National Park · Southwest · UT
Zion National Park
Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of years. 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.
Current alerts
Park ClosureWatchman Trail Closed
The Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs.
CautionStage 2 fire restrictions in effect
No setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park. This includes campfires and charcoal fires in Watchman Campground, South Campground, and picnic areas in Zion Canyon. Stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas are allowed. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle.
CautionLarge vehicle restrictions now in effect for Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway
As of June 7, 2026, the park is enforcing size and weight limits for vehicles on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. 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.
InformationAngels Landing Pilot Permit Program
Everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Learn why you need a permit and how to get one. This requirement does not affect entering the park or riding the park shuttle (when it is running).
CautionToxic Cyanobacteria in the Virgin River and the streams of Zion National Park
Do not submerge your head in or filter drinking water from still or moving water.
InformationPlease park legally and responsibly in Zion National Park and the Town of Springdale
Zion has limited parking space. Park only in designated stalls. Vehicles parked outside of designated stalls are subject to citation and may be towed. Once all designated parking stalls in Zion are full, visitors should park in Springdale.
Location
37.2984, -113.0265
Key trails & viewpoints
La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch
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 Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin Creek. After seven miles a spur trail leads hikers to a viewpoint where they can see the Kolob Arch.
Upper Emerald Pools Trail
Upper Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate, 1 mile (1.6 km) trail that can be accessed via the Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, or Middle Emerald Pools Trail. Climb up stone steps to a sandy path that leads through pinyon-juniper woodlands to the base of towering canyon walls which boast majestic, seasonal waterfalls. The trail ends at the sandy shore of Upper Emerald Pool. No swimming.
Sand Bench
The Sand Bench Trail travels atop the remains of an ancient rockfall. This trail leads hikers along the Virgin River and then ascends a landslide that dammed the Virgin River 8,000 years ago and created a lake that extended to Angels Landing. This trail is a commercial horse trail from March to October, and it receives little shade in the hot, summer sun. Winter travel is possible, but watch for patches of ice.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
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 wildlife. Do not go into the water. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail. Avoid cliff edges. Swimming is not permitted. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail
Middle Emerald Pools is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) roundtrip (out-and-back). It may be combined with other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta trail for a longer hike.
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 Canyon below. Further along the trail, tucked into the red sandstone of the mountain, enjoy the shade and flora of pinyon-juniper woodlands. The trail then descends to emerald-colored pools of water above the small ephemeral waterfalls of Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
Angels Landing
To reach the beginning of the Angels Landing Trail, hikers must ascend the West Rim to Scout Lookout. This duration only accounts for the 0.5 mi (0.3 km) Angels Landing Trail.
On and after April 1, 2022 hikers continuing to Angels Landing from Scout Lookout are required to have a permit, obtained on recreation.gov.
West Rim to Scout Lookout
The strenuous West Rim Trail ascends ~1,000 ft (305 m) to Scout Lookout, high above the canyon floor. Hikers cross the Virgin River and then ascend a series of steep switchbacks along the canyon wall. The trail flattens out as it enters Refrigerator Canyon, offering relief from the heat and elevation gain of the previous segment, but resumes the climb shortly afterward at Walter’s Wiggles: a series of 21 switchbacks that leads hikers to Scout Lookout.
Kayenta Trail
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 are present along this trail. You can either return on the same trail, or make a loop using one of the Emerald Pools trails. Water and restrooms are available at The Grotto.
Hours & fees
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is open every day of the year.
| Monday | All Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — $35.00
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
- Entrance - Motorcycle — $30.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- Entrance - Snowmobile — $20.00
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.
- Entrance - Per Person — $20.00
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.
- Entrance - Non-commercial Groups — $20.00
$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.
- Commercial Entrance - Van — $70.00
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.
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $80.00
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.
- Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $190.00
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.
- Commercial Entrance - Per Person — $20.00
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.
- Nonresident — $100.00
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.
Activities
- Arts and Culture
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Canyoneering
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store