Welcome to Zion
This interactive guide helps you plan your adventure in Utah's first national park. Zion is a massive, breathtaking landscape of sheer cliffs, deep canyons, and a winding river. This first section provides a high-level overview to help you understand the park's environment, key geography, and the best times to visit based on weather and crowd data.
Square Miles
Annual Visitors (Avg.)
Deepest Canyons
⛰️ Park Geography & Key Areas
Abstracted Park Outline
Main Canyon Orientation (North-South)
Zion National Park covers over 229 square miles (593 sq km), protecting a spectacular landscape where massive sandstone cliffs meet the Virgin River. The park is characterized by two distinct areas:
- Zion Canyon: The main, highly accessible area, served by the shuttle system. This is where most famous hikes are found.
- Kolob Canyons: A quieter, separate wilderness area accessed from the north (I-15). Known for its dramatic finger canyons.
Planning Your Visit: Crowds & Climate
Use this chart to see the relationship between average monthly visitors and the average high temperature. Spring (Apr-May) and Fall (Sep-Oct) offer a popular balance of pleasant weather and high, but not peak, visitor numbers. Summer is hottest and most crowded.
Hike Explorer
Find your perfect trail in Zion's main canyon. Use the filters below to explore hikes based on their difficulty. The icons on the cards indicate the trail type: 🔁 Roundtrip (Out-and-Back), 🌀 Loop, or ➡️ One-Way.
Logistics & Safety
Getting around Zion and staying safe is crucial for a good trip. This section covers the park's entrances, the mandatory shuttle system, permit requirements, and the most critical safety warnings you must be aware of. Please read this section carefully before your visit.
Park Entrances
Zion has three primary entrances, each offering a different experience and accessibility route. It's crucial to know which entrance you need for your planned activity.
South Entrance
Most popular. Leads directly to the Visitor Center and the shuttle system. Located in Springdale, UT.
East Entrance
Accesses the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and scenic highway. Usually less crowded, but remote. Tunnel has size restrictions.
Kolob Canyons Entrance
Separate park section, accessed via I-15 (Exit 40). Remote trails, rugged wilderness, and different views.
Zion Canyon Shuttle
During the busy season (approx. March to November), access to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is restricted. You must use the free park shuttle to reach most trailheads, including those for Emerald Pools, The Narrows, and Angels Landing.
- Stop 1: Visitor Center (Start here)
- Stop 5: Zion Lodge (Access to Emerald Pools)
- Stop 6: The Grotto (Access to Angels Landing)
- Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava (Access to The Narrows)
Permit Requirements
Due to extreme popularity, some of Zion's most iconic hikes require permits. These are obtained through advance lotteries or seasonal systems. Do not attempt these hikes without a permit.
- Angels Landing: A permit is required for the final "chain" section of this hike.
- The Narrows (Top-Down): Permits are required for any top-down day hike or overnight trip.
- Note: Hiking The Narrows from the bottom-up (from Stop 9) does not require a permit.
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Flash Floods
The Narrows and other slot canyons are extremely dangerous during rain. Flash floods can occur with little warning, even from storms miles away. Always check the official NPS flash flood forecast at the Visitor Center before entering any canyon. If the forecast is "Probable" or "Expected", do not enter.
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Heat & Hydration
Zion is a desert. Temperatures in summer often exceed 100°F (38°C). There is little shade on many trails (like Angels Landing). Carry and drink at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person, per day. Hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the worst heat. Know the signs of heat exhaustion.