign says “To Temple of Sinawava,” then that shuttle is heading in the direction of stop #9. If the sign says “To Visitor Center,” then that shuttle is heading in the direction of stop #1.
As an example, let’s say you are at Stop #2 Museum. If the sign says “To the Temple of Sinawava,” then stops #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, and #9 are next. If the sign says “To Visitor Center,” then stop #1 is next.

Attractions and Activities

Attractions Overview

A Little Bit of Everything: If you are pressed for time, then the Angel’s Landing Trail will give you a good sample of what Zion National Park has to offer. It has a little bit of everything. I also recommend The Narrows (stop #9) if you have the time. I couldn’t visit because I didn’t have the appropriate clothing to move through the water.
Hiking Information: If there is a hike you want to prioritize, make sure to check the Zion website and confirm that the specific trail is not closed. Throughout the park—and especially at the Visitor’s Center—there are plenty of signs and instructions detailing the features, level of difficulty, and duration of hikes.
Heat Warning: Before noon, the sun is tolerable or even pleasant. In the afternoons, the heat can be brutal, especially during the summer. Bring plenty of water, because you might be outside most of the time.

Attractions Overview

A Little Bit of Everything: If you are pressed for time, then the Angel’s Landing Trail will give you a good sample of what Zion National Park has to offer. It has a little bit of everything. I also recommend The Narrows (stop #9) if you have the time. I couldn’t visit because I didn’t have the appropriate clothing to move through the water.
Hiking Information: If there is a hike you want to prioritize, make sure to check the Zion website and confirm that the specific trail is not closed. Throughout the park—and especially at the Visitor’s Center—there are plenty of signs and instructions detailing the features, level of difficulty, and duration of hikes.
Heat Warning: Before noon, the sun is tolerable or even pleasant. In the afternoons, the heat can be brutal, especially during the summer. Bring plenty of water, because you might be outside most of the time.

Virgin River: The Virgin River—home to a diverse array of plants and animals—is responsible for much of Zion’s beauty. Over millions of years, Zion was formed via erosion as the river cut the steep walls of the canyons. Even today, the water is still sculpting the brilliant sandstone by carrying away 1000 tons of sediment per year.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

Zion Human History Museum: The Zion Museum manages over 880,000 items such as historic specimens, historic objects, archeological artifacts, photographs, and fine arts, among others. It’s primary focus is on the history of American Indians, pioneers, and Zion National Park.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

The Virgin River is 162 miles (261 kilometers) long, so it is hard to miss due to the numerous trails running alongside it. Throughout the day, you can find deer and other animals nearby.

Although hours of operation vary slightly depending on seasons and specific dates, the museum is guaranteed to be open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway: This 25-mile (40-kilometer) road connects Zion’s south and east entrances. Heading east, the road climbs a series of steep switchbacks, passes through the Zion tunnel, and emerges into a scene of sweeping views of sandstone slopes.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

Court of the Patriarchs: The Court of the Three Dudes is named after three figures in the Old Testament. Each peak stands over 6800 feet (2073 meters). The very short hike ends at an overlook with stunning views of the Patriarchs. From left to right, the names of the peaks are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.

The Junction is at stop #3 (Canyon Junction). When shuttle buses are operating, the only option is to drive east on the highway, because private vehicles cannot continue to stop #4 and onwards. Note that there are no pull-off points throughout the tunnel.

Try to get here before 4 pm for the best photos. After that time, the setting sun’s glare might ruin your lighting. If you are planning to hike, the Court of the Patriarchs should be visited later in the day on your way back to the Visitor Center.

Emerald Pools: The three Emerald Pools—rare oasis in a desert environment—create micro-habitats for a variety of animals and plants. Complete with a 100-foot waterfall, hanging gardens, tall cliffs, and a view of the Virgin River, the pools are a stark contrast to the desert landscape of Zion.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours (hike time included).

Scout’s Lookout: Scout’s Lookout lies at the base of Angel’s Landing. For young children or those dreading the final hike towards the Landing itself, the Lookout is a great alternative with an excellent view of the hanging gardens, canyon, and sandstone cliffs. This relatively flat, stable, shaded, and spacious region is also the playground of adorable chipmunks.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 4 – 6 hours (hike time included).

The Emerald Pools' trails are located at stop #5 (Zion Lodge). The Lower Pool takes about 1 hour round trip. Visiting all three pools can take up to 2.5 hours round trip. If you visit during the spring, the snow-melt conditions might contribute to a thundering waterfall. The pools can sometimes be a hit or miss, because they might just look like plain pools of water if the conditions are not perfect (lighting, sufficient water, etc.). However, you stand a better chance of seeing the emerald color if you hike to the upper pools.

Pro Tip: Don't fall. The Angel's Landing trail is located at stop #6 (The Grotto). The hiking details will list the full length of the hike all the way to Angel’s Landing. However, most people do not complete the final part of the hike towards Angel’s Landing and decide instead to stop at Scout's Lookout. Scout’s Lookout is approximately 4.3 miles (6.9 kilometers) round trip. If you were planning to skip Angel’s Landing (covered later), then your hike will be about 1 hour shorter than the expected 4-6 hours.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

The Virgin River is 162 miles (261 kilometers) long, so it is hard to miss due to the numerous trails running alongside it. Throughout the day, you can find deer and other animals nearby.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

Although hours of operation vary slightly depending on seasons and specific dates, the museum is guaranteed to be open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

Court of the Patriarchs: The Court of the Three Dudes is named after three figures in the Old Testament. Each peak stands over 6800 feet (2073 meters). The hike—about 150 feet (46 meters) long—ends at an overlook of the Patriarchs. From left to right, the names of the peaks are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours (hike time included).

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 4 – 6 hours (hike time included).

Adventurous Activities

Hiking to Angel’s Landing

Living on the edge

Activity	Description		Pro Tip		Cost
Angel's Landing	Hike all the way to the legendary Angel's Landing.		This Hiking Angel's Landing Guide goes into much more detail about Angel's Landing (what to expect, best time to go, and what to bring, among others). I can’t, in good conscience, label Angel’s Landing as a casual attraction. Due to the fact that people have died, fainted, or injured themselves while hiking to Angel’s Landing, it is considered an adventurous activity. In fact, a simple Google search shows that it's often considered the most dangerous hike in America. Furthermore, the actual “landing” itself is dangerous. I strongly advise against going to the actual landing (the spot where I’m at) unless you are 100% confident in your abilities. I repeat, 100% confident. Fun Fact: The spot where I am standing is only a couple steps away from the cliff edge.		Nothing or Everything (if you fall).

Hiking to Angel’s Landing: Living on the edge.

PRO TIP: This Hiking Angel’s Landing Guide goes into much more detail about Angel’s Landing (what to expect, best time to go, and what to bring, among others). I can’t, in good conscience, label Angel’s Landing as a casual attraction. Due to the fact that people have died, fainted, or injured themselves while hiking to Angel’s Landing, it is considered an adventurous activity. In fact, a simple Google search shows that it’s often considered the most dangerous hike in America. Furthermore, the actual “landing” itself is dangerous. I strongly advise against going to the actual landing (the spot where I’m at) unless you are 100% confident in your abilities.

COST: Nothing or Everything (if you fall).

Activity Schedule and Map

Itinerary

Below are a map and schedule—the same one I followed during my time in Zion National Park. Both will be good references for all your activity planning needs. Important: The BLACK numbers show the schedule. The green numbers indicate the shuttle stop.

When the shuttle buses are running, you must return to the Visitor Center eventually. Therefore, to prioritize optimal temperatures, you should visit the stops in reverse order (i.e. visit your most difficult and highest-numbered stop first). The exception is the Visitor Center (this should be first).

1) Visitor Center
Drop by the Visitor Center to obtain all relevant and necessary information.
2) Angel’s Landing
Arrive at The Grotto and follow the Angel’s Landing Trail to either Scout’s Lookout or Angel’s Landing.

Difficulty: Strenuous (i.e. Hard)

Round trip: 4 – 6 hours

Distance: 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers)

Elevation Change: 1488 feet (453 meters)
3) Emerald Pools
Arrive at Zion Lodge and hike to the Emerald Pools. The Lower Pool is the easiest and takes about 1 hour round trip. Hiking to all three pools will take about 2.5 hours.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Round trip: 1 – 2.5 hours

Distance: 1.2 – 3.1 miles (1.9 – 5 kilometers)

Elevation Change: 69 – 398 feet (21 – 121 meters)
4) Court of the Patriarchs
Arrive at the Court of the Patriarchs and enjoy a leisurely hike to the Three Dudes.

Difficulty: Very Easy/Chill

Round Trip: 15 minutes

Distance: 300 feet (91 meters)

Elevation Change: 40 feet (12 meters)
5) Zion Human History Museum
Arrive at Museum and explore the, you guessed it, museum.
6) Zion-Mt Carmel Highway
Return to the Visitor Center, grab the car, and explore Zion-Mt Carmel Highway. This can be done the next day as well.

Zion National Park Map, Utah, United States

Food

Summary
Click on the picture to enlarge it and click on the tab for more information and recommendations.

GENERAL

Porter’s Smoke House and Grill
$$
American restaurant

More information on Porter’s Smoke House and Grill

This laid-back locale with a roadhouse vibe specializes in grilled food and barbecues.
As far as tourism town food goes, it is actually quite good and reasonably priced.
Sol Foods Supermarket is also nearby if you want to do some grocery shopping.

What to order: The Foursome (brisket, pork ribs, chicken wings, and pulled pork) or the Grilled Fish.

Final Comments

Zion National Park—considered one of the highlights of the “Grand Circle”—is a premier national park. Not only are it’s hiking trails some of the best in the entire country, but its navigation is also one of the easiest and simplest (the shuttles pretty much do all of the work, so all you have to do is have fun).

On a final note, make sure to share this page so others will know more about Zion National Park!

Zion National Park

PEAK SEASONS

ZION’S STORY

ATTRACTIONS

LANDSCAPE

SPECIAL EVENTS

PLANNING

ZION’S STORY

PEAK SEASONS

LANDSCAPE

ATTRACTIONS

PLANNING

SPECIAL EVENTS

Shuttle Bus and Logistics

Attractions and Activities

Attractions Overview

Attractions Overview

Adventurous Activities

Hiking to Angel’s Landing

Activity Schedule and Map

Itinerary

Food

Summary

GENERAL

Final Comments

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